HAMPI
South India
Profile:
Hampi is a small town in the Ballari district of Karnataka and a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. With monuments and ruins dating back to the 14th Century Vijayanagara empire and a host of native species of flora and fauna, Hampi is both a history buff’s paradise as well a nature tripper’s haven. The splashes of green fields and boulders found strewn across the town’s landscape add to its rustic charm. Hampi also draws a large number of pilgrims.
History & Culture The discovery of certain artefacts, edicts and paintings suggests Hampi pre-dates the Vijayanagara empire as well and can even be pushed back to the Mauryan period (322 BC –182 BC). The town has been ruled over by several dynasties since then. The Vijayanagara empire with Hampi as its seat of power was established in the 14th Century and flourished until the battle of Talikota in 1565 AD. Hampi was left in ruins in the battle. Remains exca...vated since reveal the existence of ancient temples, markets, tanks, an aqueduct and several stone inscriptions. Several Hindu and Jain temples as well as Ashokan rock edicts from earlier periods are found along the Tungabadhra river.
Flora & Fauna
Dry deciduous scrubs and southern thorn forests are found here. Leopards, jackals, porcupines, tortoises, mongooses and monitor lizards are also spotted. The Daroji Bear Sanctuary near here offers some great sightings of sloth bears in their natural habitat. The town has numerous water bodies and a vibrant landscape composed of granite and greenstone terrain that have weathered and eroded into different shapes over time. About 230 species of birds are spotted here, which makes it a great destination for birding as well.
Dry deciduous scrubs and southern thorn forests are found here. Leopards, jackals, porcupines, tortoises, mongooses and monitor lizards are also spotted. The Daroji Bear Sanctuary near here offers some great sightings of sloth bears in their natural habitat. The town has numerous water bodies and a vibrant landscape composed of granite and greenstone terrain that have weathered and eroded into different shapes over time. About 230 species of birds are spotted here, which makes it a great destination for birding as well.
Take a cycle or motorbike out on rent or walk around this temple town to take in the sights and sounds all around. Visit the 15th Century Vijaya Vittala temple that houses the majestic stone chariot or the 7th Century Virupaksha temple. Climb up the Anjaneya hills to offer prayers at the Hanuman temple or simply catch the breathtaking view from atop. The Queen’s Bath and Lakshmi Narasimha statue are all well-worth a visit too. Take a paddle boat to the other side of the river and soak in the lush green paddy fields. Catch the Hampi Festival, also known as Vijaya Utsav, if you can! It is an annual fest dating back to the Vijayanagara era showcasing folk music and dance performances. You can also visit the Daroji Bear Sanctuary to observe the sloth bears in its element.
Destination Information
By air - Jindal Vijayanagar Airport (30 km); Bengaluru Airport (363 km)
Train – Hospet (13 km)
Road – It is about 350 km from Bengaluru and 385 km from Hyderabad.
Eco-friendly properties in the area
Heritage Resort - Hampi
Built on nine acres of mango and coconut plantations, Heritage Resort Hampi is an ideal getaway for tourists, business travellers as well as families wanting to escape the bustle of city life.
