“Hampi – Site of an Ancient Capital”
Hampi is a popular tourist destination of India. Hampi is located in the southern Indian State of Karnataka. Hampi is a site for the ruined capital of the ancient empire of Vijayanagar. The ruins have been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage. Hampi is simply striking and awe inspiring. The arid and rocky landscape holds a little oasis with lush palm, banana, and mango trees nestled near the river. Hampi is a great place for nature and history lovers.
There are many sites of interest in and around Hampi which tourists love to visit. The must-visits are Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Bazaar, Monolith Bull, Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Hemakuta Hill temples, Big Shivlinga, Vithala Temple (the famous Stone Chariot is located here), Hazara Rama Temple, Royal Enclosures, Queen’s Bath, Zanana Enclosure (which also houses the Lotus Mahal), Elephant Stables, Achyut Raya temple, Statue of Ugra Narsimha, Virupaksha Temple, Mahanavmi Dibba, the Stepped Bath and the Matanga Hill (from where one can see the most beautiful sun set ever). All these places are conveniently located near the Hampi bus stand.
There are also several “Shivalings” along the river which the boatman usually guide tourists to. The old capital called Anegundi, across the river from Hampi also has many sites. Tourists can also go to Anegundi from Virupapur gadde by road. There is a road alongside old broken bridge (Bukka’s Aqueduct).The Hanuman Temple on Anjenaya Hill, it involves climbing up five hundred and seventy two steps and is believed to be the birth place of Hanuma. The Pampa Sarovar is worth a visit.
Hampi hosts ‘Hampi Utsav’ every year during first week of November. It is a visual delight as all the monuments and ruins are lighted in the night and it is a cultural extravaganza of dance and music. The festival hosted in January 2010 as it marked 500 years of Vijayanagar king Sri Krishnadevaraya ascending the throne.
Tourists can also buy stone carvings and hand stitched blankets made by local artisans.
There is Doroji bear sanctuary around 16 kms from Hampi, opposite side of Kamalapura/Hospet. It opens between 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. In case tourists have spare time then they can go and enjoy the bear sanctuary.
Ideally three days are required to explore the many wonders of Hampi. Tour guides are available and they can take tourists on an informed sight-seeing tour.
Hampi is well connected by roads, rail and air. In Hampi walking is a good way to get around. Off season in Hampi is from April to September.
For More Info:Hampi Tourism and Hampi Hotels
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