Hampi by Night is an awesome way to explore the beauty of the city. Hampi boasts of being one of the most visited tourist spots in India. The erstwhile seat of the Vijayanagar Empire, Hampi reflects the grandeur and magnificence of a bygone era through its numerous monuments. The ruins and the rugged landscape of this ancient city are a delight to explore at any time of the year.
Virupaksha Temple Hampi at night. Image courtesy Kenyh Cevarom
Hampi especially comes alive during the annual cultural festival called the Hampi Utsav or the Vjaya Utsav. The 3-day festival arrests attraction due to the rich cultural extravaganza that unfolds in Hampi at that time. One of the biggest attractions of the Hampi Utsav is the tour of Hampi by night, which promises to offer a splendid experience to the visitors.
Hampi by Night – Experience the grandeur of Hampi in the moonlight
The majestic ruins of Hampi have always attracted people from far and wide. The architectural splendour of the temples and monuments has been witnessed by countless people during the day. But the Hampi Utsav provides you an opportunity to see them by moonlight.
Whether you are a connoisseur of music, art, and dance, or a history enthusiast, you cannot let go of this unique prospect. Hampi gets a vibrant look during the festival. Being illuminated with bright lights, the monuments can transport you to a different era altogether.
Illuminated Sasvikal Ganesha at Hampi. Image courtesy Ravi basarihalli
What to expect on a tour of the illuminated ancient city?
‘Hampi by night’ is an expedition conceived by the Hampi World Heritage Management Authority (HAWAMA) and the Department of Tourism. It is a guided tour that enables tourists to take a stroll through the glorious monuments of the ruined city in the evening. The five-hour tour allows visitors to walk through the artistically illuminated city and get a taste of its rich heritage. During the tour, visitors will be able to learn about the awesome history and myths of the monuments with the help of individual headsets and audio notes.
Virupaksha Temple, Hampi. Image courtesy Vedamurthy J
Major attractions of the ‘Hampi by Night’ tour
‘Hampi by Night’ will take visitors through a heritage tour of 19 illuminated monuments. There will be a laser light and sound show at each monument. The aim of such shows is to explain the rich history and the significance of the monuments in an attractive manner.
Among the monuments and temples that are a part of the Hampi by Night tour are the Virupaksha Temple, Sugriva caves, Vishnu Temple, the ancient bridge, Achyutaraya Temple, Varaha Temple, Narasimha temple, Achyuta Mantap, elephant stables, and the Lotus Mahal. Apart from the temples, the tour will also include a visit to the illuminated bazaars of Hampi like the Virupaksha Bazaar.
Elephant Stable, Lotus Mahal, Hampi. Copyright Karnataka.com
What is so unique about the ‘Hampi by Night’ tour?
Heritage walks as well as sound and light shows are not a new concept in the tourism history of India. So, what makes the guided tour of Hampi by Night so special? Well, Hampi by Night is a first of its kind heritage tour in India. The tour involves the projection of special lighting effects onto the façade of the monuments and temples.
This is synchronised with live or recorded narration and music that dramatizes the history of the place. The light and sound shows in other places of India are of a static nature. The Hampi by Night tour stands to change that. Watching the glorious ruins with a light and sound system at night is a one of its kind experience that will enthral visitors.
If you plan to be a part of the Hampi Utsav, we suggest you do not miss out on the golden opportunity to explore the beauty of Hampi during the night. The tour of the illuminated city is sure to leave you with lasting memories of one of the most famous empires in India and the grandeur they left behind.