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Best Places to Visit in Hampi

Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in the heart of Hampi and is one of the oldest living temples in India. Featured in several Hampi tour packages, this temple takes you to a whole new era as you enter through its towering gopuram (gateway tower). Buzzing with prayers and religious rituals every day, it offers a beautiful experience to all visitors.

The temple features detailed carvings, pillared halls, and ancient murals that attract both history lovers and casual explorers. You can hire local guides who share fascinating stories about the temple, further enriching your visit. The location of the Virupaksha Temple, right by the Tungabhadra River, offers spectacular views, especially during sunrise or sunset. It is one of the must-see places to visit in Hampi, offering a blend of spirituality, history, and scenic beauty.

Location: South banks of Tungabhadra river, Hampi, Karnataka 583239

Timings: 9 AM to 1 PM and 5 PM to 9 PM

The Vijaya Vittala Temple is one of the most famous and beautiful places to visit in Hampi. It’s known for its amazing stonework, especially the musical pillars and the famous Stone Chariot. The carvings are so detailed, it’s hard to believe they were made centuries ago. This temple is a great example of South Indian architecture and shows the excellence of the builders from past times.

The temple complex is big, with tall gateways and high walls all around. One of the main spots to see is the Maha Mantapa, or main hall, where some of the stone pillars actually make musical sounds when you tap them! It’s one of the most fascinating spots often mentioned among the best things to do in Hampi. Walking through the temple feels like exploring a piece of history — it’s beautiful, peaceful, and full of stories from the past.

Location: 8FRG+W3H, Hampi, Karnataka 583239

Timings: 8:30 AM to 6 PM

The Hazara Rama Temple is a small but beautifully detailed temple located at the centre of the royal enclosure. It is dedicated to Lord Rama and is best known for its intricate carvings that narrate the entire story of the Ramayana across its walls. These detailed panels make the temple stand out among others in Hampi.

Inside, you'll observe sculpted pillars and relics of both Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. There are also carvings that show scenes from royal processions and Dasara celebrations, giving a glimpse into the cultural life of the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple has two grand gateways and a spacious lawn on the northern side, making it both a historical and peaceful spot to visit.

Location: 8F99+4G2, Hampi, Karnataka 583239

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple (also known as Ugra Narasimha Temple) is known for housing the largest monolithic statue in the city and is considered one of the iconic Hampi tourist places. The statue shows Lord Narasimha, an avatar of Vishnu, seated in a fierce form. He is depicted with a lion’s face and a human body, seated cross-legged under a seven-headed serpent hood.

Originally, the statue also included the figure of Goddess Lakshmi seated on his lap, but that part was damaged and is now missing. You can still see her hand resting on Narasimha’s waist. The temple doesn’t have a roof, as it was damaged during invasions, but the statue remains an impressive sight. Despite the damage, it remains one of the most powerful and striking images from the Vijayanagara period, drawing visitors for both its scale and intensity.

Location: Southern end of Hemakuta group of temples, Hampi, India

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

The Prasanna Virupaksha Temple, also called the Underground Temple, is a unique site in Hampi. Unlike most temples that are built above ground, this one is partially built below the surface, giving it the name “Underground Temple”. It’s dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, a form of Shiva.

The temple is small but interesting because of its unusual design and peaceful atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find a simple shrine and some old carvings. The underground structure helps keep the temple cool, making it a calm place to visit even on hot days. Its unique layout and quiet setting make it worth a quick stop during your trip to Hampi.

Location: Hampi Main Bus Stand, Hampi, Karnataka 583239

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

The Hemakuta Hill Temples form a wide cluster of ancient shrines and structures spread across a gently sloping hill. It’s one of the best spots in Hampi to catch a sunrise or a sunset, thanks to its easy climb and open views of the surrounding ruins and landscapes.

The hill is home to several important temples like the Virupaksha Temple, Moola Virupaksha Temple, Krishna Temple, and the shrines of Lakshmi Narasimha and Badavilinga. These temples feature unique architectural styles from the Vijayanagara period, with many having three connected chambers topped by pyramid-like roofs. The area is peaceful and scenic, making it a great stop for both history lovers and casual visitors.

The Lotus Mahal in Hampi is a beautiful palace located in the royal enclosure, showing a blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. It gets its name because the shape of the palace looks like a lotus flower, with the central dome resembling a lotus bud and the arches and balconies spreading out like petals.

This two-story building was likely used as a royal lounge or a place for the queens to relax. Unlike the nearby temples, the Lotus Mahal doesn’t have religious carvings but stands out for its elegant design and peaceful surroundings. It’s a great spot to explore if you want to see a different side of Hampi’s history beyond the temples. After visiting, you can also stroll through the lively Hampi Bazaar, where you’ll find local shops, handicrafts, and a glimpse of the town’s cultural vibe.

Location: 8FCC+4G8, SH 131, Hampi, Karnataka 583221

Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM

Price: Rs. 10 per person, free for children below 15 years.

The Elephant Stables in Hampi is a well-preserved and impressive structure that once housed the royal elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire. The building is long and rectangular, featuring about 11 dome-shaped chambers, some of which are interconnected. These chambers were designed to keep the elephants safe and comfortable.

The structure has a symmetrical layout, with a central hall topped by a tower that resembles the shape of nearby temples. On each side of this hall, five domes reflect Islamic architectural influences, blending beautifully with the overall design. Located near the royal enclosure, the Elephant Stables offer a fascinating glimpse into the royal lifestyle and architectural style of Hampi’s past.

Location: 8FCF+C3X, Hampi, Karnataka 583239

Timings: 6 AM to 05:30 PM

Price: Rs.10 per person, free for children below 15 years.

The Queen’s Bath in Hampi is a large and impressive structure that showcases the architectural skill of the Vijayanagara Empire. Located near the Royal Enclosure, this 500-year-old building is still largely intact today.

The bath is a rectangular building about 30 square meters in size, with a large sunken pool in the center. Surrounding the bath are beautiful arched corridors that add to its charm. While the outside is simple, the inside is more ornate, making the Queen’s Bath a unique and interesting place to visit in Hampi.

Location: 8F7C+9X9, Karnataka 583239

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

The Royal Enclosure in Hampi is a large, historic area that served as the seat of power for the Vijayanagara kings. It’s filled with ruins of important buildings like palaces, temples, and audience halls, giving you a glimpse of the royal lifestyle centuries ago.

Inside the enclosure, you’ll find impressive structures such as the Mahanavami Dibba, the Queen’s Bath, and the Hazara Rama Temple. The area is surrounded by strong stone walls and gateways, showing the importance of security and defense. Exploring the Royal Enclosure lets you walk through history and see the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire up close

Matanga Hill is the highest point in Hampi and one of the most talked-about spots among visitors. It offers stunning views of the entire landscape, making it a favourite for photographers and trekkers alike.

To the north, the hill slopes down to meet the Tungabhadra River, where the Kodanda Rama Temple is located. On the southern side, you’ll see a winding valley with the zigzagging Turthu canal. A trekking trail on the northern side leads directly to the Hampi Bazaar, making Matanga Hill a scenic and rewarding hike for anyone exploring the area.

Location: 8FJ9+M83, Hampi, Karnataka

Timings: Open 24 hours

The Tungabhadra River is a key part of Hampi’s landscape and history. Originating from the Western Ghats, it flows southeast and eventually joins the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh. It's a perennial river, and during the monsoon season, its water levels rise, making the surroundings even more scenic.

You can easily reach the river from behind the Virupaksha Temple. On the way, you’ll find vendors selling fresh coconut water, a refreshing treat in the heat. One of the most popular experiences here is the coracle ride, where you float gently along the river in a round, traditional boat. It’s a peaceful and unique way to enjoy the natural beauty of Hampi.

Location: Vijayanagara Ruins, Hampi, Karnataka

Timings: Open 24 hours (Reach before sunset for the coracle ride)

Hampi Bazaar, also known as Virupaksha Bazaar, is one of the most vibrant places to visit in Hampi. Stretching for over a kilometer, the street is lined with ancient pavilions on both sides, giving you a glimpse into the area's historic past as a bustling marketplace during the Vijayanagara Empire.

Today, the eastern side of the bazaar is more locally active, with villagers and small stalls selling souvenirs, handmade crafts, and snacks. At the far east end, you’ll see a large Nandi bull statue, a popular photo spot. Nearby, a pavilion displays old photographs of Hampi, showing how the town has changed over time. It’s a great place to take a break, explore, and soak in the local vibe.

Location: Hampi Bazaar St, Karnataka 583239

Timings: 6 AM to 11 PM

The Sasivekalu Ganesha is a well-known monolithic statue in Hampi, located on the southern foothill of Hemakuta Hill. The name “Sasivekalu” comes from the local word for mustard seed, as the statue is said to resemble its shape. Standing at 2.4 meters tall, it’s about half the size of the nearby Kadalekalu Ganesha on the northern slope.

The statue is inspired by a story from Hindu mythology, where Lord Ganesha ate so much that his stomach nearly burst. To prevent this, he tied a snake around his belly, a detail you can clearly see carved into this sculpture. An open pavilion surrounds the statue, believed to have been built by a trader from Chandragiri in memory of Vijayanagara ruler Narasimha II. It’s one of the notable stops for visitors exploring Hampi’s historical and religious sites.

Location: Hemkuta Hill, Hampi, Karnataka

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

The Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple in Hampi is home to one of the biggest Ganesha statues in South India. The statue stands about 15 feet tall and is carved from a single block of granite. It gets its name from the shape of Ganesha’s belly, which looks like a “kadalekalu” or Bengal gram.

The temple itself is located on the slope of Hemakuta Hill and offers a great view of the surrounding landscape. The hall in front of the shrine has beautifully carved pillars, showcasing typical Vijayanagara-style architecture. It's a peaceful spot where you can enjoy both the art and the scenery.

Location: 8FM6+4FQ, Hampi, Karnataka 583239

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

The Achyutaraya Temple in Hampi is one of the grand and lesser-crowded temples, located between the Matanga Hill and Gandhamadana Hill. It was built in the 16th century and is dedicated to Lord Tiruvengalanatha, a form of Vishnu. Though often called Achyutaraya Temple, it’s actually named after King Achyuta Deva Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire for building it.

The temple complex is large and includes a main shrine, an open hall, and an impressive marketplace (bazaar street) right in front of it. The carvings on the pillars and walls show scenes from mythology, along with figures of dancers and musicians. Even though the temple is now in ruins, the structure still reflects the artistic and architectural style of the Vijayanagara period. It’s a quieter place to explore in Hampi, offering a mix of history, detailed stone work, and scenic surroundings.

Location: 8FJC+Q26, Hampi, Karnataka 583239

Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM

The Stepped Tank in Hampi is a large, sacred tank used for holy baths before visiting nearby temples. It features steps on all four sides, making it easy to enter and exit the water. Carved from black schist stones and green diorite, the tank is geometrically designed and quite impressive in size.

Besides its religious purpose, the tank was also a place where festivals and celebrations took place, making it an important part of life during the Vijayanagara Empire.

Location: Hampi, Karnataka

Timings: Sunrise to Sunset

The Riverside Ruins in Hampi, located along the Tungabhadra River near the Kodandarama Temple, offer a peaceful and fascinating glimpse into the past. This area features hundreds of Shiva Lingas carved into flat rock surfaces, along with a detailed sculpture of Lord Vishnu nearby.

You’ll also find many small shrines and intricately carved rock motifs, some of which are partially submerged in the river. The natural setting adds to the charm, but be careful while walking, especially during the monsoon season, as the rocks can get slippery. If the river is calm, a coracle ride is a great way to reach this unique spot and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Location: Near the Kodanda Rama Temple, Hampi.

Timings: Open 24 hours