About Hampi
Located in the central part of the state of Karnataka, in the southern part of India, Hampi is 353 km from Bangalore, and 13 km from Hospet. Lying on top of a rugged terrain at a height of 467 m above sea level with Tungabhadra river meandering through the town, Hampi is an interesting travel destination in the map of India.
Hampi is famous for its ruins belonging to the erstwhile medieval Hindu kingdom of Vijaynagar, now declared a World Heritage site. The temples of Hampi, its monolithic sculptures and monuments, summons traveler because of their brilliant craftsmanship. The Hindu style of architecture found at Hampi speaks of the splendour of the Vijaynagar Empire. One can still take glimpse of the mind-blowing Vijayanagara - one of the largest empires in the history of India - in its ruins.
Location : In the south India state of Karnataka.
How to Get There Air : The nearest air station at Tornagallu in Sandur Taluk which is 32 kms. from Hospet. The second nearest airport is Bellary(74 kms). Other convenient airports are at Belgaum (190 kms) and Bangalore(353 kms).
Rail: Hospet is the nearest rail head (13 kms). Hospet is linked by rail to Bangalore, Bijapur,Hubli and Guntakal.
Road: Hampi is 350 kms from Bangalore. KSRTC Buses ply regularly from Hospet.
Major Tourist Attractions in Hampi Virupaksha Temple
The Virupaksha Temple located at the western edge is one of the earliest constructions in the city. The main shrine is dedicated to Virupaksha, a form of Lord Vishnu. Overlooking Virupaksha temple to the South, Hemakuta hill has several scattered ruins, which includes Jain temples and a monolithic structure of Narasimha.
Ugra Narasimha
The 6.7 m tall monolith of Ugra Narasimha is worth seeing. The huge image is situated in the south of the Hemkuta group of temples that contains the Virupaksha Temple. The Narasimha is a seated four-armed figure under a canopy of a seven-hooded snake.
Vithala Temple
Vittala temple is about 2 kms away to the east of Hampi bazaar. Relatively well preserved, the ruins of the temple are now a World Heritage. The temples beautiful sculptures exhibits the richness of Vijayanagar Art. The outer pillars are known as the 'Musical Pillars' as they echoes when tapped, although this practice is now discouraged to avoid further damage. The temple also displays an beautifully carved stone chariot in the temple courtyard containing an image of Garuda.
Hazara Rama Temple
The temple built within rectangular complex is located at the heart of the royal centre. The temple dating back to early 15th century has intricately carved basalt pillars showcasing the incarnations of Shri Vishnu. Around the exterior walls of the hall are three rows of sculptures imaging the main events from the Ramayana.
Queen's Bath
The most elaborate of the bathhouses is the 'Queen's bath' lying in the citadel area, south of the Hazara Rama temple. The building is a large square structure, noteworthy for its contrasting plain exterior and the very ornate interior.
About Hampi
