Top 22 places to visit in Hampi

Named Hampi, it happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a favourite tourist destination because of the history that exists there. It is not easy to find from the plains and hills of Karnataka. The backpackers take special care when they visit Hampi to see 500 old buildings, including beautiful temples, busy street markets, bastions, government buildings, and exciting relics from the Vijayanagar Empire. More than 100 places exist in Hampi, which is, in effect, an open museum. It's a great way to learn about the past of the city.

Achyutaraya Temple

Constructed in 1534 AD, this church is one of the most important in Hampi. Builders built this temple as one of the last ones during the Vijayanagara Empire. People also call it the Tiruvengalanatha Temple, named after the main god and a form of Lord Shiva. It is between the Gandhamadana and Matanga hills. The Bahamani Kingdom attacked the temple, damaging most of it beyond repair. The architecture is more modern than the other churches in Hampi. Achyutaraya temple is one of the best places to visit in Hampi.

Anegundi

Anegundi village, located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, is home to several notable landmarks such as the Aramane Palace Ruins, Kamal Mahal, Huchappayana Matha Temple, Ranganatha Temple, and Nava Brindavan. Older than Hampi, Anegundi is a World Heritage Site that attracts visitors with its rich cultural heritage and the stunning architecture of its landmarks. Due to its historical significance, many Hampi tour packages include Anegundi as a critical stop.

Archaeological Museum Hampi

The Kamalapur Archaeological Museum is all about the ruins of Hampi and other nearby places. British troops gathered sculptures from various parts of the Hampi ruins and kept them in the elephant stables in the past. In 1972, this is where the Archaeological Survey of India's first museum opened. The old things were moved to a new building in Kamalapur. At the entrance to this museum, beautiful copies of Krishnadevaraya and his queens greet tourists. The Museum features numerous sculptures and other items organized into four distinct galleries. The museum is one of the best places to visit in Hampi.

Elephant Stables Hampi

The Elephant Stables, built during the Vijayanagara Empire, were used to house royal horses. The stables are among the few structures that survived the Mughal attack on Hampi. The 12 dome-shaped rooms, including a specially decorated one used as a stage, make the stables a unique architectural wonder. Hampi tour packages often highlight this site for its historical and cultural importance.

Hazara Rama Temple

In Hampi, you can find the Hazara Rama Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama. People come worldwide to see the temple, its beautiful view, and detailed paintings. The Hazara Rama Temple is a World Heritage site built in the 15th century. It is in the middle of land that belongs to the Royal Family. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Hampi and Karnataka, especially for those looking to take stunning pictures.

Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple

Located on Hemakuta Hill, Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple is one of Hampi's most revered holy sites. The temple houses one of the world's most giant statues of Lord Ganesha, measuring 15 feet. The name "Kadalekalu" is derived from the shape of Lord Ganesha's belly, which looks exactly like a Bengal gram. Most Hampi tour packages would not be complete without visiting this fabulous temple.

Kings Audience Hall

The Durbar Hall, known as the King's Audience Hall, is inside the Royal Enclosure at Hampi. On the western side of the Mahanavami Dibba or Dasara Dibba, you can see the remains of this broken-down building. The King's Audience Hall was built during the Vijayanagara Empire. During the reign of Devaraya II, the great historian Abdul Razzak visited Hampi and described the King's Audience Hall as one of the most beautiful buildings, making it one of the must-see places to visit in Hampi.

Kings Balance

Near the Vittala Temple stands the King's Balance, an ancient weighing scale from the 15th century. At times of festivals, it weighed the king against royal jewels, which were later donated to the temple. There are finely carved granite pillars and stone beams, a popular attraction in Hampi, and tour packages for history enthusiasts interested in the Vijayanagara Empire.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

The giant statue of Narasimha in Hampi can be found in this temple. It shows him sitting on SeshaNaag, the seven-headed snake that protects him. Along with the idol of Narasimha is the idol of Goddess Lakshmi. Built-in 1528 AD during the rule of Vijayanagara ruler Krishnadevaraya, this statue is famous as the giant monolith statue in Hampi. Despite the Mughal attack that partially destroyed it, the temple remains one of the top places to visit in Hampi for history and art lovers. The remnants are now preserved in the Archaeological Museum at Kamalapura.

Lotus Mahal Hampi

The Lotus Mahal is one of the most recognizable sites in Hampi, located within the Zenana Enclosure. The royal women of the Vijayanagara Empire used this elegant palace, which is named for its lotus-like structure. Known for its exquisite design, the Lotus Mahal is one of the few buildings that withstood both Mughal attacks and the passage of time. Many Hampi tour packages feature this architectural marvel as a critical stop on the itinerary.

Maha Navami Dibba

Like many other buildings in Hampi, the Vijayanagara Empire constructed the Maha Navami Dibba. It was built to celebrate the victory of the empire over Udayagiri. This is also where the Vijayanagara king used to celebrate the Dussehra festival. This is where the royal family performs activities, so significant events are happening. Due to its importance, this site has been put on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Therefore, this is among the places that everyone should visit in Hampi.

Malyavanata Raghunatha Temple

At the top of Malyavanta Hill is the Sri Malyavanta Raghunath Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama. Built by Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Kingdom, this temple is steeped in mythology. People believe that Lord Ramachandra and his brother Lakshmana stayed here during the monsoon season while searching for Sita. The temple offers one of the best sunset views in Hampi, making it a favourite among visitors. Many Hampi tour packages include this temple as a critical spot for its spiritual and scenic significance.

Matanga Hill

Located just one kilometre from Hampi's main bus stop, Matanga Hill is the highest point in the area. It offers a stunning panoramic view of the town. According to the Ramayana, this hill was the site of Saint Matanga's monastery, hence its name. It’s one of the favourite places to visit in Hampi for both locals and tourists, who enjoy the scenic trek to its peak.

Queen’s bath

The royal family used the Queen's Bath, part of the Royal Enclosure, during the Vijayanagara Empire. It is famous for its unique architecture, including intricate balconies. This 500-year-old water enclosure was carefully designed to ensure privacy. Despite being roofless and exposed to the elements, it remains a popular attraction in Hampi tour packages for its historical charm and architectural marvel.

Royal Enclosure

A significant Royal Enclosure was the nucleus of the Vijayanagara Empire. The royal family used it, and most considerable durbar events occurred there. The ruins comprised the Granaries, the Palace of Krishnadevraya, and the Hazara Rama Temple. Close to it is the Zenana Enclosure, and around are some remnants of granaries. One of the major places to visit in Hampi, it offers a deep dive into the empire's royal history.

Stepped Tanks Hampi

The Stepped Tank, unearthed by the Archaeological Survey of India between 1980 and 1983, is located within the Durbar Area of Hampi's Royal Enclosure. Constructed from finely detailed black stone blocks, it’s one of Hampi's most well-preserved and striking structures. The clever stone channels that brought water into the tank remain intact, making it a must-see in many Hampi tour packages.

Tungabhadra Dam

The Tungabhadra Dam, also known as TB Dam or Pampa Sagar, is a lake that flows over the Tungabhadra River. It is situated about 20 km southwest of Hampi in Hospet, Karnataka, and it's quite a beautiful place, especially when the sun sets on the water against which it reflects itself. Since Hampi does have its fair share of places for scenic visits, this is a peaceful getaway for those looking at the options.

Vijaya Vittala Temple

Among the greatest architectural monuments at Hampi, Vijaya Vittala Temple was constructed in the 16th century. Apart from these Vijaya Vittala and Hathilingala temples in Hampi, its stone chariot is a wonder. It stands as the pride of its temple complex. It consists of many other intricately carved structures across a vast stretch of space. Most of the Hampi tour packages highlight it for its historical importance and breathtaking architecture.

Vira Harihara Palace

Another site to be noticed is the Vira Harihara Palace at the Royal Enclosure near Hazara Rama Temple. The house gives quite an interesting peek into the royal past, although only the ground floor stands today. Records show from the 1400s that the surrounding area of the palace was also mentioned as Mint, making it even more historical as a place to visit in Hampi.

Virupaksha Temple

On the banks of the Tungabhadra River stands a UNESCO World Heritage site, built in the 7th century. Virupaksha Temple is one of the ancient temples in the city and holds great importance. This shrine is of Lord Virupaksha, a form of Lord Shiva. Once, it was a part of the huge Vijayanagara Kingdom. It attracts pilgrims and tourists and forms part of any Hampi tour plan.

Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple

It is located two kilometres from the Virupaksha Temple. The Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple sits atop Anjaneya Hill and is inside a cave. Sri Vyasaraja, the Rajaguru of the Vijayanagara Kingdom, established this 500-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. As one of the most spiritual places to visit in Hampi, it attracts devotees and tourists alike for its serene setting and historical importance.

Zenana Enclosure Hampi

The Zenana Enclosure, built during the height of the Vijayanagara Empire, served as the royal women’s quarters. Inside the enclosure are several vital structures, including the famous Lotus Mahal, the Queen’s Palace Basement, and three guard towers that ensure security. Travellers frequently include this area, which is rich in history and architecture, in Hampi tour packages due to its significance in the royal lifestyle of the era.