Mystical HAMPI

A Journey through Time and Marvels

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Things to See and Do

Exploring the Mystical Land

Hampi, Karnataka

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich cultural heritage, awe-inspiring ruins, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Join me as i take you on an enchanting journey to Hampi “A Journey Back in Time”.

Flights

Vidyanagar airport is the closest airport (40 kms from Hampi).

Train Availability

Hosapete is the nearest railway station (15 kms from Hampi)

Hampi is 350 kms from Bengaluru.. Bus services and even taxi for hire are available easily from these places. The road trip from any place state is quite scenic with forested winding road, sharp hairpin beds and are well maintained.

Getting Around

Places to Explore

Virupaksha Temple

main center of pilgrimage, and considered the most sacred sanctuary over the centuries.

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Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple

a huge statue of Lord Ganesha, carved out of a single block of rock.

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Stone Chariot

an iconic monument located in front of Vijaya Vittala Temple in Hampi, central Karnataka.

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Vittala Temple of Musical Pillars

a masterpiece in terms of grandeur and architecture.

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HAMPI

Step into the land of ancient ruins, captivating temples, and a rich history that echoes through the rocks—welcome to Hampi! Located in the state of Karnataka, India, Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich cultural heritage, awe-inspiring ruins, and breathtaking natural beauty. It is a treasure trove for history buffs, adventure seekers, and curious travelers alike.

Ancient Ruins

It’s a journey back in time to uncover the secrets of this ancient land. Surrounded by about 500 ancient monuments, beautiful temples, bustling street markets, bastions, treasury building and captivating remains of Vijayanagar Empire.

Mythological Signifiacnce

Sasivekalu Ganesha is about 8 feet (2.5 metres) tall. The inscription on the statue is as old as 1500 AD and was erected in memory of the king Narasimha II, of the Vijayanagar Empire.

Lord Ganesha is known for his love for food as per Hindu mythology.

The stomach of Ganesha once grew so full that it was about to burst due to the amount of food he consumed. When Ganesha discovered that there was no other option to prevent his stomach from bursting, he caught hold of a snake and tied it around it. This is the mythological basis for the snake tied around Ganesha’s stomach, which can be seen on the statue.

Enchanting Virupaksha Temple

Arrival and the Enchanting Virupaksha Temple :

Upon arriving in Hampi, I was immediately captivated by the vibrant energy and the remnants of a bygone era that seemed to permeate the air. The first stop on my itinerary was the Virupaksha Temple, a magnificent structure dedicated to Lord Shiva. As I wandered through its towering gopuram (entrance tower) and intricate carvings, I couldn’t help but marvel at the temple’s architectural brilliance. The temple complex also provided a breathtaking view of the Tungabhadra River, offering a peaceful setting for reflection and tranquility.

Musical Pillars of Vittala Temple

Exploring the Ancient Ruins With great anticipation, I set out to explore the ancient ruins that sprawl across Hampi. The Vittala Temple Complex stole my heart with its iconic Stone Chariot, a symbol synonymous with Hampi. The intricate carvings and musical pillars within the temple were a testament to the masterful craftsmanship of the Vijayanagara Empire. As I wandered through the sprawling complex, I encountered the awe-inspiring Elephant Stables, majestic monolithic statues like the Ugra Narasimha and the Varaha, and the breathtaking Lotus Mahal.

56 melodic columns

There are some beautiful stone structures at the Vittala Temple, including a chariot and musical pillars. Ranga Mantapa is known for its 56 musical pillars, also known as SaReGaMa pillars. Mantapa has many small pillars as well as a set of main pillars. As each pillar supports the ceiling of the mantapa, the main pillars resemble musical instruments. The major pillars are surrounded by seven minor pillars that emit musical notes.

Majestic Hills

I then ventured to the Hemakuta Hill, dotted with ancient shrines and breathtaking views of the surrounding ruins. The sunset from the hill was a sight to behold, painting the sky in vivid hues of orange and gold. As the sun descended, it lent an otherworldly glow to the temples and boulders that stretched as far as the eye could see.

Architectural wonder

As I sat in the temple courtyard, I could feel the spiritual energy of the place and the deep-rooted faith that has been nourished for centuries. The chants and prayers of devotees, along with the fragrance of incense, created a soothing atmosphere that allowed me to connect with my inner self and experience a moment of serenity.

Palace of Lotus

Made for the Royal family of the Vijayanagara Empire. The curves of the palace are inspired by the Islamic architecture. It is built in the form of an open pavilion with arched windows and balconies, resembling a half-opened lotus flower.

Also known as the Chitragani Mahal or Kamal Mahal, is a unique building within the Zenana Enclosure, an area reserved for royal women.

Riverside Ruins and Royal Enclosures

The Queen’s Bath, an ornate structure with a sunken pool, transported me to an era of opulence and grandeur. Queen’s Bath, an opulent structure that once served as a private bathing chamber for the royal family. The Zenana Enclosure, or the Women’s Quarters, showcased the luxurious living quarters of the royal women.

Majestic Remnants

The Elephant Stables, with their domed chambers, reminded us of the majestic creatures that once resided there. The chambers of the Elephant Stables are interconnected, allowing a seamless flow of movement for the elephants. It was fascinating to imagine these majestic creatures moving from one chamber to another, cared for and protected within the confines of these remarkable stables.

Scenic beauty of Tungabhadra River

Riverside Ruins and Matanga Hill, I embarked on a serene boat ride along the Tungabhadra River, immersing myself in the scenic beauty that surrounds Hampi. The riverside ruins, including the Achyutaraya Temple and the Queen’s Bath, provided a glimpse into the city’s glorious past.

Another significant aspect of the Tungabhadra Dam is its contribution to hydroelectric power generation. The dam harnesses the water’s potential energy to generate electricity through its powerhouses. The flowing water drives turbines, producing a substantial amount of renewable energy.

My journey through Hampi was an unforgettable experience, a seamless blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty. The remnants of an ancient empire, the intricate carvings on temple walls, and the idyllic landscapes all left an indelible mark on my heart. Hampi is a destination that resonates with anyone seeking a deeper connection with the past

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Things to See and Do

Hampi, Karnataka

Getting Around

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Virupaksha Temple

Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple

Stone Chariot

Vittala Temple of Musical Pillars

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