India /Karnataka /Bellary /Hampi

Hampi is the heritage town, depicts various historical evidences that go back to the pre historic times. According to legends, the chieftain Harihara and Bukkaraya namely – Sangama Dynasty, Saluva Dynasty, Tuluva Dynasty and Aravidu Dynasty. The town of Hampi came into existence in 1336, and then it was an important centre for trade, religion and art. Some of the famous travellers to have visited Hampi are – Pietro della Valle of Italy and Domingo Paes of Portugal.The empirical history of Hampi reiterates it to be a famous ground of the Vijayanagar Empire that ruled here from 1336 to 1565. The city was then annexed by the rulers of the Deccan Muslim confederacy. They completely destroyed and turned the city into ruins in just 6 months.Hampi also boasts of mythological history that revolves the Ramayana. It is believed that various episodes of Ram‘s life were spent in the town of Hampi that was then known as ‘Pampa Kshetra’.Hampi got the status of being a ‘world heritage site’ in the year 1986 and since then, many efforts are being taken to restore the lost glory of this city.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Historical

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 583239

STD Code: 8394

Info Website: bellary.nic

Best Time to Visit:  September and February.

HistoryEdit

Hampi, is the historical town and one of the most important tourist destinations on the Indian as well as international map, located in the state of Karnataka. The town is popular for its intricately carved temples and especially the Stone Chariot. Some of the most popular temple structures here include Shri Virupaksha Temple, Balakrishna Temple, Shri Vijaya Vitthala Temple and Sasivekalu Ganesh Temple. The city is also known for its various sculpted image of Ugra Narsimha and the Hampi Bazaar Area. Visit the town during the annual Purandara Festival held in January or February, when the whole town is cloaked with joy and festivities. Otherwise, anytime between October and March is a good time to visit. Hampi is an important heritage destination and is easily reachable from any part of the country. Roadways are the best means as the town does not have a railway head. The nearest railway station is at Hospet and airport at Bellary. Hampi’s climate is generally warm and dry. . The winter period in Hampi is from November to February, during which the climate is very pleasant and cool.

Places to VisitAdd

Hampi Sightseeing

How to ReachEdit

By Air : Bellary is the nearest domestic airport, which is about 60 km away and Bangalore is the nearest international Airport, which is 350 km away. Taxi cab costs about Rs 1,200 from Bellary to Hampi and Rs 6,000 from Bangalore to Hampi. Bellary air terminal is connected to Bangalore airport which is well connected to almost all airports in India. International flights to major foreign cities like Singapore, London, Malaysia etc are also operated from Bangalore.

By Train : Nearest railhead is Hospet, which is nearly 13 km from Hampi. Taxi cab will charge nearly Rs 200 from Hospet to Hampi. Hospet is well connected to Bangalore (Hampi Exp), Hyderabad (kop Hyb Exp) and other major cities in Karnataka and neighboring states.

By BUS : Hampi is well connected by KSRTC bus services with all nearby cities. There are many private bus providers operating from Bangalore (Rs 1,100), Gokarna (Rs 1,000) and many places in Goa (Rs 1200) to Hampi. BY ROAD TO Goa, as well as Bangalore (350km) and other South indian cities.

By Taxi : Bellary airport is located at a distance of 60 km so tourists can easily commute to land and take off from here. Tourists from here can take a taxi cab to reach Hampi comfortably.They normally charge Rs 750 to Rs 1,000 for a day site seeing and pick up/drop to railway station etc. There are several car rental companies in Hampi/Hospet including some prominent ones like SRB Travels (travels@srbempire.com), etc. Car rentals are also available from Various near by rail heads and airports like Bangalore, Goa, Hyderabad,belgaum to Hampi.

By Other : Most of the guest houses are on other side of the river (area called Virupapur Gadde). To access them, you need to cross river by Motor boat (Rs. 10 for locals, Rs. 15 for tourists, boat runs until 6:00 pm. If you cannot get on the boat, you have to pay auto Rs 500-600 to take you other side via Hospet-Hugili- Hanumanhalli, which is a 40km tour. During moderate/high rains, gates of Tungbhadra dam are opened which increases the water level and water flow in river. In that case, one might get stranded on other side of river (Virupapur Gadde area)

Top HotelsAdd

Budget  – Up to Rs. 800

Shanthi Guest House ; Unit 2, Hampi, Karnataka – 583 201 ; Ph – 08394-325352 ; Facilities – 24 hours room service, Tv,laundry, H/C running water.

Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

Hotel Malligi ; Hotel Malligi 10/90, J.N. Road, Hospet Hampi – 583201, Karnataka ; Ph – 0839-4228101 ; Facilities – All major credit exchang, swimming pool, snooker, body massage, gym, doctor-on-call, parking, laundry.

Deluxe – Up to Rs. 1201 to Rs. 2500

Krishna Palace ; Station Road, Hospet, Bellary District, Hospet, Karnataka 583201 ; Ph – 1860 500 2121 ; Facilities – Facilities in the hotel includes- airport and railway station transfers , business centre, swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, travel desk.

Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above

Royal Orchid Central Kireeti ; Railway Station Road , Hospet , Hampi , Karnataka,583201 ; Ph – N.A ; Facilities – “Facilities in the hotel includes- airport and railway station transfers , business centre, swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, travel desk, currency exchange, executive lounge, housekeeping, laundry, guide service, sightseeing, bicycles on hire, taxi services, yoga classes, babysitting, handicap facility and credit cards acceptance.

Top RestaurantsAdd

• Mango Tree Restaurant ;  Virupapur Gaddi, Hampi, Karnataka,583201 ; M –  91-94487-65213 ; Food Serve :  Thalis

• Golden Paradise ;  Virupapur Gaddi, Hampi, Karnataka,583201 ; M –  91-94487-18951 ; Food Serve :  N.A

• Archana Guest House ;  Janata Plot,, Hospet Tq., Bellary Dist, Hampi. ; M –  083 94 241547 ; Food Serve :  N.A

Must Eat FoodAdd

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

Must ShopAdd

Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

SpaAdd

FestivalAdd

Vijay Utsav ; Venue:  Hampi Village, Vijayanagara, Karnataka ; Period :  November ; Details:  Hampi Festival or Hampi Utsav is also popular as Vijaya Utsav and has been very old for Vijayanagar reign. It is beautifully organized by the Government of Karnataka on a large scale, and its main draw includes traditional Kannadigas dance, drama, fireworks, puppet shows, spectacular parades, and musical instruments like drums and pipes are played to renew the brilliance of yesteryear.

Safety / WarningEdit

• Double-check all hotel and restaurant bills for errors.
• Don’t leave cash and valuables in your hotel room. Use room safes where available.
• Avoid touts!
• Do not touch the artifacts on display
• Do not touch the artifacts displayed in crystal gallery
• Keep your tone low while exploring the temple.
• Cameras and handbags are not allowed inside the Synagogue.

HelplineEdit

• Ambulance : 102
• Fire Brigade : 101
• Police : 100

ItineraryEdit

Day 1:
9:00 am – Zenana Enclosure ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
11:00 am – Talarigatta Gate ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
1:00 pm – Stone Doors ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
3:00 pm – Achyutraya Temple ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
5:00 pm – Virupaksha Bazaar ;Approx. time spent : 1 hrs
6:00 pm – Palace of Vira Harihara ;Approx. time spent : 1 hrs
Day 2:
9:00 am – Purandaradasa Mantapa ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
11:00 am – Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
1:00 pm – Gejjala Mantapa ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
3:00 pm – Coracle Crossings ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
5:00 pm – Courtesan’s Street ;Approx. time spent : 1 hrs
6:00 pm – Ahmed Khan’s Mosque and Tomb ;Approx. time spent : 1 hrs
Day 3:
7:12 am – Elephant Stables ;Approx. time spent : 45 hrs
1:00 pm – Monkey Temple ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
3:00 pm – Shivlinga ;Approx. time spent : 4 hrs
5:30 pm – Statue of Ugra Narsimha;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs

Gallery