Hampi was the capital of the last and the most famed Hindu kingdom of Vijaynagar, the largest empire in post-mogul India, covering the present-day Indian states of Karnataka, Andhra and Maharashtra. Hampi is located in the central part of the state of Karnataka.
Hampi is famous for its ruins belonging to the erstwhile medieval Hindu Kingdom of Vijaynagar and is declared a World Heritage site.
The Hindu style of architecture found at Hampi reflects the splendor of the Vijaynagar Empire. The rugged landscape adds to the historic ambience of this site.
Tourists throng to the 14th century ruins of Hampi, located near Hospet, in Bellary district, which silently narrate the story of grandeur and fabulous wealth of the bygone era, of men's infinite talent and power of creativity and his capacity for senseless destruction. Covering an of about 26 sq. km, the ruins lie scattered amidst giant boulders and vegetation, protected by the tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the north and rocky granite ridges on the other three sides. The Tungbhadra dam across the eponymous river is another attraction to the tourists.
The main tourist spots in Hampi can be divided into two broad areas: the Hampi Bazaar area and the Royal center near Kamalapuram. The 15th-century Virupaksha Temple is located in the Hampi Bazaar area. It is one of the oldest monuments of the town. The top of the temple rises about 50 m from the ground and the main shrine is dedicated to Virupaksha, a form of Lord Shiva.
Two kilometers east of Hampi Bazaar, the tourist can see the World Heritage Vithal temple, built in the 16th century. Hemakuta Hill offers excellent view of Hampi Bazaar.
The royal center is located between the Hampi Bazaar area and Kamalapuram. One can take a 2-km walk down to this area from the Hampi Bazaar. There are a number of tourist attractions, within the walled area of the royal center. The Lotus Mahal is an intricately designed pavilion within a walled compound, known as the Zenana Enclosure. This palace is a blend of Indo-Islamic architecture and gets its name from the lotus bud carved on its domed and vaulted ceiling. The Elephant quarter is adjacent to the Zenana Enclosure. It is a domed building, which housed the royal elephants. The Queen's Bath, with its unique Islamic architecture, and the Underground Virupaksha temple are other important places to visit within the royal center. The Archeological Museum at Kamalapuram has a good collection of sculptures belonging to the Vijaynagar Empire.
How to reach
By rail - Hampi does not have a Railway station. The nearest railhead is at Hospet, which is 13 km from Hampi. Tourists use Hospet as a base to commence their journey to Hampi.
By road - The main bus station in Hampi is located in the Hampi Bazaar area and is well connected by KSRTC buses.