Introduction

Have you ever wanted to hear about the past? Step back in time as you walk along the Tungabhadra River and Hampi’s rocky terrain. For a bird’s-eye view of the city, walk the streets leading to the relics of the Vijayanagar Empire’s splendour and splendour. Take advantage of the peaceful sunrises and sunsets to pause, take a breather, and step into the history of the past wrapped in the beauty of the present. A Sightseeing Tour to Hampi from Bangalore is always a good idea.

Hampi, the ancient capital of the Vijayanagara kingdom founded in 1336 by Harihara and Bukka, fell to the Muslim rulers of the Deccan in 1565 and was looted for six months before being abandoned. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is also the “world’s largest aerial museum,” covering an area of more than 29 square kilometres, more beautiful than that of Lisbon. Merchants in the city would have sold diamonds, jewels, horses, rich silks, and brocades.

Most of the famous structures and ruins in the two areas are known as the Royal Center and the Sacred Center. The royal centre in the southwest of the site consists of structures that appear to be a royal palace, a bathhouse, a royal palace, and a ceremonial temple. The holy place includes the Virupaksha Temple and Hampi Bazaar and is situated on the banks of the holy river Tungabhadra.                           

What will you see? 

Virupaksha Temple 

Virupaksha Temple, one of the oldest and most important temples in Hampi, is a pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Pampa Devi. It’s scary. The Gopura, a nine-story tower whose height is 165 meters, is one of the tallest buildings in Karnataka. A beautiful central mantapa is the main feature here, with ceiling paintings depicting epics and Puranas, as well as a beautiful three-faced Nandi sculpture. The marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Pampa is still celebrated every year at the beautiful Kalyana Mantapa.

The temple is one of the oldest examples of a pinhole camera, with an inverted representation of the main gopura on the wall of the side tunnel next to the temple. Parts of the temple predate the Vijayanagara Empire, making it a historical treasure.

Mount Hemakuta

Hemakuta Hill is a short walk from the Virupaksha Temple and has a plethora of structures such as temples, roads, and pavilions. This is one of the greatest spots to see the dawn and sunset. According to legend, Lord Shiva took refuge here before marrying Goddess Parvathi.

Admire the magnificent Ganesha, KadaleKalu, and Sasivekalu sculptures

On the slopes of Hemakuta Hill, two images of Ganesha (Sasuvekalu and Kadalekalu) can be seen. Kadalekalu Ganesha (Gram Seed Ganesha) is the tallest Ganesha statue in Karnataka, standing 18 feet tall and dating back to 1440. The huge monument was carved out of a single stone and is guarded by a temple with 24 pillars. Nearby is the Sasivekalu (mustard seed) Ganesha, so named because of the resemblance of the rounded toes to the mustard seed. The 9-metre-tall statue of Ganesha was erected in 1516. The silhouette of a woman behind the sculpture represents Goddess Parvathi’s eternal presence to protect her son. 

Achyutaraya Temple: Fall in love with the impressive entrance of this beautiful temple

Achyutaraya Temple is hidden behind the massive Matanga Hill, with a beautiful temple in front and a ruined marketplace. The ruins of two great towers surround the temple grounds, one behind the other.

Matanga Hill: A bird’s-eye view of Hampi awaits you at the top of the hill

Matanga Hilltop, located in the centre of Hampi at its highest point. It is the perfect place to get a panoramic view of Hampi and its surroundings. Climbing the hill offers a low view of its surroundings, including the Achyutaraya Temple. The holiest site on the Hampi pilgrimage is the Kodandarama Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is located across the Tungabhadra River from Chakratirtha, the famous bathing ghat. The statues of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana are 15 metres high on the rock in the garbhagriha. It is also said that Lord Rama anointed Sugreeva to be king here.

Tulabhara—an ancient balance

Muladhara, located to the southwest of the Vijaya Vittala Temple, is a large scale where Vijayanagara kings weighed themselves with gold, precious stones, and other things during festivals and important days. Brahmin priests and the poor were given an equal share. The ruins of a large building known as the Royal Palace is the residence of the King of the Vijayanagara Empire and is considered one of the most magnificent buildings in Hampi. Almost as large as the palace is its foundation, and the basement is believed to be a bank and a private audience. All parts of the foundation are highly sculpted.

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