Get to Know these Places to Visit in Hampi

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Since there are plenty of places to visit in Hampi that will draw your attention to minute details of Indian archaeology, read on to see which of them allure you the most. The incredible landscapes, majestic boulders and hundreds of temple ruins make this place quite magical.

1. Virupaksha Temple

Going to Hampi and not visiting Virupaksha Temple is just like going to a restaurant and not eating anything. Virupaksha Temple is the most popular temple in Hampi, located approximately 1 km from the city centre. The temple is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River and is the centre of pilgrimage at Hampi. It is also counted in the list of the oldest functioning temples of India.

Virupaksha Temple is devoted to Lord Virupaksha, an embodiment of Lord Shiva who was the consort of Goddess Pampadevi. Therefore, it is also known as the Pampapathi Temple by the locals. The temple was built by a chieftain named Lakkan under the ruler “Deva Raya II” of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 7th century.

You will always find locals as well as domestic and foreign tourists in the Virupaksha temple. The two huge courtyards inside the temple along with gateway towers, a pillared hall called Ranga Mandapa, the statue of three-headed Nandi and other ancient edifices will daze you with goosebumps. What makes your visit to this majestic temple more worthwhile is the underwater Shiva Temple inside the main complex.

Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm throughout the week

Duration: 1.5-2 hours

Entry fee:

Indian tourists: INR 5
Foreign tourists: USD 5
Video Camera: INR 500
Still Camera: INR 50
Local Guide: Starts from INR 50 but varies according to various factors, packages, etc.
Shoe Safekeeping: INR 1

2. Vittala Temple

The Vittala Temple is the largest structure of all the monuments at Hampi and dates back to the 16th century. Devoted to Lord Vittala, an embodiment of Lord Vishnu, this iconic temple will impress you with its rich architecture.

Tourists from all over the world come to see the famous stone chariot at this huge complex spread across acres of land. Huge pillars with beautiful carvings, complex sculptures inside the courtyard and arched main gate of this temple are the finest examples of artisanship.

Timings: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm throughout the week

Duration: Around 2 hours

Entry fee:

Indian tourists: INR 10
Foreign tourists: USD 5

3. Hampi Bazaar

Situated on the foothills of Matanga Hill, Hampi Bazaar is another famous place that you should not skip a visit to. Stretched across one kilometre of land, Hampi Bazaar is a street dotted with busy shops, street food stalls, some ancient ruins and truckloads of handmade articles.

Also known as Virupaksha Bazar, this place is crowded with shoppers. You must roam around the streets to buy collectables and gifts for your friends and family. At the end of this Bazar rests the majestic Nandi bull statue and a photo gallery.

Timings: 6:00 am to 11:30 pm throughout the week

Duration: Around 1.5-2 hours

Entry fee: None

4. Hippie Island or Virupapura Gadde

Located across the Tungabhadra River, Virupapura Gadde (more popularly known as Hippie Island) is famous for its massive boulder fields and is one of the most popular rock-climbing areas in the world. Come December, this island is teeming with rock climbers from India, Europe and Americas. Don’t forget to attend one of the bouldering workshops conducted by many locals around Hampi. Due to its scenic beauty, it also attracts several hikers and nature lovers. Dotted with many lodges, cafes, etc. along with coconut and banana trees, this island has an ambience like none other.

Many of the tourists at the Hippie Island are groups of youngsters who love backpacking, road-tripping and attending music festivals. The island is famous for hosting sunset jam sessions to capture the mesmerizing dusk view from the naked eyes. Don’t forget to take your camera along and click amazing pictures at various sunset points on Hippie Island.

Timings: 7:00 am to 8:30 pm throughout the week

Duration: 4-5 hours

Entry fee: None

5. Gagan Mahal

With its main structures under ruins, the Gagan Mahal is a splendid place you must visit in Hampi. Built approximately in 1561 AD, the Gagan Mahal was the palace and court of Adil Shahi dynasty which was ruined after the defeat of the Kingdom by Mughals. The palace has arched gates with decorated windows and a huge dome on the top.

Timings: Throughout the day

Duration: 45 minutes - 1 hour

Entry fee: None

6. Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple

Located on the top of Anjaneya Hill, the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, the Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple is a structure that talks beyond religious beliefs. This hill is located around 2 kilometres away from the Virupaksha Temple where the Tungabhadra River flows at the foothill.

To reach the hilltop, tourists must take a small boat and walk up the stairs to a panoramic view of this majestic temple as well as the scenery around. This temple is also known as the Monkey Temple as you will find hundreds of monkeys around.

Timings: From sunrise to sunset, throughout the week

Duration: 45 minutes - 1 hour

Entry fee: None

7. Queen’s Bath

Queen’s Bath is a huge royal pool dating back to ancient times. This enormous bathing pool has an excellent architecture inside and simple artistry outside. A rectangular pool surrounded by arched corridors, small windows with intricate design and symmetrical balconies, Queen’s Bath will take you back into royalty within a glimpse.

The royalty had to cross a huge courtyard with a dome-shaped roof before getting into their pampering session in this 30 square meters pool. The architectural design of Queen's Bath indicates that it maintained the privacy of the royal queens and princesses at its best, ensuring no outsiders could come in.

Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm throughout the week

Duration: 30-45 minutes

Entry fee: None

8. Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple

Famous for the enormous 8 feet tall monolith sculpture of Lord Ganesha, Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple in the southern part of Hemakuta hill entices tourists from around the globe. Locals call it “Sasivekalu” as it means mustard seed which resembles Ganesha’s belly.

The giant statue also features a snake around Ganesha’s belly as a depiction of the incident when the Lord consumed a lot of food and tied a snake around him to stop his stomach from bursting. This temple was built in the year 1506 AD and continues to attract people due to its exquisite carvings.

Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm throughout the week

Duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour

Entry fee: None

9. Sanapur Lake

Surrounded by rocky hills, Sanapur Lake is located around 5 kilometres away from the Hippie Island. The lake was made by an irrigation reservoir and is fed by the Tungabhadra Dam canal. You will observe deep, clear water in this lake while experiencing a refreshing, cool breeze. The road to Sanapur Lake will take you through paddy fields and banana trees.

Not only the location is iconic, but the lake is also very calm and serene. You can relax your busy mind at Sanapur Lake and enjoy some water sports such as boating, cliff jumping, swimming, and coracle riding.

Timings: Throughout the day

Duration: 3-4 hours

Entry fee: None

10. Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex

Dotted with ruins and remains of over thirty-five temples, the Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex epitomizes the architectural excellence of the Vijayanagara Empire. These temples are devoted to Lord Shiva and vary completely in their architectural styles.

Krishna Temple, Virupaksha Temple, Moola Virupaksha temple, shrines of Lakshmi Narasimha and Badivilinga are some of the complexes that you will explore across the huge hill. Once you reach the hilltop, the sunset view is worth waiting for.

Timings: 6:00 am to 6:30 pm throughout the week

Duration: 2.5-3 hours

Entry fee: None

11. Archaeological Museum

A small paradise for museum buffs, the Archaeological Museum of Hampi is worth spending some time. From artefacts to paintings, plates to coins, statues to sculptures, armoury to royal remains, this museum has a lot of historic pages to turn.

The Hampi museum exhibits four major sections related to the history of this village. In the first section, you will find the model of Hampi along with some unknown facts about this ancient village. The second section exhibits various sculptures and idols found in the ruins of Hampi during excavation.

The third section introduces you to the tools and weapons of the royal empire. Lastly, you will find various historic artefacts in the fourth section. Although you can take your camera along, it is not permitted to take pictures inside the museum.

Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, throughout the week except for Fridays

Duration: 1.5-2 hours

Entry fee: INR 5 per person above the age of 15

12. Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

What makes the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple worth visiting in Hampi is the gigantic 6.7 metres high statue of Lord Narasimha sitting on a seven-headed snake coil in a cross-legged position. The sheer magnanimity of this largest monolith statue in Hampi dating back to 1528 AD will make you numb for a minute.

Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm throughout the week

Duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour

Entry fee: None

13. Daroji Bear Sanctuary

If you are looking forward to experiencing some wildlife along with the history on your trip to Hampi, nothing is better than the Daroji Bear Sanctuary. Spread across more than 20,000 acres of land, Daroji Bear Sanctuary is located in Ballari district of Karnataka. This site is just 15 kilometres away from Hampi which was established in the year 1994 to protect Indian Sloth Bears along with Leopards, Hyenas, Spotted Deers, etc.

Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm throughout the week

Duration: 3-3.5 hours

Entry fee:

Indian tourists: INR 50
Foreign tourists: INR 300
Car Parking: INR 500 per vehicle

14. Matanga Hill

Matanga Hill is a quaint spot that connects you to many famous places in Hampi. Dotted with palm trees and rocky boulders, trekking up this hill will offer you a picturesque view of many ruins and monuments in Hampi as it is the highest point of Hampi.

The Hill derives its name from Saint Matanga in Ramayana who is believed to have been here. The trekking trail of Matanga Hill is not highly maintained or well-lit, so trekkers must carry their head torches with them. Day, as well as night trekking, is popular at Matanga Hill, making people eager to watch dusk as well as dawn after reaching the hilltop.

Timings: From sunrise to sunset, throughout the week

Duration: 3-3.5 hours

Entry fee: None

15. Tungabhadra Dam

For people who enjoy water sports, the trip to Hampi can be completed by visiting the Tungabhadra Dam. You can spot many flamingos roaming around freely on the sides of the dam. This place is good for water activities and photography to add more lively vibes to your trip. Every evening, the musical fountain plays Hindi, Telugu and Kannada songs for music and dance lovers.

Timings: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm throughout the week

Duration: 1.5-2 hours

Entry fee: None

Interesting Things to Do in Hampi to Make the Most Out of Your Trip

If you are planning a two-day trip and have already decided which places to visit in Hampi in two days, here are our suggestions for things to do in Hampi to make your vacation more fun.

1. Rock Climbing (Bouldering)

Very few people know the significance of Hampi island in the global rock climbing community. A visit to Hampi island is incomplete without a bouldering adventure. Bouldering is rock climbing on rocks that are 12-15 high with safety equipment like crash pads to keep you safe. Bouldering at Hampi is a magical experience. There are a number of bouldering workshops and guides available to enjoy this experience.

2. Coracle Ride

A coracle is a bowl-shaped boat made up of reed, hide and saplings to cross the Tungabhadra river. It is also known as Dongi riding by the locals as "dongi" translates to a bowl in English. Coracle riding gives a whole new boating experience to travellers as it is the speciality of Hampi. This ride is done using only one row, making it more challenging and fun.

3. Shopping at Hampi Bazar

Is any vacation even complete without shopping? We know your answer! Shopping at Hampi Bazaar and bargaining with the sellers is one of the best and most enjoyable things to do in Hampi. The Bazaar will take you to a different aura of colours, shapes, and textures through antique handicrafts, jewellery pieces, decorative and clothing items.

4. Rent a Bicycle

Hampi is all about roaming the village streets and exploring history wherever you look. It is a great idea to hire a bicycle and travel around Hampi on your own.

5. Trek Up the Hills

If trekking is your thing, Hampi will not disappoint you. Even if you are a beginner, you can easily trek the “not-so-high” hills of Hampi.

6. Watch Sunrise or Sunset

If you reach the hilltop, plan your trek accordingly so that you can witness the beautiful sun rising or going down.

7. Cliff Jumping

Jumping off the cliff into the Tungabhadra River and enjoying the free fall in the calm water is worth a try if your physical fitness allows you to do so! Don't forget to follow the instructions and consult your guide before cliff jumping.

How to Reach Hampi

Ready to pack your bags? Spare a minute to know how to reach Hampi to pack accordingly!

By Road

Hampi is well-connected to major national highways and cities like Bangalore, Hospet, Hassan, Badami, Mysore, etc. Buses and taxis ply regularly between all the nearby cities.

By Train

If you want to reach Hampi via railways, you can take a train to Hospet Junction that is located about 13 kilometres from Hampi.

By Air

If you are a domestic tourist, you can reach Hampi via flight either from the Hubli Airport, which is situated approximately 145 kilometres away, or the Belgaum Airport, which is located around 215 kilometres away from Hampi.

Tips to Know Before You Visit Hampi

You can make most out of your trip to these best places to visit in Hampi if you pay a little more attention to some expert tips! Read on to know them.

Wear good quality shoes as you have to walk the rugged, stony trails amidst the huge boulders.
Visit the temples as early as possible to avoid the swarming crowds and avoid being in the sun.
When entering a temple, take your shoes off as a sign of respect.
Although there is no official rule for doing so, cover your knees and shoulders in respect when you visit a temple. Rest, you can dress up the way you want.
You will always find a bull or a Garuda at the entrance of every temple. So, enter from its left side and exit from its right side to pay homage to the Indian religious deities.
Hire a local guide to help you understand the historical significance better.
Carry extra batteries for your camera as every site as Hampi is worth a click.
Drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated to trek up the hills.

Frequently Asked Questions about Places to Visit near Hampi and Badami

Badami is another historical place with lots of potential for adventure activities. It is just a few hours from Hampi. Many people are confused about little things before they plan their trip for places to visit near Hampi and Badami. We answer some of them to make it easy for you.

Is Hampi worth visiting?

Hampi has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site and is described as a place to bind the whole medieval era altogether. In addition to the historical significance, it is a beautiful place for new adventures. There is no other place that blends these two as well as Hampi does. We are sure that your visit to Hampi will validate this statement. This place is certainly worth visiting if you are intrigued by history and nature.

How can I commute within Hampi?

Once you reach Hampi via air, bus or train, you can hire a bike or a bicycle to commute within the town.

What are the top places to visit in Hampi and Hospet?

We suggest these places to visit in Hampi in one day if you are on a short trip.

Virupaksha Temple
Hampi Bazaar
Vithala Temple
Hippie Island
Coracle Ride

What is famous in Hampi?

Hampi is famous for ruins of temples and shrines that date back to the Vijayanagara Empire. There are plenty of places to visit in Hampi in two days if you want to know about Indian medieval history.

What are the places to visit near Hampi and Badami?

These are the best places we suggest to visit near Hampi and Badami:

Queen’s Bath
Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple
Badami Cave Temples
Badami Fort
Agastya Lake

How many days do you need in Hampi?

Although there are many places to visit in Hampi in one day, it is best to take out atleast two days to explore Hampi. You can discover the temple ruins on day one along with some shopping. On day two, you can head out to do fun activities at the Hippie Island, take a coracle ride near the Tungabhadra river, go to the Archaeological Museum or the Bear Sanctuary in Hampi. If you have more time, Hampi has enough things to do. Many international travellers spend weeks enjoying the history, nature and engaging in rock climbing every year.

Is Hampi safe for girls?

Yes. Hampi is a safe tourist destination for girls or for solo travellers as the locals are very respectful, warm-hearted and hospitable. But make sure to be extra cautious and follow essential travel safety tips because you can never predict what happens on a trip.

What is the best time to visit Hampi?

The best time to visit Hampi is from September to March as there is a fewer crowd, clear skies, and pleasant weather. It could be a little crowded between Christmas and New year with lots of international travellers so plan ahead.

Bottom Line

The temples at Hampi portray medieval archaeology and stories through numerous sculptures, walls, pillars, and scriptures. If you love historic influences, you should not miss exploring the heritage relics at Hampi. Under every stone lies an unheard story waiting for you to flip the pages and unveil the past.

The intricate designs of temples at Hampi are the epitome of artistry. If you are an adventure enthusiast then bouldering will fill your soul.

These beautiful places allure tourists for spiritual relaxation, enjoyment and clicking hundreds of pictures. Plan your trip to explore the ruins and capture lifelong memories amidst the boulders.

Also, check out Adventure Sports In Bangalore for a refreshing weekend!

Top 10 Historical Places to Visit in Hampi Village in 3 Days, 2 Days, One Day & Night

by Avathi Outdoors | Historical Places

Right Time to Visit Hampi

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