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Top 12 Places to Visit Near Hampi To Explore the Wonders Beyond

• October 24, 2023

While Hampi is undoubtedly a mesmerizing destination that captures the essence of ancient India, the surrounding region is equally endowed with natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural treasures waiting to be explored. If you find yourself in Hampi, make sure to take the time to venture beyond its borders to discover a plethora of fascinating places nearby. In this blog post, we will unveil the top 12 places to visit near Hampi , offering you a chance to enrich your journey and create lasting memories. As Hampi is one of the best places to visit near Bangalore , it is visited in large numbers by tourists from Bangalore. When you are in Hampi, you can explore the following nearby places:

Top 12 Places to Visit Near Hampi:

1. badami – awe-inspiring cave temples.

Approximately 120 kilometres from Hampi lies the historic town of Badami , known for its stunning cave temples. Carved into sandstone cliffs, these rock-cut temples showcase an exquisite blend of Dravidian and Nagara architectural styles.

Explore the four main cave temples dedicated to Hindu deities and marvel at the intricate carvings and sculptures that adorn them. This is one of the best places to visit near Hampi . If you know how to reach Hampi and planned things accordingly, you can also plan your visit to this place located around 120 km away from Hampi.

2. Pattadakal – UNESCO World Heritage Site

A short distance from Badami, Pattadakal awaits visitors its UNESCO World Heritage Site status. This ancient site features an impressive collection of nine temples showcasing a blend of North Indian and South Indian architectural styles, representing the rich heritage of the Chalukya dynasty.

3. Aihole – The Cradle of Indian Architecture

Renowned as the “Cradle of Indian Architecture, Aihole is an architectural marvel located close to Hampi. Wander through its more than 120 temples, including the Durga Temple, Ravana Phadi Cave, and the Lad Khan Temple, which display a wide range of architectural experiments and styles.

If you are interested in exploring some spiritual places to visit near Hampi , you can consider visiting this place.

4. Anegundi – Hampi’s Lesser-Known Twin

Cross the Tungabhadra River from Hampi to discover Anegundi, a quaint village that shares its historical heritage with the iconic site. Explore ancient cave paintings, the Ranganatha Temple, and the picturesque Pampa Sarovar, all of which add to the charm of this hidden gem.

Indeed, you can engage in the best things to do in Hampi . But, when you go a bit further, do not forget to consider Anegundi as one of the best places to visit near Hampi .

5. Kishkindha – Ramayana’s Mythical Land

Step into the mythical land of Kishkindha, where legends from the Indian epic Ramayana come to life. This site is believed to be the kingdom of the monkey-god Hanuman. The Rishimukh Hill, Sugriva’s Cave, and the Monkey Temple are must-visit spots that transport you back to ancient times.

6. Tungabhadra Dam – A Marvel of Engineering

Witness the marvel of engineering at the Tungabhadra Dam, located around 16 kilometres from Hampi. Besides providing irrigation to the surrounding areas, the dam offers a serene ambience, making it an ideal spot for picnics and leisurely walks.

If you are planning an educational trip with kids, you can consider taking them to this dam, which is one of the best places to visit near Hampi .

7. Daroji Bear Sanctuary – A Wildlife Delight

Approximately 30 kilometres from Hampi, the Daroji Bear Sanctuary beckons wildlife enthusiasts. This unique sanctuary is home to the Indian Sloth Bears, and visitors can observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

If you are looking for the best places to visit near Hampi with kids, you can consider taking them to this sanctuary. They will love spotting wild boar and other wild animals here.

8. Hampi’s Hippie Island – Virupapur Gadde

Venture to the laid-back island of Virupapur Gadde, also known as Hampi’s Hippie Island. This serene destination on the other side of the Tungabhadra River offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Hampi. Relax by the riverside, witness stunning sunsets, and enjoy the bohemian vibe of the place.

9. Vijayapura (Bijapur) – The City of Victory

For history buffs, Vijayapura, formerly known as Bijapur, is a city steeped in history, located about 250 kilometres from Hampi. This city boasts a collection of magnificent Islamic architecture, with the Gol Gumbaz being the most notable structure, featuring the world’s second-largest dome.

Indeed, it is one of the best places to visit near Hampi located a bit away. But when you hire a car, you can conveniently explore this place and get back to your accommodation in Hampi. You might be interested in knowing about the best hotels in Hampi if you are yet to book one.

10. Hampi’s Stone Chariot at Sule Bazaar

Not to be confused with the Stone Chariot in Vittala Temple, Hampi’s Stone Chariot at Sule Bazaar is a hidden gem. Tucked away in a lesser-known part of Hampi, this beautiful stone chariot is reminiscent of the architectural marvels of Hampi and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

So, if you are looking for one of the best places to visit near Hampi to satiate your interest in historical places, you can choose to visit this place.

11. Koppal – Ancient Forts and Temples

About 70 kilometres from Hampi, Koppal is a treasure trove of historical sites, including the Koppal Fort and the Mahadeva Temple. These lesser-explored gems provide a glimpse into the region’s rich past and are worth a detour.

12. Navabrindavanam – Tranquil Island of Samadhis

Situated on an island between Hampi and Anegundi, Navabrindavanam is a peaceful abode housing the samadhis (tombs) of nine Hindu saints. Surrounded by the Tungabhadra River, this tranquil location is revered by devotees and offers a serene atmosphere for introspection.

Most tourists to Hampi point out this to be one of the best places to visit near Hampi . So, you should also never miss out on visiting it.

Conclusion:

While Hampi’s allure is undeniable, the surrounding region presents an array of remarkable places that complement the ancient city’s charm. From awe-inspiring cave temples to mythical lands and tranquil islands, each destination offers a unique experience waiting to be explored. Make the most of your time in Hampi by embarking on an enriching journey to the top 12 places to visit near Hampi , and you’ll uncover the incredible diversity and richness of this historically and culturally significant part of India.

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30 places to visit near Hampi

Hampi tour guide

Hampi, located in the state of Karnataka, India, is a captivating destination that holds immense religious and historical significance. As a Hindu pilgrimage site, Hampi is known for its numerous ancient temples and sacred sites, attracting thousands of devotees every year. One of the most prominent attractions in Hampi is the Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple, with its towering gopuram (gateway tower) and intricate carvings, is a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Apart from its religious importance, Hampi is also a popular tourist destination due to its rich heritage and stunning landscapes. The ruins of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer a glimpse into the glorious past of the Vijayanagara Empire. Visitors can explore the remains of palaces, royal complexes, and other structures that showcase the grandeur of the empire. Additionally, Hampi is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, with its picturesque landscapes, rocky hills, and the Tungabhadra River flowing through it.

Overall, Hampi is a place where history, spirituality, and natural beauty blend harmoniously, making it a must-visit destination for both pilgrims and tourists alike.

• Badami : Known for its rock-cut caves, ancient temples, and red sandstone cliffs, Badami is a historically significant town located around 3 hours from Hampi.
• Aihole : Renowned as the “cradle of Indian architecture,” Aihole is a historical site with over 120 stone and cave temples dating back to the 6th century.
• Pattadakal : Acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pattadakal is famous for its series of nine Hindu temples and a Jain sanctuary representing a harmonious blend of architectural forms.
• Anegundi : Situated on the northern bank of the Tungabhadra River, Anegundi is an ancient village with mythical significance and a serene riverside setting.
• Tungabhadra Dam : A popular spot for scenic views and leisure activities, the Tungabhadra Dam offers breathtaking landscapes and a serene environment.
• Hampi Bazaar : This bustling market area is dotted with antique stores, handicraft shops, and vibrant street vendors, offering a glimpse of local culture and traditional crafts.
• Daroji Bear Sanctuary : Located around 15 kilometers from Hampi, this sanctuary is home to a significant population of sloth bears and various species of flora and fauna.
• Vijaya Vittala Temple : Known for its iconic Stone Chariot and musical pillars, this temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and a testament to the artistic excellence of the Vijayanagara Empire.
• Sanapur Lake : A tranquil and picturesque lake where visitors can enjoy coracle boat rides and witness mesmerizing sunsets against a backdrop of surreal rock formations.
• Kamalapuram Museum : Housing a diverse collection of sculptures, inscriptions, and artifacts excavated from the ruins of Hampi, this museum offers valuable insights into the region’s rich heritage.
• Matanga Hill : A popular vantage point offering panoramic views of the Hampi ruins, temples, and the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape.
• Queen’s Bath : An architectural marvel, the Queen’s Bath is a royal enclosure featuring an ornate bathhouse with striking Indo-Islamic influences and well-preserved ornamental features.
• Ugra Narasimha Statue : A colossal monolithic statue of Lord Narasimha, renowned for its intricate carvings and imposing presence, representing the fierce aspect of Lord Vishnu.
• Hazara Rama Temple : Adorned with elaborate bas-reliefs depicting the Ramayana epic, this temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is known for its intricate friezes and finely carved pillars.
• Hemakuta Hill Temples : A cluster of ancient temples and shrines set amidst rocky outcrops, offering a serene and spiritual ambiance, especially during sunrise and sunset.
• Achyutaraya Temple : A remarkable architectural marvel with intricate carvings and towering gopurams, this temple is dedicated to Lord Tiruvengalanatha, a form of Lord Vishnu.
• Underground Shiva Temple : An intriguing subterranean temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its unique architecture and mysterious underground chambers.
• Lotus Mahal : A mesmerizing blend of Indo-Islamic architecture, this ornate pavilion within the Zenana Enclosure features delicately carved arches, lotus-shaped domes, and elegant balconies.
• Elephant Stables : A fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture, these majestic domed chambers were once used to house the royal elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire.
• Laxmi Narasimha Temple : Featuring an imposing monolithic statue of Lord Narasimha in a seated posture, this temple is a significant religious and artistic marvel.
• Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary : A haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, this sanctuary offers opportunities for wildlife spotting and conservation awareness.
• Kishkindha Heritage Village : A cultural and heritage village showcasing traditional architecture, folk art, and local customs, providing an immersive experience of ancient Indian village life.
• Chandramouleshwara Temple : A lesser-known gem with exquisite carvings and a serene ambiance, dedicated to Lord Shiva and boasting intricate architectural details.
• Sanapur Hanuman Temple : Nestled amidst scenic surroundings, this temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman offers a peaceful retreat and an opportunity for spiritual reflection.
• Lakshmi Narasimha Temple : Housing a colossal monolithic statue of Lord Narasimha, this temple is a prominent landmark with intricate carvings and religious significance.
• Kadalekalu Ganesha : A monolithic statue of Lord Ganesha adorned with intricate carvings and surrounded by lush greenery, representing artistic excellence and religious devotion.
• Vitthala Temple : Known for its iconic stone chariot and intricate carvings, the Vitthala Temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and a testimony to the skilled craftsmanship of the Vijayanagara Empire. Visitors can marvel at the ornate pillars and the musical pillars that resonate with melodious tones when tapped gently.
• Zenana Enclosure : This secluded area within the royal complex housed the women of the Vijayanagara court. The impressive Lotus Mahal, with its graceful arches and open pavilions, is a highlight of this enclosure, offering a peek into the royal lifestyle.
• Hampi’s Underground Siva Temple : An architectural marvel, this underground temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a unique and intriguing site. The temple’s unusual layout and hidden chambers add a sense of mystery to the spiritual experience.
• Hemakuta Hill : A sacred site dotted with ancient temples and shrines, Hemakuta Hill provides a serene setting for spiritual contemplation and offers panoramic views of the Hampi landscape, especially at sunrise and sunset.
• Hampi’s Riverside Ruins : Along the banks of the Tungabhadra River, explorers can discover the remains of ancient structures, including the remnants of a spectacular riverside market and bathing ghats, providing a glimpse into the vibrant commercial and social activities of bygone eras.

With an array of historically and culturally significant sites within close proximity to Hampi, visitors have the opportunity to delve deeper into the region’s rich heritage and architectural wonders. Whether it’s exploring the rock-cut caves of Badami, marveling at the architectural splendor of Pattadakal, or immersing oneself in the tranquil ambience of Sanapur Lake, the vicinity of Hampi offers a diverse and enriching travel experience.

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• 35 Places to Visit in Hampi

Attractions to Visit in Hampi

Here are some of the best places to visit in hampi:, quick navigation.

Virupaksha Temple

The temple is so constructed that its main entrance faces east and homes to two courtyards. No sooner you enter the temple, there is a statue of Nandi with three heads. There is a pillared hall in the center which is reckoned as the Ranga Mandapa. In case you are an international traveler, you have to register yourself at a police outpost with all your essential details. Mostly, this temple remains crowded in December; whereas it celebrates its annual festival in February and it is one of the best places to visit in Hampi. Location : South banks of Tungabhadra river, Hampi, Karnataka 583239 Timings: Virupaksha temple is open for the visitors from morning 9:00 am to 13:00 pm. After about 4 hours, again the doors are open visitors from 17:00 pm to 21:00 pm. Price: There are no entry fees. However, you can hire a guide to give you complete information about the temple at its footsteps for a nominal charge of 50 INR. Click Here to Book Now:   Green Planet Dubai Tickets Planning a trip to Hampi? Checkout & Book:   Hampi Tour Packages

Vijaya Vittala Temple

Vijaya Vittala Temple or Vijaya temple of Hampi amongst the ancient Places to Visit In Hampi worthy of visiting. There are fantastic stone structures all around, and the pillars here appear as if they are playing music. This is true architectural excellence of Hampi as it exemplifies remarkable creativity and the beauty of architecture’s imagination. The architecture of this temple dates back to the Dravidian era and reflects South Indian traits. Three towering gateways are encircling the temple along with high compound walls. Maha Mantapa, Stone chariot, musical pillars are amongst the tourist attractions of this Vijaya Vittala Temple. Location:  8FRG+W3H,   Hampi, Karnataka 583239 Timings: The doors of Vijaya Vittala Temple are open from morning 08:30 am to evening 18:00 pm. Price: There are no entry fees to this temple Check Out:  Best Resorts in Hampi Also Checkout & Explore:   Places To Visit In Thailand

Lotus Mahal

Lotus Mahal or Kamal Mahal exhibits an explicit architectural design amongst all the other Hampi tourist places. It is so called as it more or less resembles the shape of a lotus flower. Central dome of this Mahala resembles the bud of lotus and the balcony and passages as petals. The roof illustrates a multi-layered design reflecting and Indo architectural style. There are around 24 pillars to provide excellent support to the arched windows of this palace. Location: SH 131, Hampi, Karnataka 583239 Timings: The Lotus Mahal Hampi is open for visitors from morning 08:00 am to evening 06:00 pm. Price: The entry fees of Lotus Mahal Hampi is fixed at 10 INR per Indian, 250 INR per foreigner and no charges for children below the age group of 15 years. Also Recommended:   Best Trekking Tours in Hampi for an adventurous experience

Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple

Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple is present at a distance of around 2km from the famous Virupaksha temple. This temple is a part of a cave standing at the peak of a hill and is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Hanuman. Also, the Tungabhadra river flows through the steps of this hill. Here, you can find Lord Hanuman indulged in a state of deep meditation. Within a distance of five minutes from here, you can find another temple dedicated to Lord Srinivasa. In case you feel hungry, you can approach small stalls nearby selling either mangoes, biscuits or cucumbers. It is best if you plan on your itinerary to this place in between October to March. Location:  8FM9+89H, Hampi, Karnataka 583239 Timings: You can visit this temple at any point during the daytime. It takes around one hour to cover your entire visit here. Price: There are no entry fees here. Also, you can easily take in your cameras here to capture some beautiful pictures of this place. Do Checkout: Best Hampi Tour Package From Bangalore

Hampi Bazaar

When you have a day reserved at leisure, do not forget to try a shopping hand at the Hampi Bazaar. It spreads more than a kilometer and the road that passes through this market exhibits pavilions on both roadsides. Alternatively, this shoppers stop is known as Virupaksha Bazaar which is one of the best Places to Visit In Hampi,  Towards the eastern side, you can find a street to be occupied by the local villagers. There is a large Nandi bull statue at the east end of this Hampi Bazaar street. Nearby pavilion exhibits photos of Hampi right from the ancient times. Location: Hampi Bazaar St, Karnataka 583239 Timings: You can stop and shop at any time from morning 06:00 am to night 11:00 pm. Price: No one is going to charge you any expense for your visit to Hampi Bazaar. However, if you are a shopaholic, do not forget to carry a reasonable sum as the place has many things to attract your tender heart.

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Hippie Island

Queen's Bath

Reckoned as a large bath of Hampi, Queen’s Bath exemplifies the Vijayanagara's architectural excellence. It lies close to one of the most awful places to visit in Hampi- the Royal Enclosure. Although built around 500 years ago, this magnificent structure still remains intact in its construction. It’s simplest exterior perfectly blends with an ornate interior to embrace its overall appearance. It a rectangular building admeasuring around 30 square meters and has a large sunken bath at its center. It may interest you to find arched corridors all around this Royal bath. Location:  8F7C+9X9,   Karnataka 583239 Timings: Queen’s bath is open for visitors from morning 08:30 am to evening 06:00 pm. Price: Entry to the Queen’s bath is free from all charges. Suggested Read:   Best Things to Do in Hampi

Matanga Hill

Out of all the places to visit in Hampi, Matanga Hill is the one which is most talked about. It represents the highest point of Hampi, and it’s a picturesque destination for the travel photographers to capture some aerial vies of Hampi. North portion of this hill terminates into Tungabhadra river where you have another religious place to visit-Kodanda Rama temple. Towards the south of this hill, you have a twisting valley with a zigzag Turthu canal. Low-lying Northern section exhibits a trekking trail that connects straightaway to Hampi bazaar. Location: 8FJ9+M83, Hampi, Karnataka Timings: There are no specific timings to climb on the Matanga Hills. However, tourists make it a point to climb this hill early in the morning to capture the allure of sunrise and carry ahead with their downward journey in the evening after sunset. Price: Climbing Matanga Hill is absolutely free of cost.

Elephant Stables

Elephant Stables is amongst the significant tourist places to visit in Hampi to witness a little to absolutely no destruction. It is a long building homing to a series of dome-shaped chambers which once were used for the parking of royal elephants. These chambers are around 11 in their total count; some of which are interconnected. The whole building gives a symmetrical appearance, and the central hall tower reflects the shape of most of the temples here. This central hall has five domes on either side of it which reflects an Islamic style of architecture. Location:  8FCF+C3X, Hampi, Karnataka 583239 Timings: The doors of this Elephant Stables are open from early morning 08:30 am to evening 05:30 pm. It takes around an hour to complete your visit here. Price: There is an entry fee of 10 INR for Indians and 250 INR for foreigners. Entry for children up to the age group of 15 years is absolutely free of cost.

Monolithic Bull

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Badavilinga Temple

Badavilinga Temple is a beautiful temple of Lord Shiva and one of the most visited Hampi tourist places. It lies close to the Lakshmi Narasimha temple and homes to a beautiful Linga carved out of a black stone. The linga is around 3 meters high and dates back to the era of the Vijayanagar Empire. This linga lies within a small stone chamber of this temple with only a single narrow opening and is without a ceiling. The pedestal is circular in shape and reflects as the Yone Pitha of Lord Shiva Linga. Location:  8FH5+PJC, Hampi, Karnataka 583239 Timings: Badavilinga Temple doors are open for the devotees from morning 05:00 am to night 09:00 pm. Price: There are no entry fees to make your visit here.

Zanana Enclosure

Once reckoned as a secluded area for the Vijayanagara Kingdom’s royal ladies, Zanana Enclosure reflects a sprawling compound with tall walls. Lotus Mahal is the center of attraction of this place. You can either step in through its northern entrance or through its north-eastern entrance. Zanana Enclosure homes to three watchtowers each standing at eastern, south-eastern and northern ends of this magnificent structure. The entire architecture here reflects an Indo-Islamic style. Lotus Mahal, queen’s palace’s basement, treasure building, and water pavilion are some key attractions of this place. Location:  8FCC+88X, Hampi, Karnataka 583239 Timings: This place is open from morning 06:00 am to evening 06:00 pm Price: Entry fee here is 10 INR per Indian, and for foreigners, it is 250 INR.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

Most significant of all the religious statues in Hampi, Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is the amongst the next best Hampi tourist places to visit. Here, the figure of Lord Narasimha sits on a coil of a snake with seven heads in a Yoga position. This statue has an image of Goddess Lakshmi on his lap. It takes around one to one and a half hour to complete your visit here. The best time to visit this temple is in between October to February. Location: Southern end of Hemakuta group of temples, Hampi, India Timings: You can easily make your way inside Lakshmi Narasimha Temple from morning 06:00 am to evening 06:00 pm. Price: There are no entry fees here. You can click photographs of the temple without any charges.

Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

You are going to find a lot of Indian Sloth Bears here at Daroji Sloth bear Sanctuary. Hillocks here are rough enough and are dotted with a lot of boulders. The Sloth bear count here goes to around 120. However, the sanctuary also accounts for other species. Tiger, Leopard, Mongoose, Pangolins, Star Tortoise, and Spotted Deer are some other animal species found here. This sanctuary alone exhibits around 90 bird species, 27 butterfly species, and a watch tower at the center. Location: Seetharama Tanda, Karnataka 583215 Timings: Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is open from 04:00 pm to 06:00 pm on all days. Price: For Indian tourists, the entry fee is 25 INR while the foreigners need to pay a sum of 100 INR. If you are eager to bring in your own two or four wheelers, you will have to pay additional charges accordingly.

Old Palace (Gagan Mahal)

This Gagan Mahal dates back to the 16th-century era. Although significant portions of this palace are currently under ruins, it is still amongst worthiest places to visit in Hampi. The palace is small and yellow in color with decorated windows and encircled all over by four beautiful towers. Once here, you can march towards Sarovara Laxmi Temple, Sabari Caves, Nava Brindavana, Durga Temple, and other nearby religious places of importance. It is best to visit here anywhere between October to March. However, take care that there is no public transport here to ride around. Location: Anegundi, Karnataka 583227 Timings: This Gagan Mahal is open for all 24 hours. It takes approximately one to one and a half hour to complete your visit here. Price: There are no entry fees here.

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Hemakuta Hill Temples

Hemakuta Hill is a vastly stretched zone offering an astounding view of the sprawling ruins, temples, and archways. This is the next best place to watch the sunrise and sunset as tourists find it easier to reach to its top position. Virupaksha temple, Moola Virupaksha temple, Krishna temple and shrines of Lakshmi Narasimha and Badivilinga are some of the best places to visit in Hampi. These temple architectures are entirely different and date back to the era of Vijayanagara king rule. These group of temples has three chambers conjoined to resemble a pyramid roof. Location: Centre of the city, Hampi, India Timings: You can climb the Hemakuta Hill temple at any time from dawn to dusk. Price: There are no entry fees to reach and adore the ancient beauty of Hemakuta Hill Temple. You May Also Like: Best Homestays in Hampi for a relaxing stay

Achyutaraya Temple

The last one to go down in the list of places to visit in Hampi is the Achyutaraya Temple. This temple lies amidst the Matanga Hills and Gandhamadana. This temple exhibits Vijayanagar’s architectural elegance and homes to a beautiful idol of Lord Tiruvengalanatha. All towers, pillars, and walls of this beautiful temple are exquisitely carved and ornamented. The main shrine of this temple is situated amidst a rectangular concentric structure. Location:  8FJC+Q26, Hampi, Karnataka 583239 Timings: The doors are opened for a visit from 05:30 am to 01:00 pm. Again, in the evening, the doors are opened from 05:30 pm to 09:00 pm. Price: No entry fee is charged for entry to this temple.

Hazara Rama Temple

This beautiful temple marks its presence at the central focus of a royal area and is dedicated to Lord Rama. The walls of this temple are eager to illustrate the entire Ramayana flow before its visitors. Once you reach here, you can find bas relics of both Hindu deities Lord Rama and Krishna. Also, do not forget to miss on the remnants illustrating a Dasara celebration. Towards its northern side, you may find a sprawling lawn widely stretched apart. The temple has two huge getaways and the interior homes to sculpted columns. Location:  8F99+4G2, Hampi, Karnataka 583239 Timings: Reaching this temple is no longer a whammy situation as the doors are open from morning 06:00 am to evening 06:00 pm. It hardly takes two hours to complete your visit here. Price: There is no entry fee being charged by the temple authorities.

Archaeological Museum

A tiny yet worthy of visiting museums, Archaeological Museum of Hampi accounts for the best Places to Visit In Hampi to spend some time with. This museum accounts for four principal sections each dedicated to a different exhibit. The first section exhibits Hampi model, the second section shows sculptures and idols dedicated to Hampi ruins. The third section exhibits tools, arms, and ammunition. The fourth section exhibits artifacts dating back to the pre-historic and post-historic era. Location: Kamalapur Road, Hampi, India Timings: You are free to take a dig at the beauty of this Archaeological Museum from morning 10:00 am to evening 05:00 pm. Price: Per head you need to pay around 5 INR as entry fees. Entry is free for children under the age of 15 years. Photography is permitted only for the lawn exhibits. Also Checkout:  Things To Do In London At Night

Riverside Ruins

Close to a river edge of Kodandarama Temple are a couple of lingas carved on a flat rock surface. The arrays of this Shiv Linga contains around 100 to 1000 such lingas. A little away from this array is Lord Vishnu’s carved sculpture. Also, you can find a lot of tiny shrines that are submerged here and rock surfaces reflecting carved motifs. Be extremely careful while you step on the slippery rock surfaces especially in the monsoons. If the river is stable, you can head towards this place through a coracle ride at a nominal charge of around 25-50 per head. Location: N ear the Kodanda Rama Temple, Hampi. Timings: You can visit riverside ruins at any point of time. Yet, if you plan to take a coracle ride here, you must cross-check with its availability in accordance with your chosen time of visit. Price:  There is no entry fee.

Best of Dandeli

Underground Temple-Prasanna Virupaksha Temple

Underground Shiva Temple’s every single piece of the structure reflects a perfect blend of mythology and history. This is amongst the only places to visit in Hampi lying under water. The central portion of this ancient shrine always lies immersed in water. According to local beliefs, it is the Tungabhadra river which flows through the interior of this temple through canals. There is the main hall, a courtyard, a small hall that leads to the innermost sanctum. All around the temple is a lush green lawn where you can sit and relax for some time. Location: Hampi Main Bus Stand, Hampi, Karnataka 583239 Timings: There is no time restriction to reach here. However, it is always better to visit here before sunsets. It will hardly take around 30 minutes to complete your visit to this temple. Price: The temple authorities won't be charging you for an entry to this temple.

Hampi Flea Market

Rice Paddies

Laughing Buddha Cafe

Krishna Temple

Built by Krishnadevaraya, Krishan temple of Hampi is the sign of Orissa campaign’s success. This temple is amongst those hand-picked places to visit in Hampi which are globally reckoned for their exquisite carvings. The love of Krishnadevraya for art and architecture is quite evident from the beauty of this place. For the original idol of this place, you need to head towards Chennai’s State Museum. The temple campus is encircled all over by massive pillars and small shrines. Towards its eastern side, lies a grand hall. You can grab a fresh banana from the Banana plantations that mark their presence to the south zone of this temple. Location: Bellary, Hampi, Karnataka 583239 Timings: You can seek blessings here at Krishna Temple from morning 06:00 am to evening 06:00 pm. Price: No authority here will demand any form of entry fees from you. However, photography is restricted only in the premises.

Best of Mysore

Kadalekalu Ganesha

Homing to one of the largest statues of Hindu deity Ganesha, Kadalekalu Ganesha temple is the famous holy shrine of South India. It is situated on the slopes of well-known Hemakuta Hills, and its towering statue is about 4.6 meters high. The temple features a statue carved out from a single massive stone, and the belly of Lord Ganesha resembles a Bengal gram. Entire hall of the temple homes to slender granite pillars and exhibit fictitious characters. The carvings of these pillars reflect the Vijayanagara architectural style of art. Location:  8FM6+4FQ, Hampi, Karnataka 583239 Timings: You can visit this shrine of Lord Ganesha from morning 06:00 am to evening 06:00 pm. Price: There are no entry fees to lead your way to this Kadalekalu Ganesha temple.

Sanapur Lake

Stepped Tank

Stepped tanks here are considered to be sacred tanks for a holy bath before visiting any religious place of importance. Once a while,  they were centers for festival celebrations. There are steps on all four interior sides of such tanks so that you can step down to get in and out of the water. The stepped tank at the Royal center is geometrically larger in its dimensions and is carved out from a green diorite with a complete absence of drainage system. The stepped tank is constructed from black schist stones. Location: Hampi, Karnataka Timings: You can take a dive in the water of these stepped tanks at any time before the sun sets. Price: No entry fees for the stepped tank visit.

Tungabhadra River

Rising from the Western Ghats, Tungabhadra River flow towards the south-east and meets the Krishna river in Andhra Pradesh. Being a perennial river, the water level of this river takes a compelling look in monsoons. Tungabhadra Dam is an ongoing project here to aid in the infrastructure development of this region. After you complete your visit to the Virupaksha temple, you can march ahead to this river from the back of the temple. Throughout your journey, you can easily sip in sweet and tender coconut water. Do not forget to miss on your coracle ride while you plan on your Tungabhadra itinerary. Location: Vijayanagara Ruins, Hamp, Karnataka Timings: There is no specific timing to visit the Tungabhadra river. However, for the coracle ride, you need to reach here before sunset. Price: There is no entry fee to visit either the Tungabhadra river or dam. Coracle riding might charge you per head accordingly.

Pushkaranis of Hampi is sacred tanks in association with the Hampi temples. Pushkarani reminds you to take a precise note of ancient town planning and architectural style of the Vijayanagara era. Many of these pushkaranis served as the event venue for their annual boating festivals. During such celebrations, the idols of both Gods and Goddesses are taken out for a coracle ride. Majority of these Pushkarani’s are surrounded all over by explicitly beautiful pillars and arcades. Location: Pushkarani are found near to Royal Enclosure, Virupaksha temple, Krishna Bazaar, Pattabhirama temple. Timings: You can walk-in here at Pushkarani throughout the day. It takes around 20 to 30 minutes to complete your visit here.  Price: There are no entry fees here at Pushkarani. Both photography and videography are allowed.

Best of Gokarna

Sasivekalu Ganesha

This Lord Ganesha’s statue derives its resemblance from that of the mustard seed, which is referred to as Sasivekalu in the local dialect thereby leading to its name. This statue is located on the Southern foothill of the Hemakuta and is almost half the size of Kadalekalu Ganesha located on the Northern slope of the same hill.

This statue derives inspiration from an incident of Hindu mythology when one day Lord Ganesha had eaten so much food that his stomach almost burst. So in order to protect his stomach the Lord tied a snake around his belly. On this statue one can see the figure of the snake carved in front of his stomach.

This monolithic statue measure 2.4 metres in height and is carved out of a huge boulder. There is an open pavillion built around the statue, which is believed to be constructed by a trader from Chandragiri (present day Andhra Pradesh) in the memory of Narsimha II the mighty Vijaynagara king. Similar to the Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple, this temple too is considered to be one of the important places to visit in Hampi.

Royal Enclosure

The present day fortified area or the Royal Enclosure of Hampi was once the seat of power of the Vijaynagara rulers. In current times this Royal Enclosure is basically a wide open ground consisting of a number of small shelters.

Some of the important structures in here are spread across hundreds of square metres of land and consists of a number of interesting and important relics. Some of the important structures of the Royal Enclosure are the King’s Audience Hall or the 100-Pillared Hall, stepped tank, an underground chamber and the Mahanavami Debbie to the commonly called Dossier Platform.

Since the Royal Enclosure is pretty large a good amount of walking is required to have a look at the entire place. Any kind of vehicles whether manually or automatically driven are not allowed inside the area, so it is advisable to visit this place during early morning or in the evenings, as the atmosphere at these times are more pleasant.

Palace of Vira Harihara

People Also Ask About Hampi

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The most common means of local transportation in Hampi is auto-rickshaws. There are also car rental agencies that you can approach in order to get around. The roadways in Hampi are easy, accessible and non-congested. If you want to cross the river in order to reach Virupapur Gaddi, then boats are your only option. The boat fare may vary from INR 50 to INR 100, depending on the time during which you are crossing the river.

What can I buy in Hampi?

Though Hampi is famous for its rich and historical architecture and heritage sites, this city also boasts of great handicrafts and interesting artefacts. Some of the signature items you can collect from Hampi are- - Stone Artefacts and sculptures - Lambani crafts - Leather crafts - Various handmade musical instruments - Crafts made of banana fibre - Local Hampi clothes that are locally hand-made.

Is alcohol allowed in Hampi?

Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited in Hampi. But the region across the river is considered as a more modern version of the town. With a predominant hippie culture, beer and non-vegetarian foods are allowed for consumption and purchase as well.

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Places to Visit near Hampi

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Here is the list of 11 Places to Visit near Hampi

1. mantralayam, andhra pradesh.

Known For : Raghavendra Swami Temple Panchamukhi Anjaneya Temple

Mantralayam is a holy town situated 74 km from Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh and 250 km from its state capital, Hyderabad. It is located near the border of Karnataka and on the banks of the river Tungabhadra. Mantralayam is known for Sri Guru Raghavendra Swami, a saint who entered into a samadhi alive in front of his disciples in 17th Century. 

Distance from Hampi: 159 km

Best Time: October to March

2 Mantralayam Attractions

2. Monkey Temple, Hampi

On top of the Anjaneya Hill, at a distance of 2 kilometres from the Virupaksha Temple , the beautiful Yantradharaka Hanuman Temple also known as the Monkey Temple is present inside a cave. The temple being 500 years old is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Sri Vyasaraja, who was the Rajaguru of the Vijayanagara Kingdom and a Dwaita philosopher, was the one to install the idol of Lord Hanuman in the temple. 

Distance from Hampi: 8 km

3. Badami, Karnataka - The home of cave temples

Known For : Cave Temples Agastya Lake Badami Fort

Located in a valley of rugged red sandstone, surrounding the Agastya Lake, Badami (formerly known as Vatapi) is an archaeological delight owing to its beautifully crafted sandstone cave temples, fortresses and carvings. Once the royal capital of the Chalukyas, Badami continues to enjoy a unique place, being the home to a number of examples of Dravidian architecture which sustains and enhances instances of both south and north Indian style of architecture. 

Distance from Hampi: 141 km

Best Time: October to Apr

14 Badami Attractions

4. Davangere, Karnataka

Known For : Kunduvada Kere Bagali Sri Anjaneya Swamy Temple

Steeped in rich past, culture and heritage, Davanagere is a place to witness the beautiful architectural marvels. Linked to many Chalukya Dynasty and Tipu Sultan, this place today is best known for its cotton mills and thus often referred to as the 'Manchester of East'. Located in the heart of the state of Karnataka, it lies on the National Highway 4 and well connected to neighboring cities and states.

Distance from Hampi: 133 km

11 Davanagere Attractions

Top Hotels In Hampi

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5. Gooty Fort

Situated 300 meters above the ground level, overlooking the small town of Gooty, the Gooty Fort has long been a significant strategic position for the rulers that have seen their kingdoms flourish in this part of the country. The fort is named after the view of the town it commands. The name Gooty is derived from the town's previous original name, Gowthampuri. 

Distance from Hampi: 143 km

6. Gagan Mahal, Bijapur

Built by Adil Shah I in 1561, Gagan Mahal or endearingly known as Heavenly Mahal (Sky Mahal) is known for its architectural finesse and design. Boasting of three arches, the two stoteyed monument had the Darbar Hall on the ground floor and the upper storey was supposed to be the residence for the royal family.

Distance from Hampi: 215 km

7. Daroji Bear Sanctuary, Hampi

Established in 1994, this sanctuary was converted from a thorny forest to a lush green area which is now inhabited by Sloth Bears. Approximately 120 sloth bears accompanied by various other wildlife species like jackals, leopards and wild boars are found here.  

Distance from Hampi: 22 km

8. Bara Kaman, Bijapur

Built in 1672 AD by Adil Shah II, Bara Kaman is an unfinished structure situated in Bijapur. The structure was supposed to have twelve arches vertically and horizontally surrounding the mausoleum of the king and his wives. However, the mausoleum and the arches was left unfinished as Adil Shah II was murdered by his own father and the construction of Bara Kaman was left incomplete as he did not want Bara Kaman to lessen the architectural marvel of Gol Gumbaz.

9. Sri Krishna Templei

This famous temple in Hampi is known for its stunning carvings of Lord Krishna and Indian mythology along with architecture unique to King Kishnadevaraya. It is a must-visit for both devotees as well as architecture lovers. The temple is dedicated the child version of Lord Krishna or Bala Krishna.

10. Aihole, Karnataka - The Temple Complex of Karnataka

Known For : Durga Temple, Aihole Lad Khan Temple Ravanaphadi Cave Temples

Well known as the temple complex of Karnataka and home to about 125 Chalukyan temples, this city is a splendid touristy destination. True to its sobriquet, it is home to hundreds of temples each of which has a distinctly beautiful structure. Located in Bagalkot district of Karnataka at a distance of around 510 km fromÊBangalore, Aihole is known for its Chalukyan architecture.

Distance from Hampi: 139 km

23 Aihole Attractions

11. Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh - The Heritage Haven of Andhra

Known For : Ahobilam Temple ISKCON Temple, Anantapur Bugga Ramalingeswara Swami Temple

Anantapuram is the headquarters of Anantapur District in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Anantapuram is not a cosmopolitan city. Neither is it a village. It is one of those towns in transition, that is at the confluence of the past and the future. Anantapuram reverberates with flashes of India's glorious history and the true ethnic traditions and values of India. 

Distance from Hampi: 160 km

Best Time: November to February

12 Anantapur Attractions

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10 Best Places to Visit near Hampi with Family to Delve into Southern Beauty

A vacation with your beloved family is all about weaving sweet and unforgettable memories with the thread of love and fun. But choosing the family destination that befits everyone could be a daunting task for you.

Fret not because an iconic city Hampi is surrounded by beautiful family destinations to enjoy a fruitful vacation. Being an ancient city of Karnataka, Hampi is encircled by different forms of beauty that are must-visit destinations for a family vacation. From enjoying a family trip on a hill station to relishing the beauty of nature together, each destination is tremendously exciting and captivating in our list of places to visit near Hampi with family.

Enjoy a vacation with your family to flourish the relations and get in return a load of cherishable memories and awe-striking experiences. Sounds like a win-win situation right? Yes it is. Because a trip along with your close one is one of the finest ways to beat the burnout of your life.

You can fill your holiday album with the color of entertainment, spiritual ambiance, peaceful vibes, ancient charm, chilly vibes, and thrill. You must be thinking how? Get the answer to this question with the following list and we bet you will entice with each destination. So, Let’s jump into the list of best family destinations near Hampi.

List of best places to visit near Hampi with Family

• Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakal
• Chitradurga Fort
• Chikmagalur
• Nandi Hills

1. Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakal: Charismatic blend of rustic beauty

Red stone architecture, rocky cliffs, dusty roads, and barren topography are elements of the unbelievable surroundings of Badami , Aihole , and Pattadakal . These three sites are designated UNESCO Heritage sites that keep an incredible background of history.

There is no shadow of a doubt that it is one of the best places to visit near Hampi with family. You can explore striking century-old temples , tremendous caves, and historical forts in Badami. But Chalukyan wrecks and ruins are some elements that will surprise you.

Next, you can visit Aihole and make your visit interesting as you will witness the out-of-the-world historical connotation. This place is renowned as the Cradle of Hindu rock architecture, and it is proof of its significance on the pages of history.

Last and one of the best sites, Pattadakal has to make its charming identity because of its uniquely designed temples that offer jaw-dropping beauty. These three places share proximity and are counted as one of the must-visit places near Hampi.

Check out our Badami tour packages.

For fun-loving experiences: Badami Fort , Buddha rock-cut Caves , and Bhootnath Temple are eye-catching attractions of Badami. Aihole is admired for its Durga Temple, Lad Khan Temple, Archeological Temple, and Huchimalli Temple. Virupaksha & Papanatha Temple and Galaganatha Shrine are crowd-pullers of Pattadakal.

• Distance from Hampi: 140 km (approx)
• Best time to plan a visit: July to March
• Nearby Railway Station: Hubli Railway Station is the nearest railway station of these three sites, which is around 100 km away.
• Nearby Airport: Belgaum Airport is the closest airport and is located at a distance of 190 km.

2. Chitradurga Fort: Picturesque fort that defines art and history

Admire the connection of captivating history and immense archeological significance at Chitradurga fort. This fort offers an alluring combination of stunning views, calmness, and a soothing environment with a delightful touch of incredible past. This majestic fort is spread over 1500 acres on a cluster of hills.

You can break the monotony and hustle-bustle of city life by visiting one of the famous family tourist spots near Hampi. You will discover that this fort is decorated with various inscriptions of the Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara Kings. This tower has around 2000 watchtowers that add a layer of glory to its architecture.

For fun-loving experiences: Vani Vilas Sagar Dam, Hidimbeshwar Temple , Kugo Bande, Ankali Mutt, and Shouting Rock are some of the best places to visit besides this fort.

• Distance from Hampi: 141 Km (approx)
• Best time to plan a visit: October to March
• Nearby Railway Station: The nearest Railway station is Chitradurga Railway Station, which is around 3 km from this fort
• Nearby Airport: The closest airport from this fort is Bengaluru International Airport, which is at a distance of 197 km from this fort.

3. Dandeli: A land of adventurous nirvana

Be ready to enjoy a family vacation at an adventure hub of Karnataka. Dandeli is a small town that rests on the bank of the Kali river. It is one of the perfect weekend getaways near Hampi with family, where you can unwind amidst the natural beauty. Deciduous forests and thrilling wildlife habitat make this hilly scenic train an ideal vacation spot for the family.

This place is a treat for nature lovers, adrenaline junkies, and the one who wants to touch the relaxation through his soul. Undoubtedly, Dandeli is a wholesome package for a family vacation as it is widely famous for adventure sports, night camping, boating, and angling in the Kali River. The ecstatic beauty and wildlife of this place offer you a great time.

For fun-loving experiences: There are many attractions here that keep you entertained. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary , Shiroli Park, and Kavala caves store interesting experiences for you. Plunge into kayaking and whitewater rafting in River Kali.

• Distance from Hampi: 236 km
• Best time to plan a visit: October to May
• Nearby Railway Station: The closest railway station is Alnavar Junction, which is situated around 23 km away from Dandeli.
• Nearby Airport: The nearest airport Hubli Airport is at a distance of around 64 km from Dandeli.

4. Shimoga: Discover the charm of beauty

The eternal beauty and charm of the hill are waiting for you in the cultural capital of Karnataka. It is a vibrant place that is enriched with fertile land, beautiful waterfalls, and lush green forests. All these elements make it one of the beautiful tourist destinations near Hampi for family vacation.

The verdant greenery and serene environment that is spread in the air of Shimoga will instantly win your heart. The connection between your eyes and beauty becomes stronger and leaves its insatiable mark on your memories. Captivating beauty is something else in Shimoga because, River Sharavathi, River Varada, River Kumadvathi, and River Tungabhadra have carved out charming river valleys.

This place has historical significance as Kadambas, Gangas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, and Vijayanagar Kings reigned in this region. You may get numerous reasons to give this destination a place on your bucket list.

For fun-loving experiences: You can visit Tyavarekoppa, Shivappa Nayaka Summer Palace, Kote Seeta-Rama Temple, and Sacred Heart Cathedral. Apart from it, enjoying Lion Safari is one of the best things to do in Shimoga. Experience bathing and attend professional training sessions of elephants at Sakrebyle Elephant Camp.

Check here the best time to visit Shimoga.

• Distance from Hampi: 242 km
• Nearby railway station: The city has Shimoga Nagar Railway Station, which is located around 3 km from the city.
• Nearby airport: Shimoga Domestic airport is just 10 km away from the city, which is connected with cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Whereas, the nearby international airport is Mangalore Airport that is situated around 195 km from the city.

5. Jog Falls: Where wow factor reflects from your face

Wow-expression on your face, a different kind of calmness in your heart, and unbelievable moments are some factors that come in a single visit to Jog Falls . The majesty of nature that spreads through this waterfall is matchless, which makes it one of the most spectacular waterfalls all over Asia.

It is the second-highest waterfall in India, and its beauty is top-class. Among the most beautiful waterfalls near Hampi, Jog Falls also known as Gerusoppa Falls, Gersoppa Falls, and Jogada Gundi. This captivating waterfall is formed by the Sharavathi River falling from the height of 830 ft.

There are four segments of this waterfall namely Raja, Rocket, Rani, and Roarer. Witnessing the natural beauty and setting around this waterfall with gushing water sounds is something out of this world.

Check here Jog Falls Tour Packages. Short Escape to Jog Falls 2 Nights / 3 days Magical Shimoga Tour 3 Nights / 4 days Jog Falls Trip from Bangalore 4 Nights / 5 days

For fun-loving experiences: Many beautiful elements add an extra layer of fun, like Linganamakki Dam across Sharavathi River, Tunga Anicut Dam, and Thavare Koppa. Lion & Tiger Reserve are some of the most appealing tourist destinations nearby.

Also Read about Must Visit waterfalls in Karnataka.  

• Distance from Hampi: 292 Km
• Best time to visit: July to September
• Nearby railway: Sagar Station is the point where you need to stop to visit Jog Falls, which is around 28 km from this charming destination
• Nearby airport: The closest airport from Jog Falls is Hubli Airport that is located at a distance of 133 km.

6. Chikmagalur: Peaceful atmosphere with coffee aroma

Dense green trees set against the backdrop of majestic Mullayanagiri ranges, and the aroma of the coffee, make Chikmagalur one of the ideal places for a family vacation near Hampi. This idyllic hill station of Karnataka stands at an elevation of 3,400 ft, covered with mesmerizing tea and coffee plantations.

The scenic beauty and aroma of coffee will allure you to pack your bag to add this experience to your life. It is like heaven for coffee lovers as Chikmagalur is the largest producer of coffee in Karnataka.

Apart from the coffee, its tranquil nature, verdant green forests, and the striking Yagachi River will grab your attention. From enjoying the trekking trails to feeling the surrounding by a nature walk, this hill station makes a place in your heart. In simple words, Chikmagalur is an ideal place that offers fun, thrill, natural charm, and peaceful vibes. And each thing perfectly suits your family trip for different ages of tourists.

For a fun-loving experience: You can make a connection with fun in so many ways. Stroll in Mahatma Gandhi Park, explore Coffee Museum, and visit Mullayana Giri, Kudurekha Jamly. These are some of the best ways to enjoy your vacation in Chikmagalur.

Also Read: Best Time to visit Chikmagalur & How to Reach Chikmagalur .

• Distance from Hampi: 295 km
• Best time to plan a visit: September to May
• Nearby railway station: The nearest railway station is Chikmagalur railway station.
• Nearby airport: The closest airport from Chikmagalur is Mangalore International Airport.

7. Bangalore: Land of Diversity

Enjoy a different tour in a single trip to Bangalore with family as it is full of wildlife, nature, ruins, museums, architectural wonders, and gardens. Bangalore is a complete family-friendly destination near Hampi that offers a diverse range of entertainment for every age of the group.

Bangalore receives footfalls throughout the year as it experiences pleasant weather all the time. From its cosmopolitan ambiance to its vibrant culture, you will never get any dull moments throughout your journey. No wonder! It is one of the top-places to visit with family near Hampi.

There are many luxurious villas in Bangalore that make your vacation memorable with additional comfort. This capital city of Karnataka is also an IT hub of the country and home to ISRO headquarter.

It is one of the most happening cities in southern India that never disappoint anyone. Each corner of this city has something special for you. Whether you want to relive history, enjoy technology, live the vibrant nightlife, or get close to nature.

For fun-loving experiences: Bangalore offers many tourist destinations to change your monotonous week into an entertaining week. The main attractions of Bangalore include Bangalore Palace , Lalbagh Glass Place, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace . Apart from it, you can explore Butterfly Park of Bannerghatta Biological Park, WonderLa Amusement Park , ISKCON temple , and Aerospace.

Also check: Best time to visit Bangalore and How to reach Bangalore .

Browse through Bangalore tour packages here.

• Distance from Hampi: 340 km
• Best time to plan a visit: October to February
• Nearby railway station: This city has its railway station, Bangalore City Railway Station
• Nearest airport: Bengaluru International Airport is an airport in Bangalore.

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8. Udupi: For a sacred family vacation

Enjoying the spiritual ambiance on your family vacation is one of the things that you may be looking at on the list. While talking about spirituality, Udupi is one of the holy destinations to visit near Hampi with family, and its heavenly, flourishing, and blissful vibes prove it.

Being located amidst the misty Western Ghats and the pristine Arabian Sea, Udupi experiences pleasurable weather. This city is also known as Odipu in the local language and is widely popular for its picturesque temples, striking architecture, wood artifacts, and eye-catching beaches.

Besides that, many other unique attractions keep you in a jubilant mode throughout your sacred tour in Udupi with family. You can witness stone carving, visit Yakshagana – the theatre art genre and taste local cuisine, including Saaru, Koddelu, Huli, Tambuli, Kosambari, Bajji, and such.

For fun-loving experiences: There are many ways to enjoy your vacation with your family here. You can get blessings from the temples of Udupi, rejuvenate yourself at Malpe Beach , and stroll at St. Mary’s Islands. Ambalpady and Shiriyara are some of the major attractions of Udupi.

• Distance from Hampi: 345 km
• Best time to plan a visit: December to February
• Nearby railway station: This city has its railway station in the name of Udupi Railway Station
• Nearby Airport: The nearest airport from Udupi is Bajpe airport of Mangalore, which is just 48 km far from the city.

9. Nandi Hills: The picture-perfect hill station

The list of places to visit near Hampi for Family vacation seems incomplete without Nandi Hills. It is one of the best hill stations in Karnataka that offer delightful beauty to its tourists. With an elevation of 4894 ft, Nandi Hills offers a breathtaking view that is a feast for your eyes and soothes your mind.

Its jaw-dropping backdrops, serene Lake, marvelous forts, and beautiful ancient temples make it a picture-perfect weekend getaway for a family. Many reasons make it an ultimate family-friendly destination, like its historical significance, spiritual aura, thrilling activities, and relaxing atmosphere. Witnessing the sunrise from its hilltop amidst cloud, fog, and misty weather will surely hold a special place in your heart.

For fun-loving experiences: You can explore the Nandi Hills from different angles. From its ancient temples to museums that store the charm of history, everything is captivating. Nandi Temple, century-old Lord Shiva Temple, and Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple are some of the major attractions of Nandi Hill.

[ Also Read about other hill stations in Karnataka. ]

• Distance from Hampi: 346 km
• Best time to plan a visit: September to February
• Nearby railway station: The closest railway station is Chikkaballapur Railway Station that is around 19 km from Nandi Hill.
• Nearby airport: The closest airport is Bengaluru International Airport, and you can reach here from the airport with just a few hours of drive.

10. Sakleshpur: Home to the amazement

One of the Jewels of a Western ghat in Karnataka, Sakleshpur has a unique charm and pleasant climate that attracts tourists throughout the year. You can please your eyes by exploring the tourist attractions of Sakleshpur along with the gifts of nature.

You can explore coffee, tea, and spice plantations with your close ones. There are many beautiful places to visit in Sakleshpur , and each attraction gives a unique experience. No wonder! It is a true example of diverse beauty that offers different shades of beauty.

For a fun-loving experience: You can weave everlasting memories with your close one in Sakleshpur by visiting the temples of Halebid and Belur. Eshwara Temple, Sakleshwara Temple are some of the must-visit attractions. Apart from getting a blessing, you can peek into the history at Manjarabad Fort. Feel the nature with Agni Gudda Hill, Manjehalli Waterfalls, Bisle View Point, Pandavar Gudda, and Hadlu Waterfall.

• Distance from Hampi: 341 km
• Best time to plan a visit: Throughout the year
• Nearby railway station: Sakleshpur has its own railways station on its name-Sakleshpur Railway Station
• Nearby airport: Mangalore Airport is the nearest one that is around 98 km far away from Sakleshpur.

Also Read: Best Time to Visit Sakleshpur and How to Reach Sakleshpur.

Sakleshpur Tour Packages.

Create everlasting memories with your close ones by visiting these family destinations near Hampi. These places allow you to take a fun break to look at life from a different perspective with your family. All the above destinations are worth visiting; you can choose any of them and feel rejuvenated.

Each destination offers many dimensions that will uplift your mood in fascinating ways. So, choose your destination from this list, and let the fun, adventure, and entertainment be part of your journey. If you’re also interested in exploring Hampi, you should know the best time to visit Hampi, since it has a hot climate.

Step out of your mundane life, book Hampi tour packages with us, and get an insured trip with unique value-added services. So, contact us!

A storyteller by heart, a content writer by profession, and a travel enthusiast by soul. Lokesh flows with innovation and creativity, and being with books and exploring new destinations keeps him enthusiastic.

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25 Unforgettable Places to Visit in Hampi

There are so many places to visit in Hampi that you could spend months here exploring them all. However, since most of us don’t have that much time on our hands, here’s bringing you the best places to see and things to do in Hampi that you can easily shortlist for a 3-4 days trip. In that duration, you’ll probably be able to see most of these sites at a fast pace. If you want to take it slower, just choose the ones you like the most based on the images of Hampi’s attractions and their history.

If you’re planning a trip to Hampi, you might also like to check out our detailed Hampi travel guide that not only has a solid itinerary covering the majority of the below mentioned Hampi tourist places but also tells you about how to get there, when to visit, where to stay and other tips.

Can’t travel there? Well, then just enjoy these photos of Hampi. Travelling virtually is all the rage in these times anyway.

The Best Temples in Hampi

There are a plethora of temples in Hampi of which 11 are mentioned overall in this blog post in different sections. In this particular section we are covering the major or unique temple complexes.

Vitthala Temple

Vitthala Temple is the grandest temple in Hampi and a must add to your list even if you’re visiting for just a day. Built in the 15th century, it is dedicated to Vittala, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple exemplifies the creativity and architectural excellence of the artisans and sculptors of the Vijayanagara empire. The highlights of this temple are The Stone Chariot (details below) and the musical pillars that when tapped produce musical notes. It’s a marvel that these single blocks of stone can emit perfect notes!

Pro-Tip: Visit the temple first thing in the morning (8:30 AM) to avoid the crowd. Also, hire a guide.

The Stone Chariot of Hampi

The stone chariot of Hampi is very popular not only because of its visual charm but also because it is featured on the INR 50 currency note. Swipe the Instagram post below to see what we are talking about.

That said, there is much to know about this iconic structure and slightly deceptive chariot.

• It is not a chariot but actually a shrine in the shape of one. The shrine is dedicated to Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu to whose incarnation the temple is dedicated.
• The chariot shrine might look like a carved monolith but it is actually built of large blocks of granite. The joints are smartly hidden in the carvings.
• It is inspired by the chariot shaped Konark Sun Temple in Orissa – a magnificent structure that the king of the empire was greatly impressed by. And so was I!

Fun Fact: There is a third famous chariot located in Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Trisha & Modi-Travel Blog (@trywanderingmore)

Hazara Rama Temple

Constructed in the 15th century, the Hazara Rama temple is the only temple located in the royal centre of Hampi. The temple, as the name suggests, is dedicated to Rama – an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The walls of this small temple have carved on them the story of the Hindu epic Ramayana in a comic strip form. These relics are among the most extensive ones to be found anywhere in India. Another highlight of the temple are the black marble pillars that are unlike any others in Hampi.

Virupaksha Temple

Located in the main Hampi area, Virupaksha temple is the most popular temple in Hampi. Why so? Well firstly, it is the only working temple in Hampi. Secondly, it is a 7th-century temple so it is the oldest known temple in Hampi. And lastly, it is also home to a cute elephant called Lakshmi that gives blessings (pictured below).

The main things to see in the temple are the 11 storeyed golden gopuram, the inner courtyard, vegetable paint paintings on the roof of the main temple, a hole in a chamber that works like a pinhole camera casting the shadow of the gopuram on a wall, the serene well (or kund), and also monkeys and squirrels.

Pro-Tip : To see Lakshmi being bathed you can visit the Tungabhadra river at 8 AM. Also, Lakshmi is taken away from the temple at about 5:30 AM-6:00 AM so ensure you meet her before that.

Achyutaraya Temple

Located next to Matanga hill, Achyutaraya Temple is in a somewhat hidden location and hence seldom visited. Most temples in Hampi you see today were built in the 15th century. Since this was constructed by a high officer in King Achyuta Raya’s court in the 16th century, it is one of the last temples constructed before the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The temple is dedicated to Tiruvengalanatha – an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The pillars, towers and walls have exquisite carvings. Despite major parts of the temple being in ruins, it does not fail in grandiosity.

Pro Tip : Visit this temple around midday as leopards have been spotted here in the evening even at 5 PM.

Underground Shiva Temple

The Prasanna Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his avatar as Virupaksha, is located underground. It is one of the older temples in Hampi having been built in the 14th century but interestingly it was discovered only in the 1980s. Because of its location close to the nobleman’s quarters, it is believed that the temple was used for private ceremonies by the royals. After visiting so many temples with exquisite carvings, it is almost refreshing to visit one that is so simple and yet so unique. The area surrounding the temple has a beautiful lawn you can relax on or picnic.

Pro-Tip: Since the temple is underground, it is often submerged in water. The temple, therefore, cannot be visited in the monsoon months from June to September. In other months, you may still find a bit of water in the temple.

Another famous temple in Hampi is the Krishna Temple. You can include it in your itinerary if you have time. We will be covering notable statue temples and others below so read on!

Amazing Royal Monuments in Hampi

These monuments in Hampi are located in the Royal Centre that houses the palaces, durbars, tanks, residences, and baths used by the royals of the empire.

Lotus Mahal

The Lotus Mahal (also known as Kamal Mahal or Chitragani Mahal) is located inside a walled space called the Zenana Enclosure which was used by the women of the royal family. There is nothing to be seen of other buildings in the enclosure as they are heavily damaged. However, the Lotus Mahal is an absolute charmer with its unique lotus bud domes. It is built in Indo Islamic style – the arches of the palace are build in Islamic style and the multi-layered roof design is Indo style.

It is worth noting that all the structures built in Indo-Muslim or Muslim style are in better condition than those that were built in pure Hindu style. This is because when the combined armies of the Muslim rulers of the Deccan attacked Hampi, they only damaged Hindu style structures. So most temples were burnt but such royal structures left intact. However, the structures have anyway deteriorated due to improper maintenance and the wrath of time.

Elephant Stables

These stables located right behind Zenana Enclosure (route pictured above on the right) is a beautiful one built in Indo-Islamic style! It used to house the elephants of the royals back in the day. The structure tells us two things. Firstly, a lot of importance was given to elephants in the Vijaynagara Empire; such a beautiful structure was built to shelter them. Secondly, the building shows the secularism of the Empire since the domes of the stable are built in Hindu, Islamic and Jain styles.

We personally enjoyed our visit here immensely. It is great for photography and also for chilling by the shade of the tree and inside the stables.

Stepped Tank

There are many tanks, kunds or pushkarnis in Hampi. These were built mainly near temples for ritual cleansing before prayers, cleansing of idols and/or to store water during dry months.

This tank located in the royal enclosure is totally different from other tanks of Hampi as it is constructed using finely finished blocks of black schist stones. Built for the royals for religious purposes, it is about 22 square meters in size and 7 meters deep with 5 tiers. The symmetry, colour and design of the structure are simply mesmerizing.

Mahanavami Dibba

Also known as The Great Platform, it is a 3-tiered 8-meter high platform used by the king to watch Dussehra/Maha Navami celebrations. The bottom tier of the platform has interesting war carvings etched on its surface. Since the Dibba is the only structure that stands as is in the Royal Enclosure, you can see a vast expanse of empty land in front of it.

Queen’s Bath

The Queen’s Bath, as the name suggests, was a bath for the queen and other royal women. However, due to its location away from buildings in royal enclosure, it is also often believed to have been a pleasure palace. This 14th-century building doesn’t look like much from the outside as the building is flat and architecture simple. But on the inside, it is super picturesque. The interior is surrounded by consecutive archways and ornate balconies with a sunken 1.8 meters deep empty bath in the centre. You will often find an owl or owlets in the bath – a visual cherry on the cake!

Magnificient Monolith Statue Temples in Hampi

Hampi has grand monolithic statue temples that are simply mind-blowing. Imagine people of that time, moving such large blocks of stone and sculpting it.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

This temple is dedicated to Narasimha, a lion-faced avatar of Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi as well who was his consort. It is the largest monolith statue in Hampi at 6.7 metres– an imposing sight! And definitely our favourite monolith in Hampi!

Kadalekalu Ganesh

Located on Hemakuta Hills, the Kadalekalu Ganesha is a 4.6-meter statue, the belly of which resembles a Bengal gram (Kadalekalu in local language). The statue is in a sanctum inside a beautiful stone structured temple decorated with tall and ornate granite pillars in the front. This Ganesha statue was built for and frequented by the royal family.

The temple is located on high ground so you can get an amazing view of the Hampi Bazaar and the foothills of Matanga Hill. The entire setting is very serene and you may even find a cool breeze flowing through the temple.

Monolithic Bull

Also known as Yeduru Basavanna or Nandi, this monolithic bull is located at one end of the Virupaksha Bazaar. This statue of the mount of Lord Shiva symbolically faces the Virupaksha Temple also dedicated to Shiva. Though the statue is carved in a coarse style and is also partially mutilated, this Nandi attracts tourists owing to its giant size (also because it’s in the vicinity of other attractions). The surroundings of the bull statue are quite pleasing to the eye. See for yourself in the pictures below.

Pro-Tip: No need to make a seperate visit to this statue. Visit is on the way to Achutaraya Temple or the Tungabhadra River (coracle ride).

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Madhukar Shivanand (@madhukarts)

Sasivekalu Ganesha

Sasivekalu Ganesha is a 2.4-metre high statue of Ganesha that was built for the common people of the kingdom. The statue of Ganesha depicts a snake tied around the waist. Per Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha once ate a lot of food and had to tie a snake around his stomach to prevent it from bursting. The statue is also called Mustard Ganesha as the Ganesha’s belly is shaped like a mustard seed. Unlike the Kadalekalu Ganesha, this statue is placed in an open pavilion.

Badavilinga Temple

Located a few steps away from the Narasimha Statue is this giant shrine for Shiva. At 3 metres, it is the largest Linga in Hampi and is made of impressive black stone. The Linga sanctum is always filled with water as a water canal flows through it. It is believed that the statue was commissioned by a peasant woman and hence the name (The word Badva means poor in the local language).

Pro Tip: No need to plan a visit this statue on a seperate visit since it is located beside the Narasimha statue!

Places to Visit in Hampi for Sunrise and Sunset

Sunrises and sunsets in Hampi are spectacular due to the incredible surrounding landscape. Sure sunrises are more effort, but they’re so worth it in Hampi. Do not miss seeing at least one!

Hemakuta Hills

The Hemakuta hill temple complex is our favourite place to visit in Hampi. Why? You could just loiter here without any aim but still immensely enjoy the ruins, the huge boulders, the views from this vantage point, and not to mention the incredible sunset. Located beside the Virupaksha temple, these hills are easy to access and walk around. The most famous temples to visit here (besides the two Ganesha statues mentioned above) are the Hanuman Temple and the Moola Virupaksha temple which are within walking distance from the Virupaksha Temple. To watch the sunset, sit on either the benches at sunset point or anywhere else you like. We watched it while sitting on the stone railings of a temple! The sunset was breath-taking.

Pro Tip: The sun sets much above the horizon in Hampi because of the haze in the area. Do settle down much before sunset time to not be surprised when you find no sun in the sky!

Matanga Hill

Climb the highest point of Hampi, Matanga Hill, for 360-degree surreal sunrise views. You’ll see multiple hues in the sky, boulder scattered terrain, Hemakuta Hills with all its temples, Virupaksha Temple, Achutaraya Temple, paddy fields till the eyes can see, and mountains in the distance. You might also be shown a cave on your way up – it is believed that Sugriva, ruler of Kishkinda, used to hide here. Yes, the hill is referenced in the Ramayana. There is also a small temple at the top which is dedicated to Veerbhadra – a form of Lord Shiva. The hike is a 40-minute steep one but awesome enough to not be missed. An alternate and easier route is taken to come down which takes you through short steps.

Pro-Tip: Firstly, hire a guide since the path is not defined, steep, and exposed in some areas. Secondly, don’t do this hike at sunset as bears have been spotted at the easy route after dark. You do not want to take the tougher route to come down as you’re more likely to injure yourself.

Tungabhadra River

Hampi is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra river. You can sit on the stones at the bank during sunset. You might not get a clear view of the sun but the evening time here has such a special vibe. But before that, go for a coracle ride in the river. This isn’t your typical boring boat ride, no! It is a ride on a round boat through the canyon of sorts. You’ll have stacked boulders hills on both sides that are dotted with temples (some are even half-submerged). It is an unforgettable sight! Definitely one of the best things to do in Hampi.

Pro-Tip: You may not be able to visit here and do the coracle ride in the monsoon months from June- September as the water levels rise greatly and the current is strong. To do a coracle ride in the monsoons, try Sanapur Lake. Also, it is better to do the coracle ride in the evening as this area is shaded from the sun at the time.

Kamalapur Lake

This was a chance find on a drive from Hampi to our hotel in Kamalapur. Most people including local guides don’t mention it. I don’t know why not – maybe it’s because of a bit of plastic waste you see discarded on the banks.

However, the sunset here is worth an evening. There are benches too for you to sit on and gaze at the sun in comfort and peace. We opened a packet of snacks and some beverages while watching the sun dip into the horizon. It was perfect!

Anjaneya Hill

Anjaneya hill is a bouldered one located on the other side of the Tungabhadra river at Hanumanahalli. This 1-2 hour climb is a pilgrimage for most as this hill is the place where Lord Hanuman was born. As a result, the path is very well defined and shaded to make it easier for devotees to offer their prayers at the hilltop Hanuman temple. Check the sunset time on google and start your hike up well in time to be able to explore the temple and see a spectacular sunset from the top!

Places to Visit Near Hampi

Sandur is a small mining town located about 40 kilometres from Hampi. It has a beautiful landscape characterized by rugged blue-black mountains and narrow lanes through lush fields (also gorgeous sunflower fields). The WelcomHertitage Shivavilas Palace Hotel located here used to be the residence of the King of Sandur. Now it is a 5-star hotel that is a museum in itself the common rooms have been left as-is from the time that the royal family lived here. The library, billiards rooms, vintage cars and living rooms – all take you back in time. This is definitely one of the best places to visit near Hampi.

Paddy Fields on the other side of the Tungabhadra River

When you’re in Hampi, people will refer to the area on the opposite bank of the Tungabhadra river as exactly that – the other side. This area covers villages like Hanumanahalli, Hippie Island (now bulldozed), Anegundi (where apparently most of Hippie Island has relocated after the bulldozing), and Sanapur. The drive around this area has the most picturesque paddy fields. Take a stroll around them or hire a bike (may be available during season time between October-February) and explore the area.

Temples and Sites Beyond the River

These are temples and attractions on the other side of the Tungabhadra river. This area was known as Kishkinda – the mythical kingdom of monkey kings Bali and Sugriva, mentioned in the epic Ramayana. Hence, most of these sites have religious importance!

• Anjaneya Hill: Birthplace of Hanuman. Mentioned above.
• Chinthamani Temple in Anegundi: Chintamani Temple is a Shiva Temple. It is the spot from where Ram aimed and shot his arrow to kill Baali during his fight with Sugriva. The temple is worth a visit by all due to its epic location beside the Tungabhadra.
• Pampa Sarovar Temple: The temple is constructed where Pampa (a form of Parvati) punishes herself to show her dedication to Shiva. Also, Pampa Sarovar is a sacred lake for Hindus – one of the 5 sacred lakes (Panch Sarovar) in Hindu mythology. If you’re not into mythology, consider visiting only from November to December when lotuses are in full bloom at Pampa Sarovar Lake.
• Anegundi Fort: The Anegundi fort with its many gates, tombs and temples (Ganesha Cave Temple and Durga Temple) is a sprawling fort that once used to guard the region.
• Gagan Mahal: Gagan Mahal, once the abode of rulers in the Vijayanagar Empire, is now a local administrative building that is not properly maintained. You can still check it out from the outside if you’re in the area.

Pro-Tip: Eat lunch at Baba Cafe. This café is reminiscent of the Hippie Island days as it has a similar vibe. Due to its awesome location in nature, the cafe makes for a great place to have some beer and international fare.

Tungabhadra Dam

The Tungabhadra Dam, 18 km from Hampi, is a nice short stopover on your route to or back from Hampi. The sheer volume of water it handles is a sight to see.

The dam has a well-maintained Japanese garden located beside it which is great for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. You might also like to visit when the dam’s gates are lit in rainbow colours in the evening between 7:15 to 8:30 PM.

Sanapur Lake

Sanapur Lake located beyond Anegundi on the ‘other side of the river’, is an irrigation reservoir. It is less frequented due to its distance from Hampi and as per us, the lack of much to do here. It used to be THE spot for cliff climbing but as per locals, this has been banned as people have died after jumping in the lake. If you’re interested in cliff jumping, ask the locals if you actually can do that when you get there. Besides that, you can enjoy a coracle ride here (for much less money than at the Tungabhadra river) but overall the ride pales in comparison to the Tungabhadra one – no cliffs, no ancient temples, nothing. The best reason to visit here is the peace, since you’ll hardly find tourists in the area.

Points to Note

Opening and Closing Time : Most attractions open at 8:30 AM-9 AM. We suggest starting your day at the opening time to make the most of it. You can always return to your hotel in the afternoon from 1 PM-4 PM to rest as it gets too hot to explore. Also, it is better to exit most of Hampi’s attractions at or before sunset, to be safe from wild animals like bears and leopards.

Entrance Fees : Only a few attractions have entrance fees – Virupaksha temple with a cost of Rs.25 and Vitthala Temple at Rs. 40. The prices mentioned are for Indian nationals, BIMSTEC and SAARC country nationals. For other foreign nationals, it is Rs. 500 at Virupaksha and Rs. 600 at Vitthala. These prices change often, however. You may be charged extra for DSLRs, though we weren’t. Tripods, video cameras and drones are not allowed inside the attractions.

Guide Cost : The cost for a guide at specific sites are usually Rs. 200-300. This may vary by guide and site. You will definitely need a guide for Vitthala Temple, Virupaksha Temple and to climb Hemakuta Hills. For other sites, use your discretion. If you’d like to have a guide with you all day then the cost is Rs. 1500- Rs. 2000 per day. It is a good investment to really understand the architecture and history of the locations and also make the most of your time. However, they do rush the monument visits.

Not interested in hiring a daily guide or want all possible details about a Hampi visit? Read the detailed Hampi itinerary we have drawn up covering the best places to visit and things to do in Hampi along with where to stay, when to go, how to get around, and travel tips.

Have questions? Do drop it in the comments below, we would love to help out! Also, do let us know if you enjoyed the photos of Hampi and its monuments.

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This blog post on ‘The Best Places to Visit in Hampi’ has affiliate links that enable us to earn a small commission when you make a purchase, with no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and activities we like and those that might interest you. If you like any suggested product, do buy from the given links.

3 thoughts on “25 Unforgettable Places to Visit in Hampi”

Really it’s a fantastic blog, I’ll definitely visit those places one day. Good work, Keep going.

Thank you. Hope you do 🙂

A very interesting blog about the Hampi places, very impressive. We are offering the eco-friendly tented accommodations and attentive yet discreet service allows guests to truly unwind in comfort amidst the serenity of the Evolveback Hampi Resort.

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• Places To Visit In Hampi

Places to Visit in Hampi

The renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site and the once-magnificent capital of the Vijayanagara Empire; Hampi attracts backpackers and pilgrims in equal numbers due to its intriguing ruins of forts and temples.

Things To See & Do

Coracle Ride

Ride across tungabhadra river.

1 to 1.5 hours

Suggested Time

Virupaksha Temple

Oldest temple in hampi.

2 to 3 hours

Vittala Temple

Iconic temple ruins.

Minimum 1 hour

Rock Climbing

Climb giant boulders.

Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple

8-feet statue of lord ganesha.

Pattabhirama Temple

Known for intricate architecture.

Hampi Bazaar

Locally known as virupaksha bazaar, best time to visit hampi, ideal winter destination, peak season, moderate season.

• What To Expect : Moderately cool weather.
• Things You'll Love : Sightseeing, rock climbing and ferry rides.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Hampi Festival November

Purandaradasa Aradhana January/February

Sivaratri February/March

Phalapuja Festival December

Book Your Trip to Hampi

Travel options to reach hampi.

Our Recommendations

Flight to Bangalore Airport, then cab to Hampi

10h 40m . one way.

Booking Price

Flight to Bangalore

Cab to hampi, flight to goa airport, then cab to hampi, 10h 43m . one way, flight to goa, stay in hampi.

Recommended Options

3 STAR HOTELS

Recommended for you.

Average Price

4 STAR HOTELS

Evolve back, hampi, 5 star hotels, holiday packages for hampi.

Top Recommendations

Hassan & Hampi Quick Getaway

Hotels,activities,transfers,flights.

24% off ₹41,163

Incredible Hampi Holiday

24% off ₹31,954

Getaway to Evolve Back Hampi

24% off ₹58,471

Cultural Hassan & Hampi Getaway

24% off ₹41,300

Heritage Tour to Hassan and Hampi

24% off ₹41,984

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Best places to visit in hampi.

Hampi is a small village located in the southern state of Karnataka, India, and is famous for many Hampi tourist places, ancient temples, stunning architecture, and rich history. Most places in Hampi are popular among history buffs and architecture enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into India's rich cultural heritage.

Top Places to Visit in Hampi

Virupaksha Temple is among the top places in Hampi, dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built in the 7th century AD. The temple has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries and features beautiful carvings and sculptures.

Another popular temple in Hampi is the Vittala Temple , which is known for its intricate stone chariot and stunning musical pillars. Among the top places to visit in Hampi, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple complex also includes several smaller shrines and a beautiful garden.

The Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple

The Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple holds top rank among places to see in Hampi, for its massive statue of Lord Ganesha, which is carved out of a single block of granite. The temple is located on the slopes of Hemakuta Hill and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The Pattabhirama Temple

The Pattabhirama Temple is another ancient temple in Hampi West Bengal, dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple is known for its beautiful carvings and intricate architecture and is believed to have been built in the 16th century AD.

The Hampi Bazaar

The Hampi Bazaar is one of the popular shopping destinations in Hampi, known for its colourful markets and street vendors. Visitors can find a wide range of items here, from traditional Indian clothing and jewellery to souvenirs and handicrafts.

Best time to visit Hampi

Summer in Hampi lasts from March to May, and temperatures can reach up to 40°C (104°F) during the day. It can be quite hot and dry, and visitors are advised to stay hydrated and avoid being outdoors during the hottest hours of the day. Summer is quite difficult for things to see in Summers in Hampi.

Monsoon season in Hampi lasts from June to September, and the village receives heavy rainfall during this time. However, the rain brings a lush green landscape and cooler temperatures offering a gorgeous Hampi sightseeing experience.

Winter in Hampi lasts from October to February, and the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). The pleasant weather makes it a great time to explore Hampi attractions and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and rock climbing.

Places to Visit in Hampi with Family & Friends

The elephant stables.

One of the best places to go in Hampi with friends, the Elephant Stables, built in the 15th century, are a group of massive structures that were used to house the royal elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire. The stables are made of granite and feature intricate carvings and arches.

Matanga Hill

Matanga Hill is one of the most popular places to explore in Hampi, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can climb to the top of the hill and enjoy panoramic views of the temples and monuments of Hampi.

Sanapur Lake

Sanapur Lake is among the most beautiful tourist spots in Hampi which offers a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and is a popular spot for boating, kayaking, and swimming.

Best Places in Hampi for Couples

The lotus palace.

One of the amazing places to visit in Hampi for couples, The Lotus Palace, also known as the Kamalapura Palace, is a stunning example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Built during the reign of King Krishnadevaraya, the palace features intricate carvings and a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic design elements.

The Tungabhadra River

The Tungabhadra River is among the most adventurous and stunning places in Hampi, running through the centre of the city and providing a source of water for agriculture and daily life. Visitors can take a boat ride along the river and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Anegundi Village

The historic village Anegundi Village is among the most charming scenic spots in Hampi located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Visitors can explore the narrow streets and alleys of the village, which are lined with traditional houses and shops.

Good Places to Visit at Night in Hampi

Suresh restaurant.

Suresh Restaurant in Hampi is a popular eatery that has been serving visitors. One of the popular dining spots in Hampi, the restaurant is known for its South Indian vegetarian dishes such as masala dosa, uttapam, and thali.

OLD CHILL OUT Ganesh Restaurant

OLD CHILL OUT Ganesh Restaurant, located near the Hampi Bazaar, is a laid-back restaurant popular among backpackers and travellers. The restaurant has a hippie vibe with low tables and floor seating, making it one of the interesting destinations in Hampi. The menu features a mix of Indian and international dishes.

Trishul Restaurant

One of the best tourist places in Hampi, Trishul Restaurant is a modern restaurant known for its variety of pasta, pizzas, desserts and more.

Best Places to Visit near Hampi

One of the popular places to visit near Hampi, Hospet is a popular destination for tourists who want to explore the Tungabhadra Dam , the largest dam in the state of Karnataka. Other attractions in Hospet include the Chitradurga Fort, Anegundi Fort , and the Queen's Bath.

Located around 64 km from Hampi, Bellary is a city rich in history and culture. Visitors can explore the Bellary Fort, the Jindal Vijayanagar Steel Plant, and the Sandur Hills.

Located around 140 km away from Hampi, Badami is known for its ancient rock-cut cave temples. The four temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, are considered to be some of the best examples of ancient Indian architecture.

Hampi is a unique and historic destination in India that offers a wealth of cultural and natural attractions to visitors. Hampi tourism includes stunning architecture, ancient ruins, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant local culture.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Hampi

What are the things that you should not miss out on when you are in hampi.

If you are a true traveller, you should definitely not miss out on Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, and Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple when you are in Hampi to make a funfilled vacay.

What are the activities you can explore during the peak season and moderate season in Hampi?

In the peak season months October, November, December, January and February you will experience moderately cool weather wherein around moderate season i.e. July, August and September you will enjoy average but inconsistent rainfalls. Whatever that suits your calendar, Hampi awaits you for a good time.

What are the best places to visit in Hampi?

Hampi has loads of places that you can visit on your vacation. Our recommendation of the best places to visit in Hampi include - Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, and Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple. Apart from these, there are multiple other places to visit that you can explore if you are on a longer trip!

Destinations Near Hampi

Top places to visit in nearby destinations, similar places to visit in other destinations, more places & things to explore in hampi, best time to visit in similar destinations, explore more, more destinations to explore, similar destination like hampi, top countries to explore, top states in india, best places to visit in months, places to visit in countries from india, places to visit in states in india, best international places to visit in 2024, hampi weather in months, weather in march for similar destinations.

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An ancient ruin where history whispers through the incredible hidden gems near  Hampi . Be it a small village with its mystical boulders and ancient temples which hold copious historical significance or an artistic tapestry like Badami where you'll witness the marvels of rock-cut architecture. Apart from historical and artistic value, nature retreats like Sanapur Lake offer a mesmerising view for nature enthusiasts.

Delve into the captivating stories carved in stone of UNESCO World Heritage Site. These off-beat treasure troves prioritise a memorable journey for their visitors. Get ready to unveil secrets about lesser-known historical sites, indulge yourself in local culture, and stroll through exquisite natural wonders.

List Of Famous 15 Places To Visit Near Hampi

Located at the banks of Tungabhadra, Hampi shelters the historical legacy of the Vijayanagara Empire. If you're a history buff with an immense love for natural wonders, then don't miss out on these best places to visit near Hampi. Let's dig deep into the history!

• Virupaksha Temple | Shiva's Divine Abode
• Vijaya Vittala Temple | Timeless Dravidian Sanctuary
• Lotus Mahal | Paradise of Rubble
• Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple | Riverside Eternal Shrine
• Hampi Bazaar | Stop and Shop!
• Hippie Island | A Backpacker's Paradise
• Elephant Stables | Royal Vijayanagara Ride
• Zenana Enclosure | The Indo-Islamic Marvel
• Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary | Bear Whisperer's Retreat
• Gagan Mahal | The Monarchical Miracle
• Hemakuta Hill | Canvas of Stones
• Achyutaraya Temple | Bliss Between Hills
• Sanapur Lake | Serene Water Haven
• Palace of Vira Harihara | Colossal Ruins Quest
• Matanga Hill | Hampi's Panoramic Peace

1. Virupaksha Temple | Shiva's Divine Abode

The spiritual ambience and the awe-inspiring ruins of Hampi surrounding this temple attract many pilgrims and tourists throughout the year. With stunning Dravidian architecture, intricate carvings, and a 160-foot gopuram (entrance tower), it is inevitably one of the best cultural heritage sites near Hampi.

Nearby Tourist Spots:

• Hampi Archeological Ruins
• Gudi Elephant Stables
• Tungabhadra Ghats

Location: South banks of Tungabhadra River.

Timings: 9:00 am to 1:00pm and 5:00 pm to 9:00pm

2. Vijaya Vittala Temple | Timeless Dravidian Sanctuary

Nestled in Hampi, this temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exquisite architectural beauty. This temple boasts mystifying musical pillars, which, when tapped, create enchanting tunes. A visit to this historical site is a journey back in time, a testament to India's religious and artistic legacy.

• Vitthala Santhebedi
• King's Balance
• Kuduregombe Mantapa

Location: South banks of Tungabhadra River and within a 3km radius of Hampi city.

Timings: 8:30 am to 6:00pm

3. Lotus Mahal | Paradise of Rubble

Sheltered amidst the historic ruins near Hampi, Lotus Mahal is an architectural gem. This 14th-century ornate lotus-shaped pavilion showcases perfect rubble masonry and a rich blend of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles. Its immaculate cravings, serene ambience, and unique design make it a must-visit destination for tourists to glimpse into the royal history of the Vijayanagara Empire.

• Zenana Enclosure
• Queen's Bath
• Elephant Stables

Location: Within a 4km radius of Hampi City.

Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00pm

4. Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple | Riverside Eternal Shrine

This serene temple shelters a unique deity, Lord Hanuman, in a reclining posture, holding a massive iron rod (yantrodharaka) above him. The spiritual atmosphere and the captivating mythology surrounding the deity are what draw the attention of several tourists throughout the year.

• Coracle Ride
• Matanga Hill
• Kadalekalu Ganesha.

Location: South banks of Tungabhadra River and within a km radius of Hampi City.

Timings: 6:30 am to 5 pm

5. Hampi Bazaar | Stop and Shop!

If you are looking for one of the most bustling Hampi day trip destinations, then search no further. Hampi Bazaar, nestled amidst the centre of Hampi, is a captivating fusion of ancient ruins and lively commerce. With its colourful shops, aromatic food stalls, and proximity to iconic landmarks like Virupaksha Temple and Matanga Hill, this place is a must-visit for those who are seeking a cultural yet adventurous day out in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Matanga Hill.

Location: Within a km radius of Hampi city

Timings: 6:00 am to 11:00pm

6. Hippie Island | A Backpacker's Paradise

Sheltered amidst the enchanting ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hippie Island promises one of the best viewpoints around Hampi. This paradise, accessible by a short boat ride across the Tungabhadra River, is a tapestry of panoramic vistas of the Hampi landscape. With its laid-back vibe, lush landscape, and mesmerising sunsets, Hippie Island provides travellers with a unique perspective on the natural wonders of Hampi.

• Hampi Vijayanagara
• Sunset Viewpoint

Location: Northern banks of Tungabhadra River and within 2km radius of Hampi city

Timings: 7:00 am to 8:30pm

7. Elephant Stables | Royal Vijayanagara Ride

The Elephant Stables near Hampi are a fascinating historical site that once housed the royal rides(elephants) of the Vijayanagara Empire. The impressive stone structures showcase immaculate architecture along with dome-shaped chambers and ornamented pillars. These stables are a reminder of the monarchical grandeur and are a great way of learning about the regal legacy.

• Lotus Mahal
• Hampi Archeological Museum

Location: Within 4km radius of Hampi city.

Timings: 8:30 am to 5:30pm

8. Zenana Enclosure | The Indo-Islamic Marvel

This secluded archaeological site dating back to the 14th century was once a private retreat for the royal women. Enclosed by massive stone walls, it houses exquisite structures like the Lotus Mahal and the Elephant Stables.

• Ranga Temple
• Yellama Temple
• Jain Temple or Hazara Rama Temple.

Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00pm

9. Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary | Bear Whisperer's Retreat

Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is a wildlife haven for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can embark on thrilling safaris to catch a glimpse of these charismatic creatures in their natural habitat while also enjoying the landscapes of Hampi and surrounding areas.

• Atal Bihari Vajpayee Zoological Park
• Royal Palace

Location: Within a 9 km radius of Hampi City.

Timings: 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

10. Gagan Mahal | The Monarchical Miracle

This structural gem portrays detailed carvings and beautiful frescoes, offering an overview of the rich heritage of the Vijayanagara Empire. Surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking the pristine waters of the Tungabhadra River, Ganga Mahal provides a serene and scenic setting for travellers looking to witness India's majestic side.

• Anegundi Fort
• Vijaya Vittala Temple

Location: Within a 5 km radius of Hampi city.

Timings: Open for 24 hours

Read More : Things To Do In Hampi 

11. Hemakuta Hill | Canvas of Stones

This rocky hill offers a panoramic view of the UNESCO-listed ruins of Hampi, bathed in golden. Filled with ancient temples, ornamented carvings, and lush greenery, it is a serene spot to soak hues during sunrise as well as sunset, making it one of the best viewpoints around Hampi. The spiritual and natural aesthetics of the historical city. A short climb will also quench the thirst for a little adventure.

• Saasivekaalu Ganesha
• Hemakuta Gudda
• Sunset Point

Location: Within a 1 km radius of Hampi city.

Timings: Open 24 hours.

12. Achyutaraya Temple | Bliss Between Hills

This historic site is dedicated to Lord Tiruvengalanatha and rests safely between Matanga Hills and Gandhamadana. Surrounded by the lush greenery of both the hills and the intricate stone carvings, the visitors go to a spiritual and natural retreat.

• Sule Santebedi
• Tenali Rama Pavilion.

Location: Within a 2 km radius of Hampi city.

Timings: 5:30 am to 1:00 pm and 5:30 pm to 9:00pm

13. Sanapur Lake | Serene Water Haven

Sanapur Lake, a serene oasis near Hampi, offers a perfect escape for weekend getaways from Hampi. Encircled by striking boulders, this picturesque reservoir invites travellers to relax by its clear waters, enjoy a tranquil boat ride, or simply bask in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. It's an ideal spot for unwinding and rejuvenating amidst nature's splendour, making it a must-visit destination for a peaceful weekend retreat.

• Hampi Falls

Location: Within 25 km radius of Hampi city.

Timings: Open 24 hours

14. Palace of Vira Harihara | Colossal Ruins Quest

The Palace of Vira Harihara is a site steeped in history and a splendid example of historic ruins near Hampi. This was a colossal structure of the bygone era and presently is a part of the fortified Royal Enclosure. With majestic courtyards, ornate carvings, and fascinating architecture, this place remains one of the best places to visit near Hampi.

• Hazara Rama Temple
• Dandanayaka Enclosure
• Krishnadevaraya Palace Base

Location: Within a 2 km radius of Hampi City.

15. Matanga Hill | Hampi's Panoramic Peace

Matanga Hill, one of the best viewpoints around Hampi, offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of this ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site. This iconic hilltop location provides a stunning 360-degree view of the historic ruins, boulder-strewn landscapes, and the meandering Tungabhadra River, making it a must-visit destination for travellers seeking the most picturesque perspectives of the Hampi region.

• Sri Kodandarama Temple
• Achyutaraya Temple

Location: Within 1 km radius of Hampi city.

Read More : Places To Visit In Hampi  

The vicinity of Hampi is a treasure trove of enchanting destinations that promise to leave you awe-inspired and captivated. From the UNESCO-listed ruins of Hampi itself to the serene beauty of Sanapur Lake and the mystical charm of Matanga Hill, this region offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a serene escape, this region has something for everyone. So pack your bags, embrace the allure of these places, and let Adotrip be your trusted companion on this unforgettable adventure.

With us, nothing is far!

Book Hampi Tour Packages 

Frequently asked questions about places to visit near hampi.

Q1. What are the most famous tourist attractions near Hampi? A1: Some of the popular tourist attractions near Hampi include:

• Virupaksha Temple
• Hampi Bazaar
• Badami Cave Temples
• Pattadakal Temples
• Aihole Temples
• Anegundi Village

Q2. Can you provide a list of must-see places near Hampi? A2: Some must-see places to explore near Hampi are:

Q3. Are there any historical or archaeological sites to visit around Hampi? A3: Historical or archaeological sites around Hampi Are:

Q4.Which nearby spots offer scenic views and natural beauty from Hampi? A4: Some of the mesmerising spots near Hampi are:

• Sanapur Lake
• Tungabhadra River
• Anjaneya Hill
• Hemakuta Hill
• Hampi's Riverside Ruins
• Hippie Island (Virupapur Gaddi)
• Daroji Bear Sanctuary
• Chintamani Temple Hill
• Daroji Lake

Q5. What are some off-the-beaten-path destinations near Hampi worth exploring? A5: Near Hampi, some off-the-beaten-path destinations include:

• Hippie Island (Virupapura Gadde)
• Tungabhadra Riverside Ruins
• Anjeyanadri Hill
• Yeduru Basavanna Temple
• Bhima's Gateway
• Chintamani Temple

Q6.Are there any temples or religious sites to visit near the Hampi area? A6: Temples near Hampi include:

• Hemakuta Hill Temples

Q7.Where can I find trekking or outdoor adventure opportunities near Hampi? A7: Some trekking trails near Hampi are:

• Tungabhadra Dam
• Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Q8. Which riverside or water-related attractions are close to Hampi? A8: Riverside attractions near Hampi are:

• Hampi's Coracle Boats
• Shanbhag Lake
• Anegundi Reservoir
• Daroji Bear Sanctuary (seasonal waterholes)
• Kamalapur Lake
• Chakratirtha

Q9. What are some nearby villages or towns that are interesting to visit from Hampi? A9: Some nearby villages that are worth visiting from Hampi are:

Q10. Are there any festivals or events that take place near Hampi and are worth experiencing? A10: The festivals and events that take place near Hampi are:

• Hampi Utsav
• Chariot Festival at Pattabhirama Temple
• Navaratri Celebrations at Virupaksha Temple
• Purandaradasa Aradhana
• Virupaksha Car Festival
• Vijaya Utsav at Vijaya Vittala Temple
• Pattadakal Dance Festival

--- Published By  Adotrip

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19 Incredible Tourist Places to Visit in Hampi

Hampi, the capital of the once-prosperous Vijayanagara empire, is known for its architectural heritage. The sheer number of places to visit in Hampi and around can be overwhelming. It’s home to over a thousand monuments, including ancient temples and palaces.

The historic town has also been called the World’s Largest Open-Air Museum. It’s because the ruins are spread over a large area. They truly showcase the artistic finesse of the period.

Because of its rich historical heritage, the entire city has been declared a UNESCO Heritage Site . But Hampi has a lot more to absorb apart from its history. Located on the banks of River Tungabhadra, this royal city has a relaxed vibe with an adventurous landscape.

Check this list of places to visit in Hampi to learn more about its must-visit places and explore sightseeing near Hampi.

1. Virupaksha Temple

Virupaksha Temple is a famous temple in Hampi and the main pilgrimage centre in the city. It’s also considered one of the oldest functioning temples in India, making it among the top places to visit in Hampi.

Among the ruins of Hampi, this temple has stood the test of time the best. It was originally a small shrine. And it’s said that it has been an active place of worship since its inception in the 7th century. Its present magnificence is all credited to the rulers of the Vijayanagara empire.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha (an incarnation of Lord Shiva). His idol is in the form of Shivalinga.

• Entry Fee : Free
• Timings : 6 AM – 1 PM and 5 PM – 9 PM
• Distance from Hampi : Close to city centre

2. Monkey Temple

Monkey Temple (or Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple) is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It’s a popular religious site situated atop Anjaneya Hill near the city, and it’s one of the best hill places to visit in Hampi.

The atmosphere is serene and filled with spiritual energy at the top. So, to visit the shrine, you need to ascend a long flight of stairs. On the way, you might also meet the playful and mischievous monkeys of the temple. They are considered sacred.

The temple is also widely renowned for its natural charm. It provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

• Timings : 6 AM – 9 PM

3. Vijaya Vittala Temple

Vijay Vittala Temple in Hampi is another of the architectural wonders of this historical city. It’s also considered the largest of all historical structures in Hampi. The temple dates back to the 15th century. And it’s a masterpiece of Vijayanagara architecture.

While the temple complex is spread over a large area, it’s best known for its stone chariot and musical pillars. It’s dedicated to Lord Vittala (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu). The huge pillars and intricate carvings make it a historical eye candy.

Apart from the main temple, the complex has several small temples, making it one of the most important places to visit in Hampi. Each temple has distinct intricate carvings.

• Timings : 8.30 AM – 5 PM
• Distance from Hampi : 10 km from city centre

4. Old Palace

Old Palace of Hampi, also known as Gagan Mahal, was the residence of the Vijayanagara kingdom rulers. Its architectural grandeur, like many other Hampi monuments, boasts of the brilliance of the Vijayanagara empire.

It’s a beautiful, yellow-coloured building from the 16th century, and much of it is in ruins. But it’s one of the most beautiful historical places in Hampi. It has intricately decorated windows and tall towers at its corners.

It should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Hampi and nearby. You can still see the fragments of regal splendour that once graced this remarkable site.

• Timings : 6 AM – 6 PM
• Distance from Hampi : 19 km from city centre

5. Royal Enclosure

Royal Enclosure is an expansive, walled complex that once used to be the ceremonial and administrative hub of the empire. It contains the ruins of several palaces, water tanks and temples, among other structures.

Mahanavami Dibba (or Dasara Dibba) is the most impressive structure in Royal Enclosure. It’s a high platform with carvings bordering it. Apart from that, there’s a large stepped tank nearby, and an underground chamber.

The Durbar Hall (or 100-Pillared Hall), granaries and water supply wells are other structures you can find here. During your visit, you can also see Hazara Rama Temple nearby.

• Timings : 8 AM – 6 PM
• Distance from Hampi : 4 km from city centre

6. Zanana Enclosure

Situated close to Royal Enclosure is Zanana Enclosure. It’s a walled area that once housed the royal women. Each of the four corners had watch towers, but today, only three remain.

While the place was built during the Vijayanagara rule, the architecture here reflects a mix of Indian and Islamic styles. The queen’s palace’s basement is the largest palace base among the ruins in Hampi so far.

Lotus Mahal, treasury building and several other structures are part of Zanana Enclosure. A row of large chambers that used to house royal elephants is also nearby.

• Entry Fee : ₹10 per person
• Distance from Hampi : 5 km from city centre

7. Ugra Narasimha Temple

Ugra Narasimha (also called Lakshmi Narasimha) is another major attraction of Hampi. The presiding deity here is Narasimha, an avatar of Vishnu who is half human and half lion.

The highlight of the temple is the statue of Narasimha. The deity is shown as sitting in a cross-legged position with a fierce expression on his face. It’s said to be one of the largest monolith statues in Hampi.

You should also visit Badavalinga Temple nearby. It’s a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, right next to Lakshmi Narasimha Temple. It has a Shivalinga carved out of a single black stone. It’s partly submerged in water inside a closed chamber.

8. Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple

Another among the top 10 places to visit in Hampi is Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple. It’s a large hall with granite pillars and a Ganesha statue at one end. The temple got its name from the shape of the statue’s belly. It resembles kadalekalu (Bengal gram, in local language).

The temple is close to Ugra Narasimha Temple. The Lord Ganesha statue here is a tall monolithic statue. At 4.6 metres, it’s one of the highest statues of Ganesha in South India.

There’s also Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple nearby. It, too, has a Ganesha statue carved out of a huge boulder. It’s 2.5 metres high, about half the height of Kadalekalu Ganesha.

9. Achyutaraya Temple

Also called Tiruvengalanatha Temple, Achyutaraya Temple is also among the major temples in Hampi. It’s dedicated to Lord Tiruvengalanatha (an avatar of Lord Shiva).

Although the temple is in ruins, you can still have a glimpse of its grandeur. It has maintained the elegance of the Vijayanagara’s architectural style while transitioning to a more modern form. It’s one of the last temples built during that period.

You can see detailed carvings on the temple pillars, walls and monolith blocks. Scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata have also been elaborately carved. A magnificent idol of Lord Tiruvengalanatha was once established amidst a rectangular concentric structure.

• Distance from Hampi : 3 km from city centre

10. Hemakuta Hill Temples

Hemakuta Hill Temples is a cluster of temples and ruins near the city. The hill is dotted by structures like mandapas, galleries and gateways of various sizes. It also offers panoramic views of the monuments in Hampi and the surrounding landscape.

While many Hemakuta temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, they’re also referred to as Jain Temples. They’ve been built throughout several centuries, and some of them are from the pre-Vijayanagara period.

Although the temple complex lies in ruins, the place has a charm that’s hard to resist. You need to climb stairs to reach the place.

• Distance from Hampi : 2 km from city centre

11. Prasanna Virupaksha Temple

Prasanna Virupaksha Temple is among the oldest ancient places to visit in Hampi. Prasanna Virupaksha is an avatar of Lord Shiva, and the temple is dedicated to him.

The temple is also known as Underground Shiva Temple. It has been built below the ground level, and you can reach the interior only after climbing down a series of stairs. Its sanctum, however, remains underwater and unreachable for the most part of the year.

It’s believed that Prasanna Virupaksha Temple was used for private ceremonies. Even if the temple is underground, its architecture is elaborate. Apart from the sanctum, it has a hall and a courtyard.

12. Matanga Hill

Matanga Hill, being the highest point in Hampi, is a popular spot to watch the sunset over the ruins. It’s a picturesque destination from where you can also capture aerial views of the city. It offers breathtaking views of the landscape.

Atop the hill, there’s a small temple from where you can get panoramic views of Hampi and its surroundings. It’s one of the main places to visit in Hampi in the evening. A short trek takes you to the hilltop.

You’ll also find a small cave during your trek. It’s believed to be where King Sugriva (from the Hindu epic Ramayana) hid.

13. Hampi Bazaar

Hampi Bazaar, also known as Virupaksha Bazaar, is a unique attraction of Hampi. It’s an ancient street, in front of Virupaksha Temple that stretches over a kilometre. It’s lined with ruins of pavilions, which were once part of a booming market and houses of rich merchants.

This marketplace used to have shops that sold jewellery, precious stones, silk clothes and other such luxury items during the Vijayanagara rule. It’s said that domesticated animals like cows and horses were also traded here.

A part of the place still functions as a marketplace, and it’s among the top shopping places to visit in Hampi. This vibrant local market has items like ethnic bags, traditional handicrafts and other souvenir items.

• Timings : 6 AM – 11 PM

14. Archaeological Museum

Although small, the archaeological museum of Hampi houses a number of historical artifacts and other exhibits found during excavation in Hampi. The gallery is divided into four main sections, each dedicated to a different set of exhibits.

Coins, statues and metal plates are among the several things kept in the museum. You can also see sculptures of various Hindu deities here. It’s one of the most exquisite tourist places in Hampi, especially for kids.

Scaled models of the city, along with all its historical monuments, are a must-see exhibit in this museum.

• Entry Fee : ₹5 per person
• Timings : 10 AM – 5 PM

15. Hippie Island

Hippie Island (officially called Virupapura Gadde) is a riverside village across Tungabhadra River. It’s a quaint village that attracts tourists who want to enjoy a laid-back atmosphere. It’s for people who want to relax and unwind in Hampi.

You can find cafes to dine in and shacks to live in on the island itself. Then, you can shop for clothes, get massages or indulge in yoga.

It’s an offbeat tourist spot that’s full of different activities. And the quickest way to reach the place is via a coracle ride across the river.

16. Sanapur Lake

Sanapur Lake is a serene lake near Hippie Island, perfect for a relaxing day and a refreshing swim. The lake is formed by the River Tungabhadra. And it’s one of the most idyllic tourist places in the region.

You can enjoy coracle rides in the lake or just sit at the banks enjoying the surrounding lush greenery. You can best enjoy the serene ambiance during the sunset hours. The lakeside area has ample space for you to unwind in the natural surroundings.

For the more adventurous, Sanapur Lake also offers cliff-jumping opportunities.

17. Anegundi

Anegundi (previously called Kishkindha) is a historical village situated across Tungabhadra River. It’s believed to have been the kingdom of monkeys (ruled by King Sugriva) once, as mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana.

The village has its own unique cultural and historical heritage that captivates tourists. It’s dotted with ancient temples and archaeological ruins, and it’s worth exploring. It’s older than Hampi, and it’s often also considered the old Hampi.

The blend of mythology and archaeology in Anegundi has an irresistible allure, making it one of the best nearby places to visit in Hampi.

• Distance from Hampi : 20 km from city centre

18. Tungabhadra Dam

Tungabhadra Dam, built on Tungabhadra River, is a blend of natural beauty and human ingenuity. The scenic beauty around, with its lush greenery and serene waters, creates a tranquil setting for you to enjoy your vacation. It’s pure natural bliss.

The dam is one of the most romantic places to visit in and around Hampi. If you stay there until evening, make sure you watch the beautiful music fountain in the garden on its side.

Also, you can find boating opportunities on the way to the dam and nearby. A traditional coracle boat ride on the river offers a unique perspective of the surroundings.

• Entry Fee : ₹20 per person
• Timings : 8.30 AM – 7.30 PM
• Distance from Hampi : 27 km from city centre

19. Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Rich in Sloth Bears, Daroji Bear Sanctuary is a protected forest area near Hampi. And it’s a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. It’s one of the few places in India where you can observe Indian sloth bears in the wild.

You can see lovely Sloth bears strolling around and playing with each other. The place is spread across rugged hills and rocky outcrops, providing them a natural habitat.

The sanctuary was established in 1994, and today, it has over 100 sloth bears. A trip to the sanctuary can be a good break from the exploration of historic ruins. It also has other animal species like tiger, leopard and mongoose.

• Entry Fee : ₹50 per person
• Timings : 2 PM – 6 PM
• Distance from Hampi : 9 km from city centre

Hampi serves as a reminder of the grandeur and riches of the Vijayanagara empire. Sites like rock-cut temple complexes and sprawling residential enclosures are some of the best places to visit in Hampi with family. Whether you visit Vijay Vittala Temple or Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple, you can’t help but be in awe at their delicate carvings.

Even when these sites are in ruins, they show us the imagination and architectural capability of the bygone era. These stone structures are a witness to the rich history, culture and architecture of that period.

Plan your Hampi trip in winter (November-February) when the weather is pleasant. You can explore the ruins and other places to visit in and near Hampi properly during those days.

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Popular Tourist Places to Visit in Hampi

• Virupaksha Temple Hampi
• Vijaya Vittala Temple Hampi
• Matanga Hill Hampi
• Elephant Stables Hampi
• Hemakuta Hill Temple Hampi
• Hampi Bazaar Street
• Lotus Mahal Hampi
• Hazara Rama Temple Hampi
• Pushkarani Hampi
• Kadalekalu Ganesha Hampi
• Achyutaraya Temple Hampi
• Sasivekalu Ganesha Hampi
• Badavilinga Temple Hampi
• Stone Chariot Hampi
• Kings Balance Hampi
• Coracle Ride Hampi
• Royal Enclosure Hampi
• Monolithic Bull Hampi
• Queen's Bath Hampi
• Zanana Enclosure Hampi
• Octagonal Bath Hampi
• Ranga Mantapa Hampi
• Monkey Temple Hampi
• Pattabhirama Temple Hampi
• Archaeological Museum Hampi
• Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary Hampi
• Old Palace / Gagan Mahal Hampi
• Dasara Dibba / Mahanavami Dibba Hampi
• Rock Climbing Hampi
• Stepped Tank Hampi
• Palace of Vira Harihara Hampi
• Malyavanta Raghunatha Temple Hampi
• Ferry Point Hampi
• Sugriva's Cave Hampi
• Sree Kodandarama Temple Hampi
• Ranganatha Temple Hampi
• Krishna Bazaar Hampi
• Hippie Island Hampi
• Ugra Narasimha / Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Hampi
• Underground Shiva Temple / Prasanna Virupaksha Temple Hampi
• Sri Krishna Temple / Bala Krishna Temple Hampi
• Sanapur Lake Hampi
• Anegundi Hampi
• Tungabhadra Dam Hampi

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• Places to Visit in Hampi

25 Top Tourist Places to Visit in Hampi

• Hampi Overview
• Top 25 Places to Visit in Hampi
• 11 Best Hampi Tour Packages
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Vittala Temple / Vijaya Vittala Temple

#1 of 25 Places to Visit in Hampi

At a distance of 9 km (or 2.3 km by walk) from Hampi Bus Stand and 5.5 km from Kamalapura Bus Stand, Vittala Temple is an ancient monument located on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra River in Hampi. It is one of the largest and the most famous structures to visit as part of Hampi tour packages . The Vijaya Vittala or Vittala Temple is the most famous and popular tourist places to visit in Hampi . This temple is famous for its Stone Chariot and Musical Pillars. It was built around the 15th century AD during the reign of King Devaraya II (1422 - 1446 AD). Several portions of the temple were expanded and enhanced during the reign of Krishnadevaraya (1509 - 1529 AD). This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Vittala. The temple is well-known for its exceptional architecture and unmatched craftsmanship. This predominant monument of Hampi is a major .....

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Virupaksha Temple

#2 of 25 Places to Visit in Hampi

At a distance of 400 m from Hampi Bus Stand, Sri Virupaksha temple is a Hindu temple located at the western end of Hampi Bazaar in Hampi. It is the most famous and important temples in Hampi, and among the must include places in Hampi Packages . Virupaksha Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is renowned as one of the most sacred pilgrimage in Karnataka . Virupaksha is an incarnation of Lord Shiva, and among all the surrounding ruins, this temple is intact and is still in use. This temple is also called the Pampapathi temple and is one of the most places to visit in Hampi . Situated on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra River, it is a part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to history, this temple has been functioning uninterruptedly ever since .....

Sri Krishna Temple / Bala Krishna Temple

#3 of 25 Places to Visit in Hampi

At a distance of 500 m from Hampi Bus Stand, Sri Krishna temple is situated on the Hampi main road. Krishna temple is one of the important places to visit in Hampi , and among the Group of Monuments which is currently listed as a part of the World Heritage Monuments by UNESCO. The temple is situated close to the Virupaksha Temple . According to the history, Bala Krishna Temple was built by Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire in 1513 AD. He built this temple to commemorate his victory over Prataparudra Gajapati, the ruler of the eastern kingdom of Udayagiri (now Orissa) which is mentioned in the inscriptions on the slab. The main idol installed in the temple was the figure of Bala Krishna and now it is preserved in the State Museum at Chennai. This temple was built in Panchayathana style with two enclosures. Built-in the center of .....

Mahanavami Dibba / Dasara Dibba

#4 of 25 Places to Visit in Hampi

At a distance of 3.5 km from Hampi Bus Stand, Mahanavami Dibba or The House of Victory is a beautiful stone platform situated inside the Royal Enclosure in Hampi. It is also known as Dasara Dibba and is one of the most impressive structures to be visited during your Hampi Trip . Mahanavami Dibba was built by King Krishnadevaraya in 1513 AD after his conquest over the kingdom of Udayagiri, present-day Orissa. The grand platform was used as a stage by the kings to watch the army march past, the war games, and the royal procession that were held during the Mahanavami festival, also known as the Dasara festival, hence the name Mahanavami Dibba. It is one of the most fascinating Hampi tourist places . Dasara Dibba represents the typical Vijayanagara style of architecture. The stone platform is about 12 m in height. The huge structure is a square platform with .....

Hazara Rama Temple

#5 of 25 Places to Visit in Hampi

At a distance of 3 km from Hampi Bus Stand, Hazara Rama Temple is a beautiful temple located at the center of Royal Enclosure. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. Hazara Rama Temple was built in the early part of the 15th century by Devaraya II. The term Hazara Rama literally means a thousand Rama and refers to the large number of Ramayana panels depicted on the walls. This temple is believed to be the private temple of the kings and the royal family of Vijayanagara.. It was originally built as a simple structure within a rectangular complex. It consisted of only a sanctum, a pillared hall and an ardha-mandapa. Later the temple structure was renovated to add an open porch and beautiful pillars. The pillared hall has unique black stone pillars which are raised on a stone platform at the center of the hall. The interior of the temple has richly ornately columns. An empty pedestal with three holes signifies that the temple once had idols of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. Hazara .....

Pattabhirama Temple

#6 of 25 Places to Visit in Hampi

At a distance of 1.2 km from Kamalapura Bus Stand and 5 km from Hampi, Pattabhirama Temple is situated near ASI museum in Kamalapura. Along with the Virupaksha and Vittala temples, the Pattabhirama temple represents the creative temple-building ventures of the Vijayanagara rulers. Though it contains two inscriptions of King Achyuta Raya, the temple is believed to have been constructed well ahead of his regime. Dedicated to Lord Rama, this temple is known for its intricate architecture. It was a prominent destination for devotees during the period of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Pattabhirama Temple is situated in the center of a huge rectangular enclosure. The east-facing sanctum has a three tier vimana with an antarala, maha-mandapa and ardha-mandapa. The large and square maha-mandapa is a finely built structure with tall and slender composite pillars of various types and is the best example of Vijayanagara style architecture. To the east of the ardha-mandapa is the usual .....

Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex

#7 of 25 Places to Visit in Hampi

At a distance of 600 m from Hampi Bus Stand, The Hemakuta group of temples is a cluster of ancient temples situated on the Hemakuta hill in Hampi adjacent to Virupaksha Temple . Hemakuta, literally meaning golden hillock is one of the most charming hillocks in Hampi. It is dotted by over fifty structures of different types including temples, mandapas, galleries, and gateways of various sizes. Hemakuta Hill offers an excellent view of Hampi Bazaar and Virupaksha temple. The Hemakuta hill has three entry points, one on the south-eastern side, one on the south, and the other on the eastern side of the hill which leads to the street near the Virupaksha temple. There are more than 35 temples on Hemakuta Hill. These temples are built in the pre-Vijayanagara and Vijayanagara periods (9th to 14th century AD). These are referred to as Jain Temples, but many of these temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Two of the .....

Ugra Narasimha / Lakshmi Narasimha Statue

#8 of 25 Places to Visit in Hampi

At a distance of 800 m from Hampi Bus Stand, Ugra Narasimha Temple is located south of Sri Krishna Temple in Hampi. The Lakshmi Narasimha statue is one of the most imposing sculptures found in Hampi . The specialty of the sculpture is that it is the largest monolith statue in Hampi with a height of 6.7 m. It was carved in 1528 AD during the rule of Krishnadevaraya. The protruding eyes and the facial expression are the basis for this name. This is considered to be among the most important monuments found in Hampi and is visited by a large number of people throughout the year. Lord Narasimha is sitting on the coil of a giant seven-headed Adisesha (guardian snake of Lord Vishnu) and the lions guard the sides of the idol. The heads of the snake act as the hood above his head. The Lord in this temple is in cross-legged yoga position with the belt supporting the knees. The original statue contained the image of goddess Lakshmi, consort .....

Hampi Bazaar

#9 of 25 Places to Visit in Hampi

Hampi Bazaar is located beside the Hampi Bus Stand and located in front of the Virupaksha temple. It is also known as Virupaksha Bazaar. About a kilometer long, the eastern side of the bazaar ends at the foothill of Matanga Hill. Hampi Bazaar is a unique attraction of Hampi. Both sides of the street have a series of very old pavilions, some single storied and others two storied. These buildings were once the part of a booming market and houses of the upper class merchants. The arcades are open structures with no doors. It was once a place where merchants used to sell precious stones, jewellery, silk clothes, etc. during Vijayanagara rule. It was also a market where cows and horses were traded. The Hampi Bazaar still functions as a market place, though it is no longer as attractive as it was. The western end of the street has been encroached by a number of shop owners and small restaurants. These shops that sell items like ethnic clothes, bags and pooja artifacts. A huge Nandi, .....

Lotus Mahal

#10 of 25 Places to Visit in Hampi

At a distance of 500 m from Hazara Rama Temple, 3.5 km from Hampi Bus Stand and 2 km from Kamalapur Bus Stand, Lotus Mahal is situated within Zenana Enclosure, a secluded area reserved for the royal ladies of the Vijayanagara Empire. This is also known as Chitragani Mahal and Kamal Mahal. Lotus Mahal is the primary attraction of the Zenana Enclosure. Shaped like a lotus flower from the top, the archways of the structure resemble petals of a lotus and provide the whole structure the shape of a half-open lotus. The central dome is carved in the shape of a lotus bud. Lotus Mahal is built in Indo-Islamic style. The two storied structure is symmetrically laid out, with equal projections on four sides. The base of the structure resembles Hindu temple style while the upper superstructure is Islamic in architecture with pyramidal towers. The upper floor of the Mahal has balconies with arched windows. The arches of the ground floor are recessed and ornate. The walls are protected .....

#11 of 25 Places to Visit in Hampi

At a distance of 22 km from Dharwad, 57 km from Gadag, 76 km from Dandeli, 100 km from Belgaum, 102 km from Sirsi, 104 km from Badami, 147 km from Gokarna, 169 km from Karwar, 177 km from Panjim, 183 km from Shimoga, 205 km from Murudeshwar, 210 km from Ballari, 361 km from Mangalore, 406 km from Bangalore, 435 km from Mysore, and 527 km from Hyderabad, Hubli, officially known as Hubballi, is a city in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is one of the must include places in Karnataka tour packages , and among the best places to visit near Kolhapur . Hubli or Hubballi is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state of Karnataka, and the second-largest city in the state after Bangalore. Lying on the 'Golden Quadrilateral' this multi-faceted city is also known as the cultural, educational, and music capital of the state. The city boasts numerous monuments and monasteries, ..... Distance (From Hampi): 170 Kms Trip Duration (From Hampi - Including Travel): Full Day .....

Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy Temple

#12 of 25 Places to Visit in Hampi

At a distance of 2.5 km from Kamalapura Bus Stand and 6 km from Hampi, Sri Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy temple is located atop the Malyavanta Hill. This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy Temple was constructed by Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara Kingdom. According to mythology, Lord Ramachandra and his brother Lakshmana stayed here during the rainy season, in their search of Sita. This 16th century temple was built around a huge boulder in Dravidian architectural style. The east facing temple consists of a sanctum, porch, a large pillared pavilion and a large pillared hall with a large courtyard. There are two gopuras at the temple's entrance. The main shrine consists of Lord Rama, Lakshmana and Sita's idols with the idol of Lord Hanuman kneeling close to them, all carved out of a single boulder. A gap found on the floor is filled with water, which is said to be made by Lakshmana with his arrow. Right behind the temple is a cave temple dedicated to .....

Achyutharaya Temple

#13 of 25 Places to Visit in Hampi

At a distance of 1 km from Hampi Bus Stand & 500 m from Hampi Bazaar, Achyutharaya temple is located between the Gandhamadana hill and Matanga hill. It is one of the last grand creations of the Vijayanagara dynasty before the fall of the empire. This temple has been built during King Achyuta Deva Raya, by an officer Salakaraju Tirumaladeva. Achyuta Deva Raya was the younger brother of Krishna Deva Raya and succeeded him in 1529. The main deity of the temple is Lord Tiruvengalanatha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple was originally named Tiruvengalanatha temple but gradually came to be known as Achyutaraya Temple The temple was built in Vijayanagara style architecture. This temple complex has two enclosures, each marked by an entrance tower. The main temple is situated within the second enclosure. The main temple consists of a garbhagriha, an antarala, sukanasi, a rangamandapa and an ornate Kalyana mandapa. The Kalyana mandapa of the temple is a spacious structure .....

Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple

#14 of 25 Places to Visit in Hampi

At a distance of 250 m from Hampi Bus Stand, The Kadalekalu Ganesha temple is situated on the slope of the Hemakuta Hill in Hampi . It is a remarkable monolithic statue and one of the most popular tourist sites in Hampi. Kadalekalu Ganesha is one of the largest statues of Lord Ganesha in Hampi. The giant Ganesha statue is 4.6 m (15 feet) tall and was carved out of a single boulder. The belly of this statue resembles a Bengal gram (Kadalekalu in Kannada) and hence the statue has been given the name of Kadalekalu Ganesha. The temple of Kadalekalu Ganesha is a beautiful stone structure. A sanctum is built around the statue. The pillared hall in front of this sanctum is decorated with tall and beautiful pillars. The sculptures on the pillars are depicted with mythological characters. The pillars are constructed in the typical Vijayanagara style of architecture. One of the pillars has a carving depicting naughty infant Krishna hiding .....

Royal Enclosure

#15 of 25 Places to Visit in Hampi

At a distance of 3.5 km from Hampi Bus Stand and 2 km from Kamalapur Bus Stand, The Royal Enclosure in Hampi is a huge fortified area that was once the heart of the Vijayanagara Empire. This was the place where the royal family of the Vijayanagara Empire used to reside and the durbar used to be performed. Spread over an area of 59,000 square meters, it is believed to have once housed over 45 buildings, all used by the royal family. This center was separated from the main Hampi center by an irrigation canal. The sprawling area was protected by double walls. It had three entrances, two on the northern side and one on the western side. The Royal Enclosure contains the ruins of several palace bases, water tanks, temples, ornate platform and canals and many other structures. Unlike the temples, which were constructed with stone, many of the palaces were built out of wood. The most impressive structure in the Royal Enclosure is the Mahanavami .....

Stepped Tank

#16 of 25 Places to Visit in Hampi

At a distance of 100m from Mahanavami Dibba and 3.5 km from Hampi Bus Stand, The Stepped tank is located in Durbar Area in Royal enclosure of Hampi. This famous Stepped Tank was excavated by Archeological Survey of India during 1980-1983. This tank is very ornate and one of the most beautiful monuments of Hampi. The Stepped Tank is constructed using finely finished blocks of black stones. This Tank was probably used by the royals for religious purpose. The beautiful tank is about 22 square meters and about 7 meters deep. It has five distinct tiers, each fitted with steps set in a pleasing pattern. The marks on the tank and individual blocks indicate the direction of flow of water. The water to this tank was drawn through the intelligently designed stone channels which are well preserved till date. Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

King's Audience Hall / Durbar Hall

#17 of 25 Places to Visit in Hampi

At a distance of 3.5 km from Hampi Bus Stand and 2 km from Kamalapur Bus Stand, The King's Audience hall, also known as Durbar Hall is located inside the Royal Enclosure at Hampi. It is a ruined structure whose remnants can be spotted on the western side of the Mahanavami Dibba or Dasara Dibba. The King's Audience Hall was built during the time of the Vijayanagara Empire. According to the famous historian Abdul Razzak, who visited Hampi during the reign of Devaraya II, the King's Audience Hall was one of the most magnificent buildings in Hampi during that time. It is believed that this is the place where the king addressed his administration and the public. The King's Audience Hall was a huge building built with huge blocks of stone and wood. The structure has a ruined stone stairway at the rear of the hall that suggests it might have been a two storied building. The super structure is not present right now. Vestiges of pillar sockets and bases show that it was originally a .....

King's Balance

#18 of 25 Places to Visit in Hampi

At a distance of 10 km from Hampi Bus Stand (or 1.5 km by walk) and 6 km from Kamalapur Bus Stand, King's Balance is located southwest of Vittala Temple , at the end of the Kampa Bhupa's Path in Hampi. It is one of the best places to visit in Hampi. King's Balance is also called Tula Bhara or Tula Purushadana. It is regarded as one of the unique monuments of Hampi. It consists of two lofty carved granite pillars about 15 feet high supporting a stone beam about 12 feet in length. It has three hoops on the underside from which the balances or scales are hung. One of the pillars has a bas-relief depicting a king and two queens, possibly Krishna Deva Raya and his consorts. The structure appears like an archway. According to the legend, the balance was used by the king to weigh himself with gold, gems, silver, and precious stones and distributed to the temple priests on certain occasions like Solar .....

Queen's Bath

#19 of 25 Places to Visit in Hampi

At a distance of 1 km from Kamalapur Bus Stand and 3 km from Hampi Bus Stand, Queen's Bath is located close at the entrance of the Royal Enclosure in Hampi. The Queen's Bath is believed to be constructed by Achyuta Raya for the women of the royal family of Vijayanagara. Built in Indo-Islamic style, the Queen's Bath is an elaborate structure with a simple exterior and an ornate interior. It is a rectangular building and is surrounded by ornate balconies, each having a set of three windows. Each arched bay surrounding the bath is decorated with intricate carved stucco ornamentation on the ceilings and the vaults placed above the arched bays. The depth of the pool is 6 feet and has stone steps leading to the bottom of the tank. This 30 square meter structure is surrounded by a moat on all sides and a bridge like structure is made to reach the pool. Probably this was designed to prevent people from entering the area when the royals were bathing. The Queen's Bath is an empty .....

Zenana Enclosure

#20 of 25 Places to Visit in Hampi

At a distance of 500 m from Hazara Rama Temple, 3.5 km from Hampi Bus Stand and 2 km from Kamalapur Bus Stand, The Zenana enclosure is located near the Royal Enclosure at Hampi. This was a fortified and secluded area reserved for the royal ladies of the Vijayanagara Empire. The structures of the Zenana Enclosure are designed in the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. Zenana Enclosure has several structures such as the Lotus Mahal, Basement of the Queen's Palace, Water Pavilion, Treasury Building and the Watch Towers. The major attraction inside the enclosure is the Lotus Mahal. Apart from this, there are remains of water pavilion with a decorated platform in the center and Elephant Stables. The Queen's Palace is located at the middle of this area. This is the largest palace base excavated in the Hampi ruins so far. The Royal Treasury Building is a rectangular structure that is located in the north-western corner of the enclosure. The enclosure is surrounded by a fortifying .....

Elephant Stables

#21 of 25 Places to Visit in Hampi

At a distance of 500 m from Hazara Rama Temple, 3.5 km from Hampi Bus Stand and 2 km from Kamalapur Bus Stand, Elephant Stable is an ancient monument located just outside the Zenana Enclosure in Hampi. The Elephant Stable is an impressive structure that was used to provide shelter for the royal elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is one of the very few structures not suffered the damage during Deccan Sultanate attack on Hampi and is a major attraction among the tourists. This is a beautiful example of Indo-Islamic architecture. There are 11 domed tall chambers. The whole building looks symmetric with respect to this central hall. The center chamber is specially decorated and big. The other 10 domes represent the Islamic style of architecture. Each of the domes was decorated with ornate plaster on the interior as well as the exterior. Metal hooks on the inside roof can be seen. The elephants were tied to these hooks from the center of the ceiling. At the rear of .....

Vira Harihara Palace

#22 of 25 Places to Visit in Hampi

At a distance of 3 km from Hampi Bus Stand, Vira Harihara Palace is an ancient structure located within the fortified area of the Royal Enclosure, south of Hazara Rama Temple in Hampi. Only the ground level of the structure can be seen today. The base of this palace, along with a number of other residential structures is located inside a compound. The area was also called the Mint, based on the mention in one of the chronicles by the travelers who visited this capital in the 15th century. It is believed that the palace belonged to Harihara Raya II, the third king of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Palace is said to have been constructed in the 14th century. After Harihara II, the palace was used by the subsequent kings of the Vijayanagara Empire. The entry to the building is through the eastern side of the wall. The original boundary walls protecting the palace still remain. The tiered foundations showcase the architectural skills of the Vijayanagar craftsmen. It is believed that .....

Matanga Hill

#23 of 25 Places to Visit in Hampi

At a distance of 1 km from Hampi Bus Stand, Matanga Hill is located at the eastern end of the Hampi Bazaar. It offers a breathtaking view of the ruined city and the beautiful landscape below. Matanga Hill is one of the major places to visit in Hampi. Being the highest point in Hampi; this is the best spot to get an aerial view of Hampi and its surroundings. There is a small temple on the top of Matanga Hill. On the way down there is a small cave marked where it is believed that Sugriva, ruler of Kishkinda, used to hide. According to mythology, Matanga Hill is one of the holy places described in the epic Ramayana as the base of Saint Matanga. It is also the place where Sugriva benefited from the magical protection of the sage Matanga who had placed a curse of death on Vali, if he dared enter the area of Matanga Hill. Being the highest peak in Hampi, the hill is a trekker's delight and offers pleasing views of the entire town below. There are many trekking paths that .....

Archeological Museum

#24 of 25 Places to Visit in Hampi

At a distance of 300 m from Kamalapur Bus Stand and 4 km from Hampi Bus Stand, The Archaeological Museum at Kamalapur is dedicated to the ruins of Hampi and surrounding places. The sculptures from various locations of the Hampi ruins were collected by British officers and housed earlier at elephant stables. The first museum of Archaeological Survey of India was established here in 1972. The antiquities were shifted to a modern building at Kamalapur. This museum exhibits elegant replicas of Krishnadevaraya and his queens greeting the visitors at the entrance. The Museum houses a large collection of sculptures and artifacts spread across four galleries. The first gallery of the museum contains two scaled models of Hampi along with all historical monuments. The larger model presents a complete topography of the region along with the monuments and temples located on it. It also displays the hills and rivers in Hampi. It provides an excellent idea about the various attractions .....

Mahadeva Temple - Itagi

#25 of 25 Places to Visit in Hampi

At a distance of 26 km from Koppal, 43 km from Gadag, 70 km from Hampi, and 79 km from Badami, Mahadeva Temple is an ancient temple situated at Itagi in the Koppal district of Karnataka. It is one of the popular heritage temples in Karnataka, and among the popular places to visit near Hampi as part of Hampi Tour Packages . Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Mahadeva Temple at Itagi was built in the year 1112 CE by Mahadeva, a commander (dandanayaka) in the army of the Western Chalukya King Vikramaditya VI. It was constructed on the general plan of the Amruteshwara Temple at Annigeri. The Mahadeva Temple has the same architectural components as Amruteshwara but there is a difference in their articulation. The well-executed sculptures, finely crafted carvings on walls, pillars, and the tower make it a good example of complete Western Chalukyan art which speaks volumes about the taste of the Chalukyan artisans. An inscription dated 1112 CE .....

Most Asked Questions on Hampi

The best time to visit Hampi is from October to March. This is also the time for exploring the archaeological ruins of Hampi. This is the busiest season in Hampi and often hotels run full and tourist places are crowded.

Hampi usually requires complete 2 days to visit the most important attractions. Hampi can be mixed with near by wonderful destination like Badami, Pattadakal, Aihole by adding few additional days to your trip.

Budget of Hampi trip depends on the trip duration and category of hotel you choose for your stay along with the kind of vehicle you prefer. Hampi tour packages offered by Trawell.in start from as low as INR 7250 per person for a 2D/1N trip and from INR 9000 per person for 3D/2N vacation.

Ensure to cover most important places to visit in Hampi like Vittala Temple, Virupaksha Temple, Sri Krishna Temple, Mahanavami Dibba, Hazara Rama Temple, Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex, Lotus Mahal and Hampi Bazaar. If you have time, you can dedicate a day to visit near by places like Badami, Pattadakal. Hampi is famous for archaeological ruins belonging to the erstwhile medieval Hindu kingdom of Vijaynagar.

Hampi is a must include place in many treveller's list as this world heritage site is famous worldwide for its incredible hitorical ruins, sprawling landscape of enormous boulders and fascinating rock formations. Once the flourishing kingdom of mighty Vijayanagara kingdom, it is housed as many as 2,000 spectacular monuments. It is also packed full of exciting things to do and see like coracle ride on Tungabhadra River and do some trekking to Matunga hill to witness mesmerizing sunrise and senset.

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23 Places To Visit In Hampi That Take You Right Into History

by middha on July 24, 2018

Hampi, the benchmark in the historic places of the country, is not only a gem to the Indian sub-continent but a declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO too. The stature of the place is well backed with exceptional places to visit in Hampi.

A simple glance on any of it and you are sure intrigued with the lifestyle and the story behind it all. There are many must-visit places in this small city but the best of them have been handpicked and compiled in the list below. Treat the history buff in you to these exceptional tourist places of Hampi.

23 Intriguing Places to Visit in Hampi

1. monkey temple.

Monkey Temple

Being in close association with Ramayana, the place is celebrated to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. Monkey temple is the spot of the birth of the Lord, which has now been converted into a temple and goes by the name the Hanuman temple. This temple is thronged on all sides with monkeys, but it sure does have one of the best views in the city.

• Timings : Dawn to Dusk
• Entry Fee : Free

2. Virupaksha Temple

Virupaksha Temple

This city is known to be the prime of Vijayanagar rulers and it is the Virupaksha Temple which has served to be the place to offer prayers since before that time. Estimated to be built around the 7 th Century, this temple is devoted to Lord Virupaksha. An architectural marvel too, this temple is among the famous Hampi tourist places.

• Timings : 6 am to 6 pm
• Entry Fee : INR 5 for Indians and USD 5 for Foreign Nationals

3. Vijaya Vittala Temple

Vijaya Vittala Temple

Built in the 15 th Century the Vijaya Vittala Temple is apparently the biggest structure in all of Hampi. The huge pillars, magnanimous temple halls, exceptional sculptures and the astounding stone chariot are the source of the mysticism that the temple portrays.

• Timings : 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
• Entry Fee : INR 10 for Indians and USD 5 for Foreign Nationals

4. Queen’s Bath

Queen’s Bath

An aide to understanding the rich culture of India, the Queen’s bath is the place that portrays the royalty of it all. The intricate carvings even on the bathing area of the time speak of how rich the kingdoms that have ruled the place were. The beauty of this enclosure is worth witnessing.

5. Riverside Ruins

Riverside Ruins

A photographer’s delight, the Riverside Ruins of Hampi are an enticing tourist place which also serves to be prayer house for Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The most astounding feature of the site is the 108 shivlingas carved in a single rock. Hiring a guide when at the place can help you truly understand the beauty of it all.

• Entry Fee : INR 30 per person

6. Hampi Bazaar

Hampi Bazaar

By the Foothills of Matanga Hill, the bazaar of Hampi is yet another place that can be visited but not for its architectural brilliance or rich history but for its sheer vividness. Full of bustling crowds and vendors, the end of this Bazaar too has the touch of history with a huge Bull statue on one end of the Bazaar.

• Timings : 6 am to 11 pm

7. Matanga Hill

Matanga Hill

Such ruins when viewed panoramically are bound to be exceptionally beautiful and to see such a view, the Matanga hill is the place. A simple trek of about 30minutes takes you to the highest point of the hill. This point has to be the most extraordinary places to witness a sunrise in the town of Hampi.

8. Archeological Museum

Archeological Museum (source)

With a place as rich in historical treasures as Hampi the Archeological Museum has to be one of the most exquisite and most informative sites, and so it is. Having a wide variety of antiques and artifacts this place is divided into four sections. A complete historic delight for kids, this place is a must visit in Hampi.

• Timings : 10 am to 5 pm
• Entry Fee : INR 5 per person

9. Laxmi Narasimha Temple

Laxmi Narasimha Temple

Hampi houses many monolith statues but the biggest of them all is that of Lord Narasimha and is nestled in the Laxmi Narasimha Temple. Built in the year 1528, this temple was bought for ruins in the year 1565. The deity of the temple is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with the body half of a man and half of a lion.

10. Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple

Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple

This temple was built as an ode to Lord Ganesh. The statue of the deity of the temple is that of Lord Ganesh with a snake tied around his belly. As old as the year 1506, this temple is a good place to visit in Hampi.

11. Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex

Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex

Having not one but several Hindu temples in its premises, the Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex now lays in ruins. With its tarnished walls and the broken pathways, the place adorns a charm hard to resist.

• Timings : Sunrise to sunset

12. Tungabhadra Dam

Tungabhadra Dam

Among the famous places to see in Hampi, the Tungabhadra Dam is a collection to natural wonders.  Having a flourishing garden on one side, this dam is frequented by Flamingos, which increase the charm of the place. Further, the beautiful landscape proves to be a photographer’s canvas.

• Timings : 8:30 am to 6:30 pm

13. Daroji Bear Sanctuary

Daroji Bear Sanctuary

Rich in Sloth Bears, the Daroji Bear Sanctuary proves to be a good break from the wide collections of historic ruins. This forested sanctuary can help you witness bears in their natural habitat, strolling about the place. Also, housing leopards, hyenas, spotted deer and jackals, this place is a treat for kids.

• Entry Fee : INR 50 for Indian and INR 300 for Foreign Nationals

14. Underground Temple

Underground Temple

Oldest among these ancient temples of Hampi, the Underground Temple was constructed as a prayer house to Lord Shiva. On the outside, the temple is embellished with gardens, whereas the interiors of the temple are reached after climbing down a series of stairs. Remaining underwater for the most part of the year, this temple is among the less crowded delights of Hampi.

15. Gagan Mahal

Gagan Mahal

One of the most beautiful monuments of Hampi, the yellow colored fort, Gagan Mahal is the place that boasts of its architectural brilliance through its intricately decorated windows and towers. A guide at the place can sure pique your interest in this 16th century Marvel.

• Timings : 8 am to 6 pm

16. Krishna Temple

Krishna Temple

Another Temple dedicated to another god of the Indian Mythology; the Krishna Temple was built in the year 1513. This temple housed a figure of Balakrishna, but the same was moved to the Chennai State Museum. Now what remains is the architectural marvel of the time displaying interesting things to keep its guests entertained.

• Timings : 5;30 am to 1 pm, 5:30 pm to 9 pm

17. Mahanavami Dibba

Mahanavami Dibba (source)

Within the royal enclosure of Hampi, Mahanavami Dibba is a stone platform from the Vijayanagara period. Through ruined now with time, this place still has some exceptional carvings from the 16 th century.

18. Monolith Bull

Monolith Bull

Placed on a high platform, the monolith Bull here symbolizes the ride of Lord Shiva. Though partially ruined, this Monolithic Statue of the bull still is quite an attraction in Hampi owing to it magnanimous size. The devotees of Lord Shiva throng the place in huge numbers.

• Timings : 7 am to 8 pm

19. Zenana Enclosure

Zenana Enclosure

This place holds such special importance primarily for the fact that this was the private quarters for the royal women and their friends.  The palace in itself was the biggest excavation in all of Hampi and this section for the queen is one of the most mystic sections of the palace.

• Entry Fee : INR 10 for Indians and INR 250 for Foreign Nationals

20. Elephant Stables

Elephant Stables

Elephants the royal rides in the time of the Vijayanagara Empire were treated as royalty too. As proof to this statement, the astounding Elephant stables of Hampi stand tall till date.  The chambers were basically eleven domed structures, among which one intricately decorated enclosure was used by musicians for performances.

• Timings : 8:30am to 5:30pm
• Entry Fee : INR 10 for Indians and INR 220 for Foreign Nationals

21. Big Shivalinga

Big Shivalinga (source)

One of the major tourist spots in Hampi, the big Shivalinga is the symbol of Lord Shiva.  The unique feature of this Shivalinga is that even in spite of its magnanimous size, this structure was carved out of a single boulder. As tall as 3 meters, this Shivalinga now stands amidst water in the sanctum of the temple.

• Timings : 5 am to 9 pm

22. Hazara Rama Temple

Hazara Rama Temple

The temple for the Royals, the Hazara Rama Temple boasts of intricate carvings. These carvings are basically depicting the Gods and Goddesses of the time. Dating back to the 15 th Century, this temple has already been featured in many Bollywood and Kannada films for its beauty.

23. Hippie Island

Hippie Island

Through it is the southern section of the Tungabhadra dam that receives the major footfall, owing to the impeccable ruins that the place prides in, but the northern banks of the river have some good tourist spots. Among these, the Hippie Island on the river is a major attraction. This little island has a number of cafes and shacks which prove the perfect antidote to stress.

• Location : Tungabhadra Dam
• Timings : Accessible any time except Monsoon season
• Entry fee : Free

The places mentioned above must have your interests in Hampi piqued. Make a visit to these places and truly understand the magic of Hampi.

Do share your experiences with us when you make a visit to the place, or if you have been to historic jackpot already, we are all ears for recommendations and suggestions from your end too.

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26 Places To Visit In Hampi

Located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, Hampi is a historical and mythological city in the Bellary district of Karnataka. A dynamic and dramatic place, Hampi is dotted by several temples, ruins of palaces, remains of aquatic structures, ancient market streets, royal pavilions, bastions, royal platforms, and treasury buildings that randomly pop up.

The rich cultural heritage of the place and its stories of prosperity armed with its spectacular landscape make Hampi a truly deserved UNESCO World Heritage Site.

History of Hampi:

(C) Portrait Whiskey

Hampi is full of stories both from the historical past as well as from the mythological anecdotes. The history of the place gradually mingles with the folklore and then subtly blends with mythology. As per the historical evidence, Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire that was established by Saint Vidyaranya in 1336 AD with the help of two of his disciples, Hakka Raya and Bukka Raya. From 1323 to 1565 for almost 200 years, four dynasties ruled over the place and made the Vijaynagar empire one of the richest and famous empires. However, the empire was brutally attacked by the Deccan Sultans during 1565. They looted and ransacked the city for almost six months leaving only mass destruction everywhere. The glorious city gradually lost its strategic importance and became a ghost city.

Best time to visit:

Hampi can be visited all-round the year. However, October to February is considered to be the best time to visit as the weather is pleasant and great for roaming around the city. You also can visit the place during monsoon, but you have to be careful walking on the boulders as they become quite slippery. If you want to know more about the rich culture of Kannadigas, you must visit Hampi during Vijaya Utsav which is held during the first week of November, for 3 days.

This festival is also known as Hampi utsav and is the grandest of all the festivals celebrated in this region.

In this article, Priyanka has talked about her beautiful vacation to Hampi. You'll enjoy it.

How to reach:

Hampi is well-connected to different places of the country via road, rail, and air.

Hubli Airport is the closest domestic aerodrome to Hampi. It is approximately 166 km away from the main city. Bangalore Airport is the nearest international airport which is about 350 km from Hampi.

The nearest railhead to Hampi is Hospet which is about 13 km away. From Hospet, you can take an auto to Hampi.

Hampi is well connected with major cities and towns of Karnataka by bus services. Several Govt., private, and tourist buses ply regularly from neighboring cities and towns.

If you are a backpacker, this travel guide about Hampi is just for you.

Getting Around Hampi:

(C) Adarsh Valamary

The real pleasure in exploring Hampi comes from on the bicycle or by walking around. You will get bicycles for rent at a very cheap rate, around Rs. 100 per day without gear and Rs. 150 per day with gear. You can also get moped for rent at Rs. 200 per day. However, you will not get scooty and bikes for rent at the temple side of Hampi. At the opposite side of the river, you may get scooty and bikes for rent at Rs.250-400/- per day depending upon your vehicle.

Also, you can take auto rickshaws to see the various places in Hampi. It may cost you around Rs. 1200 per day.

If you're short on time, this two-day itinerary can help you make the most of your time.

Do you want to learn more about the places to visit in Hampi? Here is a list of top 26 places to visit in Hampi to make your holidays remarkable.

1. Virupaksha Temple

Sree virupaksha temple.

(C) Adarsh Sudheesan

Sri Virupaksha Temple is a 7th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, and is thought to be India's oldest functioning temple. The temple is built in such a way that the main entrance faces east and there are two courtyards within it. A statue of Nandi with three heads greets you as soon as you enter the temple. In the centre, there is a pillared hall known as the Ranga Mandapa.

Timing: Virupaksha temple is open for the visitors from morning 9:00 am to 13:00 pm. After about 4 hours, again the doors are open visitors from 17:00 pm to 21:00 pm.

2. Monolithic Bull

The Monolith Bull, or Nandi, is a great piece of ancient architecture situated in a two-story pavilion near the east end of the Hampi Bazaar. This huge structure, which mythologically is the vehicle of Lord Shiva, is placed just opposite to the famous Virupaksha Temple. This Monolithic Bull, although partially mutilated, exhibits a coarse style of carving. The statue is so beautiful that it attracts a large number of visitors every day.

Timings: One can visit the Monolithic Bull at any given time of the day.

3. Vijaya Vitthala Temple

Vijaya vitthala temple.

(C) Siddhesh Mangela

The Vijaya Vittala Temple, built in the 15th century, is the largest of all historical sites in Hampi. This humungous temple is dedicated to Lord Vittala- an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is the best places to visit in Hampi. There are fantastic stone structures all around, and the pillars here appear as if they are playing music. The magnificent stone chariot demonstrates remarkable ingenuity and the elegance of architecture's imagination, and it is true architectural greatness of Hampi. The architecture of this temple dates back to the Dravidian era and reflects South Indian traits.

Timings: The doors of Vijaya Vittala Temple are open from morning 08:30 am to evening 18:00 pm.

4. Matanga Hill

Matanga hill.

(C) Rakesh Thanikachal

Out of all the places to visit in Hampi, Matanga Hill is the one which is most talked about. It is Hampi's highest peak and a magnificent location for travel photographers to get aerial views of Hampi. North portion of this hill terminates into Tungabhadra River, where you can visit the Kodanda Rama temple, another sacred site. A twisting valley with a zigzag Turthu canal may be found to the south of this peak. A hiking trail passes through the low-lying northern part and leads directly to Hampi market.

Timings: There are no specific timings to climb on the Matanga Hills. Tourists, on the other hand, make it a point to climb this hill early in the morning to see the sunrise and then return later in the evening after sunset.

5. Zenana Enclosure

Zenana enclosure.

(C) Nomadic Joy

Zenana Enclosure is a vast property with thick walls that was once thought to be a private retreat for the Vijayanagara Kingdom's royal ladies. Lotus Mahal is the center of attraction of this place. You can enter by either the northern or north-eastern entrances. The Zenana Enclosure has three watchtowers, one each on the eastern, south-eastern, and northern sides of this remarkable building. The entire building is built in an Indo-Islamic style.

Timings: This place is open from morning 06:00 am to evening 06:00 pm.

6. Lotus Mahal or Kamal Mahal

Lotus mahal hampi.

(C) Nandhu Kumar

Lotus Mahal, considered as one of the most attractive places to visit in Hampi, manifests a stunning architectural design. The central dome is designed like the bud of lotus, and the balcony and passages look like its petal. The roof illustrates a multi-layered design reflecting and Indo architectural style. The palace is surrounded by 24 pillars that provide support to this magnificent structure.

Timing: The Lotus Mahal Hampi is open for visitors from morning 08:00 am to evening 06:00 pm.

7. Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple

Sri hanuman temple.

(C) Daniel Haupstein

Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple is present at a distance of around 2km from the famous Virupaksha temple. This temple is devoted to the Hindu deity Lord Hanuman and is part of a cave on the top of a hill. The Tungabhadra River also runs through the hill's steps. Lord Hanuman can be seen here in a deep state of devotion. The serene and picturesque ambience of this temple offers mesmerising views of sunrise and sunset, making it one of the perfect places to visit in Hampi and around.

Timing: You can visit this temple at any point during the daytime. It takes around one hour to cover your entire visit here.

8. Hippie Island

Sunset point.

Hippie Island, named by its colourful lifestyle, is among popular places to visit In Hampi. The little island of Virapapur Gadde is located across the Tungabhadra River. This island, known as a backpacker's paradise, is picturesque and popular with both residents and tourists for its laid-back atmosphere and cosy accommodations. This site is also known for hosting sunset jam sessions with musical instruments in order to create a lively party-like ambiance.

Timing: Daily 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

9. Lakshmi Narasimha Temple or Ugra Narsimha temple

Lakshmi narasimha temple.

(C) Debjani Paul

This temple is amongst the most significant and religious places to visit in Hampi, also known as the Ugra Narsimha temple. Lord Narasimha is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who is half-man and half-lion. The figure of Lord Narasimha is seated in a Yoga pose atop a serpent coil with seven heads. This statue has an image of Goddess Lakshmi on his lap. It will take you around an hour to an hour and a half to complete your visit here.

Timings: You can easily make your way inside Lakshmi Narasimha Temple from morning 06:00 am to evening 06:00 pm.

10. Badavilinga Temple

Badavilinga temple.

Badavilinga Temple is a magnificent Shiva temple and one of Hampi's most popular tourist attractions. It is located near the Lakshmi Narasimha temple and is home to a stunning black stone Linga. The linga is approximately 3 metres tall and dates from the Vijayanagar Empire. This linga is housed in a small stone chamber within this temple that has only one narrow opening and no ceiling.

Timings: Badavilinga Temple doors are open for the devotees from morning 05:00 am to night 09:00 pm.

11. Queen’s Bath

Queen's bath place.

(C) Sandip Kalal

This spectacular and massive old building, which was most likely a royal bathing facility for the erstwhile king and his wife, puts the clock back and is one of the major places to visit in Hampi. The beauty of the ruins of Queen’s Bath gets to you the moment you lay your eyes on the amazing architectural style of this ancient royal pool. The Queen's Bath in Hampi welcomes you with a large courtyard at the front with a dome-shaped roof, balconies with small windows, and a rectangular pool constructed of bricks in the centre with open blue sky.

12. Achyutaraya Temple

Achyutaraya temple.

(C) Karuna Akurathi

Achyutaraya Temple lies amidst the Matanga Hills and Gandhamadana. This temple was built in 1534 AD and was named after the main deity who is a form of Lord Shiva. The temple displays the architectural magnificence of Vijayanagar and houses a lovely idol of Lord Tiruvengalanatha. All towers, pillars, and walls of this beautiful temple are exquisitely carved and ornamented. The main shrine of this temple is situated amidst a rectangular concentric structure.

Timings: The doors are opened for a visit from 05:30 am to 01:00 pm. Again, in the evening, the doors are opened from 05:30 pm to 09:00 pm.

13. Elephant Stables

Elephant stables.

Elephant Stables is amongst the significant tourist places to visit in Hampi for seeing little to no destruction. It's a long structure with a number of dome-shaped chambers that were formerly used to store royal elephants. The elephant stables are made up of 11 chambers, and the size of the structure astounds visitors. The entire structure is symmetrical, and the central hall tower is shaped like most of the temples in the area. This central hall has five domes on either side, reflecting an Islamic architectural style.

Timing: The doors of this Elephant Stables are open from early morning 08:30 am to evening 05:30 pm. It takes around an hour to complete your visit here.

14. Hazara Rama Temple

Hazara raama temple.

This gorgeous temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is located in the heart of a royal area. The temple's walls are eager to display the complete Ramayana story to its visitors. You can find bas relics of both Hindu deities Lord Rama and Krishna once you arrive. Also, don't miss out on the fragments depicting a Dasara celebration. A huge lawn, widely spread out, may be found on its northern side. The temple has two huge getaways and the interior homes to sculpted columns.

Timings: Getting to this temple is no longer a problem because the doors are open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It will take you less than two hours to finish your visit here.

15. Hema Kuta Hill Temple Complex

Hemakuta hill temple.

Hemakuta Hill is a vastly stretched zone offering an astounding view of the sprawling ruins, temples, and archways. Because tourists find it easier to reach the summit, this is the next best place to watch the sunrise and sunset. Mula Virupaksha Temple, part of the Hemakuta Hill Temple complex, is one of Hampi's most well-known attractions.

Timings: You can climb the Hemakuta Hill temple at any time from dawn to dusk.

16. Kadalekalu Ganesha

Kadalekalu ganesha.

(C) Avin CP

Kadalekalu Ganesha temple is a well-known South Indian holy site that houses one of the largest statues of Hindu deity Ganesha. It is located on the slopes of the well-known Hemakuta Hills, with its 4.6-meter-high monument. Lord Ganesha's tummy is shaped like a Bengal gramme, and the statue was cut out of a single enormous stone. The entire hall of the temple is home to thin granite pillars and displays fictitious characters. The Vijayanagara architectural style of art is reflected in the sculptures on these pillars.

Timings: You can visit this shrine of Lord Ganesha from morning 06:00 am to evening 06:00 pm.

17. Sasivekalu Ganesha

Saasivekaalu ganesha.

(C) Nisha Jagadesh

The Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple, which is located on the south side of Hemakuta Hill, gets its name from the resemblance between Ganesha's belly and the mustard seed known locally as Sasivekalu. This statue was inspired by a Hindu mythological tale in which Lord Ganesha ate so much food that his tummy nearly burst. As a result, the Lord tied a snake around his stomach to safeguard it. The figure of the snake is sculpted in front of his stomach on this statue. This monolithic figure stands 2.4 metres tall and was carved from a massive boulder. The monument is surrounded by an open pavillion, which is thought to have been created in remembrance of Narsimha II, the mighty Vijaynagara ruler, by a trader from Chandragiri (modern-day Andhra Pradesh).

Timings: 06:00 am to 6:00 pm (all days)

18. Stepped Tank

Stepped tank.

(C) Sumit Mangela

Stepped tanks are regarded as sacred tanks in this area, and are used for a holy bath before visiting any religious place of importance. They were once the focal points of festival events. Steps are provided on all four interior sides of the tanks, allowing you to enter and exit the water. The Royal Center's stepped tank is geometrically greater in size and is made out of green diorite with no drainage system. Black schist stones were used to build the stepped tank.

Timings: You can take a dive in the water of these stepped tanks at any time before the sun sets.

19. Hampi Bazar

Hampi bazaar.

Located in the foothill of Matanga Hill, Hampi Bazaar is one of the popular places to visit in Hampi. Virupaksha Bazaar is another name for this shopping destination. When you have a free day, visit the Hampi Bazaar and try your hand at some shopping. It stretches for more than a kilometre, with pavilions on both sides of the road that runs through it. A street occupied by the local peasants can be found on the eastern side. At the east end of this Hampi Bazaar Street stands a big Nandi bull statue.

Timings: You can stop and shop at any time from morning 06:00 am to night 11:00 pm.

20. Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Daroji sloth bear sanctuary.

(C) L. Shyamal

Daroji Bear Sanctuary is a protected forest area where you may see beautiful Indian Sloth bears wandering around, climbing trees, and interacting with one another. The hillocks here are tough enough, with a lot of rocks strewn about. The number of Sloth bears in this area is estimated to be approximately 120. Other animal species found here include the tiger, leopard, mongoose, pangolins, star tortoise, and spotted deer.

Timings: Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is open from 04:00 pm to 06:00 pm on all days.

21. Sanapur Lake

Sanapur lake.

Sanapur lake is one of the most popular places to visit in Hampi. This lake, about 5 kilometres from Hippie Island, is encircled by massive rocks and stones. Tourists come here to relax and enjoy the cold wind, making it one of the loveliest sites in the region. Cliff jumping or a coracle ride are two of the most popular activities available here. Tourists also often come here for picnics. The water here is very clean, so even a swimming session here can make you feel rejuvenated.

Timing: Open throughout the day

22. Gagan Mahal

Gagan mahal.

The Gagan Mahal was built in the 16th century. Despite the fact that large elements of this palace are lying in ruins, it is still one of the most worthwhile places to visit in Hampi. The palace is tiny and golden in colour, with adorned windows and four lovely towers encircling it. You can march to Sarovara Laxmi Temple, Sabari Caves, Nava Brindavana, Durga Temple, and other important religious sites nearby once you arrive.

Timings: This Gagan Mahal is open for all 24 hours. It takes approximately one to one and a half hour to complete your visit here.

23. Krishna Temple

Sri krishna temple.

The triumph of Orissa's battle is symbolised by the Krishan temple of Hampi, which was built by Krishnadevaraya. This temple is one of the hand-picked places to visit in Hampi that are known for their superb sculptures all over the world. The splendour of this site demonstrates Krishnadevraya's enthusiasm for art and architecture. The original idol of this location may be found at Chennai's State Museum. Massive pillars and modest shrines surround the temple campus on all sides. A large hall can be found on the eastern side of the building. You can get a fresh banana from the banana fields that line the temple's southern perimeter.

Timings: You can seek blessings here at Krishna Temple from morning 06:00 am to evening 06:00 pm.

24. Palace of Vira Harihara

Another one of the historical Places to Visit in Hampi is the Palace of Vira Harihara. This palace was once a massive edifice, with only the foundation base plans remaining within the Royal Enclosure's guarded region. The base of the former palatial structure evokes admiration and imagination of the Vijayanagar rulers' grandeur and royal lifestyle. The remaining ornate base with elaborate carvings once supported the massive superstructure of the palace, and now is lost to the ravages of time and history.

Timings: Daily 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

25. Archaeological Museum

(C) vkiran_2000

The Archaeological Museum of Hampi is one of the top Places to Visit In Hampi to spend some time with, despite its small size. This museum is divided into four sections, each of which houses a distinct exhibit. The first section features a model of Hampi, while the second section features sculptures and idols dedicated to the ruins of Hampi. Tools, weapons, and ammo are on display in the third area. The fourth section features items from the prehistoric and post-historic periods.

Timings: You are free to take a dig at the beauty of this Archaeological Museum from morning 10:00 am to evening 05:00 pm.

26. Prasanna Virupaksha Temple

ಶ್ರೀ ಪ್ರಸನ್ನ ವಿರುಪಾಕ್ಷ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ / underground shiva temple.

(C) Sachin Shari

This is a huge temple that is built below the ground level. The temple is very cool due to the closeness to the ground water and is very well maintained. Inside, there's a huge shiva linga to offer your prayers to. Also, one can find huge amount of bats hanging on the ceiling. Do make effort to light your phone torches and have a look at the bats-filled-ceilings. The temple is so quiet and peaceful, you might want to end up sitting there for an entire day!

Timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on all days of the week

You can plan an unforgettable vacation now that you know the best places to visit in Hampi. Hampi is intriguing, lovely, charming, and, of course, captivating in every way. So, what do you have to lose? Plan a trip to Hampi with your family, friends, or solo, and have a fantastic vacation.

Think we missed out on something? Tell us about it in the comments below. Or write about it here on Tripoto .

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• 29 Most Riveting Places To Visit In Hampi That Are A Must In 2024!

23 Mar 2023

Located on the banks of the River Tungabhadra, Hampi is a small yet enchanting temple town bounded by the intriguing historical ruins of Vijayanagara city in the state of Karnataka. With a host of tourist places to see in Hampi, this dreamworld made of boulders, monoliths, and ruins of ancient edifices is a delight for tourists and thus is considered among best places to visit in Karnataka . The various engrossing places to visit in Hampi see a perennial influx of history-buffs, families, and photography enthusiasts. The status of the UNESCO World Heritage Site further accentuates the eminence of Hampi as one of the most popular historical and religious tourist places in India.

29 Best Places To Visit In Hampi

While visiting this heritage land, make sure to not miss out on these places and witness the architectural beauty of Hampi.

1. Vijaya Vittala Temple

Image Source Vijaya Vittala Temple is a 15th-century structure that is also considered the largest of all historical structures in Hampi. This humungous temple is dedicated to Lord Vittala- an incarnation of Lord Vishnu- and is a must-visit amongst all Hampi tourist places. The extraordinary stone chariot , arrays of huge pillars in the temple halls, and intricate sculptures are the true embodiments of the bewitching architecture of the centuries-old Vijaya Vittala Temple. Timings: 08:30 am to 5:30 pm (all days) Entry fee:

• INR 10 for Indian nationals and US $5 for foreign nationals
• Video camera fee- INR 25
• Still camera fee- Nil

Visit duration: Approximately 2 hours Tip: Visit as early as possible to avoid crowds and to witness the best views of the temple.

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2. Sri Virupaksha Temple

Image Source Believed to be the oldest functioning temple in India, Sri Virupaksha Temple is a 7th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is also considered one of the most significant religious places to visit in Hampi and attracts a huge number of pilgrims from all over India. The sprawling campus of the Virupaksha temple houses a huge courtyard, huge gateway towers, and other old-style structures that will leave you in an awe of its immense grandeur. Timings: 06:00 am to 6:00 pm (all days) Entry fee:

• INR 5 for Indian nationals and US $5 for foreign nationals
• Video camera fee- INR 500
• Still camera fee- 50
• Local guide fee- INR 50
• Shoe safekeeping- INR 10

Visit duration: Approximately 1.5 hours Tip: Hire a guide to show you around the major attractions of this temple including the underwater Shiva Temple within the Sri Virupaksha Temple complex.

3. Hanuman Temple

Image Source Hanuman Temple is another famous religious site located on the top of the Anjaneya Hill which is considered as the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. About 4 km from Hampi village, one has to cross a river using a small boat with paddles and then climb up the stairs to reach the Temple. The serene and picturesque ambience of this temple offers mesmerizing views of sunrise and sunset, making it one of the perfect places to see in Hampi and around. Timings: Open all days dawn till dusk Entry fee: None Visit duration: Approximately 30 – 45 minutes Tip: Beware of the monkeys in the temple premise and do not tease the animals.

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4. Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex

Image Source Hemakuta Hill is a wonderful place lined by a number of Hindu temples, ruins of fortified walls, and broken pathways. Mula Virupaksha Temple in Hemakuta Hill Temple complex is one of the most prominent places to visit in Hampi. Timings: Open all days from sunrise till sunset Entry fee: Nil Visit duration: Approximately 3-4 hours Tip: Don’t miss the sunset view from Hemakuta Hill.

5. Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple

Image Source Located on the south side of Hemakuta Hill, the Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple derives its name from the resemblance between Ganesha’s belly and mustard seed which is locally known as Sasivekalu. It houses a 2.4-meter statue of Ganesha spectacularly carved out of a boulder stone depicting a snake around Lord Ganesha’s stomach. The history of the magnificent pavilion that surrounds the statue of Ganesha dates back to 1506 A.D. making this temple a famous tourist attraction in Hampi. Timings: 06:00 am to 6:00 pm (all days) Entry fee: Nil Visit duration: Approximately 45 minutes Tip: Visit Kadalekalu Ganesha located on the northern slope of Hemakuta Hill.

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6. Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

Image Source Within the ruins of Hampi, the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple- also known as the Statue of Ugra Narsimha- is the largest monolith statue in Hampi. This 6.7-meter high statue was built in 1528 A.D. which was vandalized in 1565 during a Mughal raid over the Vijayanagara Kingdom. The statue of Lord Narasimha- an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and a half-man, half-lion- depicts the deity sitting in a cross-legged position in its fierce form. Timings: 06:00 am to 6:00 pm (all days) Entry fee: Nil Visit duration: Approximately 1 hour Tip: Carry battery backup for your camera as the place is quite photogenic.

7. Queen’s Bath

Image Source Probably, a royal bathing complex for the erstwhile king and his wives, this majestic and enormous ancient building sets the clock back and is one of the major places to see in Hampi. The beauty of the ruins of Queen’s Bath gets to you the moment you lay your eyes on the unbelievable architectural style of this ancient royal pool. A huge courtyard in the front with a dome-shaped roof, balconies with small windows, and a rectangular pool made of bricks in the middle with open blue sky greet you at the Queen’s Bath in Hampi. Timings: 06:00 am to 6:00 pm (all days) Entry fee: Nil Visit duration: Approximately 30-45 minutes Tips: Carry adequate cash with yourself. Purchase stone carvings and sculptures made by local artists here.

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8. Riverside Ruins

Image Source An array of 108 Shiva Lingas carved on the flat rocky surface and a finely rock-carved sculpture of Lord Vishnu in a reclining position make Riverside Ruins one of the most enticing places to visit in and around Hampi. A number of small shrines, statues, pavilions, and carved artefacts within this cluster of ruins make it a perfect place for photographers and historians. Exploring historical ruins is one of the best things to do in Hampi  and while visiting this spot, you can surely treat the history buff in you. Timings: 06:00 am to 6:00 pm (all days) Entry fee: INR 30 Visit duration: Approximately 30-45 minutes Tip: Hire a local guide to help you explore the Riverside Ruins

9. Hampi Bazaar

Image Source

Located in the foothill of Matanga Hill, Hampi Bazaar is one of the popular Hampi sightseeing places. It is an ancient street stretching over a kilometer and lined with ruins of pavilions. Hampi Bazaar once used to have bustling shops, restaurants, and residences on both sides of it. At one end of the Hampi Bazaar, you can find a huge Nandi bull with a photo gallery on the other side. The lavish pavilion in front of the Nandi bull statue plays host to the famous annual Hampi Bazaar. Shopping at local stores and eating at restaurants are the best things to do in Hampi at night.

Timings: 06:00 am to 11:00 pm (all days) Entry fee: Nil Visit duration: Approximately 1-2 hours Tip: Explore the tourist spots of Hampi Bazaar on a rented bicycle.

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10. Archaeological Museum

Image Source The Archaeological Museum in Hampi is one of the most noteworthy Hampi tourist places having four different art galleries that house a wide variety of artefacts. Ancient coins, statues, paintings, metal plates, armoury, and sculptures of various Hindu deities can be found here. All four sections of this museum are worth exploring and a treat for history buffs and kids. Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (all days, except Friday) Entry fee: INR 5/per person (Free entry for children under the age of 15 years) Visit duration: Approximately 1.5- 2 hours Tip: Do not click pictures outside the museum as photography is allowed only in the open lawn outside the art galleries.

11. Matanga Hill

Image Source Matanga Hill offers panoramic views of the historical ruins of Hampi and its surroundings. After trekking up the hill for around 30 minutes, you will find Veerabhadra Temple sitting right at the top of Matanga Hill. This temple has a rooftop, which is unarguably the best place to witness sunrise and sunset over the lovely landscape of this historical Hampi town. Timings: Dawn to dusk (all days) Entry fee: Nil Visit duration: Approximately 3 hours Tip: Carry a mini torch/flashlight as Matanga Hill and the paths leading up to the hilltop aren’t well lit.

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12. Daroji Bear Sanctuary

Image Source Daroji Bear Sanctuary is a protected forest area where you can witness lovely Indian Sloth bears strolling around or climbing up the trees or playing around with each other. Established in 1994, this sanctuary also houses leopards, hyenas, jackals, spotted deers and various other species of animals and plants making it one of the most favourable places to see in Hampi for nature and wildlife lovers. Timings: 06:00 am to 6:00 pm (all days) Entry fee:

• INR 50 per person for Indian national
• INR 300 per person for foreign national
• Parking fee-INR 500 per car

Visit duration: Approximately 3 hours Tips: Wear good sports/hiking shoes. Also, carry adequate drinking water with you. You can see bears marching down from nearby hillocks in the evening.

13. Tungabhadra Dam

Image Source Among famous attractions in Hampi and surrounding places to visit, the Tungabhadra Dam pure natural bliss. With lovely flamingos playing around the beautiful garden on one side of Tungabhadra Dam, it’s the best place to take out your camera for some great shots. Timings: 08:30 am to 6:30 pm (all days) Entry fee: Nil Visit duration: Approximately 1.5 – 2 hours Tip: Watch out for the beautiful music fountain that starts around 7:00 in the evening.

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14. Hippie Island

Hippie Island is one of the sightseeing places in Hampi, known for its astounding beauty. As the island is named after a vibrant culture, you can enjoy vacationing here in the lively ambiance of this island. Located across the Tungabhadra River, the initial name of the island was Virapapur Gadde.

Timings: Daily 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Entry fee: NA Visit duration: 4-5 hours  Tip: Don’t miss mesmerizing views of sunsets along with the live jam sessions conducted on the beach

15. Gagan Mahal

Gagan Mahal is a magnificent architecture that dates back to the 16th century. However, the significant areas of this palace are currently ruined but the palace is worth visiting. You can also head to the nearby popular attractions including Sabari Caves, Nava Brindavana, Sarovar Laxmi Temple, Durga Temple, etc.  Timings: 24 hours Entry fee: NA Visit duration: 1 hour  Tip: The place is like a paradise for history lovers.

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16. Krishna Temple

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18. Hazara Rama Temple

19. Elephant Stables

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20. Stepped Tank

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22. Kamal Mahal

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24. Kadalekalu Ganesh

Kadalekalu Ganesh is a crucial religious attraction in Hampi. Visitors will experience traditional stone architecture in this temple. There is a 15 ft long monolithic stone statue of Lord Ganesha which is believed as the largest in the world. Add this sacred spot to your list of places to visit in Hampi in one day to seek the blessings of the ‘Vighnaharta.’

Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm Entry Fee: NIL Visit Duration: 1-2 hours Tip or places to visit: Lotus palace, Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Bazaar, and Hippie island are a few attractions that tourists can plan to visit while on a trip to Kadalekalu Ganesh.

25. Tiruvengalanatha Temple

Image Credits: Ms Sarah Welch for Wikimedia Commons Also known as Achyuta Raya Temple, it is one of the popular and stunning places to visit in Hampi . This temple was built in 1534 AD and was named after the main deity who is a form of Lord Shiva. This temple was a few of those last temples built during the Vijayanagara Empire. Sitting between Gandhamadana and Matanga hills, the temple, however, lies majorly in ruins that were as a result of attacks on it by the Bahmani Kingdom. Timings: Daily 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Entry fee: None Visit duration: 1-2 hours Tip: Make sure you wear modest clothes that are not at all revealing as a token of respect to the religion.

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26. Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex

Image Credits: Dineshkannambadi for Wikimedia Commons Hemakunta Hill Temple Complex is home to many temples that are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in the southern region of Hampi, these temples are amongst the most ancient ones that can still be visited in Hampi. This is what makes the complex amongst the top places to visit in Hampi . A lot of these temples were constructed between the 9th and 14th centuries, even before the famous Vijayanagara Empire that ruled Hampi. Timings: Daily 6:00 am to 6:30 pm Entry fee: NA Visit duration: 2-3 hours Tip: Do not forget to carry your cameras to capture the beauty of these places

27. Krishna Pushkarani

Image Source One of the most sacred places in Hampi, Krishna Pushkaranis takes you back to ancient times. This famous tourist spot allows one to get a glimpse of the architectural style of the Vijayanagara era. You will find many such Pushkarnis all around the city. Located near Krishna Bazaar, this remarkable water tank is one of the best places to visit in Hampi. Timings: Open throughout the day Entry fee: None Visit duration: Approximately 20-30 minutes Tip: While visiting here, don’t forget to explore nearby Krishna Bazaar

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28. Prasanna Virupaksha Temple

Image Source One of the most famous temples in Hampi , Prasanna Virupaksha Temple was built during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple is dedicated to Prasanna Virupaksha, who was an avatar of Lord Shiva. Surrounded by lush greenery, this striking temple boasts an alluring architecture that intrigue visitors. Besides this, the central part of the shrine is always immersed in water that makes the temple all the more special. Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm Entry fee: None Visit duration: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour Tip: Spend some time on the lush green lawn of the temple

29. Laughing Buddha Cafe

Image Source Hampi boasts numerous cafes where vacationers can spend some cosy time and among the best ones is the Laughing Buddha Cafe. While offering spectacular views of the Tungabhadra River, this lively cafe serves some mouth-watering meals along with refreshing drinks. You can savour your meal while enjoying light music in the background. The cafe impresses visitors with its menu that includes a wide range of sizzlers, curries, and pizzas, and Israeli cuisine as well. Timings: 8:30 am to 10:00 pm Entry fee: NA Meal for two: INR 1,000 approximately Tip: To treat your tastebuds, try some Israeli delicacies

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Best Time To Visit Hampi

Hampi tourism is at its peak, from October to February, as the weather is pleasant and great for sightseeing.

The month of January/February also is an ideal time to visit Hampi, owing to the cultural extravaganza that takes place in Hampi Utsav .

How To Get Around In Hampi

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How To Reach Hampi

By Air- Hubli Airport and Belgaum Airport are two major domestic airports located at distances of 144 km and 215 km from Hampi, respectively. Bangalore Airport is the nearest international airport which is about 350 km from Hampi. By Road- Hampi is among beloved weekend getaways from Bangalore and is well connected to Hospet, Hassan, Mysore and other nearby cities by road as buses ply regularly. Tourists travelling to Hampi by road can also avail taxis that are available from nearby towns and cities. By Train- Hospet Junction- the nearest railway station to Hampi, is about 13 km away.

The aforementioned places to visit in and around Hampi, give you every reason to skip mountains and beaches. Especially if you are an architecture and history buff, these places will surely intrigue you and allow you to have a memorable vacation. Plan your vacation to Hampi with TravelTriangle and enjoy your enthralling vacation! For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here .

Frequently Asked Questions About Places to Visit in Hampi

What is Hampi famous for?

If you are a history buff who likes to explore the heritage relics, then Hampi should definitely be on your list. The scenery of Hampi feels right out of a history book. It is a place for free souls and hippies. Enjoy the nature scenes of the place, camping under the stars, and take a boat ride on the river. Hampi can be so much fun for adults as well as for kids.

What is there do in Hampi?

There are so many things to do in Hampi . For starters, visit each and every temple and ruins Hampi is famous for. All those relics that you see on Indian rupee notes are from Hampi. The charming town is located by the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Taking a coracle ride on the river is a one-of-a-kind experience. You will feel free-spirited in Hampi. Such is the nature of this place. You should also attend the Hampi Utsav that is a celebration of colour and culture.

How do I cover Hampi in 2 days?

You can easily cover Hampi in 2 days. Just get a scooter or a bike on rent and roan around Hampi at your leisure. Start with Virupaksha Temple, Vijay Vittala Temple, and hill temple Complex on day 1, visit the Hampi bazaar to buy some souvenirs from your vacation. On day 2, you can cover Queen’s Bath, Hazara Rama Temple, Stepped Bank. If you have time, you may cover a few more attractions in Hampi before you leave.

How many days are sufficient for Hampi?

Two days are sufficient to visit this World Heritage Site. The place is full of historic monuments and to visit the places nearby two days are sufficient.

When is the best time to visit Hampi?

October to February is the best time to visit Hampi as the temperature is pleasant to explore the city. One can also visit during the monsoon season but should be careful as it gets quite slippery.

Is Hampi safe to travel alone?

Hampi is quite a safe place for solo travellers. As far as the safety of female solo travellers are concerned, one should be cautious in any part of the world.

Where should I stay in Hampi?

Some of the best Hampi hotels are Kishkinda Heritage Resort, Clarks Inn Hampi, Hotel Gowri and Thilak Home Stay to enjoy a luxurious stay.

What are the best places to visit in Hampi?

The best places to visit in Hampi include Hanuman Temple, Hampi Bazaar, Tungabhadra Dam, Stepped Tank, Kamal Mahal, Daroji Bear Sanctuary, and more.

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10 Splendid Places To Visit In Hampi (+ 5 Epic Things To Do)

Did you know that Hampi was once the richest city in India with marvellous temples, trading markets and massive fortifications? It used to be one of the largest cities in the world and the capital of the Vijayanagara empire in the 14th century.

However, in 1565, the Deccan Muslim rulers destroyed the city and looted its wealth leading to the fall of the Vijayanagara empire.

What remains now is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s largest ‘open-air’ museum.

Huge boulders and archaeological ruins with a rich history mark the entire landscape of Hampi today. The city’s architecture is so unique that you’re bound to feel intrigued and curious as soon as you land in Hampi.

I visited Hampi with my friends for a few days, and in this guide, I walk you through the 10 splendid places to visit in Hampi   that you can include in your itinerary. I’ve also included the 5 epic things to do in Hampi to make your trip more engaging.

Where is Hampi?

Flanked by the Tungabhadra river, Hampi is an ancient city located in the central part of Karnataka. The closest city to Hampi is Hospet, at a distance of 13 km.

Due to its geography, the distance from Hyderabad (372 km) and Bangalore (342 km) to Hampi are similar.

On the other side of the Tungabhadra River is Hippie Island, also known locally as Virapapur Gadde. As the name suggests, it is a completely different place from Hampi in that it attracts a lot of solo travellers and backpackers, especially from foreign countries. 

10 splendid places to visit in Hampi

The good thing about Hampi is that you can dedicate different days to covering different areas of Hampi.

For example, you’ll find all the major attractions in the central area of Hampi.

The remaining attractions are located in the Kamalapura area which you can cover on the second day.

You can dedicate the third day to exploring Hippie Island opposite Hampi.

Depending on where you’re staying, you can decide how you want to cover the destinations in Hampi. Having said that, let’s take a look at the top 10 places to visit in Hampi (in chronological order) according to different areas for your convenience.

Top 5 places to visit in central Hampi

1. vijaya vittala temple.

While Vijaya Vittala Temple is 11 km away (half an hour) by road from central Hampi, I’ve included it here as it’s similar to other places in central Hampi. After covering the Vijaya Vittala Temple, you can come back to central Hampi and cover the remaining four places.

Also, if you’re staying at Hampi or Hippie Island, you can also hire a ferry to the Vijaya Vittala Temple as it’ll save more time as compared to driving around.

This temple is one of the two main temples in Hampi. It was built in the 15th century AD and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

There is a large gopuram (temple tower) at the entrance of this complex and a stone chariot in the middle flanked by small temples across the complex. 

The architecture of this well-preserved temple will make you wonder how the engineers at the time were able to create such complex structures without access to modern technology or machinery.

Beautiful inscriptions and carvings on the temples and structures here showcase many events from Ramayana, different avatars of Vishnu, foreign traders in Hampi and so on.

Fun fact:  The stone chariot, which is the highlight of this temple, is depicted on the INR 50 note.

Another attraction of this place is the musical pillars. You can create music by tapping your hands on the musical pillars.

I suggest you hire a guide for this place as without one, you won’t be able to appreciate the genius architecture behind this place. You can hire a guide from the temple complex itself.

It is recommended that you visit this temple early in the morning to avoid crowds.

From the parking lot, there is a distance of 1 km to the temple complex that you can cover either on foot or by hiring a battery-operated buggy.

The ticket you purchase here can also be used to visit other sites in Hampi, like Lotus Mahal, Elephant’s Stable and the Archaeological Musem (more on them later).

2. Virupaksha Temple

One of the most popular places to visit in Hampi is the Virupaksha Temple.

It is the only functioning temple in Hampi and the oldest functioning one in India.

Built-in the 7th century AD, this temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was continuously expanded throughout the centuries, especially during the reign of the Vijayanagara empire.

Virupaksha Temple is a massive complex overlooking the Tungabhadra river and comprises two gopurams (temple towers), one at the entrance and one at the back.

You’ll be blown away by the complex Dravidian architecture and the intricate carvings on the structures here. To have the best experience, I suggest you hire a guide here as well to give you some historical, architectural and scientific context behind this temple.

Do not forget to visit the ‘hidden spot’ which has an ancient pin hole from where you can see the inverted shadow of gopuram! It is at the back side of the temple.

Prayers happen a couple of times a day, and you can even offer bananas to the temple elephant called Laxmi and receive blessings in return.

If you can, try to come early in the morning because this place becomes crowded as the day passes, especially in the evening.

3. Kadalekalu Ganesha and Sasivekalu Ganesha

Carved out of a single block of granite stone, the 15 feet monolithic statue of Lord Ganesha kept at the Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple is one of the largest in the world, and is another example of the creativity and technique of craftsmen in the ancient era.

The statue is kept in a sanctum with pillared halls.

The belly of Ganesha looks like Kadalekalu (Bengal gram), hence the name. If you notice carefully, the leg of the statue is missing as it was destroyed during the Muslim invasion.

This temple was believed to be meant for the King and his guests. 

Close to 300 metres from the Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple is the  Sasivekalu Ganesha  Temple. The statue of Ganesha here is almost half the size of the one found in the other place.

Unlike the other statue, this one is enclosed within an open pillared pavilion. Due to the Muslim invasion, you can see the lower left hand and the trunk of the statue missing.

Its name is inspired by the resemblance between Ganesha’s belly and a mustard seed known locally as Sasivekalu.

This temple was believed to be meant for the public.

You can visit both these places on Hemakunta hill, a rocky terrain close to the Virupaksha Temple.

4. Lakshmi Narasimha Temple and Badavilinga Temple

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple  is the largest monolith statue in Hampi.

Built during the 15th century AD, this beautifully-sculpted statue showcases Lord Narasimha, one of the reincarnations of Lord Vishnu, as a half-man and half-lion sitting in a cross-legged position.

It depicts Lord Narasimha in a terrifying form posing on the coil of a giant seven-headed snake called Adishesha. The heads of the snake act as the hood above his head. 

Originally, the statue also had Goddess Lakshmi sitting on the Lord’s lap, but it was vandalised and damaged in the year 1565 during the Muslim invasion. If you look carefully, you can spot the goddess’ hand still resting on his back. 

You can find the separate sculpture of Goddess Lakshmi in the archaeological museum (more on this later) at Kamalapura.

The Badavalinga Temple is right next to the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple. This is another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

It is a lingam carved out of a single black stone inside a closed chamber. It is submerged in water courtesy of a water canal flowing from Tungabhadra and there is an opening at the top that lets in the natural light.

You can visit both these places together and they’re within 1.5 km of Matanga Hill. 

5. Matanga Hill

A trip to Hampi is incomplete without hiking to Matanga Hill. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Hampi to catch a sunrise/sunset.

Located in the centre of the town near Hampi Bazaar and Virupaksha Temple, it is the highest point in Hampi from where you get a panoramic view of the ruins of Hampi, including the Virupaksha Temple, Monolith Bull and the Tungabhadra River. 

You will forget the pains of climbing this ‘hill’ once you experience the stunning views from the top. I call it a ‘hill’ because it is a heap of rocks and boulders assembled that appear like one. 

It’ll take you around 20-30 minutes to reach the top as you traverse through the carefully-assembled rocks and boulders.

While you can expect some crowds, the best time to visit this place is during sunrise and sunset when the landscape brightens up with various hues of blue and orange in the sky along with the ruins of Hampi in the foreground.

Top 5 places to visit in Kamalapura (5 km from Hampi)

6. hanuman temple (anjaneya hill).

One of my favourite memories from the trip was the climb and the spectacular landscapes we saw from Hanuman Temple.

Much like Matanga Hill, this is another spot in Hampi famous for its stunning sunrise/sunset views. 

Hanuman Temple is located on top of Anjaneya Hill and it attracts a lot of pilgrims as it is known as the birthplace of Lord Hanuman.

To reach the temple, you need to climb close to 600 steps, some of which are steep and others that are high and narrow.

But the entire effort will be worth it once you reach the top because you’ll see the Tungabhadra river flowing between rocky hills surrounded by paddy fields and both the Virupaksha and Vijaya Vittala temples.

Anjaneya Hill is located at a distance of 2 km from Virupaksha Temple. To reach here, you have to cross the Tungabhadra river by boat or drive to Hippie Island by road.

Beware of your belongings as this temple is host to many monkeys.

The best time to visit this place is during sunrise or sunset and the time taken to reach the top is approximately 20-30 minutes.

Note : While Anjaneya Hill is less than 20 km away from Kamalapura, I’ve included it here so that you have another place to witness an amazing sunrise/sunset on the day you visit Kamalapura. The remaining four places are in Kamalapura.

7. Zenana Enclosure

The Zenana Enclosure was a private walled compound with a serene setting reserved for the royal ladies of the Vijayanagara empire. 

Note : The ticket that you purchase from here can be used interchangeably at the Vijay Vittala Temple, Zenana Enclosure, Lotus Mahal, Elephant’s Stable and at Hampi Archaeological museum for a day.

While you can take some visit all the attractions here, make sure you visit the following places at all costs:

Lotus Mahal

Lotus Palace is a two-storied architectural marvel that resembles the shape of a lotus in bloom from the top. It was a secluded area designated for the royal women of the Vijayanagara Empire.

It used to have channels of water running through the arches of the palace meant to keep the queens cool during the hot summers.

Watch Tower

The troops used to guard the Zenana Enclosure from the watch towers. These towers also served as a vantage point for the ladies.

You can not climb it but can take pictures.

Elephant Stables

Close to the Lotus Palace is the Elephant Stables. It is one of the few structures in Hampi that were not attacked. 

The Elephant Stables were used to provide shelter to the royal elephants of the Vijayanagara empire.

Eleven dome-shaped chambers with lofty arched doorways were used to house the elephants. You can also see the provision for the metal hooks that were used in tying the elephants.

There is an open ground in front of the building that was used for elephant parades.

8. Royal Enclosure

The Royal Enclosure was the heart of the Vijayanagara empire. The royal family used to reside here.

The Royal Enclosure used to house several palace bases, water tanks, temples, canals, secret passages, etc. that are in ruins today.

This is another place where you need a guide for a more immersive experience.

While there are many structures in this huge complex, some of the important ones are:

Mahanavami Dibba/Dasara Dibba

Dussehra was the most celebrated event of the year for the royal family.

The Mahanavami Dibba was a three-tiered stage which served as the viewing platform for the kings and queens to watch cultural events celebrated during Dussehra.

You get a panoramic view of the expansive area within the royal corridor from here.

The sides of the walls demonstrate how Dussehra was celebrated here. You’ll find carvings of horses, warriors, elephants, various hunting scenes, mythology, dance postures, etc. that tell the cultural tale of a bygone era.

If you’re still not convinced by the creativity and genius of the craftsmen at that time, visit the step well.

Made from black stone, it is a well that is symmetrical in shape and the steps are made in a way such that water flows naturally to the bottom of the tank. It is one of the best architectural places to visit in Hampi that make use of an efficient water management system.

It is no wonder then that it is one of the most photographed attractions in Hampi. 

The step well was a sacred place for the royals. They used to take bath here before visiting any religious place.

Hazara Raama Temple

The Hazara Rama Temple is another architectural marvel like Virupaksha Temple and the Vijaya Vittala Temple that deserves your attention.

Dedicated to Lord Rama, it portrays the story of Ramayana through the stone carvings inscribed on its walls and pillars. 

This temple was meant for the royal families only.

9. Queen’s Bath

One of the lesser-known places to visit in Hampi is the Queen’s Bath, close to the Royal Enclosure.

It is a rectangular-shaped building with a pool in the middle and an open-air ceiling. It is built around a water canal with a garden in the front.

It was used as a bathing place for the queens of the Vijayanagara empire.

There is also a separate room for dress changing. 

Fun fact:  There was an ancient canal system that was used to transfer water in the bath chamber and another canal that would take out the used water.

10. Hampi Archaeological Museum (Kamalapura)

Once you’re done seeing all the ruins in Hampi, you can visit the Hampi Archaeological Museum. It’ll give you a summary of all that you learnt about Hampi and help you delve deeper into its history.

The museum houses four different galleries, each covering different aspects of Hampi.

You can find several artefacts here like sculptures of deities, paintings, ancient coins, armoury and photos of Hampi during excavation.

Watch out for the miniature model of the entire geography of Hampi!

You can visit this museum on all days except Fridays when it’s closed to the public.

5 epic things to do in Hampi

The best thing about Hampi is that it is not limited to its rich history and architectural ruins. As a traveller, there are other things that you can indulge in that will make your experience in Hampi more immersive.

Here are the top 5 things to do in Hampi apart from visiting the ruins:

1. Explore Hippie Island, Hampi

In what is a complete contrast to the ruins and heritages of Hampi, Hippie Island is a small island across the Tungabhadra river with a very laid-back and chilled-out vibe. It will remind you of Gokarna , a beach town in Karnataka which has a similar vibe and culture.

You can expect more foreigners here than Indians during the peak season.

Hippie Island, known officially as Virupapur Gadde, can be accessed by boat from Hampi. It takes only 5-10 minutes by boat and the rates are reasonable. The boating service is available only till 5:30 pm after which it might become difficult and costlier to get a boat.

You have the option of accessing Hippie Island by road but keep in mind that it takes close to 45 minutes to reach here.

Hippie Island runs across the Tungabhadra river and is characterised by paddy fields and coconut trees. There are lots of various homestays, restaurants and shops to keep you occupied.

You can shop for clothes and ornaments, get massages, indulge in yoga and play music among others.

Update : Read this article to know the latest information about Hippie Island .

2. Take a coracle ride in the Tungabhadra river

A coracle is a round boat made with bamboo strips. It can carry 6-8 people at a time and has been around since the time of the Vijayanagara empire.

The ride through this boat is pretty scenic. You will get to see some temples and caves during the ride. 

It typically lasts for less than an hour. Try to bargain because the rates quoted by the boat owners are usually high.

The best time to do this will be during sunrise and sunset.

3. Try bouldering in Hampi/Hippie Island

If you love outdoor adventures, this one’s for you! Bouldering is one of the most popular things to do in Hampi/Hippie Island.

There are shops in Hippie Island run by professional people that help you climb boulders with proper gear. You don’t need to be an expert to indulge in this sport as anyone can do this.

You can check out the Tom and Jerry climbing shop, now known as Golden Boulders , located close to the entrance of Hippie Island.

4. Jump from a cliff into the Sanapur Lake

Cliff jumping is one of the best ways to cool off after visiting the ruins. You can find multiple locations at Sanapur Lake from where you can dive into the water.

Make sure that the level of water is high enough and that you know swimming. You can ask the locals for the diving spots and it is preferable to do it in a place where people are already diving.

5. Stroll at Hampi Bazaar

Hampi Bazaar was one of the first open malls in history that is flanked on one side by the Virupaksha Temple and on the other side by Matanga Hill. It is a one-kilometre-long stretch and has pavilions on both sides of the street.

It used to be the main market during the Vijayanagar empire where merchants used to sell jewellery, ornaments, precious stones, horses, etc. Take a walk through these ruins to be reminded of their rich history.

Note : You can also do this activity while you visit central Hampi.

How to reach Hampi?

There is no direct connectivity to Hampi. You need to get down at Hospet (which is at a distance of 13 km from Hampi) if you’re coming by public transport.

You can find public buses that travel from Hospet to Hampi frequently. You also have the option of hiring an auto from here.

The nearest airport to Hampi is Bellary, 60 km away. If you’re unable to find a flight to Bellary, the next best option would be to take a flight to Bangalore and take the Hampi Express at night from there.

Hospet is the nearest railway station to Hampi. 

There are frequent trains from Bangalore to Hospet every week. Hampi Express is the most convenient option for you if you are travelling from Bangalore to Hampi since you arrive at Hospet in the morning itself.

Similarly, you can find trains from Goa, Hyderabad and Chennai as well.

Hospet is well-connected to different towns and cities in Karnataka by both public and private buses. You can find inter-state buses from Goa, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra as well.

How to travel in Hampi?

The best way to travel around Hampi is by hiring a two-wheeler, especially if you’re a solo traveller. You can rent a scooter at Kamalapura or Hampi Bazaar. You can also enquire at the place you are staying for a scooty.

The only drawback of hiring a scooty is that you’ll have to search for guides at every destination to know more about that particular place instead of hiring a guide for a full day.

Alternatively, you can hire autos/taxis to take you around Hampi. As they’re locals, they’re well versed with the history of Hampi and can double up as your guide.

In our case, we hired a cab from our homestay and a separate guide (who the driver knew).

There are no fixed rates so you would need to bargain with the driver.

At Hippie Island, hiring two-wheelers is the most common practice and it is available almost everywhere.

Best places to stay in Hampi

Most of Hampi’s tourist accommodations are located in the Hampi Bazaar. Apart from that, you can find a few homestays in Kamalapura and many low-cost hostels and homestays on Hippie Island.

Homestays in Hampi

Gopi homestay.

Although this place is a bit far away from the centre of Hampi, you will have a peaceful stay here. The hosts are friendly and will help you sort out your travel plans.

There are no restaurants available nearby but you can always have their home-cooked food. And their breakfasts are complimentary. They have a separate kitchen in case you would like to cook something on your own.

They have an open terrace from where you can get great views of the surroundings.

Srinivasa Homestay

It is located in a village near major tourist attractions with great surroundings. They have a terrace from where you can get scenic views of the village.

The rooms are clean and spacious.

The host is helpful and they provide delicious home-cooked food. They will also help you with your travel plans. 

Abhi Homestay

The host is very hospitable and goes out of their way to help you. You get delicious home-cooked food as well.

The homestay is at a peaceful location. It is near the main tourist attractions of Hampi.

Hostels in Hampi

Murali homestay.

They are located at Hippie Island so you would need to cross the Tungabhadra river or come by road from Hampi to reach here. They will also pick you up from Hampi at an additional cost.

They have mixed dorms apart from private rooms and can also help you with renting a scooty.

The views from the property are picturesque and you will get good home-cooked food here.

Rambo Homestay

It is another homestay located on Hippie Island close to Sanapur Lake. The location of this homestay is beautiful as it is nearby the lake and paddy fields

The host is very helpful and will pick you up from Hampi if you want. You can rent scooters here as well.

The ambience of this place is very laid back and they provide good food at reasonable rates at their restaurant.

Best restaurants in Hampi

Mango Tree Restaurant

If I had to suggest only one restaurant in Hampi, this would be it. You will end up having food from here multiple times because the quality of the food is amazing.

They have a variety of cuisines including Italian, European, Israeli, Chinese and Asian.

Mango lassi is a must-have here.

Note : You will find a lot of restaurants in Hampi, especially on Hippie Island that have good reviews online but from personal experience, the quality of the food that you get at most of these restaurants belies their online ratings.

Best time to visit Hampi

Being a dry region, Hampi has very hot and dry weather in general. The summers in Hampi can go up to 40 degrees.

However, you’ll find that tourists are also less during this time.

In terms of weather, the best time to visit Hampi is from October to March. While the weather remains warm during the day, it is certainly more pleasant as compared to the summer season.

Best travel tips for Hampi

Following are some tips to keep in mind to ensure you have a great experience in Hampi:

• As you will be walking around Hampi from one place to another under the harsh sun, it is imperative to carry a hat to protect your head and sunscreen to protect your skin.
• Make sure to hydrate yourself regularly as you will get tired easily.
• Avoid cotton clothes and wear active and breathable clothes to avoid getting drenched in your sweat.
• Wear sports shoes to walk around comfortably as you will need a good grip when climbing boulders and rocks.
• It is highly recommended to hire a travel guide while visiting the ruins of Hampi. They can tell you the story behind a place and give you some context. You can hire guides from the tourism office at Virupaksha Temple or enquire at the place you are staying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hampi popular for.

Hampi is an ancient temple town located in central Karnataka that was once the richest city in India and the second largest medieval city in the world after Beijing. 

It was the capital of the Vijayanagara empire and used to attract a lot of traders from Persia, Portugal and other countries worldwide.

It was destroyed and looted in 1565 by Muslim rulers after which the entire city has remained in ruins.

Hampi is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for the architecture and history of its ruined temples and monuments that were constructed under the Vijayanagara empire.

Which are the top 5 places to visit in Hampi?

Following are the top 5 places to visit in Hampi based on my experience: 1. Virupaksha Temple 2. Vijaya Vittala Temple 3. Hippie Island 4. Hanuman Temple (Anjaneya Hill) 5. Zenana Enclosure

Is 2 days enough for Hampi?

Two days are enough if you plan to visit the architectural ruins and temples of Hampi. 

However, you need to ensure that you follow a strict schedule so that you’re able to cover all the places in 2 days. This is because some places require more time to cover compared to others.

Also, ensure that you’re hiring a guide to give you context about the history and architecture of all the ruins you visit in Hampi.

Which are the places to visit in Hampi in 2 days?

If you plan to visit Hampi for a weekend, the following are the places to visit in Hampi in 2 days (in chronological order): 1. Vijaya Vittala Temple 2. Virupaksha Temple 3. Kadalekalu Ganesha and Sasivekalu Ganesha 4. Lakshmi Narasimha Temple and Badavilinga Temple 5. Matanga Hill 6. Hanuman Temple (Anjaneya Hill) 7. Zenana Enclosure 8. Royal Enclosure 9. Queen’s Bath 10. Hampi Archaeological Museum (Kamalapura)

Which are the places to visit in Hampi in 3 days?

Following are the places to visit in Hampi in 2 days (in chronological order): 1. Vijaya Vittala Temple 2. Virupaksha Temple 3. Kadalekalu Ganesha and Sasivekalu Ganesha 4. Lakshmi Narasimha Temple and Badavilinga Temple 5. Matanga Hill 6. Hanuman Temple (Anjaneya Hill) 7. Zenana Enclosure 8. Royal Enclosure 9. Queen’s Bath 10. Hampi Archaeological Museum (Kamalapura)

If you have one more day to spare, you can do the following activities for the third day: 11. Explore Hippie Island, Hampi 12. Take a coracle ride in the Tungabhadra river 13. Try bouldering on Hippie Island 14. Jump from a cliff into the Sanapur Lake 15. Stroll at Hampi Bazaar

Hampi is a magical city that’ll take you back to the Vijayanagara empire leaving you with rich memories of an era gone by. Nowhere in India will you see a landscape and a history as striking as the one you see in Hampi.

Apart from visiting the famous ruins of the city, you can also explore other activities like exploring Hippie Island, taking a coracle ride and jumping off a cliff.

Also, while you visit the ruins, make sure you hire a guide who’ll give you context for all the places you visit. You can ask for the same from the place you’re staying at.

Depending on what you’re looking for, all the homestays and hostels will also help you hire a cab/auto or rent a scooty.

You’ll find a lot of homestays and hostels at Hampi at reasonable rates. This will be especially useful for people who love to travel solo or backpack.

Lastly, while you can visit Hampi in the summers and expect a lesser crowd, the weather is much more favourable during winters.

With that said, I hope you found this extensive guide on ‘the 10 best places to visit in Hampi’ useful.

If you have any questions, do let me know in the comments! 

Jerry quit his 9-5 job to become a digital nomad and travel the world. Through Framedventures, he helps people have experiential and immersive travel adventures across India. He has travelled to 15+ states/UTs in India so far. Besides travelling, he's also passionate about landscape photography. Connect with him on his social media channels to get his latest travel updates!

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Ismail Lakdawala

Hi Jerry! Wonderful article! So detailed and so helpful to every traveler to get a complete picture!

Really loved it, and a huge thanks for linking our article for Hippie Island updates as well! Means a lot 💯

Keep creating! Let’s do a collab post soon!

Best, Ismail From Xplore The Earth

Hey Ismail! Thanks a lot.😃

Your article was very helpful as well as I wasn’t aware of the Hippie Island update.😁

Yes, let’s do a collab one day.✌️

Samir Kumar Basak

Excellent description. I have a plan to visit soon. It will help me lot. Thanks for your effort.

Hey Samir! Glad I could help.😇

Have an amazing trip in Hampi!

Akhila Jenny Ravikumar

Hey Jerry, you have written an awesome content on Hampi. The blog is really helpful for anyone planning a trip to Hampi. You have captured stunning pictures of Virupaksha Temple and Vijaya Vittala Temple.

Thank you Akhila for the awesome feedback!😄 Are you planning to visit Hampi anytime soon?

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Things to Do in Hampi & A Complete Travel Guide

Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Look no further than Hampi – a hidden gem in the heart of Karnataka, India. Our Things To Do in Hampi – A Travel Guide will explore its breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, and vibrant culture; this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a dream destination for history buffs and wanderlust seekers alike.

But before you embark on your journey to this enchanting wonderland, we’ve covered everything you need to know! From must-visit attractions to top things to do and insider tips, get ready to dive into the ultimate guide for planning your trip to Hampi. Let’s make memories that will last a lifetime!

Table of Contents

Introduction: Brief overview of Hampi

Hampi, located in the southern state of Karnataka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most captivating destinations in India. It is a small village once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire , which ruled South India for over two centuries from the 14th to 16th century AD .

The ruins of this ancient city are spread across an area of about 26 square kilometres . They are surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, making it a picturesque destination. Despite being in ruins, Hampi continues attracting tourists worldwide due to its rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels.

A Mix of Culture, Nature & History

One of the main reasons why Hampi is a must-visit destination is because it offers a unique blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty . The temples and monuments here testify to the grandeur and opulence of the Vijayanagara Empire. The intricate carvings on these structures depict scenes from Hindu mythology and showcase outstanding craftsmanship.

Apart from its historical significance, Hampi also has a spiritual aura that can be felt throughout the village. With over 500 temples scattered around its landscape, Hampi is considered one of the holiest places for Hindus. The Virupaksha temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the oldest functioning temples in India and attracts thousands of devotees every year.

In addition to its cultural importance, Hampi also offers breathtaking views with its boulder-strewn hillsides , lush green paddy fields, and glistening Tungabhadra river flowing through it. It is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers, with activities like trekking , rock climbing, and coracle rides available.

In conclusion, Hampi is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience India’s rich history and culture, along with its natural beauty. The village has something to offer everyone and promises an unforgettable trip filled with ancient wonders and enchanting experiences.

Getting There: Different modes of transportation to Hampi

Hampi is a popular tourist destination located in the state of Karnataka, India. It is known for its rich history and ancient ruins, making it a must-visit place for history buffs and adventure seekers. However, planning your transportation mode is essential before embarking on your trip to Hampi. This section will discuss the various modes of transportation available to reach Hampi and their pros and cons.

The nearest airport to Hampi is the Hubli Airport, approximately 160 km from the town. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to Hampi from there. The airport has good connectivity with major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi.

• Fastest mode of transportation.
• Flights are available from major cities in India.
• Comfortable journey.
• Expensive compared to other modes of transportation.
• Limited flights may result in higher airfare during peak season.

2. By Train:

The closest railway station to Hampi is Hospet Junction Railway Station (HPT), which is around 13 km away from the town. You can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw from there to Hampi.

• Affordable option.
• Trains are available from major cities in India.
• Scenic train journey through rural landscapes.
• Limited trains may require advance booking during peak season.
• Longer travel time compared to flights.

Hampi has good connectivity with major cities in Karnataka, like Bengaluru, Mysore, and Hospet. You can take a bus from these cities to reach Hampi. The town also has local buses that connect different parts of the town.

• Cheapest mode of transportation.
• Good connectivity with nearby cities.
• Local buses provide an authentic experience of the town.
• Long travel time.
• Buses may only be comfortable for a short distance.

4. By Car/Taxi:

You can also opt for a private car or taxi to reach Hampi from nearby cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, or Goa. You can either hire a self-drive car or book a chauffeured taxi service.

• Flexible timings and routes.
• Allows you to explore nearby places at your own pace.
• Expensive option if travelling alone.
• Traffic may result in longer travel time during peak season.

In conclusion, your transportation mode depends on your budget, comfort level, and travel preferences. It is recommended to plan your trip in advance and book tickets accordingly to avoid any last-minute hassles. No matter which mode of transportation you choose, a trip to Hampi will surely be an enriching and memorable experience.

Best Time to Visit

Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka, India, is a popular tourist destination known for its rich history and stunning architecture. This ancient city was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and is now home to numerous ruins, temples, and other historical sites that attract visitors from around the world.

If you are planning a trip to Hampi, it is crucial to choose the right time of year to visit. The weather, festivals, and tourist crowds can significantly impact your overall experience. To help you plan your trip effectively, here are the ideal months to visit Hampi based on these factors.

The best time to visit Hamp i is during the winter season , which lasts from October to February . During this time, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C (59°F – to 86°F) . The cool breeze makes it perfect for exploring the outdoors and visiting various historical sites without feeling too hot or uncomfortable.

Summer in Hampi starts in March and lasts till June , with scorching temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F). It can be scorching and humid during this time, making it difficult for tourists to explore outdoor attractions. Monsoon season begins in July and ends in September, bringing heavy rainfall, which can disrupt travel plans.

Tourist Crowds

Hampi receives a high influx of tourists during the winter season from October to February . If you want to avoid large crowds, planning your trip during the shoulder season is best, from March to June or September to October. There are fewer tourists during this time, and you can explore the attractions at your own pace without feeling rushed or crowded.

In conclusion, the ideal time to visit Hampi would be from October to February when the weather is pleasant , and plenty of festivals and events are happening. However, to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder season (March – June & September to October)  . Plan your trip accordingly and have a memorable experience exploring this ancient city.

Where to Stay in Hampi

Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India, offers diverse accommodation options for various budgets and travel preferences. These accommodations include:

• Budget-friendly hostels:  Ideal for budget travellers, hostels provide shared dormitory-style accommodations with basic amenities and a chance to connect with fellow travellers.
• Guesthouses:  Family-run guesthouses offer more privacy than hostels and often provide simple rooms with attached bathrooms. Some may offer home-cooked meals.
• Heritage hotels:  For a unique experience, heritage hotels provide a glimpse into the city’s history while offering modern comforts. Many also organize cultural activities and guided tours.
• Resorts:  Luxury resorts, located away from the main tourist areas offer top-notch facilities, serene surroundings, and various activities like yoga, spa treatments, and outdoor adventures.
• Boutique hotels:  Combining heritage charm with modern amenities, boutique hotels offer personalized services and attention to detail, often in or near the main tourist areas.
• Camping:  For adventure seekers, camping is an option. Campsites offer basic tents; some provide luxury tented accommodations with attached bathrooms.

It’s advisable to book well in advance during the peak season (October-March) due to the town’s popularity. Hampi caters to travellers with various budgets and preferences, ensuring there’s a suitable place to stay for everyone.

Must-See Places in Hampi

Hampi is a mesmerizing destination with a rich history and cultural heritage. It is home to countless ancient temples, monuments, and ruins that will leave you in awe. If you plan a trip to Hampi, add these must-see places to your itinerary for an unforgettable experience.

• Hampi Bazaar – Stroll through this bustling market street, which was once the commercial hub of Hampi during its prime days. You can find everything from handicrafts, souvenirs, clothes, and traditional food here.
• Lotus Mahal – Also known as Chitragani Mahal or Kamal Mahal, this striking palace was used by the royal women of the Vijayanagara Empire during their recreational activities. The architecture of this palace resembles a lotus flower, hence the name.
• Matanga Hill – This is the highest point in Hampi and offers stunning views of the surrounding ruins and monuments. Many trekkers go here to catch a glimpse of the sunrise or sunset.
• Queen’s Bath – This is a large, well-preserved bathing complex built for the royal women of the Vijayanagara Empire. It consists of a central pool surrounded by arched corridors and balconies.
• Zenana Enclosure – This was the secluded area where the royal women lived in Hampi. The Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, and other structures can be found within this enclosure.
• Purandaradasa Mantapa – This memorial hall is dedicated to the famous poet Purandaradasa, a devotee of Lord Krishna. It houses a statue of him and his compositions carved on the walls.

Temples of Hampi

• Virupaksha Temple – This magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the oldest functioning temples in India. The intricate carvings and sculptures on the temple walls will leave you amazed. Take advantage of the famous chariot festival held here every year.
• Hemakuta Hill Temples – For breathtaking views of Hampi’s landscape, head up to Hemakuta Hill. You’ll also find many ancient temples and shrines scattered across the hill, including the famous Virupaksha Temple.
• Vittala Temple Complex – This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its iconic stone chariot and musical pillars that produce different sounds when struck. The complex also houses beautiful mandapas (halls), shrines, and other structures.
• Achyutaraya Temple – Located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. The annual Purandaradasa Festival is celebrated here with great pomp and show.

Hampi is a treasure trove of historical and architectural wonders. Each place has a unique story and is a must-visit for anyone interested in Indian history or architecture. Remember to carry your camera to capture the beauty of these magnificent structures.

Top 9 Things to Do in Hampi

• Visit the Temples:  Explore the awe-inspiring ancient temples in Hampi, such as Virupaksha Temple, Vitthala Temple, and more, which offer a glimpse into the rich history and architecture of the region.
• Watch Sunsets:  The surreal landscapes of Hampi make for stunning sunset views. Enjoy the magical sight of the sun setting behind the boulders and temples.
• Shopping at Hampi Bazaar:  Hampi Bazaar is a vibrant marketplace where you can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, jewellery, and traditional clothing. It’s a great place to pick up unique souvenirs.
• Indulge in Local Cuisine:  Savor local Karnataka cuisine at the numerous cafes and restaurants. Try dishes like bisi bele bath, jolada rotti, and the delicious masala dosa.
• Bouldering:  Hampi is a mecca for bouldering enthusiasts. The unique rock formations provide a challenging and picturesque backdrop for climbers of all levels.
• Cliff Jumping:  If adventurous, indulge in cliff jumping by the Tungabhadra River. Leap into the clear waters and experience an adrenaline rush.
• Cycling in and Around Hampi:  Rent a bicycle and explore the charming villages and stunning landscapes around Hampi. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
• Explore the Hippie Side in Anegundi Village:  Anegundi, just across the river, offers a more relaxed and bohemian vibe. Discover the laid-back cafes, art scenes, and vibrant community.
• Take a Coracle Ride:  Experience a traditional coracle ride on the Tungabhadra River. These circular boats offer a unique and serene way to enjoy the region’s scenic beauty.

Hampi, with its cultural richness and natural beauty, offers diverse activities that cater to all interests, from history and spirituality to adventure and relaxation.

An Ideal 5-Day Itinerary for Hampi

1: Arrival and Exploration

• Arrive in Hampi and check in.
• Visit the Virupaksha Temple.
• Explore Hemakuta Hill.
• Enjoy a riverside sunset.

2: Temple Tour

• Explore the Vithala Temple complex.
• Visit Royal Enclosure.
• Explore the underground Shiva temple and the Lotus Mahal.
• Sunset at Hemakuta Hill.

3: Adventure and Nature

• Go bouldering among the unique rock formations.
• Explore Sanapur Lake or Anegundi Village.
• Evening in Anegundi for a taste of the bohemian side.

4: Riverside Activities

• Enjoy a coracle ride on the Tungabhadra River.
• Explore Anjanadri Hill and the Monkey Temple.
• Return to Hampi.

5: Relaxation and Departure

• Cycle around Hampi and explore the remaining sites.
• Enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
• Check out and bid farewell to Hampi.

In conclusion, Hampi is a truly magical destination that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Proper planning and preparation allow you to maximise your trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From exploring ancient ruins to trying local delicacies and indulging in adventurous activities, there’s something for everyone in Hampi. Therefore, pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable journey filled with rich experiences and lasting memories with our travel guide .

While Hampi is a remarkable destination, two days can provide a taste of its beauty and history. During this time, you can explore the main temples, like Virupaksha and Vithala, and enjoy bouldering and local cuisine. However, to delve deeper into its richness, consider extending your stay to 3-4 days for a more comprehensive experience.

Absolutely, Hampi is a must-visit destination. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with awe-inspiring temples, surreal landscapes, and vibrant culture. Hampi has something to offer, whether you’re a history buff, an adventure enthusiast, or someone seeking serenity. Ensure you check for the latest travel advisories and conditions before visiting.

Hampi’s uniqueness lies in its rich historical heritage, captivating architecture, and dramatic landscape of massive boulders set against a cultural backdrop. The Virupaksha Temple, the Vithala Temple complex, and the enchanting bouldering opportunities are some of its highlights. The town’s laid-back ambience and bohemian vibes in nearby Anegundi make it unique.

Ideally, to experience the essence of Hampi, you should spend at least 3-4 days. This will allow you to explore the numerous temples, enjoy activities like bouldering, and immerse yourself in the local culture. However, you can glimpse the main attractions in 2 days if you’re on a tight schedule. Still, a longer stay is recommended for a more enriching experience.

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5 stunning places to visit in India in April

Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Kashmir: April in Kashmir offers a perfect blend of blossoming tulips, snow-capped mountains, and serene lakes. Explore the Mughal Gardens in Srinagar, indulge in a shikara ride on Dal Lake, and trek amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Gulmarg.

Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan: April marks the end of the tourist season in Ranthambore, making it an ideal time to spot elusive tigers and other wildlife. Enjoy jeep safaris through the lush greenery and ancient ruins scattered across the park.

Munnar, Kerala: Known for its sprawling tea plantations, Munnar comes alive with vibrant colours in April. Take leisurely walks amidst the aromatic tea estates, visit the Eravikulam National Park to witness blooming Neelakurinji flowers, and rejuvenate with Ayurvedic massages in the serene surroundings.

Hampi, Karnataka: April offers pleasant weather for exploring the ancient ruins of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the architectural marvels of the Vijayanagara Empire, including the majestic Virupaksha Temple and the iconic Stone Chariot at the Vittala Temple complex.

Gangtok, Sikkim: Experience the charm of the Himalayas in Gangtok during April. Admire the blooming rhododendrons at the Rhododendron Sanctuary, soak in the panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range from Tashi Viewpoint, and embark on scenic drives to the nearby Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La Pass.

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