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Hampi was once the glorious capital of mighty Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1565), from the Deccan Plateau to the tip of the Peninsula. Founded in the middle of the 14th century by two local princes, Hukka & Bukka, the Vijayanagara empire came to be celebrated for its might and wealth and as a showpiece of imperial magnificence.
The emperors of this dynasty were great patrons of art and architecture which can still be seen in the vast ruins of Hampi. In an effort to resurrect this
abandoed capital, the government has been involved in the restoration, excavation and protection of the ruins which spread over an area of 26 sq. km. The terrain is dominated by rocky hills and the mighty Tungabhadra river which flows through this rugged landscape.
General information
Best Season: October to March
Temperature: Summer- Max. 41, Min. 37;
Winter- Max. 27, Min. 24
How to get there
Air
The nearest airport is Bellary 77 km, which is connected to Bangalore, Belgaum 259 km
Rail
The nearest railhead is hospet 13 km, which is connected to Bangalore, Hubli and guntakal.
Road
Hampi is connected by road to Aihole 156 km (via Hospet,Hungund); Badami 189 km (via Hospet, Hungund); Bangalore 353 km (via Hospet,Chitradurga); Bellary 77 km, Bidar 379 km (via Gulbarga, Homnabad); Bijapur 254 km (via Hospet); Hungund Gadag 91 km, Gulbarga 264 km (via Sindhnur); Guntakal 133 km (via Bellary); Hassan 335 km (via Hospet, Chitradurga, Hosdurga, Arsikere); Hospet 13 km, Hubli 154 km (via Gadag); Hyderabad 416 km (via Raichur, Mahaboobnagar); Mysoer 366 km (via Chitradurga, Tiptur, Chennarayapatna); Raichur 194 km (via Gangawati, Sinnur); Tungabhadra Dam 17 km
In and around
Virupaksha Temple
Virupaksha Temple – rises majestically at the western end of a 700m long street that was once the famous Hampi bazaar. This is the only temple at Hampi that is still used for worship.
Ugra Narasimha
Ugra Narasimha – Nearby is the 6.7 tall monolith, seated under a canopy of a seven hooded snake. The most splendid monument of Hampi is undoubtedly the Vithala Temple comples. The 56 pillars in the main hall produce musical notes when struck. To the east of the hall is the famous Stone Chariot with stone wheels that actually revolve.
Lotus Temple
Lotus Temple – in the 'Zenana' enclosure, is a beautiful two-storied palace with recesses archways set in geometric regularity and opening out to the sun and the wind like the petals of a flower.
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