Established in the bank of the mighty Tungabhadra River is the prestigious land of Hampi. What is left of the Imperial Kingdom of Vijayanagara is now a ruin at Hampi. A land once gleaming with trade from around the world. Housed amidst the rocky niche where the river Tungabhadra flows was once the capital of the Vijayanagara kingdom. A place that was at its peak during the reign of King Krishnadevarya is a place where every rock has a tale. Well fortified and filled with a rich history, Hampi is one of the World Heritage Sites. Hampi has been a milestone in Indian History. With exquisite carvings and marvelous architecture Hampi is acknowledged by the Stone chariot printed on the fifty Rupees note. The carvings on each monument give significant information about the happenings during the time of its construction. The detailed information attained by the foreign travelers during the glory days talks about the success and the ruins themselves attract people far and wide. The diverse culture and architecture of these different cultures blend perfectly with the ruins. The change of the rulers was the main reason for the diverse culture of the land. Rocky hillocks with scattered ruins making a picturesque scene of this place of historical importance.
The prosperous and wealthy kingdom of Vijayanagara had its capital at Hampi. Numerous, Portuguese, Persian and European travelers have given detailed explanations of the day-to-day activities of the kingdom when they visited. Apart from imperial rulers of this land, it has a religious significance as well. The very famous Virupaksha Temple talks great about rulers and great saints like Adi Sankara. The beautiful one hundred and sixty feet Entrance(Gokuram) of the temple is an architectural marvel. The well-organized and planned architecture of the city can be seen very evidently and is an original way exquisite to Hampi.
The temple has a large market complex in front of them. These markets were set to have the finest of merchandise from all over the world. It is also said that gems and precious stones were very abundant that they were sold by the side of roads. The Temple and the market complex is often connected or close to a water tank. As most of these monuments date back to the third century BCE they are protected and sometimes even restrict the entry of tourists.
The scattered historic monuments each have a significant role in the history of the state. While the ruins hold the cultural richness, the natural flora and fauna of Hampi are quite a gem by themselves. The rocky hillocks with shrubs that stretch as far as the eye can see is a breathtaking view. The Matunga hill and the Hemakuta Hill Temples. Hemakuta houses multiple temples amidst the moola Virupaksha temple and the Dabble stone Mantapa. The view from Hemakuta during sunset that exhibits extravagant colors, a sight that never leaves the eye.
In the context of the exquisite architectural marvels, the stone chariot in the Vittala temple is the most popular one. The stone chariot was a sanctum dedicated to the Hindu God Garuda. The exotic priceless piece of architecture is a must-visit. These monuments dictate the golden era of the Vijayanagara empire.
Apart from the Virupaksha temple, there are multiple other holy places scattered amidst the rocks. Some of the very prominent ones include the Hazara Ram Temple, Vittala Temple, Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple, and many others. The Chakra Theertha is a place regarded for holy dips before the pilgrims visit the temple present by the riverside. Kishkindha, at the Anjanadri Hill in Hampi, is said to have been the birthplace of the Lord Hanuman who had a major part in the Ramayana. Apart from religious aspects, One saint called Purandara Dasa is very well known for not just devotional songs but has a significant role in the development of Kannada literature. A small hall dedicated to Purandara Dasa stands tall at the banks of the mighty Tungabhadra River. Passing down this culture of devotion and the way of the language can be seen clearly to this day.
Hampi has hundreds of such monuments. The diverse culture of Hindu, Jain, and Islamic carvings can be observed. From the temples to palaces, forts, and tombs, Hampi is yet to surprise the visitors with its flora and fauna. The Daroji Bear Sanctuary is one such natural hotspot that depicts the exquisite environment of Hampi. Exotic birds such as the Painted Spurfowl, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Sirkeer Malkoha, Indian Courser, Montagu's Harrier, and many more depict the way they habituate with the landscape. The Tungabhadra river basin is also home to reptiles like snakes and crocodiles. The rocky hills with deciduous shrubs and thorny bushes give a completely different form of nature. Hampi is also one the places where one could spot the Sloth Bear in its natural habitat.
As one dynasty took over the other, they left behind their contribution thereby encouraging the creation of the new. The clash of such happenings eventually led to the destruction of priceless artifacts. By the time kings were overthrown and the British took over India, Hampi was recorded as an abandoned city where vegetation and wildlife had taken over the land. The process of restoration and methods to preserve these artifacts were taken and the most delicate and important ones were stored in museums. The monuments on the other hand which stand tall to this day are protected and hence labeled as a World Heritage Site.
Hampi island takes a trip to the golden times of the kings and royalty. The amazing architectural marvels of temples, palaces, royal baths, forts, and market places present in a different set of the natural rocky landscape is overall a complete trip. A balanced trip of rich cultural heritage and unique niche makes Hampi a very unique experience. Trying the local cuisine and spending more time to admire all that Hampi can give is better off experienced than said. Given below is a list of ten must-visit place in Hampi:-
