Hampi, located in Karnataka, a village of ruins, neighboring hills and Tungabhadra river. Hampi was once the second largest city in world, it has served as the capital of mighty Vijayanagara Empire until 1500 AD. Once the most powerful City in world has now been turned into desolated ruins. Hampi have withstood with time and man, many monuments in city gives you details about grandeur and culture it inhibited. It is a delight for history and archaeological buffs, it has also garnered immense popularity amongst bag packers.  It has so much history to tell that it has been classified as world heritage site by UNESCO. It has been considered as the largest open air museum in the entire world. When you visit Hampi first time you might only sight boulders in whole vicinity. Ruins proof that it was once such magnum opus that it’s said to be bigger and impactful than Rome. As it’s a antiquarianism site not much renovation and projects have been bought in main site. You can still witness opulent palaces, stables, pillars, barracks, magnificent temples and other architecture. Hampi is not just a city it is a proof how affluent and impactful India was in ancient history. Some more detailed information about Hampi. 

HISTORY

An imperative ancient town and splashing rich history of India. Hampi has served as capital for most prosperous and mighty Vijayanagara Empire under four rulers. Came in to existence in 1345 AD, Hampi reached unfathomable heights under King Krishna Deva Raya of Tulava Dynasty. It took southern India to new heights. Merchants of this city only traded in diamond, gold, exquisite jewellery and prestigious artifacts. It became a trade hub across world. It was once believed to be more prosperous and powerful than Rome, Lisbon. In 1565, coalition of Muslim Sultanates defeated Vijayanagara Empire and conquered it’s capital. Hence they started destruction and since then Hampi remains in ruins. How technologically rich it was can been seen on the pillars who are carved by such intricacy. 

FOOD 

As an archaeological rich town, it can also give you some delectable food. Located in south, inevitable Idli and dosa are morning breakfast of city. Every dish is served on banana leaf which in itself is a unforgettable experience. Chicken and prawn curry are also famous in region. You will experience scrumptious south Indian food on narrow streets and restaurants. Mango tree, New Shanthi, Laughing Budha, Gauthami restaurant, Sagar hotel and funky corner are few popular places to eat.

RELIGION AND CULTURE

It is believed that according to Kishkindha kand in Ramayana, Hampi has a significant imprint. When Lord Rama and Lord Lakshman reached the Land of Monkeys, that land was Hampi. Many geographical proofs have been found in its significance. So it is a city of Hindus, divided in the Saivites and the Vaishnavites. Even lord Shiva is believed to be most worshiped here. In initial days itself Vijayanagara adopted lord Shiva as revered deity and built Virupkasha temple. It is a sacred land of Hindus. 

HAMPI DANCE UTSAV 

A fully animated city, in month of October or November. Hampi utsav is organized by Karnataka Government. Artists and performers flock from all over nation to participate in this yearly festival. It is organized amidst ruins of Hampi, which add to its beauty. Several folk dances, sufi musical nights and dramas are performed amidst rocks. Performer practice vigorously throughout year to perform on this platform. History of Hampi and bygone era is also dramatized in performances. 

PLACES TO VISIT

•  VIRUPKASHA TEMPLE: Dedicated to lord Virupkasha an incarnation of lord shiva. This temple is believed to be the oldest functional temple since 7th century. Immense grandeur and popular among architecture buffs for it’s structure, Virupkasha temple is one of the most sacred temples in Karnataka. 
• VIJAY VITTAL TEMPLE: Bewitching architecture this temple is dedicated to lord Vittal and incarnation of lord Vishnu. It’s said to be built in 15th century when Vijayanagara was abundantly prosperous. Array of huge pillars, stone chariot, intricate sculptures and huge corridors makes it a must visit sight of Hampi. 
• HANUMAN TEMPLE: Located on Anjaneya hills, birth place oof Hanuman, this temple holds high belief among Hindu pilgrims. You have to cross a river by a boat to reach this temple perched on hill. It has sight to behold from top. It is also said Lord Ram met lord Hanuman here as they traveled to Land of Monkeys. 
• SASIVEKALU GANESHA TEMPLE: How technology was developed in Vijayanagara in 15th century can be seen in these intricate temples. A Ganesh statue carved out of a boulder and a snake made of stone placed around his neck, architecture can bewilder you. It is located on Hemakuta hills, it has depiction enriched Indian history. 
• HEMAKUTA HILL TEMPLE: Hemakuta hills are fortified ruins of of Vijayanagara Empire. There are several temples surrounding this hill. This temple has pillars, wide open corridor and magnificently carved walls. 
• LAXMI NARSIMHA TEMPLE: Largest megalith in the ruins of Hampi, this temple belongs to Lord Narasimha. During Mughal invasion it was vandalized hence this statue remains ruined. It has a statue of Lord Narsimha an incarnation of lord Vishnu, where he is half god and half lion. 
• QUEENS BATH: As name suggests it is considered to be the bathing area of queens. You will be amazed to see this majestic and enormous building. How even in ancient days queens bathe in open sky in unbelievable architectural pool. 
• RIVERSIDE RUINS: Riverside ruins is a place located near river where 108 Shiva linga are aligned and carved on a flat surfaces. It also contains a Vishnu statue carved on rock making it one of the most alluring places in Hampi. 
• TUNGABHADRA DAM: To go and visit some natural bliss, Tungabhadra dam is a mesmerizing landscape. Well trimmed gardens and flamingos flocking in group makes it a perfect sightseeing spot. A musical fountain show is organized at 7 ok daily. 
• HIPPIE ISLAND: As name suggests it is a happening place and mostly visited by younger generation and foreigners. It is an island situated across Tungabhadra river. It is an astounding beauty and sunsets and sunrise on this island are breathtaking. 
• GAGAN MAHAL: Mostly areas of this place is ruined. You can still visit to see grandeur of those era, still reflecting through its architecture. 
• ELEPHANT STABLES: Something extremely quaint and interesting thing to do in Hampi is visit Elephant stables. It has enormous structure and 11 chambers for elephants. You can touch and feed them and seek knowledge of this kind giant animal. 
• ZANANA ENCLOSURE: Royalty can be felt on every step in Hampi. A magnificent architecture and rich life of Vijayanagara queens can be seen through Zanana house. A secluded place, facing a pond and exquisite architecture makes you envy those royal days. 
•  SANAPUR LAKE: Sanapur lake was formed by an irrigation reservoir, it is a lake surrounded by boulders and rocks. It is 5 km away from hippie island. You can indulge in sport activities as well. 

Hampi doesn’t seize you only with these listed places. There are several other temple and monuments ruins still stand. Kirshna pushakarni, Stepped tank, Prasanna Virupkasha temple, Krishna temple and several other architectural ruins of Vijayanagara Empire. 

HOW TO REACH

• AIRPORT: Hubli airport is approximately 168 km from Hampi. Vidyanagar airport is about 38 km from Hampi. And Belgaum is about 265. You have to see connectivity to each airport and can hire a cab from there. 
• RAILWAY: Hospet is the nearest railway station to Hampi about 13 km from ruins. It is well connected to cities like Bengaluru, Goa, Mumbai and Hyderabad. 
• ROAD: You can easily opt for a bus to Hampi from cities like Goa, Belgaum, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. You can also travel by road if you stay nearby.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

November to March is the best time to execute your trip
• SUMMERS: Temperature hovers from 32°c to 40°c (scorching and extremely draining summers) 
• RAINS: Temperature hovers from 21°c to 31°c (moderate climate) 
• WINTERS: Temperature hovers from 13°c to 20°c ( Pleasant and cold)