Click it and Unblock the Notifications
You will certainly need a lot of energy and patience if you are planning to visit this great site of heritage and a plan ahead to the trip will be an added advantage. A week's time is definitely needed to explore the "MOST EXPLORED" HAMPI. With every rock and stone narrating the stories and glory of the Vijayanagara empire; you may have to stop at every place to get a glimpse of it.
After the amazing places and ruins explored on day 1 let's see what awaits us on the second day of our Hampi explore. Hire a bicycle or a two-wheeler and get set go. If you are interested to understand the history much better, you may also choose to hire a guide.
Click here to read the Day 1 itinerary
Hemakuta - Photo credit : Brunda Nagaraj
Hemakuta
Another enchanting hill filled with a lot of temples and shrines is the Hemakuta hill. A 15 minute climb will take you to the top of Hemakuta hills which leads you to a spread of flat rocks. There are temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman. You may also find inscriptions in a couple of temples and there are three Lingas carved on the rocks; some of the temples are submerged and some are being excavated by the archaeological department. The best sight of this place is to see monkeys diving into the pond and playing endlessly to beat the heat. Do not miss to see the architecture of the temples in Hemakuta.
Time required to cover : 2 hours
Kadale kaalu Ganapati temple
Surrounded by amazing carved pillars with great mythology is the giant monolithic idol of Lord Ganapati. Legend says that the stomach of the idol resembles the Bengal-gram and thus the name Kadale Kaalu Ganapati. The statue of Lord Ganapati is 15ft tall. You may enter the temple and take a circumambulation around the statue and seek the blessings of the Lord. Kadale kaalu Ganapati temple is located to the north-east of Hemakuta.
Time required to cover : 30 minutes
Kadalekaalu Ganapati - Photo credit : Brunda Nagaraj
Sasive kaalu Ganapati temple
To the south-east of Hemakuta hill is the abode of Sasive kaalu Ganapati. (Mustard seed Ganapati) This Ganapati is said to have been built by a merchant of Chandragiri and the tummy of the Lord resembles the mustard seed and thus the name. The pillars here are plain and the statue of the Lord is carved out of a monolithic rock and is four-armed. Ganapati here is seated in a half lotus position and has a bowl of sweets in one of his hands.
Time required to cover : 15 minutes
A view of krishna Temple - Photo credit : Brunda Nagaraj
Krishna temple
A temple that sings the era of Vijayanagara empire during the reign of king Sri Krishnadevaraya is the Krishna temple. One of the pillars within the temple has the carvings of all ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, including the Kalki avatar with a face of horse in a seated position. The walls of the temple are carved with the epic stories of Bhagavatha, life of Krishna. The idol of Lord Balakrishna from one of the Udaygiri temples was installed in this temple during the king's Orissa campaign. This temple faces eastwards and the main entrance leads to the Krishna Bazaar street where pearls and gems were sold during the rule of Vijayanagara empire. The idol of the Lord is now restored in a museum at Chennai.
Time required to cover : 1 hour
Badavi Linga - Photo credit : Brunda Nagaraj
Badavi Linga
A 12ft tall monolithic Shiv Linga which is said to have been built by a poor woman is the Badavi Linga. Badavi, refers to poor woman. The view of Lord Shiva sitting roofless and untouched amidst the ruins is just too divine. 9Ft of the statue is seen and the rest of it is submerged in the water. Legend says that the water in this temple never dries up and people also say that this temple remained untouched during the Mughal invasions as well.
Time required to cover : 15 minutes
Ugra Narasimha - Photo credit : Brunda Nagaraj
Ugra Narasimha
Right next to the Badavi Linga is the largest 22ft monolithic statue of Ugra Narasimha carved by a Brahman during the reign of Sri Krishnadevaraya. During the Mughal invasion, this majestic idol has taken a major hit and Goddess Lakshmi seated on the Lord's lap has been damaged completely leaving the traces of the goddess's hand encircling the Lord. You may now get to see the Narasimha in the yoga posture seated on a serpent with the seven hood that acts as a canopy.
Time required to cover : 15 minutes
Underground Siva temple - Photo credit : Brunda Nagaraj
Prasanna Virupaksha Temple: (Underground Siva Temple)
This temple is a living example of a perfect ruin. There are five doors to this temple and the roof of the temple is at ground level. The temple is completely filled with swamp and is not accessible to any of the visitors now. The pillars in the temple do not have any carvings but this place has an amazing view and calls for a lot of photography.
Time required to cover : 30 minutes
Dining utensils carved on stones - Photo credit : Brunda Nagaraj
Akka Tangi Gudda
Akka Tangi Gudda, an important landmark of Hampi is this place. You get to see two giant rocks leaning towards each other and legend says that these rocks were two sisters who got cursed by the reigning deity as they spoke ill about Hampi. One of the rocks has now developed a crack and a part of it was found on the streets of Hampi. You may click a lot of photographs at this place and this place is famous for adventure sports during the Hampi annual festival.
Not to miss : On the way to this place, you will find the impressions of plates and bowls being carved on stones above a water source which was used as dining utensils by saints.
Time required to cover : 30 minutes
Carvings on the walls of Vijaya Vittala Temple - Photo credit : Brunda Nagaraj
Vijaya Vittala Temple
One of the famous architecture of the Vijayanagara empire is Vijaya Vittala temple; the beauty of this temple is beyond our imagination and cannot be described by words. This architectural monument is an evidence that showcases the talent of the artists of Vijayanagara empire. Do not miss the stone chariot, the musical pillars (under renovation now), the sculptures of makarayalis and gajayalis, the lotus carvings on the ceilings , the sculpture of Krishnadevaraya on a horse galloping and the epic stories of Ramayana, Krishna Leela and the ten avatars of Vishnu. You may choose to walk, else there are battery operated cars in the premises available. Outside the temple, there is a huge list of attractions to be covered in Hampi and the number on the list goes upto 82.
Time required to cover : 2 hours
Hazare Rama temple view - Photo credit : Dineshkannambadi
Hazara Rama temple
A royal temple built in the 15th century which has the epic Ramayana being carved in arrays on the wall in three tier is a must watch at this temple. The carvings that depict the stories of Lav-Kush is also being carved on the devi shrine. The carvings on the external wall of this temple can be viewed at different angles as they are bas-relief sculptures. This place is a great landmark for you to decide on various other attractions at Hampi.
Time Required : 2 hours
Mahanavami Dibba - Photo credit : Brunda Nagaraj
Mahanavami dibba
The three layered platform extremely well carved served as a stage to the kings to enjoy the celebrations of the grand Dasara festival. A typical example for the Hoysala style of architecture is Mahanavami Dibba. This is a square shaped platform with steps on either sides with a height of 12mts. This platform from far may look really plain but as you get closer to it, the carvings are visible. Traces of wooden pavilions and some pillars can be spotted on the top of this place however, it does not exist anymore.
Time Required : 1 hour
Queen's Bath
Exclusively built for the royal ladies of the kings to enjoy their time in the water. An extravaganza bath constructed with steps leading to the floor of the bath with an open roof. A pond with the depth of 8ft is situated at the bottom with outlets for used water to flow outside. Indo-Islamic style of architecture is used to construct the Queen's bath. This place was invaded and has lost its glory and charm and stands as one of the ruins at Hampi.
Time Required : 30 minutes
Interconnecting doorways - Elephant's stable - Photo credit : Brunda Nagaraj
Elephant's stable
An exclusive abode for the royal elephants with inter-connected passages, built in the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. In comparison with the other stables the one on the centre is huge also has a tower like that of temples. This is part of the Zenana Enclosure; a royal enclosure for the queens; this place also has the Lotus Mahal.
Time Required : 1 hour
Museum - Photo credit : Brunda Nagaraj
Archaeological Museum
You may visit this place after visiting all the other places, this museum is located in Kamalapura and has four sections. This place is a house of all the weapons, coins and several other artefacts used by the kings of and Vijayangar empire. This place also has a beautiful miniature model of the entire Hampi and boards that speak about various foreign travellers describing the glorious Hampi in their words. There are a lot of idols which are now part of the ruins but preserved. However, the names and the places where these idols belong to need to be mentioned for a better understanding.
Time required: 1 hour
Malyavanta Raghunatha temple - Photo credit : Brunda Nagaraj
Malyavanta Raghunatha temple
Another massive temple on a boulder with a great history attached to it is the Malyavanta Raghunatha temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, view from the top of this hill is breath-taking. The entire Hampi in a bird's eye view would be seen from this hill. The carvings of Lord Rama, his brother Lakshmana, wife Seetha and his greatest devotee Hanuman can be seen on a massive boulder. The peculiar style of Vijayanagara architecture revolves around building a tower on the boulder and this is very evident in this temple. As you climb up some stairs, to the right is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman and you may have to further climb upwards to reach the top of the hill. There is also a temple for Shiva and Nandi in this place. Overall, a must see place for everyone. The temple is open at all times and you may get to hear the hymns of Ramacharitamanas being recited and this is very unique to about this place. If you would like to watch the sun set in west, wait on the top of the hill as the sky turns red to orange leaving you in a state of ecstasy.
Time required : 1 hour
Mango tree restaurant
When you visit Hampi do not forget to visit the Mango Tree restaurant close to the Virupaksha temple complex. The mango Lassi (available at all seasons) is a must try. There are many other small shacks available at the temple street which provides good food. Small shacks and vendors selling tender coconuts and other snacks are available at almost all the attractions.
Shopping at Hampi - Photo credit : Brunda Nagaraj
Shopping at Hampi
Since the place is crowded with tourists, you may find a lot of shops selling souvenirs, leather goods, precious gems and clothes. You may need to bargain well in advance if you decide to buy something. If you are looking to buy some cotton harem pants, they have them in some nice prints and colours as well
Stay options at Hampi
Something that you do not have to worry at all. There are a lot of guest-houses available in Hampi at an affordable price. The guest houses are run by families and is a safe choice to stay if you are a budget traveller. If you are looking for something nice and cozy, Hampi has resorts as well. The place where these guest-houses are located may not be a nice one as the roads are narrow but the places are maintained neat.
There are several other places on the other side of the river to be covered extensively during your trip to Hampi. Watch this space for exclusive write-ups on Hampi and its attractions.
Do let us know your feedback in the comments section below!
Click here to know the distance to Hampi
Useful information:
- Entry fee is applicable at Vijaya Vittala Temple, Zenana Enclosure and Archeaological Museum - 30 INR (One ticket can be produced at all places).
- Video camera fee : 25 INR.
- Battery operated car facility : Available at Vijaya Vittala temple for 20 INR.
- Photography is allowed at all places except in the galleries inside the museum.
- Museum has drinking water and washroom facilities.
- Museum timings : 10 AM to 5 PM.
- All the other places are opened by 8:30 AM.
- Vendors selling fruits and snacks are available at almost all the attractions.
