The ruins of Hampi, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in no way merit the term “ruined”. Visit the temples and the climbs, or just enjoy the mouthwatering local fare. Whatever you decide to use Hampi for, it will always uphold your expectations and never disappoint!

A Brief History of Hampi

Undoubtedly, a location with such tremendous magnificence and wealth has a rich cultural history. With roots dating to the third century BC, Hampi was once a crucial component of the Mauryan Empire. The Bellary district used rock constructions frequently to record important information during the Ashoka era, according to a wealth of evidence. Hampi, which reached its height in 1336 AD, served as the Vijayanagar kingdom’s capital under four different dynasties. The Tuluva Dynasty’s King Krishnadeva Raya led the Vijayanagara Empire to unprecedented heights of accomplishment and power.

If you need more information about Hampi and its cultural significance and times gone by, take a look here.

P.S. – If you are getting married in a few days or months and on the lookout for a breathtaking destination for your pre-wedding shoot, here’s a handbook of the perfectly mesmerising destinations for your pre-wedding photo shoot. And, yes, Hampi is definitely one of them.

How to reach Hampi?

Given that it is a prominent and world-renowned historical site, Hampi is well connected to the rest of the country.

One can reach Hampi via road, train, or air.

• By air – The nearest airport is the Hubli airport, which is approximately 166 Kms away. The Hubli airport is a small aerodrome that sees regular flights from Bangalore, which is the nearest metro city. Once you reach Hubli, you can easily avail transportation to the Hampi village.
• By road – Given Hampi’s popularity, it is well connected by bus services as well. Not only is the site connected by state buses but there are also plenty of private and tourist buses available as well from neighbouring cities. There are even interstate buses that connect Hampi from the states of Goa, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.
• By Train – The nearest railway station to Hampi is Hospet Junction, which is well-connected through an extensive network of trains. Prominent trains that go through Hospet are the Hampi Express, The Amaravathi Express, and the Haripriya Express. Once at the station, transportation is quite readily available to nearby tourist attractions.

Also, do note that if you are planning to reach Hampi by train in absolute luxury, here are the luxury trains in India that will allow you to experience royalty at its best.

Let’s now see what is the best time to visit Hampi.  

Best time to visit Hampi – Hampi during the Summers

Summertime is usually not the best time to visit the ruins of Hampi. Owing to its geography and the presence of plenty of rocks and boulders, the vicinity can get very hot during summer, making it highly uncomfortable, especially at the peak of the summer season. Temperatures often range from 27°C to a hot 37°C. It is often recommended to avoid Hampi between April and June when it is hottest.    

Things to do in Hampi during the Summer

Given that it is often advised to avoid visiting Hampi in Summers, there’s not a lot that you could do there. If you so happen to be there anyways, here are some of the things you can do as long as you are safe and avoid the heat.

• Explore the ruins early in the morning. This way, you can avoid the heat of the midday sun and get a wonderful glimpse of the rocky landscape at daybreak.
• Carry plenty of water and sun screen for protection from the sun. The heat can be harsh if you’re not prepared.
• Spend your time in indoor places, like museums. However, Summer being an off-season means that many places might be closed. Do check beforehand.
• Check out the Virupaksha Car Festival, which usually takes place in the month of March or April.
• Visit the Virupaksha temple early in the morning for some early aartis.

Best time to visit Hampi – Enjoy Monsoons in Hampi

In the monsoon season, between the months of July and September, Hampi experiences heavy to moderate rainfall. The monsoon season is the best time to visit Hampi if you enjoy the rain. Having said that, be sure to wear good footwear when visiting Hampi during the monsoon season. A real feast for the eyes is the lush and lovely surroundings. However, you could need to postpone all of your outside plans if the rainfall is too intense.

Things to do in Hampi during monsoons

While the monsoons aren’t the best time to visit Hampi for regular tourist activities, it is the best time to visit Hampi for rain lovers. Here are some of the things to do in Hampi during the monsoon season:

• Rent a scooter and explore the rice paddies in the surrounding villages.
•  Visit the cute cafes around the ruined sites.
• Check out the riverside ruins. Be careful you don’t slip.
• Explore the beautiful, lush greenery around the Tungabhadra River. 

Best time to visit Hampi – Celebrate Hampi in
Autumn and Winter

It is around October that the temperatures begin to drop after the monsoons are over. October to February marks the winter season and the busiest season for tourists in Hampi. This is undoubtedly the best time to visit Hampi. Early winter is the perfect time to explore with a camera in hand because the ruins look stunning against a gorgeous, warm misty sky. As the temperatures drop further, the air becomes dry.

Once proper winter sets in, there are no more worries of rain and hot mornings, with the air being cool and pleasant. Although do keep in mind that the nights get much colder, so be prepared accordingly. Winter is the perfect time to stroll through the ruined sites and possibly take a coracle trip down the river.

Things to do in Hampi during winter and autumn

Seeing as this is the best time to visit Hampi, most attractions are open to the public. Here’s a giant list of things you can do during this season:

• Explore the ruins during the daytime without having to worry about heat, slippery rocks, and cold weather.
• Check out the Hampi Bazaar in front of the Virupaksha temple.
• Visit Hippie Island.
• Enjoy a coracle ride along the river.
• Try some bouldering and rock climbing.
• Enjoy and take part in the many festivals that take place during this time, including the Hampi Festival.

Winter is, without a doubt, the best time to visit Hampi. However, do make sure to carry warm clothes even if you find the weather warm during the day. For those that love rain, the monsoon can be a pleasant time to visit as well. Summertime is usually a time to avoid Hampi. From wonderful ruins to pleasant scenic views, Hampi has quite a few delightful treasures awaiting travellers, so don’t worry and start planning your trip now.

The post Hampi Through Every Season Of The Year – Best time to visit Hampi appeared first on Treebo Blog.

Even though Hampi plunged into perpetual ruin, the city is still described as an “austere and grandiose site” by the UNESCO, owing to the myriad architectural wonders residing in this city. The ruins in Hampi are spread across a sprawling area of over 41 sq km and consist of more 1600 surviving structures that include temples, forts, mandapas, shrines, pillared halls, sacred and royal complexes, water structures and more.

The ruins and old structures scattered across Hampi will transport you to the golden era of 15th and 16th centuries when once it reigned as one of the richest and most powerful cities in South India. Hampi is also an important religious site as it houses the famous Virupaksha temple, a monastery linked to Adi-Shankara and other such structures that were once religiously significant.

Best Time to Visit Hampi

Hampi remains dry and moderate all year long. But the best time to visit Hampi is in the winters, that is, from October to March. Although the afternoons may be hot, mornings and evening remain cool enough for you to explore this World Heritage Site.

How to Reach Hampi

• By air: Bellary Airport (60kms) and Hubli Airport (143kms) are nearest to Hampi. From here you can book a cab or self-drive till Hampi.
• By train: Although Hosapete Junction (13kms) is the nearest railway station to Hampi, very few trains are available till here.
• By road: You can take a bus to Hosapete and then board another local bus or book a can to reach Hampi.

In this blog, we bring you a list of 12 best and important monuments in Hampi that you must explore if you plan a trip to Hampi. Sit back and scroll through our list and take a visual tour of the city’s pristine remains.

Monuments at the Sacred Centre

1. Hampi Bazaar

This bazaar street is also known as the Virupaksha Bazaar. It is located close to the Virupaksha and it was once a flourishing marketplace. Today, it is used as a residence for villagers and there are shops inside some of the old buildings. Visit to check out the ancient architecture and inscriptions on the walls. Entry to the Hamp Bazaar is free.

2. Achyuta Raya’s Temple

This temple in the Sacred Centre is famous for its Vijayanagara style of architecture. It was one of the last constructions of the Vijayanagara Empire before it was captured by enemies. It is located between the Matanga hills and Gandhamadana. Surprisingly, it is less crowded than the other tourist attractions in Hampi and is a great site to visit for those who love quietude.

3. Virupaksha Temple

The Virupaksha Temple is the main temple in Hampi. It was constructed in the 7th century is one of the most prominent sites in Hampi that is flocked by hundreds of tourists each year. With towering gopurams and spectacular stone inscriptions, Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is famous for its intricate South-Indian style architecture. Virupaksha Temple celebrates three major festivals – Betrothal of Lord Shiva, “Phalapuja” festival which is the marriage of Lord Shiva with Pampa and Shivaratri.

4. Courtesans’ Street

This street is located near Achyuta Raya’s Temple and was once a bustling street where elaborate markets selling gems, pearls, ivory and other things were present. Today, at this site, you will come across heaps and heaps of ruined pillars that are beautifully carved with intricate artwork. While most of the pillars at the site look complete, some of the pillars seem unfinished. Besides pillars, there is a small unfinished riverside path that was once used as a walkway to get to the temple.

5. Sasivekalu Ganesha

The Sasivekalu Ganesha is a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The statue of Ganesha here is one of the biggest statues in Hampi. Legend has it that the temple was built by a grain merchant as a thanksgiving gesture to Lord Ganesha. The statue in this temple is believed to be carved from a single block of stone and is about 2 1/2 m tall. You have to trek a little bit to reach the place and its best to go in the morning to watch the sunrise.

Monuments at the Royal Center

1. Mahanavami Dibba

The Mahanavami Dibba lies at the site where royal functions were once conducted. Although it lies in ruins, the place is an important landmark and tourist attraction. There are two sets of stairs to the top of the Mahanavami Dibba and from the upper platform, you can soak in stunning views of Hampi. If you are observant, you will find many historic and important ruins all around the Mahanavami Dibba.

2. Hazara Rama Temple

The standout feature of the Hazara Rama Temple is the wonderful carvings on the wall. Most of the carvings are rooted in Hindu culture and mythology. You also have carvings of religious festivals like Dussehra and Holi on the walls as well as scenes from Ramayana. At this Dravidian temple, one can also see the strong influences of vimana architecture prevalent here.

3. Zenana Enclosure

The Zenana Enclosure once housed temples, elephant stables and the queen’s palace. It is an excellent place for a long stroll in the evening. For the best experience, you can book a guided tour that gives you a more in-depth insight into the history of the Zenana Enclosure.

4. Palace of Vira Harihara

The palace was the former home of the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. What remains of the palace today is the base of the structure. Many tourists visit to get a glance of the base and the numerous residential artefacts at the sight. To get to the palace ruins you need to enter via the Danaik’s Enclosure and follow a long trail.

5. Granaries

The Granaries were storage rooms for grains and food. Today, most of the granaries lie in ruins. Some of the granaries can be found near the Hazara Rama Temple and the Danaik’s Enclosure. You can reach them by following a mud trail.

Monuments of the Riverside Ruins

1. Riverside Ruins

The Riverside Ruins are located near the Kodanda Rama Temple. At the site, travellers can see 108 Shiva Lingas and many other ruins such as pavilions and inscriptions on large boulders. Besides exploring the place, one can even enjoy boat rides on the river. Guided tours of the riverside ruins are available in Hampi.

2. Coracle Crossings

You would not call these monuments, but they were important parts of Hampi’s heritage. People of Hampi used to use these boats to travel across the river and back. At the site of the river ruins, travellers can take boat rides that are enjoyable. During the monsoon, due to the rough weather, Coracle boat rides are shut.

There are plenty of other monuments in Hampi as well, but the ones listed above are the best ones to see. We have included the Coracle Crossings in the list because it is a unique and amazing experience in Hampi. Whether you like history or are an architectural buff, you will love visiting these monuments in Hampi. To enjoy and experience the true essence of Hampi, it is best to take a guided tour. You can book one at Hampi or even choose one online from different websites.

The post The 12 Most Stunning Monuments at Hampi appeared first on Treebo Blog.

But, apart from sightseeing, what else can be done? How can you truly make the most of your trip and enjoy the place? Well, to know more follow this article, we have put together all the fun and cool ways in which you can enjoy a holiday in Hampi. Here is our guide to the best things to do in Hampi while on a holiday in the city.

Things to Do in Hampi

1. Take A Coracle Across The Riverside

Take A Ride In A Coracle in Hampi

A good way to enjoy in Hampi is by taking a riverside ride on a boat. These round cane boats are called Coracles and they have been an important means of transportation in Hampi since the 15th century. A new experience, you can get to the other side of Hampi, where you can just relax for a day.

2. Go On A Cycling Tour

Explore Hampi on a Cycle (source)

If you don’t like walking, you can rent a cycle and take the trails to most of the ruins in Hampi. Cycles are available for rent on a day-to-day basis. You will have to pay a fee, negotiate with the cycle rental company before you hire a cycle.

Some operators organize cycle trails in Hampi, it is the best way to explore the city as you not only get to know about the best places in Hampi, but you can also enjoy some physical activity as you cycle your way through scenic spots.

3. Stay On A Rice Field

Cottage in a Rice Field

A good way to enjoy a break after touring Hampi is staying at one of the many cottages that overlook rice fields. Most of these cottages offer good rooms that have all the basic facilities.

Watching the sunset from these cottages is a magical experience. It is best to only spend a day here as there is not much you can do apart from watching the sunset and walking through the fields.

4. Bouldering

Climb up Boulders in Hampi

Adventure sports is something to enjoy in Hampi. In the city of Hampi, there are many huge boulders where the adventure sport known as bouldering is conducted.

Those who are experienced often visit the place and do a bit of bouldering. Those who are less experienced can book a class to learn how to enjoy the sport in Hampi.

5. Bear Watching

Bears at the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

If you are a wildlife enthusiast, head to the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary to do a bit of bear watching. You can book a safari at the sanctuary and learn a little bit about the species via a guided tour.

Photography is allowed here but you are advised to keep distance from the bears. There are special zones inside the sanctuary with watch towers from where you can see bears, too.

6. Visit Temples

Vijaya Vittala Temple

A must-do activity in Hampi is visiting the temples. Most were built during the 15th century and now lie in ruins. The Vittala Temple is the best one to see. You can also visit the stunning Krishna Temple in Hampi. The Hampi Bazaar too has some nice old temples to see.

7. Visit the Royal Enclosure

The Royal Enclosure

The Royal Enclosure has many sites to see. This is one of the few places in Hampi that has royal and military structures. At this site you can also see citadels of the Vijayanagara capital. The Queen’s Bath and the Lotus Mahal are two important places to see at the Royal Enclosure.

8. Shop at the Hampi Bazaar

Hampi Bazaar

The Hampi Bazaar is a nice place to buy spices and souvenirs. The place has rich heritage and today you can see numerous shops inside the old structures. Most of the products are reasonably priced, so you would not want to bargain.

9. Watch Sunset from Monkey Temple

Monkey Temple, Hampi

Although you can watch the sunset from almost anywhere in Hampi, the Monkey Temple is the best spot. The temple is located on the Anjayena Hill, so you can get stunning views of the sun from a height. Add in a bit of sightseeing with your visit here and you are sure to have a good time.

Although there are many other things to do in Hampi, you will best enjoy the city by doing these 9 things we have mentioned above. Some are not what most tourists do, which makes them offbeat and fun. Of these, must-dos are the cycle tour, a visit to the temples and a boat ride across the river.

The post 9 Fun and Amazing Things to Do in Hampi appeared first on Treebo Blog.

A simple glance on any of it and you are sure intrigued with the lifestyle and the story behind it all. There are many must-visit places in this small city but the best of them have been handpicked and compiled in the list below. Treat the history buff in you to these exceptional tourist places of Hampi.

23 Intriguing Places to Visit in Hampi

1. Monkey Temple

Monkey Temple

Being in close association with Ramayana, the place is celebrated to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. Monkey temple is the spot of the birth of the Lord, which has now been converted into a temple and goes by the name the Hanuman temple. This temple is thronged on all sides with monkeys, but it sure does have one of the best views in the city.

• Timings: Dawn to Dusk
• Entry Fee: Free

2. Virupaksha Temple

Virupaksha Temple

This city is known to be the prime of Vijayanagar rulers and it is the Virupaksha Temple which has served to be the place to offer prayers since before that time. Estimated to be built around the 7^th Century, this temple is devoted to Lord Virupaksha. An architectural marvel too, this temple is among the famous Hampi tourist places.

• Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
• Entry Fee: INR 5 for Indians and USD 5 for Foreign Nationals

3. Vijaya Vittala Temple

Vijaya Vittala Temple

Built in the 15^th Century the Vijaya Vittala Temple is apparently the biggest structure in all of Hampi. The huge pillars, magnanimous temple halls, exceptional sculptures and the astounding stone chariot are the source of the mysticism that the temple portrays.

• Timings: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
• Entry Fee: INR 10 for Indians and USD 5 for Foreign Nationals

4. Queen’s Bath

Queen’s Bath

An aide to understanding the rich culture of India, the Queen’s bath is the place that portrays the royalty of it all. The intricate carvings even on the bathing area of the time speak of how rich the kingdoms that have ruled the place were. The beauty of this enclosure is worth witnessing.

• Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
• Entry Fee: Free

5. Riverside Ruins

Riverside Ruins

A photographer’s delight, the Riverside Ruins of Hampi are an enticing tourist place which also serves to be prayer house for Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The most astounding feature of the site is the 108 shivlingas carved in a single rock. Hiring a guide when at the place can help you truly understand the beauty of it all.

• Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
• Entry Fee: INR 30 per person

6. Hampi Bazaar

Hampi Bazaar

By the Foothills of Matanga Hill, the bazaar of Hampi is yet another place that can be visited but not for its architectural brilliance or rich history but for its sheer vividness. Full of bustling crowds and vendors, the end of this Bazaar too has the touch of history with a huge Bull statue on one end of the Bazaar.

• Timings: 6 am to 11 pm
• Entry Fee: Free

7. Matanga Hill

Matanga Hill

Such ruins when viewed panoramically are bound to be exceptionally beautiful and to see such a view, the Matanga hill is the place. A simple trek of about 30minutes takes you to the highest point of the hill. This point has to be the most extraordinary places to witness a sunrise in the town of Hampi.

• Timings: Dawn to Dusk
• Entry Fee: Free

8. Archeological Museum

Archeological Museum (source)

With a place as rich in historical treasures as Hampi the Archeological Museum has to be one of the most exquisite and most informative sites, and so it is. Having a wide variety of antiques and artifacts this place is divided into four sections. A complete historic delight for kids, this place is a must visit in Hampi.

• Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
• Entry Fee: INR 5 per person

9. Laxmi Narasimha Temple

Laxmi Narasimha Temple

Hampi houses many monolith statues but the biggest of them all is that of Lord Narasimha and is nestled in the Laxmi Narasimha Temple. Built in the year 1528, this temple was bought for ruins in the year 1565. The deity of the temple is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with the body half of a man and half of a lion.

• Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
• Entry Fee: Free

10. Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple

Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple

This temple was built as an ode to Lord Ganesh. The statue of the deity of the temple is that of Lord Ganesh with a snake tied around his belly. As old as the year 1506, this temple is a good place to visit in Hampi.

• Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
• Entry Fee: Free

11. Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex

Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex

Having not one but several Hindu temples in its premises, the Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex now lays in ruins. With its tarnished walls and the broken pathways, the place adorns a charm hard to resist.

• Timings: Sunrise to sunset
• Entry Fee: Free

12. Tungabhadra Dam

Tungabhadra Dam

Among the famous places to see in Hampi, the Tungabhadra Dam is a collection to natural wonders.  Having a flourishing garden on one side, this dam is frequented by Flamingos, which increase the charm of the place. Further, the beautiful landscape proves to be a photographer’s canvas.

• Timings: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm
• Entry Fee: Free

13. Daroji Bear Sanctuary

Daroji Bear Sanctuary

Rich in Sloth Bears, the Daroji Bear Sanctuary proves to be a good break from the wide collections of historic ruins. This forested sanctuary can help you witness bears in their natural habitat, strolling about the place. Also, housing leopards, hyenas, spotted deer and jackals, this place is a treat for kids.

• Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
• Entry Fee: INR 50 for Indian and INR 300 for Foreign Nationals

14. Underground Temple

Underground Temple

Oldest among these ancient temples of Hampi, the Underground Temple was constructed as a prayer house to Lord Shiva. On the outside, the temple is embellished with gardens, whereas the interiors of the temple are reached after climbing down a series of stairs. Remaining underwater for the most part of the year, this temple is among the less crowded delights of Hampi.

• Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
• Entry Fee: Free

15. Gagan Mahal

Gagan Mahal

One of the most beautiful monuments of Hampi, the yellow colored fort, Gagan Mahal is the place that boasts of its architectural brilliance through its intricately decorated windows and towers. A guide at the place can sure pique your interest in this 16th century Marvel.

• Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
• Entry Fee: Free

16. Krishna Temple

Krishna Temple

Another Temple dedicated to another god of the Indian Mythology; the Krishna Temple was built in the year 1513. This temple housed a figure of Balakrishna, but the same was moved to the Chennai State Museum. Now what remains is the architectural marvel of the time displaying interesting things to keep its guests entertained.

• Timings: 5;30 am to 1 pm, 5:30 pm to 9 pm
• Entry Fee: Free

17. Mahanavami Dibba

Mahanavami Dibba (source)

Within the royal enclosure of Hampi, Mahanavami Dibba is a stone platform from the Vijayanagara period. Through ruined now with time, this place still has some exceptional carvings from the 16^th century.

• Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
• Entry Fee: Free

18. Monolith Bull

Monolith Bull

Placed on a high platform, the monolith Bull here symbolizes the ride of Lord Shiva. Though partially ruined, this Monolithic Statue of the bull still is quite an attraction in Hampi owing to it magnanimous size. The devotees of Lord Shiva throng the place in huge numbers.

• Timings: 7 am to 8 pm
• Entry Fee: Free

19. Zenana Enclosure

Zenana Enclosure

This place holds such special importance primarily for the fact that this was the private quarters for the royal women and their friends.  The palace in itself was the biggest excavation in all of Hampi and this section for the queen is one of the most mystic sections of the palace.

• Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
• Entry Fee: INR 10 for Indians and INR 250 for Foreign Nationals

20. Elephant Stables

Elephant Stables

Elephants the royal rides in the time of the Vijayanagara Empire were treated as royalty too. As proof to this statement, the astounding Elephant stables of Hampi stand tall till date.  The chambers were basically eleven domed structures, among which one intricately decorated enclosure was used by musicians for performances.

• Timings: 8:30am to 5:30pm
• Entry Fee: INR 10 for Indians and INR 220 for Foreign Nationals

21. Big Shivalinga

Big Shivalinga (source)

One of the major tourist spots in Hampi, the big Shivalinga is the symbol of Lord Shiva.  The unique feature of this Shivalinga is that even in spite of its magnanimous size, this structure was carved out of a single boulder. As tall as 3 meters, this Shivalinga now stands amidst water in the sanctum of the temple.

• Timings: 5 am to 9 pm
• Entry Fee: Free

22. Hazara Rama Temple

Hazara Rama Temple

The temple for the Royals, the Hazara Rama Temple boasts of intricate carvings. These carvings are basically depicting the Gods and Goddesses of the time. Dating back to the 15^th Century, this temple has already been featured in many Bollywood and Kannada films for its beauty.

• Location:
• Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
• Entry Fee: Free

23. Hippie Island

Hippie Island

Through it is the southern section of the Tungabhadra dam that receives the major footfall, owing to the impeccable ruins that the place prides in, but the northern banks of the river have some good tourist spots. Among these, the Hippie Island on the river is a major attraction. This little island has a number of cafes and shacks which prove the perfect antidote to stress.

• Location: Tungabhadra Dam
• Timings: Accessible any time except Monsoon season
• Entry fee: Free

The places mentioned above must have your interests in Hampi piqued. Make a visit to these places and truly understand the magic of Hampi.

Do share your experiences with us when you make a visit to the place, or if you have been to historic jackpot already, we are all ears for recommendations and suggestions from your end too.

The post 23 Places To Visit In Hampi That Take You Right Into History appeared first on Treebo Blog.