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Vijaya Vittala Temple, Hampi, Karnataka, India

Devaraya II is believed to have built the Vijaya Vittala Temple in the 15th-16th century and his successor Krishnadevaraya made major enhancements and additions. Synonymous with architectural and sculptural brilliance the Vijaya Vittala Temple took decades to build - it is believed that these magnificent set of monuments did not attain the height of grandiose as originally dreamt and planned by Krishnadevaraya. The vast temple is made up of Maha mandapa, Ranga mandapa, Kalyan mandapa, Utsav mandapa and the garbhagriha.

Vijaya Vittala Temple Complex and all its monuments are a part of the Hampi Group of Monuments and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. How to reach Hampi? 

Tag : Classic Hampi | Content: gud2travel.com | Image: Harshap3001 | Update: 29-Mar-2021
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Kallina Ratha at Vittala Temple, Hampi, Karnataka, India

Right opposite the Rangamandapa is the iconic stone chariot or 'Kalina ratha' which resembles a miniature Dravidian temple and is dedicated to Garuda, Vishnu's celestial vehicle. The 'Kalina ratha' has become the de facto symbol of the Group of Monuments at Hampi - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. How to reach Hampi?

Archaeologists compare the stone chariot at Vithala Temple, Hampi with the magnificent stone chariots found in Konark Temple in Orissa and Mahabalipuram near Chennai.

Note 1: The stone ratha is drawn by elephants (these elephants were not a part of the original monument and are a place holder for the actual horses which were destroyed and if you examine the chariot closely you can see part of the tail as well as the hind legs of these horses).

Note 2: 'Kalina ratha' has four wheels and in ancient times one could turn the wheels on their axis. They have been cemented by the Archaeological Survey of India to protect the heritage site form the potential damage due to high volume of visitors.

Tag : Classic Hampi | Content: gud2travel.com | Image: Soumya968 | Update: 17-Mar-2021
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Vittala Temple, Kings Balance, Hampi, Karnataka, India

King’s Balance at Vijaya Vitala Temple (also known as Tulapurushandana) is an imposing stone frame with carved pillars standing tall - withstanding trials of time and destruction - a reminder of a ceremonial ritual on Dushhera day during ancient times - where the King would be weighed in gold or gems and commodities which were donated and distributed among his citizens. 

Monuments at the Vijaya Vittala Comples are a part of the Hampi Group of Monuments and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. How to reach Hampi?

Tag : Classic Hampi | Content: gud2travel.com | Image: Shivajidesai29 | Update: 17-Mar-2021
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Pushkarni Tank - Vittala Temple, Hampi, Karnataka, India

Pushkarni in the Temple Complex of the  Vijaya Vittala Temple in Hampi seems well preserved out of all sacred tanks in Hampi. Symbolically Pushkarani's are significant and treated with great respect as these man-made water bodies are attached to Indian temples to support water rituals and functional aspects of the temple and life surrounding it.

Vijaya Vittala Temple Complex and all its monuments are a part of the Hampi Group of Monuments and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. How to reach Hampi?

Tag : Classic Hampi | Content: gud2travel.com | Image: Dey.sandip | Update: 17-Mar-2021
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Coracle near Tungabhadra River, Hampi, Karnataka in India

I read about these round shaped boats referred to as coracles and supposedly a favorite mode of crossing across Tungabhadra - it does wistfully present an opportunity to stay afloat centuries ago - well only if you believe in time-travel... though when you actually ride it - does require a lot of skill as it needs to maneuver across the many rocks to reach Anjaneya Hill, the birthplace of Hanuman. How to reach Hampi?

Tag : Classic Hampi | Content: gud2travel.com | Image: Dey.sandip | Update: 17-Mar-2021
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Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex, Hampi, Karnataka, India

Every boulder on Hemakuta hills literally can tell hundreds of folklores, myths, or dole out historical facts as it is dotted with many temples, mandapas, and pavilions that have steadfastly stood around challenging time.


The aura around Hemakuta hills makes you believe in the era of religion and romance. Hemakuta Hills with its undulating expanse does illuminate its ruins to a brilliant golden glow twice in a day – do find the time to catch either a sunrise or sunset or both on Hemakuta hills. Note Hemakuta is much easier to climb than Matanga Hill. Beware of what you carry with you to catch a sunset as you will share the same with many monkeys or as locals would have us believe - Hanumans who enjoy pulling your bags in search of food…


Most temples either on or around Hemakuta hills are dedicated to Shiva and built around 14th century or when Vijayanagara empire was flourishing. What one sees in a panoramic view are many small temples standing side by side in holy companionship to the dramatically tall and famous Virupaksha temple a 'literal contrast of might and elegance' relaxing side by side.

Monuments on Hemakuta Hills are a part of the Hampi Group of Monuments and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. How to reach Hampi?

Tag : Classic Hampi | Content: gud2travel.com | Image: ShivaRajvanshi | Update: 17-Mar-2021
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Virupaksha Temple, Hampi, Karnataka, India

Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, Karnataka, India is a UNESCO World Heritage Site a tall testament of the architectural prowess of the bygone era. How to reach Hampi?

Virupaksha Pampapathi Temple is built in the Dravidian Temple Architecture and consists of a Garbhagriha, Antarala, Sabha Mandapa and a Maharanga Mandapa. The temple is dedicated to Virupaksha a form of God Shiva locally known as Pampapathi.

Thousands of years old the Virupaksha temple is still a 'living and functional temple' for millions of devotees who throng to here to worship the sacred Virupaksha linga and seek his blessings.

Tag : Classic Hampi | Content: gud2travel.com | Image: Albert Paul | Update: 17-Mar-2021
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Sasvekalu Ganesha Temple, Hampi, Karnataka, India

Sasvekalu Ganesha Temple dated to 16th century houses a huge monolithic sculpture of Lord Ganesha with four arms, carved out of a single block of rock. Ganesha’s belly is sculptured round and resembles Sasvekalu or a Mustard seed hence its name in the local language that is Kannada. The sculpture portrays a snake around Ganesha’s large belly - symbolically a large belly is a symbol of prosperity and the snake around it symbolizes renewal of prosperity (as the snake renews its skin at regular interval) whereas the mouse is a metaphor for problems of our lives.


Note: If you see the sculpture from the rear side you will note Ganesha sitting in the lap of his mother Parvati. 

Sasvekalu Ganesha is a part of the Hampi Group of Monuments and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. How to reach Hampi?

Tag : Classic Hampi | Content: gud2travel.com | Image: Vipulvaibhav5 | Update: 17-Mar-2021
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Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple, Hampi, Karnataka, India

Kadalekalu Ganesha is well known as one of the largest Ganesha statues in South India and is carved out of a single granite boulder. The belly chiseled resembles a gram seed and Kadalekalu means gram seed in Kannada hence the name. The temple with its calm ambience is built on the slopes of Hemakuta hills. The Kadalekalu Ganesha temple has many tall granite pillars, carved with many mythological characters as constructed in the Vijayanagara style of architecture. Do catch a few moments sitting still in the the pillared mandapa watching the picturesque views of Matanga Hill... 

Kadalekalu Ganesha is a part of the Hampi Group of Monuments and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. How to reach Hampi?

Tag : Classic Hampi | Content: gud2travel.com | Image: Sid Mohanty | Update: 17-Mar-2021
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Badavi linga - a Shiv linga, Hampi, Karnataka, India

Badavi Linga is a monolithic linga revered by its devotees which was commissioned by a poor peasant woman (as per local legend) whereas all other monuments at Hampi had royal sponsors or patrons.

The huge Shiv linga placed on a large circular pedestal seems to fill the entire stone chamber and stands submerged in water as a water channel flows through it. Symbolically you could refer to it - as the holy Ganga coming down on earth and it’s flow being controlled by Shiva.

Without a ceiling the Shivlinga seems to be eternally illuminated in golden sunlight - symbolically once again an opportunity to experience the 'panch tattva or elements' the sky, air, water, the warmth of sunlight and earth all assembled in one place... (Panch Tattva = Akash (Sky or Space), Vayu (Air), Jal (Water), Prithvi (Earth) and Sunlight instead of Agni (Fire)).

Badavi Linga is a part of the Hampi Group of Monuments and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. How to reach Hampi?

Tag : Classic Hampi | Content: gud2travel.com | Image: Ram Nagesh Thota | Update: 17-Mar-2021
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Hazara Rama Temple, Hampi, Karnataka, India

Its difficult to explain the serenity and elegance of one more temple in India - easiest to say is as soon as you enter the Hazara Rama temple peace transcends - beyond it's aesthetical boundaries.

Built in the early 16th century by Krishnadevaraya, Hazara Rama temple is believed to be private temple for the royals with a direct route from the erstwhile palace now reduced to rubble and a few odd ruins. This is also the only temple discovered in the core of the royal residential zone.

What draws attention in the modest mahamandapa (some prefer to call it the rangamandapa) are the elegant columns in black stone locally known as kadapa - the carvings on the black columns gleam in the dim light as only few revered sun rays are architecturally allowed in the temple. One can easily revisit the many stories of Rama and Krishna through the intricate panels carved on these pillars.

The outer wall of the prakara at Hazara Rama Temple in Hampi is built of stone and is covered top to bottom with friezes with scenes from Krishna Leela and Ramayana right from Shravana story to Putrakameshi Yagna, King Dasaratha giving prasad to his 3 wives, Ahilya moksha, Rama breaking the shiv dhanush during Sita swayamvara, the fight between Vali & Sugriva, Mareecha the deer appearing in from of Sita, Hanuman wrapping his tail to form a seat taller than Ravana, Sita in Ashokavan, Hanuman meeting Sita in Ashokavana, and war between Rama and Ravana... Wondering if one would just breeze past these or spend some more time to re-live the stories.

Hazara Rama Temple is a part of the Hampi Group of Monuments and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. How to reach Hampi?

Tag : Classic Hampi | Content: gud2travel.com | Image: Sarah Welch | Update: 17-Mar-2021
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Lotus Mahal, Hampi, Karnataka, India

The Chitragani Mahal or Kamal Mahal translated to the Lotus Mahal is located within the Zenana Enclosure of the Royal Centre of Hampi. It became known as the Kamal Mahal as its archways as well as its balcony with its domed design resembled a half opened lotus bud.

Lotus Mahal is an open pavilion on the lower level built with windows and balcony on the upper level. It has beautifully recessed arches designed in a geometric pattern almost opening out to the sun and the wind like petals of a flower;

Chitragani Mahal or the Lotus Mahal is a classic fusion of Indo-Islamic style of architecture - notice the Hindu mandala design with lobed arches whereas the domes are Islamic style. Its basement and pyramidal towers are based on Hindu temple architecture. Being modest in size and without any inscriptions it is impossible to determine its purpose.

Lotus Mahal is a part of the Hampi Group of Monuments and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. How to reach Hampi?

Tag : Classic Hampi | Content: gud2travel.com | Image: DeepakSowdaikar | Update: 17-Mar-2021
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Interesting reads online on Hampi, Karnataka, India

Do read this post by Lakshmi Sarath - though in partnership with a hotel property - I am sure it will prompt you to consider Hampi seriously.
https://lakshmisharath.com/places-to-visit-in-hampi/

How to reach Hampi?

Tag : Classic Hampi | Content: gud2travel.com | Image: Harshap3001 | Update: 17-Mar-2021
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How to reach Hampi, Karnataka, India?

How to reach Hampi by Air?
The distance between Monuments of Hampi and Bengaluru International Airport is about 349 km. It would approximately take about 7+ hours to drive down from Bengaluru International Airport.

The distance between Monuments of Hampi and the nearest domestic airport that is located at Bellary or the Jindal Vijaynagar Airport, Bellary is about 36 km.

How to reach Hampi by Train?
The nearest railway station from Hampi is Hospet which is at a distance of 13 km.

Best time to visit Hampi
The best time to visit Hampi would be when the temperatures are a bit cooler or between October and February. September is a good shoulder month to visit Hampi but do note it can rain heavily at times in September too and walking around boulders may get slippery.

How many days do you need for planning a getaway to Hampi?
You will need 3 to 5 days depending how many monuments you would like to explore thoroughly in Hampi.

Sightseeing Map of Hampi
If you need a digital map to explore Hampi than check out the homepage of this site as it lists 80+ options for sightseeing.
http://hampi.in/itinerary

Tag : Classic Hampi | Content: gud2travel.com | Image: Prashmob | Update: 17-Mar-2021