Hampi, a ruined village of architectural wonders, is one of India’s most fascinating tourist destinations. The ancient village has many attractions to charm tourists and transport them to a world of lost wonder. The place is full of giant temples, a splendid palace, amazing monuments, market streets, fortifications, aquatic structures and several other man-made wonders. In fact, the small village can be considered to be an open museum of history and architecture.
Visitors on the Hampi trail can explore several interesting sites and attractions that represent a world of classic beauty and sculpture. The unique stone monuments and structures of Hampi have earned it a place on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Below are some of Hampi’s most popular attractions.
Vittala Temple: Vittala Temple is one of Hampi’s most splendid structures. This extravagant architectural wonder was built in the 16th century. The temple is famous for its intricately carved pillars and a huge stone chariot that stands inside the temple complex. [Read more about Vittala Temple here]
Virupaksha Temple: Virupaksha Temple is considered to be the oldest temple in Hampi. The temple’s main attractions include a sprawling complex with beautifully carved stone pillars, towering gateways, a huge temple kitchen, large halls, and attractive lamp posts. It is a famous pilgrimage site and a popular tourist spot.
Royal Enclosure: The Royal Enclosure is a fortified area spanning hundreds of square metres. This area was the seat of power of the Vijayanagara Empire. It has many interesting structures that attract visitors even in their ruined condition. Imposing structures like the Dassera Platform and the King’s Audience Hall are part of the Royal Enclosure.
Kadalekalu Ganesha: Kadalekalu Ganesha is a giant statue of Lord Ganesha. The towering statue is carved from a single stone. The statue stands inside a beautiful shrine overlooking the lovely surroundings of Hemakuta Hill in Hampi.
Sasivekalu Ganesha: Sasivekalu Ganesha is an 8-foot-high statue of Lord Ganesha that stands inside an open pavilion. The statue has a snake tied around its tummy. The statue dates back to the 16th century AD. It is one of Hampi’s most frequented sites.
Krishna Temple: The Krishna Temple is one of Hampi’s most popular temples. The temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Krishna as an infant. The temple has spectacular carvings on its walls and entrances. Several small shrines and pillared halls dot the temple campus.
Hazara Rama Temple: The Hazara Rama Temple is a significant shrine in Hampi. It was once the private temple of the kings and the royal family of the Vijayanagara Empire. Lord Rama is the temple’s reigning deity. The temple is known for its bas-reliefs and panels that depict the story of the Ramayana.
Pattabhirama Temple: The Pattabhirama Temple is a large temple that stands within a sprawling campus. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. The beautiful temple is known for its intricate architecture and is very popular among tourists.
Lotus Mahal: The Lotus Mahal or Kamal Mahal is a grand structure that stands within the Zenana enclosure or the secluded area that was reserved for the royal women of the Vijayanagara Empire. The structure’s speciality is its blend of splendid Vijayanagara architecture and impressive Islamic style. [Read more about Lotus Mahal]
Elephant Stables: The Elephant Stables in Hampi are one of the major tourist attractions of the ruined village. The stables are also one of Hampi’s least-destroyed structures. The stables comprise of a long building with a row of domed chambers. The chambers were the resting place of the Vijayanagara Empire’s royal elephants.
Hampi Bazaar: Hampi Bazaar was a thriving market during the Vijayanagara Empire. The Hampi Bazaar is located in front of the Virupaksha Temple. It was once a flourishing market where merchants from various foreign lands sold attractive and unusual items. Today, the bazaar sells local artefacts and attracts tourists. [read more about Hampi Bazaar here]
Achyutaraya temple: The Achyutaraya temple is a fine structure that represents the beauty of the Vijayanagara style of architecture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Tiruvengalanatha, a form of Vishnu. The temple complex has a unique layout: two enclosures instead of the usual one.
Chandramauleshwar Temple: The Chandramauleshwar Temple is a major attraction of visitors on the Hampi trail. This 900-year-old temple is a fine example of Vijayanagara craftsmanship, showcasing the skill and creativity of the workers who built such beautiful stone monuments. The temple is a Monument of National Importance.
Archaeological Museum: The Archaeological Museum at Kamalapura in Hampi is a treasure trove of historical artefacts and ancient relics. The museum is significant because it houses rare and unique collections of sculptures and artefacts from the Vijayanagara Empire, as well as the British rulers of Hampi.
Gagan Mahal (Old Palace): The Gagan Mahal, or the Old Palace in Hampi, is a historical structure. The palace was important during the rule of the Vijayanagara Empire. The ancient palace dates back to the 16th century. It is one of Hampi’s main attractions. It is famous for its intricate wall carvings and decorated balconies.
These are just a few of the many attractions awaiting visitors in Hampi. Each structure and monument has its own history and offers a lot of information about Hampi’s grandeur and the Vijayanagara Empire.
Across the Tungabhadra River near Anegundi, Anjanadri Hill is revered as the birthplace of Lord Hanuman and makes an easy half-day addition to a Hampi visit.
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