35

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. 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, this temple 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 temple, right by the Tungabhadra River, offers spectacular views, especially during sunrise or sunset.

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! Walking through the temple feels like exploring a piece of history. If you're in Hampi, you shouldn’t miss this place, as 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 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.

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

Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM

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

The Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple is a peaceful spot located about 2 km from the Virupaksha Temple. It's set inside a small cave on top of a hill and is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, shown here in deep meditation. The climb is short but scenic, and the view of the Tungabhadra River flowing below makes it even more special.

The area around the temple is calm, with a few small stalls nearby selling snacks like mangoes, cucumbers, and biscuits. Just a five-minute walk from here is another small temple dedicated to Lord Srinivasa. It’s best to visit between October and March, when the weather is pleasant. If you're looking for a quiet, spiritual break during your Hampi trip, this place is worth the stop.

Location: Hampi, Nimbapura, Karnataka 583239

Timings: 6 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 6 PM

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 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

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 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 Zanana Enclosure was once a private area reserved for the royal women of the Vijayanagara Kingdom. It’s a large compound surrounded by tall walls, with the beautiful Lotus Mahal as its main attraction.

The architecture here shows a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles. Besides the Lotus Mahal, you’ll find three watchtowers, the queen’s palace basement, the treasure building, and a water pavilion inside this peaceful area.

Location: 8FCC+88X, Hampi, Karnataka 583239

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

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

Most significant of all the religious statues in Hampi, Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is the amongst the next best Hampi tourist places to visit. Here, the figure of Lord Narasimha sits on a coil of a snake with seven heads in a Yoga position.

This statue has an image of Goddess Lakshmi on his lap. It takes around one to one and a half hour to complete your visit here. The best time to visit this temple is in between October to February.

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

Timings: You can easily make your way inside Lakshmi Narasimha Temple from morning 06:00 am to evening 06:00 pm.

Price: There are no entry fees here. You can click photographs of the temple without any charges.

You are going to find a lot of Indian Sloth Bears here at Daroji Sloth bear Sanctuary. Hillocks here are rough enough and are dotted with a lot of boulders. The Sloth bear count here goes to around 120. However, the sanctuary also accounts for other species.

Tiger, Leopard, Mongoose, Pangolins, Star Tortoise, and Spotted Deer are some other animal species found here. This sanctuary alone exhibits around 90 bird species, 27 butterfly species, and a watch tower at the center.

Location: Seetharama Tanda, Karnataka 583215

Timings: Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is open from 04:00 pm to 06:00 pm on all days.

Price: For Indian tourists, the entry fee is 25 INR while the foreigners need to pay a sum of 100 INR. If you are eager to bring in your own two or four wheelers, you will have to pay additional charges accordingly.

The Old Palace, also known as Gagan Mahal, is one of the largest surviving structures in Hampi’s royal area. Built in the 16th century, it served as the king’s residence and a place for official meetings and gatherings.

The palace features a large hall with a high, arched roof supported by strong stone pillars. Its design combines both defensive and royal elements, with thick walls and elegant architecture. While much of the palace is now in ruins, you can still see the impressive scale and style that reflect the power of the Vijayanagara rulers.

Location: Anegundi, Karnataka 583227

Timings: 8 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 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 Hazara Rama Temple is a small but beautifully detailed temple located at the center 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 find 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 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

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 Krishna Temple in Hampi was built by King Krishnadevaraya in 1513 AD to celebrate his victory over the eastern kingdom of Udayagiri (in present-day Odisha). The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, specifically in his infant form, and once housed a beautifully carved idol, which is now kept in a museum for protection.

The temple complex includes a main shrine, pillared halls, and a grand entrance gateway. The carvings on the walls and pillars show scenes from Krishna’s childhood and other mythological events. Right in front of the temple, you’ll also see a long and wide bazaar street, which was once a busy market area during the Vijayanagara Empire. Though parts of the temple are in ruins, its detailed architecture and historical importance make it a key site to explore in Hampi.

Location: Bellary, Hampi, Karnataka 583239

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 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 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)

Pushkaranis of Hampi are sacred tanks in association with the Hampi temples. Pushkarani reminds you to take a precise note of ancient town planning and architectural style of the Vijayanagara era.

Many of these pushkaranis served as the event venue for their annual boating festivals. During such celebrations, the idols of both Gods and Goddesses are taken out for a coracle ride. Majority of these Pushkarani’s are surrounded all over by explicitly beautiful pillars and arcades.

Location: Pushkarani are found near to Royal Enclosure, Virupaksha temple, Krishna Bazaar, and Pattabhirama temple.

Timings: You can walk-in here at Pushkarani throughout the day. It takes around 20 to 30 minutes to complete your visit here. 

Price: There are no entry fees here at Pushkarani. Both photography and videography are allowed.

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 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