GREAT WORLD HERITAGE SITES HAMPI GROUP OF MONUMENTS.

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Informative Article:-

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site :-

Stone Chariot, Hampi (Photo Credit-Pixabay)
Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Hampi town, Vijayanagara district, east-central Karnataka, India. It is also referred to as the Group of Monuments at Hampi.¹ The site comprises an array of market complexes, temples, shrines, hill monuments, water reservoirs, elephant stables, community kitchens and fountains, mosque and tomb. The structures are broadly classified into Hindu, Jain and Muslim monuments. 

The site of Hampi was the last capital of the last great Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagar. Its fabulously rich princes built Dravidian temples and palaces which won the admiration of travellers between the 14th and 16th centuries.²

Ancient Temples Art and Architecture, Hampi (Photo Credit-Pixabay)

HISTORY OF HAMPI :-

Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century. It was a fortified city. Chronicles left by Persian and European travellers, particularly the Portuguese, say that Hampi was a prosperous, wealthy and grand city near the Tungabhadra River, with numerous temples, farms and trading markets. 

Hampi has been in existence since the Mauryan Empire and has seen a lot of changes ever since, making it instrumental to the course of India's history . The site of Hampi was the last capital of the last great Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagar.³Its fabulously rich princes built Dravidian temples and palaces which won the admiration of travellers between the 14th and 16th centuries.

Dravidian Temple, (Photo Credit -Pixabay)
*FAMOUS TEMPLES IN HAMPI :-

Hampi is known for its beautiful temples. Here are some of the most famous temples in Hampi:

1.Virupaksha Temple:-

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of Hampi's most important temples. It is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River and is believed to be one of the oldest functioning temples in India.4

2.Vittala Temple:-

This temple is known for its stunning stone chariot and musical pillars. It is one of Hampi's most iconic temples and is located near the banks of the Tungabhadra River.

3. Hazara Rama Temple:-

This temple is located in the center of the Royal Enclosure and is known for its intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana.

4. Achyutaraya Temple:-

This temple was built in the 16th century and is located near the Kodandarama Temple. It is known for its impressive architecture and intricate carvings.

5. Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple:-

 This temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is known for its 8-foot-tall statue of Ganesha carved out of a single rock .

This helps you plan your visit to Hampi! 

Ancient Temples Pillars and Art and Architecture ,Hampi. (Photo Credit-Pixabay)

POPULAR TOURIST ATTRACTION IN HAMPI :-

Apart from the temples, Hampi has many other popular tourist attractions. Here are some of them:

1. Hampi Bazaar: -

This is a street market located near the Virupaksha Temple. It is known for its colorful shops selling handicrafts, clothes, and souvenirs .

2. Vijaya Vittala Temple: -

This temple is famous for its stone chariot and musical pillars.

3. Lotus Mahal:-

This is a beautiful palace located in the Zenana Enclosure. It is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings .

4. Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple:-

This temple is located on top of a hill and is known for its stunning views of Hampi .

5. Hippie Island:- 

This island is located across the Tungabhadra River and is known for its laid-back vibe and beautiful scenery.

6. Coracle Ride:-

 You can take a coracle ride on the Tungabhadra River to enjoy the beautiful scenery and get a unique perspective of Hampi.

7. Queen's Bath:-

This is a beautiful bathhouse located in the Royal Enclosure. It was used by the kings and queens of Hampi for bathing and relaxation.

8. Matanga Hill:- 

This hill offers stunning views of Hampi's landscape and is most popular spot for sunrise and sunset viewing .

9. Archaeological Museum:-

This museum is located near Kamalapuram and houses many artifacts from Hampi's rich history.

10. Tungabhadra Gardens and Dam:-

These gardens are located near Hospet and are known for their beautiful flowers and scenic views of theTungabhadra River .

This helps you plan your trip to Hampi! 

Hazara Rama Temple,Horses and Warriors (Photo Credit -Pixabay)

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT HAMPI  :-

The best time to visit Hampi is during the winter season from October to March. The temperature remains below 31-degree Celsius during these months, making it pleasant for sightseeing and trekking the boulders and exploring the ruins on foot. 

Anciant Temple Art and Architecture at Hampi (Photo Credit-Pixabay)

HOW TO REACH HAMPI :-

Hampi is well connected by road and rail. The nearest railway station is in Hospet, which is about 12 km away from Hampi. You can take a local bus or an auto-rickshaw from the Hospet railway station to Hampi town . 

If you are traveling by air, the nearest airport to Hampi is at Belgaum, which is closer to the Maharashtra-Karnataka border and located about 270 km away. However, most flights from the Indian metros and bigger cities land at Bengaluru. From there, you have a big drive of 300 km to complete before you reach Hampi .This will helps you plan your trip to Hampi!


References:

1. Dallapiccola, Anna L., and Anila Verghese, eds. "Architectural Heritage of a Sikh State: Faridkot." Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, 1999.

2. Foekema, Gerard. "Architecture Decorated with Architecture: Later Medieval Temples of Karnataka, 1000-1300 AD." Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers, 2003.

3. Kamath, Suryanath U. "A Concise History of Karnataka." Archana Publications, 2002.

4. Michell, George, ed. "Hampi: Discover the Splendours of Vijayanagar." Edited by George Michell, Marg Publications, 1995.

Footnotes:

1. Anna L. Dallapiccola and Anila Verghese, eds., "Architectural Heritage of a Sikh State: Faridkot" (Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, 1999), 47.

2. Gerard Foekema, "Architecture Decorated with Architecture: Later Medieval Temples of Karnataka, 1000-1300 AD" (Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers, 2003), 64.

3. Suryanath U. Kamath, "A Concise History of Karnataka" (Archana Publications, 2002), 112.

4. George Michell, ed., "Hampi: Discover the Splendours of Vijayanagar" (Marg Publications, 1995), 81.


(Photo Credit-Pixabay)
(Hampi (UNESCO World Heritage Site) located in Hampi town, Vijayanagara district, east-central Karnataka, India. 







Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India

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