Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in eastern-central Karnataka. It is a religious center because of an active Adi Shankaracharya Temple and the Virupaksha Temple, situated at the banks of the river Tungabhadra and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Hampi is famous for its vast stretch of ancient ruins, which display the ancient royalty of the Vijayanagara Empire. Matanga, Malyavanta, and Anjaneya hills cover this beautiful historical site from three sides, making it worth visiting. In this article, we will be discussing Hampi and how to explore this glorious City properly. Let's dive into the historical town of ruins, which was once a glorious empire.
Day 1 - The Arrival
After stepping onto the land of Hampi, the first thing to do is to get accommodation. It is suggested that you check into a lodging, guesthouse, or hotel. You can have your meal either at the hotel, grab a quick snack on the sides of the temples, or head out to grab something else. After your belly is full, you can start exploring, and the best way to do so is by renting a bike or hiring an auto rickshaw for the whole day. For tourists who are planning to visit Hampi, it is suggested that they take 3 to 4 days to explore Hampi completely. To start your exploration, you must visit the ancient temples in Hampi.
- Virupaksha Temple: The temple goes back to the 6th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva; the temple is situated at the banks of the Tungabhadra river. The temple is covered with beautiful carvings of idols of gods and goddesses at levels. The Virupaksha temple is an iconic temple of Hampi and is also a guiding beacon because it is visible from almost everywhere. As soon as you cross the tall gates of the temples, you will enter the courtyard, where there is another set of smaller temples, a large hall, and beautiful pillars aligned.
- Hazare Rama Temple: Just 5 minutes away from Virupaksha Temple is the Hazare Ram temple, which is popular for its connection to the epic Ramayan. The temple is demolished, and it mainly consists of an open complex framed by ornated pillars with towering palm trees in the background.
- Lakshmi Narasimha Temple: After visiting the Virupaksha and Hazare Ram, you can go to the Vithala Temple. On your way, you can stop at the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, which is famous for its large stone Shivalinga. At the entrance is a statue of Lord Narasimha, who is half man and half lion incarnation of Vishnu.
- Vijay Vitthala Temple: Vijay Vitthala Temple, or the stone chariot temple, is a cluster of many different temples. The main highlight of this temple is the stone chariot, which is a symbol of pride. It is an excellent destination for history enthusiasts as they can admire the splendid stone craftsmanship in the temple, including statues, pillars, ceilings, and more.
Day 2 - More Hampi Exploration
On the first day, you have to explore the temples and ruins of Hampi, which is the majestic side of Hampi. Now, it is time to see the chilling side of Hampi, which is on the other side of the Tungabhadra River. On the other side, it is covered with lush paddy fields, towering palm trees, boulders, lakes, and mini forests, and among them, you can chill and relax in the cafes. There are two options to cross the river, one of which is the other side of Hampi. These two options are:
- Take a public ferry, which runs between 9 am and 5 pm.
- Take a bike on rent or hire an auto rickshaw.
Now that you have reached the next side of the river, there are some things you can explore. Here are the places to explore and things to do when you reach the other side.
- Visit the Laughing Buddha to get lunch, as it is one of the few remaining shacks. There are other cafes and restaurants you can visit, like the Gravity Cafe, Rasta Cafe, and Sundown Cafe.
- See the drum circle, which is on a boulder at the Sunset Point Hill, which is an easy 10-minute trek with a stunning view and scenery.
Day 3 - Final exploration of Hampi
Since this is the final day at Hampi, it should be dedicated to chilling. The best to end this fascinating trip is to get up early and begin your day. Now, we will look at the things you can do and places you can visit to end your trip on a relaxing note.
- Watch the sunrise at Anjanadri Hill's Hanuman Temple. It is said to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. The temple can be accessed by climbing the 500 white-washed steps. However, if you are visiting, you have to be aware of the monkeys; sometimes, they can be aggressive.
- A coracle ride in the Sanapur Lake, which is bordered by boulders, is a unique sight and a great option for chilling, relaxing, and refreshing yourself. You can hop on the bamboo boats and chill for 15 minutes in the river.
- You can even visit Anegundi village, a historic and ancient village associated with the epic Ramayan. Several rocks have engravings and friezes related to the Ramayana. This is a great place for exploring, as you can visit different temples and get a close look at the customs and rituals of the locals. You can even buy souvenirs like lamps, baskets, and more made of Bamboo.
- After this exploration, return to your accommodation and relax. You can dine at your hotel or go out to eat and taste the authentic food of Hampi.
Conclusion
Hampi is a great place to visit for history enthusiasts as it shows the ancient glory of Vijayanagar. This City has many ruins and temples to explore; these remarkable structures attract archeologists from both the nation and foreign nations. Although the City has lost its glory, it is still one of the greatest Indian destinations to visit, and in this article, we have discussed how one can explore Hampi in just three days.
