Hampi, India-a place of worship that is of great importance not only for lovers of ancient architecture, but also for adherents of the Hindu faith. One of the most famous and most visited tourist sites located within this huge country.
General information
Hampi is a small village located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in northern Karnataka. It is almost 350 km from Bangalore, the state capital, and 25 km less from the resorts of Goa. One of the most ancient settlements in India is famous for having a large number of important architectural attractions, most of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Despite the long history of their existence, many of them are perfectly preserved to this day, although there are some of which only stones with elaborate carvings remain. By the way, the local population is very attentive to their heritage, so some monuments are at the stage of restoration.
The first thing that catches your eye when approaching Hampi is the huge blocks of stone scattered throughout the surrounding area, and the vast rice fields where only a few local residents work. In general, the way of life in this village is exactly the same as it was many years ago. Men fish on the same round bamboo boats as their ancestors, women take care of children and household chores, and pilgrims “beat the thresholds” of ancient Hindu temples dedicated to different gods. It also hosts the annual Vijayanagara Festival and large-scale rock climbing competitions that bring together extreme athletes from all over India.
Historical background
The history of the famous village is closely connected with Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, on the ruins of which it was actually built. Accordingly, all the monuments that are the main pride not only of the village itself, but of the whole of India, are nothing more than part of the ancient city that existed more than 400 years ago (from 1336 to 1565). At that time, the country was divided into several separate kingdoms, which like houses of cards fell under the pressure of Muslim forces. troops. Vijayanagra became the only Indian principality that was able to give a worthy rebuff to the enemy. Moreover, it was able to survive even the era of the Delhi Sultanate, known for its irreconcilable attitude towards representatives of Hinduism.
Over time, the city grew and strengthened so much that it managed not only to annex the entire southern part of India, but also to become one of the richest capitals in the world. Diamonds were sold in kilograms in the city bazaar, palaces were beaten with pure gold, and the streets were decorated with beautiful temples, statues of Hindu deities and magnificent rose gardens, for the arrangement of which local builders had to change the riverbed.
Even then, in the 14th and 16th centuries, Vijayanagra had a sewage system and a water supply system, and the city itself was guarded by a 40-thousandth army and 400 war elephants, to whose tusks sharp swords were attached. Scientists say that in the heyday of the Vijayanagara capital, the area was up to 30 square kilometers, and the population reached 500 thousand people. At the same time, they settled according to a certain principle: the richer and closer to the king, the closer to the center.
But all this sank into oblivion after the battle of Talikot, which the local army defeated the Islamic forces. After that battle, what remained of the once-strong and rich empire were only majestic ruins scattered over 30 km of territory.
What can you see in Hampi today?
Hampi is home to a number of truly unique attractions that take at least 2 days to explore. In this article, we will describe only the main ones.
Virupakshi Temple
Looking at photos of Hampi (India) in tourist avenues, you probably noticed a majestic temple complex dedicated to the god Shiva. It is not only the largest but also the oldest architectural monument that existed in the Vijayanagara Empire. Visitors to the temple, whose entrance is marked by a huge gopuram (gate), are greeted by the goddess in the form of an elephant. She will perform a puja for you and give you her blessing for good endeavors.
Unlike other Indian gopurams, the Virupaksha Temple gate is full of not only sculptures of various Indian deities, but also scenes of erotic content. The territory of the complex impresses with its scale. In addition to the sanctuary itself, there is a swimming pool, a kitchen and royal chambers. Under the main building flows the Tungabhadra River, associated with Virupakshi’s wife, Pampa.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the church was completely restored. Currently, it annually receives a huge number of pilgrims coming here from all over India. At the same time, the largest number of visitors is observed in December, when a traditional wedding festival is held in Hampi.
Vittal Temple
Located next to the village market and dedicated to the supreme deity Vishnu, the Vittala Temple is considered the most beautiful structure in the Vijayanagara ruins. The main characteristic feature of this temple is the singing mini-columns that reproduce all 7 notes as well as any musical instrument (there are 56 of them in total). The inner halls of the sanctuary are decorated with unusual figures of musicians and dancers, and one of the halls, called the hall of one hundred columns, served for wedding ceremonies. Scientists say that in earlier times, both the Vitthala and the chariot in front of it were painted with mineral-based paint, which protected them from the sun and rain. Perhaps that is why both buildings are well preserved to this day.
Stone Chariot
The stone chariot or Stone Chariot has long been the most important symbol of Hampi. Designed for the movement of the high gods, it was created from individual blocks – and with such precision and skill that the joints between the stones can not be distinguished. The wheels of the quadriga are shaped like a lotus and can easily rotate around its axis. According to one of the local legends, everyone who was able to scroll these gears, acquired various religious merits. However, a few years ago they were reliably recorded, trying to protect not only from curious tourists, but also from religious fanatics. Stone Chariot is carried by sacred elephants, the size of which is much smaller than the burden assigned to them.
Narasimha Monolith
No less famous attraction of Hampi (India) is the 7-meter statue of Narasimha, carved from a rock monolith in 1673. Dedicated to the next incarnation of Vishnu, this statue represents a man with the head of a lion, immersed in a state of deep trance. It has long been believed that the Narasimha monolith has divine power and protects the inhabitants of Vijayanagara from various adversities. For some reason, the Muslims left this sculpture intact, so now it is in almost perfect condition.
The Lotus Palace
The Lotus Mahal, which resembles an open lotus bud, is considered the most beautiful structure of the so-called women’s quarter. The purpose of this luxurious pavilion remains unclear, but it was clearly of a secular nature and most likely served for the recreation of court ladies. In the architecture of this building, you can see both Indian and Arabic motifs. Both floors of the palace are designed so that the wind roams inside the premises, and above the window openings you can still see special hooks that held the curtains.
Royal Elephant House
Home to the finest royal elephants, the Royal Elephant House has 11 spacious chambers topped by tall Muslim domes. It is believed that in the central hall of the elephant house there was a court orchestra, whose concerts were attended not only by musicians, but also by the elephants themselves. There are even preserved metal fasteners, for which the protruding animals were tied. Next to the stalls, there is a swimming pool and fountains where tired elephants quench their thirst.
Monkey Temple
The main attractions of the ancient city of Hampi are rounded off by a small Hindu shrine located on the top of Matanga. You can reach it by using stone steps, which pilgrims prefer to walk barefoot. This structure itself, perhaps, is no different from many other objects scattered around the country. But believe me, in no other corner of India will you see so many wild monkeys and such an incredibly beautiful sunset, the impression of which is enhanced by the view of the ancient city ruins. It is best to climb the mountain after 17: 00, when the heat subsides.
How to get there from Goa?
If you do not know how to get from North Goa to Hampi (India), use one of the following methods.
By train
Many tourists prefer the night train, which has everything for a comfortable journey. You can catch it at 2 stations: Vasco Da Gama (if coming from the north of Goa) and Margao (if coming from the south). The train arrives at the Hospital station around noon. Then you need to take a taxi or hire a moto-rickshaw. A one-way ticket costs about$20.
The current schedule can be viewed on the official website of the Railway of India www.indianrail.gov.in
By bus
There are several regular buses between Hampi and Goa that belong to different transport companies. Flights depart from Bangalore and Panaji Central Bus Stations (night, at 19:00). At the same time, the most comfortable conditions are offered by “Sleeper Bus”, equipped with folding seats. The road to the village takes at least 8 hours. The ticket costs from $ 7 to $ 11, depending on the flight. It is better to buy them on the official website of the company or through a special mobile application. In tourist offices, tickets are twice as expensive.
On a note! Judging by the reviews of forum users, the most reliable local carrier is “Paulo Travels”.
In a rented car with a driver
This option can be called the most expensive without exaggeration, because you will have to pay at least$100 for a car and gasoline. In addition, the roads in Goa are simply terrible, so the road from one state to another will take quite a long time.
With an organized tour
An organized excursion from Goa to Hampi (India) is the easiest way and the most convenient. A comfortable bus with tourists departs in the late evening. The journey takes about 7 hours. The cost of the trip, which is from $ 80 to $ 110, includes a transfer, accommodation in a 3* hotel, entrance tickets to all temples, breakfast and the services of an experienced guide. The 2-day program includes a trip to the ancient city of Malyavanta and a visit to the majestic temple complexes dedicated to the Indian gods.
The next morning you will meet on the Matanga hill, which offers a wonderful panorama of the surrounding village (at dawn you can take a lot of great photos). Then you will explore several other religious and architectural monuments, walk through the ancient bazaar, as well as a trip to the elephant house and a small museum dedicated to the history of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Useful tips
When visiting Hampi, India, check out the recommendations of those who have already visited this iconic place:
- There are many mini-hotels in the village, so if you want to stay here for a longer time, you will definitely not have any problems with housing.
- The most affordable accommodation options are located on the left bank of Tungabhadra. However, in this case, you will have to cross daily to the right side by boat, which departs every 15-20 minutes, but runs only until sunset.
- Many tourists prefer to settle in Hospet, a small town located 13 km from Hampi. You should not do this. First, traveling from one point to another can cost a lot of money. Secondly, you will deprive yourself of a unique chance to fall asleep and wake up in this atmospheric place.
- The best time to visit the village is from October to March, when the air temperature in India drops to a comfortable 25-27°C. If you go here in the middle of summer, bring plenty of water and be sure to wear a light headdress-it is simply unbearable to be near the monoliths heated by the sun.
- If you plan to use tut-tuk, specify the duration of services and the price immediately. Rickshaws are usually paid$ 7 a day.
- When going to Hampi, stock up on plenty of repellents – because of the proximity of swamps, there are a lot of mosquitoes here.
- The population of India piously honors the traditions of their ancestors and strictly adheres to the established rules. So as not to offend anyone, behave more modestly both on the streets and in temples.
- The most convenient way to explore local attractions is by scooter. Rent together with gasoline will cost $ 3-3. 5. You can put a local guide in the back – he will show you the way and guide you through the brightest and most interesting places.
- But it is better to give up the bike, especially for those who are not in the best physical shape. The terrain in the village is quite hilly, there is little natural shade – it will be very difficult.
- As in North Goa, you can’t go into the open temples of Hampi without shoes on – so as not to catch the fungus, take socks with you.