"HAMPI IN KARNATAKA" Top 5 Page for this destination Hampi by Eddie101

Hampi Travel Guide: 252 reviews and 928 photos

HAMPI THE VIJAYNAGAR EMPIRE

Hampi, the forgotten jewel of India. Often overlooked by the traveller to India, for the more popular northern "sites", but i can assure you a visit will remain imprinted within your memories forever.
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Hampi is famous for its ruins belonging to the Hindu kingdom of Vijaynagar and is declared a World Heritage site. The temples of Hampi, its monolithic sculptures and monuments, attract the traveller because of their excellent workmanship. The Hindu style of architecture found at Hampi reflects the splendor and ingenuity of the Vijaynagar Empire.
Hampi is located in the central part of the state of Karnataka, in the southern part of India. It is 353 km from Bangalore, and 13 km from Hospet. It is located on top of a rugged terrain and is 470 m above sea level. The Tungabhadra River flows through Hampi .
The first settlement in Hampi dates back to 1st century AD and a number of Buddhist sites belonging to that time have been found nearby. Hampi was the capital of the mighty Vijaynagar Empire. Vijaynagar was one of the largest Hindu empires in India. Two brothers, Harihar and Bukka founded it in 1336. Krishnadevaraya (1509-1529) was the greatest ruler and controlled almost all of peninsular India south of Tungabhadra River. The town of Hampi in 14th century had a population of half a million people. Seven concentric lines of fortifications protected the city. It maintained a huge army to protects it from other kingdoms. The Vijaynagar Empire flourished, as it controlled both cotton and spice trade routes of southern India. Medieval historians refer to Hampi as an important center of trade. However, the glory of Vijaynagar was short lived. With the death of Krinadevaraya, the combined armies of the five Muslim kingdoms-Bidar, Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmednagar and Berar-destroyed this mighty empire in 1565.
The main tourist spots in Hampi can be divided into two broad areas: the Hampi Bazaar area and the Royal center near Kamalapuram. The 15th-century Virupaksha Temple is located in the Hampi Bazaar area. It is one of the oldest monuments of the town. The top of the temple rises about 50 m from the ground and the main shrine is dedicated to Virupaksha, a form of Lord Shiva. Hemakuta Hill, south of the Virupaksha temple, contains early ruins, Jain temples and a monolithic sculpture of Lord Narasimha, a form of Lord Vishnu. Hemakuta Hill offers excellent view of Hampi Bazaar. Two kilometers east of Hampi Bazaar, the traveler can see the World Heritage Vittal temple, built in the 16th century. The carvings on this temple give an insight into the architectural splendor achieved by the artisans of Vijaynagar Empire. The outer pillars of this temple produce music when tapped. They are also known as the musical pillars. Between Hampi Bazaar and Vittal temple, one can see the deserted Sule Bazaar and the Achutraya temple. Monolithic statue of Lord Ganesh, Nandi, the Kodandarama temple and the Krishna temple are other places to visit in the Hampi Bazaar area.
The royal center is located between the Hampi Bazaar area and Kamalapuram. One can take a 2-km walk down to this area from the Hampi Bazaar. There are a number of tourist attractions, within the walled area of the royal center. The Lotus Mahal or palace is an intricately designed pavilion within a walled compound, known as the Zenana Enclosure. This palace is a blend of Indo-Islamic architecture and gets its name from the lotus bud carved on its domed and vaulted ceiling. The Elephant quarter is adjacent to the Zenana Enclosure. It is a domed building, which housed the royal elephants. The Queen's Bath, with its unique Islamic architecture, and the Underground Virupaksha temple are other important places to visit within the royal center sculptures belonging to the Vijaynagar Empire.
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Hampi

Sorry if this site is all pictures of temples and ruins, it was only when i got back home. i realised how in awe i'd been of the scale and beauty of the architecture, that i never took any shots of the local culture and "street life". Oh well i will just have to go back and do it again. Life gets tough dont it!!!

Pros and Cons

Pros:A place to let your imagination run free
Cons:None
In a nutshell:Once seen - - Never, ever, forgotten

Last visit to Hampi: Dec 2007
Intro Updated May 15, 2008
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Reviews (36)

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Comments (52)

janetanne Jul 26, 2008 at 9:42 PM Report Abuse

Hi Eddie. Lovely pages here; great tips..but, couldn't you have worn socks in the Hampi "Virupaksha Courtyard"? I think I would have had taken a pair in my pocket!
ricky52 Mar 4, 2008 at 6:51 PM Report Abuse

Went to Karnataka but did not visit Hampi, wish we did. Great page and tips.
gsuresh Jul 30, 2007 at 1:47 AM Report Abuse

You can view more photos and details of Shanthi Guest House at www.hampigh.blogspot.com
Sininen Jul 29, 2006 at 11:08 PM Report Abuse

Hello Eddie! What a detailed page on Hampi. Looks really interesting, one of the places I must see one day. Happy birthday from Finland!
rasta_man Mar 31, 2006 at 6:44 AM Report Abuse

You really have represented Hampi beautifully. I guess the love for the place shows. Keep on truckin'
bkoon Dec 2, 2005 at 10:32 AM Report Abuse

Awesome. Very detailed info and nice pictures of the ruins. Looks like pretty place. I must not miss it when I am there. Thanks for sharing. Bee :)
Skibbe Nov 22, 2005 at 2:07 PM Report Abuse

Great page. I'm going to Hampi and this definitely helps me.
umashanker Oct 30, 2005 at 1:17 AM Report Abuse

Really enjoyed this wonderfull page.Thanks you,thanks VT.
tpangelinan Jul 27, 2005 at 8:29 AM Report Abuse

Wonderful page, sounds like a lot to explore. Very helpful tips and beautiful photos. Love the sunset! Thanks for sharing. :o)
sourbugger Jun 10, 2005 at 4:49 PM Report Abuse

despite six months in india i never got to here - looks as if i missed out. cheers