5 amazing places to visit in Hampi

An ancient village nestled in the state of Karnataka, Hampi is dotted with countless ruined temple complexes from the Vijayanagara Empire. The village features some amazing structures and stories that are untold. So, if you are a history buff and like to indulge in storytelling, get hotel booking online completed with Intermiles and visit the following amazing places in Hampi.

Sri Virupaksha Temple

A 7th Century Hindu Temple, dedicated to the incarnation of Lord Shiva graces the village of Hampi. During your visit to the Dravidian architecture temple, you can witness a huge courtyard and beautiful gateway towers. It is recommended to hire a tour guide when you visit the temple to explore some of the major attractions within the structure like the underwater Shiva Temple, 3 antechambers, small shrines along a pillared monastery. There are a variety of dilapidated mandapams surrounding the Sri Virupaksha Temple, offering a closer look at the lost past.

Vijaya Vittala Temple

Another Dravidian-style temple residing in Hampi is the Vijaya Vittala Temple. The 15th-century architecture, dedicated to the incarnation of Lord Vishnu with its exquisite craftsmanship is termed as one of the popular tourist attractions in Hampi. Look out for the stone chariots, musical pillars, intricately carved sculptures and temple halls within its premises. Devraya II one of the rulers of the Vijaynagara Empire supervised the architecture of the great structure, presently recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

Also known as Ugra Temple, Lakshmi Narasimha is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hampi. The monument houses the largest monolith statue of Lord Vishnu’s incarnation along with fascinating views and portraits. However, vandalized by the Mughals in 1565 the statue sits perfectly in the temple. You can plan a visit to this famous architectural ruin to experience the grandeur and hospitality it used to offer during the historical era.

Riverside ruins and Archaeological Museum

A haven for history lovers and photography buffs, this place exhibits 108 Shiva lingas carved out on rocky surfaces and encompasses some extraordinary stories that took place along the riverside. When you visit the Archaeological Museum at Hampi do not forget to take a tour guide and learn about the interesting facts of this place. The guide will ensure a comprehensive tour through the small shrines, pavilions, carved artefacts and statues found here.

Tungabhadra Gardens and Dam

Out of all the Hampi attractions, Tungabhadra Dam holds a special place spread across 378 sq. km. This multipurpose dam is useful to control floods, electricity production and irrigation. Serving as the main source of water, the structure is surrounded by verdant gardens that would allow you to admire picturesque scenery. Moreover, the place also acts as a reservoir of food sources like multiple species of insects, fish, crustaceans and larvae, for migratory birds. There are small islands located here and there within the dam, which acts as a natural habitat and breeding ground for the visiting creatures(birds).