Hampi- The Best Tourist Place in Karnataka for Epic history & Religious Adventure!
- Ankita Ojha
- Aug 3, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 7, 2024
Yo, travel buddies! I’m back with another hidden gem. I’m talking about one of the best tourist places in Karnataka—HAMPI. This spot in Karnataka, India, is an all-in-one travel package with forgotten empires, massive debris, and stunning ancient temples.
Long ago, I wanted to travel to Karnataka, but my family's "majority wins scheme" always made me want to "Stop!" Next time.” Fortunately, last year (2023), in the month of March, I decided to eliminate this place from my wishlist and fulfill my travel desire.
This time, we chose Hampi. The main reason to visit Hampi was to see the famous religious place in Karnataka, Hanuman Temple.
But I wasn’t aware I would find other stunning places as well. Let’s have a visual view of the best places to visit in Karnataka.
5 Best Tourist Places in Karnataka to Have Life’s Soul-Recharging Experience!
When walking through the streets of the kings and queens dynasty, Hampi was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, but now it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site—basically, a super important historical place.
Virupaksha Temple
The first stop is the Virupaksha Temple, a famous temple in Hampi. This highly spiritual 7th-century temple is all about Lord Shiva, who resides here with the name of Virupaksha with his partner Pampa Devi, with the giant gateway towers called gopuram covered in beautiful ancient engravings.
The carvings on the towers are something incredible to discuss. Each stone pillar seems to whisper stories of gods, goddesses, and demons, engraved by talented artists from a bygone era.
When I went inside the temple, the energy was off the charts—perfect for finding your inner peace. It felt like stepping into another world where time doesn't matter and prayers have been said for ages.
Also, after having a conversation with the locals, I found this temple has been through a lot—wars, invasions, even natural disasters—but it's still standing strong, a sign of its toughness and the faith people have in it. People from all over the world come here looking for comfort, advice, or just a little divine help.
And let me tell you, this temple knows how to celebrate moments of happiness and spiritualism! Every year, they have this awesome festival called the “Virupaksha Car Fest.” The streets light up with music and dancing as they parade the god through town. It's wild to be a part of the fest!
When the sun goes down and the shadows stretch across the market outside, you can't help but feel amazed by how ancient and important this religious place in Karnataka is. It's like a living piece of history, right in the heart of Hampi.
Royal Enclosure
If you're feeling like royalty, then you've got to visit the “Royal Enclosure” in Hampi. It’s another best place to visit in Karnataka-Hampi. The locals quote that this area was where the king lived and all his important stuff went down.
Also, let me tell you about the Elephant Stables—they were basically the king's Uber. These grand structures used to house the royal elephants, decorated with all the luxury fit for a pachyderm king.
And lastly, don't miss the “Hazara Rama Temple;” it's like stepping into a fairytale. The temple walls are covered in intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana, making you feel like you're right in the middle of the story.
So, if you want to experience a bit of royal life and get lost in a fairytale, make sure to swing by the Royal Enclosure in Hampi. It's a must-see!
Vittala Temple
The Vittala Temple, one of the great religious places in Karnataka, is a true work of art dedicated to Lord Vishnu. When walking through this ancient temple, surrounded by ancient, beautiful carvings, I felt the energy of devotion. It feels like spirituality is filled in the air, and you will not feel like leaving the place.
In addition, if talking about the “Stone Chariot,” it's like the showstopper of the temple. I’ve been told by the locals that it's not just any chariot; it's a massive stone monument carved to look like a horse-drawn carriage. You've got to see it to believe it!
People come from far and wide to marvel at its beauty and soak in its beauty.
So, if you're into spirituality or just looking for some awe-inspiring sights, the Vittala Temple and its Stone Chariot are must-sees in Hampi.
Hampi Hanuman Temple
Hanuman fans, listen up! You have to visit “Anjaneya Hill.” Hike up for epic views and to visit the temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The most important and must-visit part is that it is Lord Hanuman’s birthplace, also known as Malyavana Hill.
Here, Lord Hanuman is depicted in a chilled-out pose, meditating with a giant hexagonal amulet. The atmosphere of the temple and hill is very peaceful.
Most importantly, reaching the temple is an adventure in and of itself. You'll face a climb of around 570 steps, but don't worry, it's totally achievable, and the views along the way are totally worth it. The view is perfect for snapping Instagram-worthy pics of the view bathed in golden sunlight.
Mind-blowing Facts!
If you visit one of the best religious places in Karnataka, Hampi, keep an eye out for the 12 monkey idols surrounding the main statue. These represent the 12 days of prayer a famous saint named Vyasaraja did before receiving a blessing from Lord Hanuman.
Furthermore, the pillars here, when tapped, sound like different versions of a Tabla instrument and are called instrumental pillars.
Also, after chatting with a female local named Shailya, I got to know that this is also the spot where Lord Rama and Hanuman first met.
Therefore, Anjaneya Hill is a popular spot for pilgrims and tourists. Head there early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the peacefulness of the place. Also, don't forget to bring some water for the climb; it can get pretty hot up there!
Tunghbhadra River, Matanga Hill, and Hampi Bazzars
Don’t forget to take a ride on the “Tungabhadra River.” It's a traditional boat ride that'll give you a totally different perspective on the whole place. Also, climb “Matanga Hill” for sunrise or sunset; the views are killer, and you'll see ancient temples hidden amongst the rocks. That’s incredible!
Next, if you want to experience the real Hampi, hit up the Hampi bazaars! Another tourist place in Karnataka. These markets are full of local crafts, collectibles, and all sorts of cool stuff. Negotiating is practically a must-know here, so get ready to put your bargaining skills to the test! And don't forget to try the yummy local food—those South Indian curries are the bomb.
Which is the Best Month to Visit Hampi, the Best Tourist Place in Karnataka?
Aim for October to March; the weather's sweet during those months. Accommodation-wise, you've got everything from budget guesthouses, hotels to fancy resorts. I stayed in Hotel Mayura Bhubneshwari which was fine with every facility and pocket-friendly.
How to Reach Hampi?
Hampi, located 350 kilometers from Bengaluru, offers multiple ways to travel – by road, rail, or air. For those seeking a quicker journey, Vidyanagar airport is the closest option, situated just 40 kilometers from Hampi.
With daily flights connecting Bengaluru and Hyderabad, it's a convenient choice for travelers looking to explore this historic destination.
Here's the Insider Info: DO NOT FORGET!
· Hire a local guide; they'll spill all the juicy details about Hampi's history and legends.
· Pack comfy shoes—there's a lot of exploring to do!
· Respect the vibes; dress modestly when visiting temples.
· Stay hydrated, especially in the summer; it can get roasting!
Final Thought!
Hampi is one of the best places to visit in Karnataka. So grab your backpack, get ready for an epic adventure, and lose yourself in the magic of one of the best tourist places in Karnataka!
Therefore, when you're back from Hampi, I’ll be back with another hidden gem to explore. SUBSCRIBE Explore and Dine for Latest Updates!
Meanwhile, you can check out my other latest discoveries to plan your trip as per your mood.
Happy Journey!
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