Hampi
Hampi
the erstwhile Capital of Vijayanagara Empire - Hampi, takes you through the
pages of history, since 14th Century. Each deformed stone sculpture has a great
story to narrate, no wonder this happens to be the World Heritage Centre.
"
Vijayanagara" is such that the pupil of they eye has never
seen a place like it.." so eulogized Abdul Razaq, a Muslim envoy who visited
Hampi, the erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagara kingdom, in 1443. You can still
glimpse the splendour of
Vijayanagara in its ruins. The Virupaksha Temple
rises majestically at the western end of a 700m long street that was once the
famous Hampi bazaar. This is the only temple at Hampi that is still used for
worship. Nearby is the 6.7 m tall monolith of Ugra Narasimha, seated under a
canopy of a seven hooded snake.
The most splendid monument of Hampi is undoubtly the
Vithala Temple Complex.
The 56 pillars in the main hall produce musical notes when struck. To the east
of the hall is the famous Stone Chariot with stone wheels that actually revolve!
Hampi is full of such surprises. Like the King's Balance, where ruling kings
were weighed against grain, gold or money which was then distributed to the
poor. Or the Queen's Bath, with its arched corridors, projecting balconies and
lotus - shaped fountains. Or even the Lotus Mahal in the 'Zenana' enclosure.
A beautiful Two-Storied place with recessed archways set in geometric regularity
and opening out to the sun and the wind like the petals of a flower. The imposing
Elephant Stables have arched entrances and domes. And in the Royal Enclosure
of the city is the Hazara Rama Temple.
Explore Hampi at your own pace. Its monuments - like its centuries old patience
and wisdom must be savoured bit by bit.
Hampi Local Festival
The Vijayanagar Festival
is organized by the Government of Karnataka in December. Dance, drama, music,
fireworks, puppet shows, spectacular processions, all combine to recreate the
grandeur of the bygone era.
Languages Spoken: Kannada, Hindi, English. When to go there. October
to March.
How to Reach Hampi:
By Air
The nearest Airport is Bellary (74 kms). Other convenient airports are at Belgaum
(190 kms) and Bangalore(353 kms).
By Rail
Hospet is the nearest railhead (13 kms). Hospet is linked by rail to Bangalore,
Bijapur, Hubli and Guntakal.
By Road
Hampi is 350 kms from Bangalore.
