Hampi

Situated in
Hospet taluk of
Ballari district
in Karnataka

How to reach Hampi?

Hampi is well-connected to different places of the country and the world via road, rail and
air. All these options make it easy for a tourist to reach Hampi. The gateway town to Hampi
is Hospet which is located around 13 kms from the Hampi ruins. Here is more on how can
you reach Hampi.

AIR TRAIN ROAD

•The nearest air link to
Hampi is the Belgaum
airport which is located at
a distance of 270 km.
Bangalore airport, on the
other hand is 300 kms
from Hampi. Direct flights
to the airports operate
from major cities of the
country like Delhi and
Mumbai. After reaching
the airport, travelers can
take a bus or taxi to reach
Hampi.
•There is no railway
station in Hampi. Hospet
which is 13 kms from
Hampi is the nearest rail
head. Different cities of
the country are
connected to this rail
head which makes it easy
to reach Hampi. 10 daily
trains and 5 special trains
run to the station from
different places of the
country. After reaching
the Hospet railway
station, travelers can take
a taxi or bus to reach
Hampi.
•Hampi is well-connected
to Bangalore and other
major cities of Karnataka
via roadways. KSRTC
buses operate on regular
basis from Hospet to
Hampi. To get Hampi by
road, there are many
options which the
tourists can choose from.
These include buses, taxis
or car-rental. All the
options offer a great
option to reach the
destination in a
comfortable way
Sunsets at Hampi.

Virupaksha Temple, Hampi.

If you enjoy history and architecture, then add Hampi to your list of places to visit this
vacation season, for it is worth every step you take as you walk into the bowels of this
wonderland of Krishnadevaraya and his noteworthy times. The city of ruins, Hampi was
earlier the historic capital of the Vijayanagar Empire. People from all over the world visit
this UNESCO world heritage site to have a look at the glorious past of the royal era. Now
let’s have look at what all tourist attractions and sightseeing available to explore :

Bouldering : The ruins of Hampi with its

rich grandeur and monumental structures are a majestic site for bouldering in India. The
rock formations have formed a unique landscape that gives mythology lovers and travel
enthusiasts a perfect chance to explore the hidden treasures of this land. With local
bouldering equipment and a quest to push your limits, the bouldering experience in
Hampi is unbeatable!

Get blessed by an Elephant :

The Virupaksha Temple is the only operational temple in this ancient land. Towering at
50 meters, the temple is home to Lakshmi, a very lovable elephant who enjoys that coin
in exchange for bestowing a blessing, and an extended family of monkeys that keep a
watchful eye for any goodies you are carrying around.

Coracle Ride : Crossing River

Tungabhadra to reach Anegundi, the hippie side of Hampi and back, becomes all the
more inviting when you wade across it in a coracle. Watch a brilliant sunset, visit the
drum circle and other live music sessions on the other side, photograph the Hampi ruins
that look all the more fascinating from across the river or just enjoy some calm, away
from the touristy clamour of the village in one. Hire a coracle for around INR 150 to cross
the river with a local fisherman.

Hampi Bazaar : Also called the

Virupaksha Bazaar, this kilometre-long street is situated in front of the Virupaksha
Temple. Old pavilions that line its borders tell of the thriving market and plush residences
of the nobles. Various artifacts are available here including antique coins, shawls, bags
etc. Most tourists purchase souvenirs here.
 Daroji Bear Sanctuary :
Established in 1994, this sanctuary was converted from a thorny forest to a lush green
area which is now inhabited by Sloth Bears. Approximately 120 sloth bears accompanied
by various other wildlife species like jackals, leopards and wild boars are found here.
Bears have a ravenous sweet tooth and they raid wild beehives. Since honey is
expensive, gur and water will do for this sloth bears’ picnic.

Hampi Utsav : Generally, the Hampi

Utsav takes place on three days in the first week of November. However, the exact date
is announced when it is at close-hand. Hampi Utsav is a celebration of cultural traditions
and remembrance of the past than a religious festival. An elephant march is taken out,
informally known as Jumbo Safari. Apart from that folk songs are sung and traditional
instruments like pipes and flutes are played. Puppet shows are held at varied locations,
providing entertainment for the visitors with the art-form rarely to be found elsewhere,
or in other festivals, today. The fireworks light up the sky above Hampi during the festive
period. The light and sound show at the ruins of Hampi is a major attraction of the
festival and takes the audience back to the golden days of the Vijayanagar empire.
This list of activities and places is not at all exhaustive as there are various
other engrossing places to visit in Hampi. This dreamworld made of boulders
and ruins of ancient kingdoms and temples and infused with culture is a
delight to tourists and thus is considered among best places to visit in
Karnataka. Hence, make sure not miss out these activities and witness the
architectural beauty of Hampi.

Endnotes & Refrences:

1. Images : Google Images

2. Bouldering – Indian express article on Adventure holiday destinations in India
3. www.holidify.com
4. www.youtube.com
5. www.deccanherald.com

Efforts by :

Suditi Tandon