Reconstructing the Story of Ruins of Hampi

When we had been travelling to Hampi from Badami, I was not sure that, would we like Hampi or not? I heard about this place a bit but travelling to a particular place with a little knowledge is not enough but we took that risk. Although I got answers to all questions as we reached, we were on two days trip but stayed for 5 days. Now I think even a week is less to explore Hampi.

History of Hampi

Seeing the remains of old buildings, you will be excited to know past and History of Hampi, it is said that in History of Hampi that, was the period of the Mughal Empire in the North. Here Vijayanagara Empire was the most powerful, king of this empire was Krishnadeva Raya and you probably know courtier of this empire Tenalirama.
The extent of their empire was as far as the Arabian Sea in the west and there was huge foreign trade between Arabs and this empire. You can easily get ideas by seeing the ruins of Hampi that Foreigners also used to visit this place for trading purpose.
Then what happened is that such a majestic empire turned into blocks today, the only answer to this is the invasion of Marathas and Mughals from the north, and the invasion of Chols from the south led to the end of this empire.
Finally, everything of the empire went into the hand of the Mughals, the Mughals left no stone unturned to break the temples and Idols of the Vijayanagar Empire. At present entire site of Hampi is under the Archaeological Department, even 18-20 Villages of Hampi are under Archaeological Department of India. Nothing can be constructed in these villages, without permission of the Archaeological Department. Yes, I would say here that all villages have good drinking water and electricity supply even roads have been constructed to connect the villages with other parts. you can also enjoy the homestay in these villages, villagers have started homestay in their homes. Rent is also not too much they charge around 500 - 1000 Rs, We were also staying in one such homestay.

Tungabhadra River, Hampi Karnataka

Explore Hampi on Your Feet

Keep on walking and exploring, You will get tired but you can not finish exploring this place. While passing the road in front of Virupaksha temple, you will find pillars and umbrellas resting on both sides of it, it used to be a huge market of the empire. You will see Matanga Hill in front of you, you have to walk till Matanga Hill if you want to enjoy Sunset or Sun Rise, Sunset from this place is really amazing. If you proceed further, you will reach the Vitthal Temple, this temple get closed around 6:00 pm, so you need to plan accordingly if you want to see the temple. You will also get that famous chariot of Hampi at this place. Only Archaeologist can tell you the rationale of building this huge chariot. There are some pillars at the main temple which can be played like a musical instrument but when we went there, some work had been going on so we missed hearing the musical sounds from the pillars.

Famous Chariot of Hampi

Temples of Hampi

The most special thing about South Indian style temples is that there is huge Gopuram, Gopurams are the special gate of the temples even small temples have grand Gopurams, one can not lose sight of them. We have also visited the famous Virupaksha Temple in this order. There are other small temples around the Virupakasha temple, but the main two are Narasimha and temple of Ganesha. When you move from Hampi to Kamlapur you will get to see remains of the main Palace, You can also start from the underground Shiva temple. You will see a network of canals while walking in this portion of Hampi. There is a Hazara Ram temple you must see this temple. The entire Ramayana has been carved by cutting stones, Mythological Events like Rama Vivah (Marriage of Rama and Sita), to his 14 years life in Jungle and Battle of Rama and Ravana is closely engraved on the stone. The entire film of Ramayana will move in front of you when you visit this place. Animals such as Horses, Elephants and Camels are also found on the outer walls of the temple.

Virupakasha Temple Hampi Karnataka

In the ruins of the Raj Mahal, you can also see the presence of foreign people, people of Europe and Arabia have been inscribed on the walls. It is clear from their costumes and camels that people from Europe and Arabs also came here, these people had so much influence in the king that the royal artisans used to make their idols as well as some inscriptions. All these are enough to tell the story of the empire everything of that time are here as a living document. You can easily reconstruct the past by watching remains of the empire even, what those people used to think, what they used to eat and drink etc.
On the other side of the Tungabhadra river, there is Kishikandha, which was once ruled by Bali and Sugriva. Anjana Parvat is a mountain here which is also known as the birthplace of Hanuman.

How to Reach Hampi?

Belgaum Airport is the nearest airport located at a distance of 270km on the other side Banglore airport is also just 300 km from Hampi. If you want to travel by road than Hampi is well connected to Banglore and other cities of Karnataka via Roadways.
If I talk about railways than Hospet is nearest railway station to the Hampi, you have to take a bus or taxi to reach Hampi from Hospet railway station.

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