Hampi: Top Histirical Destination in Karnataka

Hampi:- " If dreams were made out of stone, it would be Hampi"

Hampi is a World Heritage Center. Every rock, every path and every monument at Hampi speak the same language; a language of eminence and splendor. Karnataka officially set up the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority with wide-ranging powers, as well as a State Level Advisory Committee. In Hampi at every turn there is a surprise. Every monument hides more than what they reveal. As an open museum, Hampi has numerous popular (100 plus!) locations visitors throng.

The most striking monument is the Vittala Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Its main hall has 56 pillars that make musical sounds when struck.
Anjaneya Hill is also important place in hampi.The hill top Hanuman temple This hill believed to be the birthplace of Hanuman is located in the center of Anegondi area. You can see this hill from the Hampi side of the river as you trek along the Kampa Bhups's (the riverside trek) Path.

The Vijayanagar Festival organized by the Government of Karnataka in December rejuvenates the glory of the bygone era. The festival is celebrated by the locals in Hampi with great enthusiasm and excitement.
Hampi is in central Karnataka, approximately 350 kilometers (217 miles) from Bangalore.

Hampi is a laid back village that was the last capital of Vijayanagar. It has some extremely captivating ruins, intriguingly intermingled with large boulders that rear up all over the landscape. Rocky hills and the mighty River flowing through the rugged landscape, dominate the terrain of Hampi. Guarded by the turbulent river Tungabhadra in the north and rocky granite cliffs on the other three sides, the magnificent ruins enumerate the glory of grandeur and incredible wealth.

Hampi is charismatic even in its ruined state. It attracts thousands of tourists and pilgrims every year. Vast stretches of boulder-strewn hills make the backdrop of Hampi unique. Dotted around the hills and valleys are 500 plus monuments. Among them are beautiful temples, basements of palaces, remains of aquatic structures, ancient market streets, royal pavilions, bastions, royal platforms, treasury buildings.., the list is practically endless. Hampi is a backpackers paradise, the same way the pilgrims delight.


Attractive facts in hampi:-

1. World Heritage Centre:- Hospet is the main town providing the getaway for Hampi. In April 2002, Karnataka officially set up the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority with wide-ranging powers, as well as a State Level Advisory Committee.

2. Virupaksha Temple:- The Virupaksha Temple rises majestically at the western end of the famous Hampi Bazaar. The temple has a 120 feet tall tower on its eastern entrance. The temple contains the shrines of Shiva, Pampa and Bhuvaneswari.Parts of this temple are older than the Vijayanagar kingdom itself. The work of this style dates back to the 11th or 12th century.

3. Vithala Temple Complex:- The most splendid monument of Hampi is undoubtedly the Vithala Temple Complex with its 56 musical pillars.


4. Lotus Mahal: shaped like a lotus flower from top, this two-story structure has beautiful arc ways set in geometric regularity. It was an air-cooled summer palace of the queen.

5. Elephant Stables: This huge stable, a beautiful example of Hindu-Muslim style of architecture, housed about 11 elephants in separate compartments
.
6. Mahanavami Dibba: The foundation of a lion story wooden structure from which the royalty viewed Hampi with pomp, colour and revelry during the Mahanadu festival. This platform has beautiful carvings.

7. Mustard Ganesh: This is a 9 feet tall single stone statue which is also known as Sasivikalu Ganesha.

8. Noblemen's Palace: This place was recently discovered and they suspect this was for aristocrats and high-ranking officials.