Hampi was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and is now a popular tourist destination known for its ruins and monuments spread across 26 square kilometers. Some of the major sites include the Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, and remnants of the royal quarters. A weekend trip allows visitors to see the sacred and royal centers by foot, bicycle, or vehicle. Hampi has a pleasant climate from November to February and festivals like Hampi Utsav in November add cultural performances.

1. Hampi - Enter a bygone era!
Name : Subramanian R (rsubbu.mdu@gmail.com)
Date of Visit: April 17th and 18th 2010

2. Index
• About Hampi
• Location details
• A peek into the history of Hampi
• Monuments of Hampi
• Itinerary to cover Hampi on a weekend
• Reaching Hampi from Bengaluru
• Few Precautions

3. About Hampi
Once the capital of the magnificent Vijayanagar
empire, Hampi is now among the top tourist destinations
in India. The ancient ruins and monuments are spread
across an area of 26sq kms , thus making Hampi the
world's Biggest Open Air Museum. Bounded by the river
Tungabhadra on one side and with eccentric giant
boulders on the other sides, Hampi offered natural
defense to its' rulers. Hampi was declared a UNESCO
World Heritage site in 1986 and since then has
mesmerized tourists from all over the world.

4. Location Details
Hampi is a village in Bellary
district of Karnataka, India. It is
situated at a distance of 346 km
from Bengaluru , 74 km from
Bellary and 13 km from Hospet.
Hampi
Source of Maps: YahooMaps and Hampi.in

5. A peek into the History of Hampi
• History of Vijayanagar’s had been a saga of resistance against the northern
Sultanates as well as building of its spectacular capital in Hampi.
• Ruled by four dynasties namely the Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva and Aravidu
Dynasties between 1136 AD and 1759 AD.
• City was founded by Hakka and Bukka under the guidance of Guru Vidyaranya
who wanted to build a strong force to resist the invading armies of the
Mohamediens.
• King Krishnadeva Raya (1509-1529 AD) of the Tuluva Dynasty stands tall among
the rest. During his regime the empire saw its peak. Vijayanagara Empire covered
the whole of south India and beyond.
• The capital Hampi was one major trading center, anything from horses to gems
was traded in Hampi. Art and architecture found its special place here. The rulers
were great patrons of art and religion.
• The warring Deccan Sultanates could finally join together in 1565 AD to defeat
the Vijayanagara army at Talaikota, a place north of Hampi.
• Vijayanagar army suffered heavy losses. The capital city was plundered, its
population massacred. Treasure hunters ransacked its palaces and temples for
months.

6. Monuments of Hampi
Sacred Center : Royal Center :
• Virupaksha Temple •Hazar Rama Temple
• Vittala Temple •Mahanavami Dibba
• Lakshmi Narasimha Temple •Lotus Mahal
• Badavi Linga Temple •Elephant Stables
•Stepped Tank - Pushkarni water tank
• Kadalekalu Ganesha
•Zenana Enclosure
• Sasivekalu Ganesha
•Ancient Bridge
• The King’s Balance
• Hemakuta Temple (also known as
Jain temples)
Map
of
Hampi

7. Virupaksha Temple
Built in 7th century AD, the Virupaksha temple on the south bank of the river
Tungabadra has been functioning uninterruptedly ever since its inception in the 7th
century AD, dedicated to Lord Virupaksha (Shiva) and his concert Pampapati. The
temple complex expanded over the years and a major renovation was performed by
Krishnadevaraya in the 16th Century. The 12 tier 50 m high gopura of the temple is the
tallest in the state of Karnataka.

8. Vittala Temple
As the epicenter of Hampi's attractions, Vittala
Temple is the most extravagant architectural
showpiece of Hampi. Built in the year 1513 AD by
King Krishnadevaraya. The highlight of Vittala
temple is its impressive pillared halls and the stone
chariot. Vittala, after whom the temple is known, is
a form of lord Vishnu. This aspect of Vishnu was
worshiped in this part of the country as their cult
deity by the cattle herds.

9. Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
This is the largest statue in Hampi.
Narasimha is sitting on the coil of a
giant seven-headed snake called Sesha.
The heads of the snake acts as the hood
above his head. The god sits in a cross-
legged Yoga position with a belt
supporting the knees. Carved in the
year 1528 AD by Krishnadevaraya, the
original statue contained the image of
goddess Lakshmi, consort of the
god, sitting on his lap. But this statue
has been damaged seriously during the
raid leading to the fall of Vijayanagara.

10. Badavilinga Temple and King’s Balance
Badavi Linga
This is the largest monolithic Linga in
Hampi. Located next to the Narasimha
statue the Linga is housed inside a chamber
with an opening in the front. A close look
on this icon can reveal three eyes
(depicting the three eyes of Siva) carved on
it. Legend has it that this was
commissioned by a peasant woman and
hence the name (Badva means poor in
kannada).
King’s Balance .
This 16th century balance also known as
"Tula Bara" is 5 meter tall and is a very
simple structure. It is believed that on
special days like Solar or Lunar eclipse
King used to weigh himself in
gold, silver, gems and precious stones. Then
this used to be distributed among the
priests.
.

11. Kadalekalu and Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple
Kadalekalu Ganesha - This giant statue Kadalekalu Ganesha
of Ganesha was carved out of a huge
boulder at the northeastern slope of the
Hemakuta hill. The belly of this statue
resembles a Bengal gram
(Kadalekalu, in local language) and
hence the name. This 4.5 meters (15
feet) tall statue is one among the largest
sculptures in Hampi.
Sasivekalu Ganesha
Sasivekalu Ganesha - This monolithic statue carved
out of a huge boulder measures about 2.4 meters (8
feet). An open pavilion is build around the statue.
According to inscriptions found nearby this
pavilion, it was built by a trader from Chandragiri
(in present day Andhra Pradesh)in 1506 AD, in
memory of one of the Vijayanagara king Narasimha
II (1491-1505 AD)

12. Hemakuta Temples
Some times referred to as Jain
Temples, these clusters of temples on
the Hemakuta hill is one of the
beautiful sites in Hampi. Thanks to its
architecture these temples are mistaken
for Jain Temples. In fact most of them
are dedicated to Siva worship. These
smart looking compact temples with
pyramid-like roofs resemble that of the
Jain temples.

13. Hazar Rama Temple
This 15th century shrine of Lord Rama located in the Royal Area of Hampi is popularly
called "Hazara Rama Temple". Inside walls of the temple have the scenes from Ramayana
and other scriptures. Devaraya I erected it in the early 15th century. This is the only
temple in the area with its external walls decorated with five rows of bas-reliefs. They
portray the processions of elephants, horses with attendants, military contingents, and
dancing girls.

14. Mahanavami Dibba
In the Royal Enclosure zone of Hampi this is a giant 3 layer structure and is the tallest in
this area. From a distance this looks very simple elevated square stage and may not
generate any interest to go near it. But as one approaches the structure, more details
emerge and one can appreciate the marvel in stone. The platform is known as the
Mahanavami-dibba (House of Victory).

15. Lotus Mahal and Elephant Stables
Lotus Mahal Built in Indo-islamic style, Lotus Mahal is a
successful fusion of temple-like elements of
Vijayanagara styles and sultanate elements.
Curved leaves, pyramidal towers depict
temple-like elements then the lobed
arches, plaster designs depict sultanate
elements. The base of the structure depicts
a Hindu foundation of stone just like in the
temples.
Elephant Stables
It was meant for the royal elephants. There
are eleven stables here. All these are nearly
interconnected with small doors. This
building with archs is built of stone and
mortar. The domes over the roof are of
different types - circular , ribbed ones and
vaulted octagonal ones.

16. Stepped Tank and Zenena Enclosure
Stepped Tank
The stepped tank of 15th century within the
Royal Enclosure of Hampi is one of the very
ornate and proportionate in terms of design.
This square tank built using black chlorite
schist measures about 22 meters in square. It
is 7 meters deep. It has five distinct tiers, each
fitted with symmetric steps set in a pleasing
pattern.
Zenena Enclosure This whole area was the private enclosure for
the royal women folks. The Queen’s Palace
(only the basement is visible) is located here.
Measuring about 46 x 29 meters, this has been
the largest palace base excavated in the Hampi
ruins so far. The four corners of the
fortifications have watch towers.

17. Ancient Bridge
Historians believe that this had been constructed by Kampabupa , brother of the
king Harihara II. The bridge is constructed at a point where the River
Tungabhadra makes a bifurcation and immediately rejoins to form a tiny rocky
island. The bridge runs through this island. This location was selected as there
could have been no way to put up a bridge on the rocky bed of a torrential river.

18. Others….
Tungabhadra River Anjaneyadri Hill
Other places that can be covered around Hampi are :
• Anjaneyadri Hill – Birth Place of Lord Hanuman
• ASI Museum at Kamalapura
• Anegondi – Older capital of the region.
• Tungabhadra Dam near Hospet.

19. Itinerary to cover Hampi on a weekend
• A weekend is just sufficient to cover Hampi monuments. Travel can be planned to
leave Bengaluru by Train/Bus to arrive at Hampi on Saturday Morning.
• Monuments in the sacred center can be covered on Saturday and monuments in the
Royal center on Sunday.
• Once done, a overnight journey by Train/Bus can get u back to Bengaluru Monday
morning.
• Hampi can be explored on foot (in the right season), on bi-cycles/mopeds or four
wheelers. Hiring a guide helps in place a like Hampi which is very much spread across
and mine of history to be unraveled.
• If time permits, places around Hampi can be
covered and a they require a vehicle.
• Don’t miss the Mango tree restaurant for the
delicious food set along the banks of Tungabadhra.

20. Reaching Hampi from Bengaluru
• By Air
Hubli 153Km away and Bellary 50 Km (check current status of flights) are the nearest
Airports and have daily connections to the Bengaluru Airport.
• By train– Nearest railhead is Hospet, 9Kms away.
Ideal train would be Hampi Express (#6592), departs Bengaluru at 9 PM, arrives at Hospet
7:05 AM the next day. Leaves Hospet at 8:30 PM and reaches Bangalore next day at 6:10
AM. For bookings visit www.irctc.co.in.
All trains details
• By Car
Distance – 346 Kms. Drive till Chitradurga on NH-4, take a right turn on NH-13 towards
Sholapur till Hospet, and then drive another 13 km to reach Hampi .
Road Map
• By Bus
KSRTC operates one direct Rajahamsa service to Hampi and many services are available to
Hospet town which is 13kms away. For bookings and schedules visit www.ksrtc.in.

21. Best time to visit
• The “On Season” time of Hampi is November - February when there is a large inflow of
foreigner tourists. However, the best time to visit Hampi would be in the months of
July - September when the weather is rainy and the city is not crowded. Most of the
restaurants and guest houses shut operations in “Off Season”.
• Hampi Temperature - Hampi’s weather is generally warm and dry. During the summer
season (March to May) the temperature reaches a maximum of 40°C. Monsoon (June
to August) brings some wet weather with good showers. The winter weather in
Hampi is from November to February, during which the climate is very pleasant and
cool. During winter day temperature is less than 30°C and night temperature can go as
low as 12°C.
• Hampi Utsava - Hampi hosts 'Hampi Utsav' every year during first week of
November.This is one of the biggest attractions for tourists to visit Hampi. Cultural
Performances , Lighting of the ruins and the VIPs add to its glory. However this is a
very busy period in Hampi. During the festival the last-minute hotel prices also go
high. So book well in advance if possible

22. Few Precautions
• River Tungabadhra - One of the risky things in Hampi. Depth and current of the river
are bit deceiving and adventures should be abstained from.
• Nights at the Ruins - Avoid roaming the sites during night, particularly the remote
ones and when you are alone.
• Heat - Never underestimate the heat and dust of Hampi. The summer temperatures
can reach 40 °C ( 104 °F) . Once you are out for the site visit, Hampi is an open expanse
with not many shelters. Carry sufficient water and skin creams to protect yourself
from ill effects of heat.
• As usual Hampi has its share of crooks and even when hiring a guide look for his
identity cards.
• The law in Hampi prohibits preparing and serving non-vegetarian foods. Respect the
holiness of the city.
• Being a holy city, alcohol is banned in Hampi. Please do not try to consume alcohol
while in the vicinity and respect the law.

23. Miscellaneous but useful tips…
• If you are travelling by car, try doing the journey by day as NH-13 from Chtiradurga to
Hospet has lot of oversized humps with no indication of their presence. Adding more
misery would be the heavy commercial goods vehicle traffic that this road carries.
• Coming to stay, Hampi offers lot of guesthouses and home stay options. But if you are
very particular about infrastructure, prefer staying at Hospet as the options are wide
and they stand a value for money preposition. It hardy takes a 15 minute drive to reach
Hampi from Hospet.
• For very comprehensive information and maps of sites in Hampi, visit
www.hampi.in, to post queries on Hampi, visit www.indiamike.com and try posting
your queries in the relevant thread in the forum.

24. Annexure…..

25. Map of Hampi Monuments
Back
Source: Karnataka Tourism portal.

26. All Trains
Back

27. Road Map – Driving directions
Hampi
Back
Bengaluru
Source of image: Google
Maps