Top Things to do in Hampi
The 10 Best Things to Do in Hampi, India
The former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi remains an essential religious hub, housing the Virupaksha, Lakshmi Narasimha, Hemakuta Hill, Big Shivlinga and Vithala temples. The architectural ruins of Hampi are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rock-climbing enthusiasts will adore Hampi, considered the bouldering capital of India, and the city’s rocky landscape, dotted with ancient temple ruins, makes for a unique climbing experience.
Restaurants in Hampi
1. Group of Monuments at Hampi
Overall Ratings
5 based on 396 reviews
Reviewed By Viv P - London, United Kingdom
It was a surprise to see this vast area c 15 century of temples, royal enclosures,elephant stables I think the site is 60 sq.miles and unlike many old sites/ buildings in India it hasn’t been encroached on by villages or squeezed out by shops and village life, probably because it’s a UNESCO supported area. Massive statues and a stone chariot and well restored buildings, including a stepped water tank( which, to me, seemed influenced by South American architecture ) as well as a live elephant 'god' inside a temple who for 10 rupees would give you a blessing with his trunk. Rather sad! But the whole area is definitely worth a visit. There are Cave temples hewn out of the mountain, not too far away - by Indian standards at Badami..
2. Vijaya Vittala Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
Reviewed By Shailendrasood - Hyderabad, India
Vijay Vittala temple is the most visited monuments in Hampi. It is renowned for the musical pillars and the Chariot temple.
The monuments is located at a distance of 1 km from the entrance and can be reached by walking or by electronic vehicle.
Worth a visit!
3. Matanga Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 351 reviews
Reviewed By Ian F - Sheffield, United Kingdom
We spent time on top of the hill and thoroughly enjoyed looking at the 9th/10th century temples and the monkeys. We left before the sunset and we were quite pleased seeing the crowds gathering.
4. Vithala Temple Complex
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 925 reviews
Reviewed By S-P-Trvl - pune
You need to engage a professional guide to give justice to your visit to this place. Else you need to read a lot before visiting this place to observe and appreciate the various sculptures and beautiful architecture present here. You otherwise would call it "ruins of Hampi".
This place has got the famous Sun charriot having four wheels. It also has the musical pillars but that specific structure is not open to general visitors, since its under maintenance...
We had to satisfy ourselves by hearing music from pillars present on the adjacent monument... Even that's OK.
5. Virupaksha Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 508 reviews
Reviewed By Gregory D - New Lambton
This huge temple, with its two massive gopura, is obviously the most visited temple by tourists in Hampi. A wonderfully impressive place, it is worthwhile spending sometime exploring the various shrines, the main sanctum with its Shivalinga and the cloistered mandapa around the main courtyard. Watching the antics of the resident bonnet macaques and hanuman langurs is also entertaining, plus the temple elephant. A good place to start exploring the extensive ruins of Hampi.
6. Hazara Rama Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
Reviewed By Gregory D - New Lambton
Although lacking the great gopura of other temple complexes at Hampi, this temple is so impressive because of the intricate relief sculptures of the Ramayana and Bhagavata stories on the external walls. Reminiscent of some of the reliefs at Angkor Wat and Bayon in Cambodia, these are equally impressive. The interior of the temple is also ornately decorated, with unusual polished black stone pillars
7. Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 143 reviews
Reviewed By nimi111 - Pune, India
Hampi was full of surprises and this was just another addition to the list!
Again a group of small structures surrounded by rocks. But climbing on them was fun! We took rest, had some snacks and even slept on rocks for sometime enjoying the cool soft breeze.
Needless to say, there was a great view from the top and hike was absolutely delightful.
not recommended in summer but that applies to Hampi itself...
8. Monkey Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 436 reviews
Reviewed By Gregory D - New Lambton
We climbed the 600 steps- we counted them to the top viewing platform. Although a little hazy on the day, the view is still spectacular. The Hanuman temple itself is very small and very sacred. Certainly worth the climb, but don't attempt it if it is too hot - we went up mid-morning.
9. Stepped Tank
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 227 reviews
Reviewed By Gregory D - New Lambton
This smaller but impressive water tank, which looks like it has been recently excavated, is another example of the hydrology of the Vijayanagara Empire. Most importantly, part of the stone aqueduct which fed the tank is still in place.
10. Statue of Ugra Narsimha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 388 reviews
Reviewed By VIRUPAS - Chandigarh, India
This imposing carving of Lakshami Narashimha is a must see monument co located with Badavi Linga. It is one of the most outstanding works of sculputural art , but unfortunately the image of Lakshami seated over the left lap has been mutilated and is missing.
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