5 Amazing Places to Visit in Hampi

Are you a history buff who has a knack for storytelling? Well, a visit to Hampi is just what you need to holler a crowd and give them a great story to remember! As the world's largest open-air museum, many attributes make Hampi one of the finest places to visit. Right from the tales from when it was part of the Vijayanagar Empire to the ruins that befell the city following the attack of the Mughals, Hampi has fabulous stories to tell that you would most certainly relish. While you plan your Hampi trip, there are a few places that you must visit at all cost! Find them below.

Amazing places to visit in Hampi

Sri Virpaksha Temple

One of the most scintillating temples and places to visit in Hampi is the Sri Virupaksha Temple. Dedicated to an incarnation of Lord Shiva, the temple is recognised as one of the oldest and gorgeous temples in Hampi. The 7th-century Hindu temple is quite the famous tourist attraction in Hampi as it holds a cultural, religious and architectural significance. The temple houses a very old-style Dravidian structure with a massive courtyard and exquisite gateway towers in the premise. As you visit the temple, it is recommended that you hire a tour guide to show you around to some of the major attractions within the temple vicinity. There is an underwater Shiva Temple also present here which you should check out during your visit to one of Hampi's fabulous places.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

Approximate cost: INR 5 for entry but if you are carrying a video camera, it will cost you an additional INR 500. Still, camera charges come at INR 50

Vijaya Vittala Temple

Hampi is blessed with some of the most beautiful temples. It is a haven for pilgrims as there are many gorgeous temples with exquisite craftsmanship. One of the famous temples and places to visit in Hampi is the Vijaya Vittala Temple. Build in the 15th century, many have called it an architectural wonder. As one of the largest historical structures in Hampi, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu's incarnation, Lord Vittala. Some of the details of the architectural prowess that comes with Vijaya Vittala Temple is the fact that it is heavily inspired by Dravidian-style. At the temple premise, you will find stone chariot, sculptures with intricate designs, musical pillars and peaceful temple halls. You can get the best views of the place if you visit in the early hours. Lack of crowd only makes the place more beautiful.

Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Approximate cost: It would cost you INR 10 for entry and INR 25 to carry video cameras. Still, cameras do not require any fee.

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Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

One of the most popular places to visit in Hampi is the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, also called Ugra Narasimha. It is recognised as the largest monolith statue in the city of Hampi and has been attracting tourists for years now. The statue was built in 1528 AD and is about 6.7 meters tall. It was vandalised by the Mughals back in 1565. However, the Narasimha statue continues to make its presence known while it sits comfortably in the temple premise. Your camera might need some backup battery as you wouldn't be able to stop yourself from clicking pictures of the temple complex. There are many interesting portraits and fascinating views that would marvel you. Lord Narasimha is the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, portrayed as a half lion and half human sitting in a cross-legged position with a ferocious expression.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

Approximate cost: NIL

Riverside ruins and Archaeological Museum

When you're visiting the riverside ruins, you should know that you'll be having a great time! A trip to Hampi would be incomplete without visiting the riverside ruins. It is a big favourite among travellers and photography buffs too. As you visit the ruins in Hampi, you will notice about 108 Shiva lingas that have been carved out on flat rocky surfaces. Further, you would also be fascinated by some of the stories that happened to take place at the riverside. Taking a tour guide along with you would be a good option as you will get all the necessary in-depth knowledge and information about the place. It is easily one of the top places to visit in Hampi and should be on your list too. Further, to add to your historical endeavour, you can add visiting the Archaeological Museum to your list.

The perks of visiting places in Hampi is that it comes with tremendous scope for history buffs. If you are someone who finds historical facts intriguing and tales enticing, then you would definitely have a good time at the Archaeological Museum. Located in Kamlapur, it is one of the top places to visit in Hampi. Since it is only a few kilometres away from the main ruins, you can easily swing by and visit the place. There are various interesting artefacts from the ancient period, such as sculptures, coins, paintings and more. In fact, if you're travelling with your kids, it would be quite an educational tour for them.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM (Riverside Ruins) and 10 AM to 5 PM (Archaeological Museum)

Approximate cost: INR 30 for Riverside Ruins and INR 5 for the Archaeological Museum.

Tungabhadra Gardens and Dam

One of the most famous places to visit in Hampi is the Tungabhadra gardens and dam. Located about 5 km from Hospet, the multipurpose dam is a very essential property in Hampi as it provides water for a lot of important activities. Right from irrigation to electricity production and flood control, the river caters to a lot of fields in the area. The dam is also known to be the main source of water to the town. While you learn more about the Tungabhadra dam, you can also use this time to check out the lush green gardens that surround the dam. The green expanse will leave you in a trance as the beauty of the place encapsulates your senses! Do not forget your cameras when you visit the Tungabhadra gardens and dam. There are tour guides available who will take you through the property and interest you with some of the tales of the vicinity.

Timings: 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Approximate cost: Nil

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