Hampi, Karnataka Travel Guide: History, Temples, Best Time to Visit & How to Reach

Hampi is not just a place, it’s a feeling that takes you back in time. Located in the northern part of Karnataka, Hampi is a small village full of big wonders. Once the glorious capital of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire, today it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting travellers, history lovers, and spiritual seekers from all over the world.

With its grand stone temples, ancient ruins, big boulders scattered across the landscape, and the calm Tungabhadra river flowing nearby, Hampi offers a magical mix of history, beauty, and peace. Whether you are someone who loves stories of kings and queens or just want to enjoy nature and unique views, Hampi is the perfect destination for your next trip.

What is Hampi, Karnataka?

Hampi is a small village in northern Karnataka, but it holds huge historical importance. Hundreds of years ago, Hampi was the capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire, and it was known for its rich culture, trade, art, and powerful kings. Today, it’s famous for its ancient temples, giant boulders, royal palaces, old markets, and river views.

Walking through Hampi feels like stepping back in time — the place is filled with stone ruins, carved temples, and stories of kings, queens, and wars. The most famous spot here is the Virupaksha Temple, which is still active and visited by pilgrims.

History of Hampi

Hampi was once the capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire, one of the richest and strongest empires in South India. This empire started in 1336 AD, founded by two brothers – Harihara and Bukka, with the blessings of their guru, Saint Vidyaranya.

Under the rule of great kings like Krishnadevaraya, Hampi became a powerful trade and cultural centre. People from other countries like Persia, Portugal, and Arabia used to visit Hampi for business. The city was full of beautiful temples, palaces, markets, schools, and huge walls for protection. It was so rich and grand that foreign travellers called it “the city of victory” and compared it to Rome.

But everything changed in 1565 AD, after the Battle of Talikota. The combined army of Muslim rulers from the north defeated the Vijayanagara army. After that, Hampi was attacked, looted, and destroyed. Temples and buildings were broken, and the city was left in ruins.

Even today, those ruins speak of the golden days of Hampi. You can still see giant stone chariots, tall gopurams, royal pavilions, and ancient carvings all around. That’s why Hampi is known as the “City of Ruins”, and it’s now hampi protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Architecture of Hampi

The architecture of Hampi is one of the main reasons people from all over the world visit this place. Every stone in Hampi has a story. The temples, monuments, and buildings here were built during the Vijayanagara Empire using large granite stones. What makes it special is that everything was built without cement or modern tools, yet the structures are still standing strong even after hundreds of years.

Hampi’s architecture is a mix of Dravidian (South Indian temple style) and local Karnataka style. Most temples have tall gopurams (entrance towers), pillared halls, beautiful carvings, and open courtyards.

One of the best examples is the Vittala Temple, famous for its stone chariot and musical pillars — when tapped, these stone pillars make musical sounds! Another gem is the Virupaksha Temple, which is still used for worship and has stunning artwork all over its walls.

You’ll also find royal buildings like the Lotus Mahal (a beautiful two-storey palace with curves like a lotus flower), Elephant Stables, and Watch Towers that show the smart and artistic planning of that time.

The entire area is filled with:

• Carved statues of gods and goddesses
• Mandapas (prayer halls)
• Bazaars (old shopping streets)
• Bathing ghats near the river

What’s amazing is that these monuments were not just built for beauty, but also for purpose – worship, royal meetings, military planning, and public functions.

Top Places to Visit in Hampi

1. Virupaksha Temple

This is the main temple of Hampi, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is still active for worship. The tall gopuram (entrance tower) and carvings inside are amazing. It’s also one of the oldest temples, standing strong even after invasions.

2. Vittala Temple

This is the most famous monument in Hampi, known for the stone chariot and musical pillars. When you tap the pillars, they make sounds like music! It’s a must-visit for everyone.

3. Hemakuta Hill

A peaceful hill with many small ancient temples and a great place to watch sunrise or sunset. From here, you get a beautiful view of Hampi.

4. Lotus Mahal

This is a unique palace shaped like a lotus flower. It was used by royal women and has a special style — a mix of Islamic and Indian architecture.

5. Elephant Stables

A long row of big domes where royal elephants used to stay. It shows the care and planning of the Vijayanagara rulers for animals.

6. Hampi Bazaar

This is an old market street just in front of Virupaksha Temple. Earlier, it was full of traders from all over the world. Now, you can walk, explore shops, and enjoy the history.

7. Sasivekalu Ganesha

This is a huge stone idol of Lord Ganesha, carved from a single rock. The name ‘Sasivekalu’ means mustard seed, because of the shape of his belly.

8. Achyutaraya Temple

This temple is a bit hidden but very beautiful. It’s located near Matanga Hill and offers calm surroundings and old architecture.

9. Matanga Hill

If you want the best view of Hampi, trek up to this hill. You can see the temples, boulders, and the river — especially during sunrise and sunset.

10. Tungabhadra River & Coracle Ride

You can take a round boat ride called a coracle in the calm waters of the Tungabhadra river. It’s a fun and traditional experience!

These places give you the real feel of Hampi’s royal history, art, and natural beauty.

Best Time to Visit Hampi

The best time to visit Hampi is from October to February. During this time, the weather is cool and pleasant, perfect for exploring temples and walking around.

• Winter (Oct–Feb): Best time to visit. Temperature stays between 15°C to 30°C.
• Summer (Mar–June): Very hot. Not good for walking or sightseeing.
• Monsoon (July–Sept): It rains sometimes, but the greenery looks beautiful. If you enjoy rain, it can be peaceful.

Also, the famous Hampi Utsav (Hampi Festival) happens in November, which includes cultural programs, music, and dance — a great time to visit.

How to Reach Hampi?

Hampi is a small village, but it’s connected well by road, train, and nearby airport.

By Train:

• The nearest railway station is Hospet Junction (around 13 km from Hampi).
• You can take autos, buses, or cabs from Hospet to Hampi easily.
• Trains are available from major cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa, and Mumbai.

By Air:

• The nearest airport is Hubli Airport (around 160 km).
• Another option is Bengaluru International Airport (around 350 km).
• From the airport, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Hampi.

By Road:

• Hampi is connected by good roads to nearby cities like Hospet, Bellary, and Hubli.
• You can also take KSRTC buses or private vehicles.
• Many travellers prefer road trips from Bangalore (6–7 hours) or Hyderabad (8–9 hours).

Conclusion

Hampi is not just a tourist spot, it’s a journey into India’s golden past. From grand temples and royal buildings to peaceful rivers and stunning views, every corner of Hampi has something special to show. Whether you love history, architecture, nature, or just want to relax in a quiet place, Hampi is the perfect destination. A visit here will leave you with stories, photos, and memories you’ll never forget. So pack your bags, plan your trip, and experience the magic of Hampi!