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Once the capital of the Vijaynagar Empire, the village of Hampi lies in the Northern part of Karnataka. Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Hampi is famed for its striking ruins and ancient temples. Hampi is also an important religious centre as this place is believed to be associated with the incidents of the epic Ramayana. The village is a paradise for the lovers of history and archaeology. This hidden treasure is a must-visit if you are travelling to South India. Here are a few handy tips for visiting Hampi.
Reaching Hampi
The nearest airport to Hampi is Bellary which is about 60 kilometres from the village. However, if you wish to travel by road or rail, the town of Hospet would be your destination. Situated about 12 kilometres from Hampi, Hospet has a railway station and a bus stand too. You can conveniently avail rail services to Hospet from major cities like Bangalore, Bijapur, Hubli, Hyderabad, and Goa. The Hospet bus stand operates frequent local as well as intercity buses. If you want to enjoy the real feel of the destination, then walking is the best way to tour Hampi. To cover longer distances, you may also hire bicycles or mopeds.
Major Attractions in Hampi
Hampi is a destination with numerous temples and ancient ruins. Vittala Temple and Virupaksha Temple are the two major temples in Hampi. While the former is dedicated to Vishnu, the latter is dedicated to Shiva. Believed to be amongst the oldest temples in India, these temple complexes boast magnificent architecture. The Royal Enclosure is an enthralling campus that houses ruins of many stately structures. To explore some shrines, carved artefacts, and ruins of ancient structures, you can head to the Riverside Ruins–a path that connects the ancient Hampi Bazaar to the Vittala Temple. Hemakuta Hill Temples, Krishna Temple, Lakshmi Narasimha, and Queen’s Bath are a few more must-visit attractions in Hampi.
Best Time to Visit Hampi
Anytime of the year is a good time to visit Hampi. Exciting festivals are celebrated throughout the year. However, the peak tourist season lasts from October to February. The New Year holidays and the Hampi Festival in November draw huge crowds. Generally celebrated for three days in the first week of November, Hampi Festival is the grandest festival in Hampi. This festival features amazing music shows, puppet dance shows, beautiful fireworks, and a lot more. These three days are the best time to experience and enjoy the cultural richness of Hampi. For adventure enthusiasts, there are also various types of sports.