Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular heritage tourism destination located in the Indian state of Karnataka. The city of Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century and is now known for its rich history, architecture, and temples.
Tourist Places to visit in Hampi
Hampi heritage tourism is a significant contributor to the local economy, and visitors can explore the city’s many historical sites and attractions, including:
Virupaksha Temple
A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Virupaksha Temple is one of the oldest and most famous temples in Hampi.
Hampi Bazaar
A street market located near Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Bazaar is known for its handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food.
Vijaya Vittala Temple
A temple known for its intricate carvings and musical pillars, Vijaya Vittala Temple is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hampi.
Hemakuta Hill
A scenic hill located near the Virupaksha Temple, Hemakuta Hill is known for its panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and ancient temples.
Royal Enclosure
A complex of ruins that once served as the royal palace of the Vijayanagara Empire, the Royal Enclosure is now a popular tourist attraction.
Lotus Mahal
A beautiful palace located in the Zenana Enclosure, Lotus Mahal is known for its unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles.
Hazara Rama Temple
A temple known for its intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Hazara Rama Temple is located within the Royal Enclosure.
Anegundi
A quaint village located across the Tungabhadra River from Hampi, Anegundi is known for its ancient temples, cave paintings, and scenic beauty.
Hampi heritage tourism attracts visitors from all over the world who come to explore the city’s rich history and experience its unique blend of ancient and modern cultures.
Heritage Tourism Related Article: The Best Places to Visit in Ujjain: A Traveler’s Dream
Tourist Places near Hampi
If you’re planning to visit Hampi, here are 10 must-see tourist places near Hampi that you should include in your itinerary:
- Badami: Known for its stunning rock-cut cave temples, Badami is located around 105 km from Hampi.
- Pattadakal: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pattadakal is known for its group of magnificent 8th-century temples and is located about 133 km from Hampi.
- Aihole: Known as the “Cradle of Hindu Temple Architecture,” Aihole is located about 140 km from Hampi and is home to over 100 temples and monuments.
- Bijapur: Located around 240 km from Hampi, Bijapur is known for its iconic Gol Gumbaz, a massive mausoleum with the second-largest dome in the world.
- Gokarna: A coastal town located about 280 km from Hampi, Gokarna is known for its stunning beaches, temples, and trekking trails.
- Goa: Known for its beaches, nightlife, and Portuguese architecture, Goa is located about 325 km from Hampi.
- Hyderabad: Known as the “City of Pearls,” Hyderabad is located about 370 km from Hampi and is home to iconic landmarks like the Charminar, Golconda Fort, and the Salar Jung Museum.
- Mysore: Known for its palaces, gardens, and silk sarees, Mysore is located about 400 km from Hampi.
- Coorg: Also known as Kodagu, Coorg is located about 450 km from Hampi and is known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and trekking trails.
- Ooty: Also known as Udhagamandalam, Ooty is located about 580 km from Hampi and is a popular hill station known for its scenic beauty and tea plantations.
Things to do in Hampi
If you’re planning for best places to visit in Hampi in one day, here are some things to do and see:
- Explore the Hampi ruins: Hampi is home to a vast number of ancient ruins and monuments that date back to the 14th century. You can explore the ruins by foot, rent a bicycle, or hire a local guide to show you around.
- Visit the Virupaksha Temple: Located in the heart of Hampi, the Virupaksha Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the oldest and most famous temples in Hampi.
- Climb Matanga Hill: Matanga Hill is the highest point in Hampi, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. You can climb the hill early in the morning to catch the sunrise or in the evening to watch the sunset.
- Visit the Vittala Temple: The Vittala Temple is a 16th-century temple known for its intricate carvings and musical pillars. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Hampi.
- Explore the Hampi Bazaar: The Hampi Bazaar is a bustling street market located near the Virupaksha Temple, known for its handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food.
- Go on a coracle ride: A coracle is a round boat made of bamboo and tarps, used by locals to cross the Tungabhadra River. You can take a coracle ride to explore the river and its surroundings.
- Visit the Anjaneya Hill: The Anjaneya Hill is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, the monkey god in Hindu mythology. You can climb the hill to visit the Anjaneya Temple and enjoy the panoramic views of Hampi.
- Try local cuisine: Hampi is known for its delicious South Indian cuisine, including dosas, idlis, vadas, and filter coffee. You can try these local dishes at the many restaurants and street food stalls in Hampi.
- Attend the Hampi Utsav: The Hampi Utsav is an annual festival held in November to celebrate the cultural heritage of Hampi. The festival includes music, dance, puppet shows, and a procession of decorated elephants.
- Visit the Tungabhadra Dam: The Tungabhadra Dam is a scenic dam located on the Tungabhadra River, known for its beautiful gardens and parks. You can visit the dam to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Hampi.
Best Month to visit Hampi
The best time to visit Hampi is during the winter months from October to February when the weather is pleasant, and the temperature ranges from 15°C to 30°C. The winter months are also the peak season for tourism in Hampi, and you can expect larger crowds and higher prices during this time.
The summer months from March to June can be very hot, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C. It is not advisable to visit Hampi during this time as it can be uncomfortable to explore the ruins and monuments in the heat.
The monsoon season from July to September brings heavy rains to Hampi, which can disrupt travel plans and make it difficult to explore the city. However, the surrounding landscape is lush and green during this time, and the waterfalls in the region are at their most spectacular.
In summary, the best time to visit Hampi is from October to February when the weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy exploring the ruins and monuments comfortably.
