Nine Must-See Tourist Destinations in Hampi

Hampi, the crown gem of Karnataka, is dotted with historic sites and ancient ruins that make for an Instagram-worthy historical vacation. Let’s examine the nine must-see sights.

1. Experience Peace at Virupaksha Temple
Step into the majestic 9th-century Virupaksha temple via the tall gopura arches, and as you stroll past the intricately carved stone pillars, you’ll be enveloped in a spiritual aura. Join in the nighttime ceremonies when lights shine on vibrant murthis and chanting fill the sanctum sanctorum, which houses Shiva’s biggest monolithic lingam, Pampa, guaranteeing a potent atmosphere.

Constructed in 850 AD
Lord Shiva’s primary shrine is Virupaksheshwara.
Admission: No Cost
Bring fruits and flowers to worship in order to ask for heavenly favor!

2. Vittala Temple’s Finely Sculpted Pillars
Built at the height of the Hampi Vijayanagara Empire’s dominion, Vittala Temple’s distinctive stone chariot and magnificent pavilion, encircled by 56 musical pillars emitting sounds, will astound you. Allow the ornate mythological building and the cheerful sculptures to inspire your creative photographs with their energy and symmetry for your social media posts!

Constructed in: The early 16th century
renowned for: Ornate sculptures and melodic pillars
Entry cost: thirty tickets
Admire the artistic expression these hand-chiseled pillars represent—the result of commitment!

3. Hemakuta Hilltop panoramas
Imagine yourself as the monarch of Hampi, gazing across the vast expanse of ruins scattered with historic temples, vanished civilizations, and shrines from Hemakuta Hill’s sunset point. Allow yourself to be transported back thousands of years to the early 7th century, when mist-covered hillsides and temple shadows evoked images of regal processions winding downward.

Location: next to the Virupaksha temple, south of Hampi
Highlight of the day: Sunset over the ruins
Entry fee: There is none
As the sun gently sets behind far-off hills, watch the cotton candy sky become golden pink!

4. Royal Traditions at the Shiva Temple Underground
Climb down the tank stairs to enter the underground cave shrines of the 15th-century Hazara Rama temple foundation and go into the heart of history. Look at exquisitely carved stories from the Ramayana on charred pillars that were once a significant royal sanctuary full of grandeur and devotion but are now partially submerged and forgotten.

constructed during King Devaraya II’s reign
Temple hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Entry-level ticket (30
While your mind fills in the blank spaces, marvel at the sheer creative talent involved in turning epics into stone!

5. Wildlife Spotting at the Daroji Bear Sanctuary Attention all lovers of fauna! Take a guided woodland safari to the expansive Daroji sanctuary in Hampi, where views of Indian sloth bears meandering over undulating boulder terrain are possible. Get up early, hold your breath, and tiptoe into the forest to look for unique animals that are scavenging fruits in their 200 square kilometer habitat.

Hours: 6 A.M. to 6 P.M.
Entrance fee: 500 foreigners and 30 Indians
Vehicle fee: Additional costs
Get your binoculars ready for an exciting trip taking pictures of animals!

6. Look for Oddball Memorabilia
Browse through a wide selection of items at Hippie Island, which is close to Virupaksha main market, including metallic semiprecious bookmarks, funny fridge magnets, and psychedelic patterned harem trousers and fabric shoulder bags with mirror embroidery. The quirky charms and trinkets crammed into its charming side alleyways, close to Temple Tank, provide unique retail therapy without breaking the bank!

Dreamcatchers, crop tops, and patchwork fabrics are what to get.
Average cost: Stoles beginning at $200
Budget advice: Be polite while haggling!
Show off your unique jewelry and boho-chic panchos for some travel-inspired Instagram posts!

7. Go Around the Zone of Ancient Ruins
Pedal leisurely around the unpaved paths of the captivating abandoned metropolis in the early morning hours before the tour busses arrive and you have the former capital Hampi, scattered with fragments of old temples, fractured sculptures, and abandoned step wells, all to yourself! Riding by the magnificent Vittala temple and the kings’ chambers now covered in wild branches makes you feel insignificantly small.

Route: The major temple road begins at Kamalapur.
Daily rental: Rs. 100-150
Star: Model of a stone chariot
Savor the peaceful moments as you stand against the weathered ruins of once-mighty civilizations that are now deteriorating with every dawn!

8. Anjaneya Hills 360-Degree Views
A breathtaking aerial view of the extensive ruins landscape stretching for kilometers may be expected as you ascend the bouldered face of Anjaneya Hill summit, which is situated opposite the Hemakuta foothills. Named after Lord Hanuman, this hallowed location has a modest white shrine with his image constructed by local guides, where you may also recite a brief prayer after admiring the gopura of the Virupaksha temple, which rises to a towering height.

Trek takes 45 minutes each way.
Entry cost: There is no admission price.
Ideal time: I like to be up early.
For your Instagram wellness album, strike a stylish yoga stance against the gentle morning sky!

9. By the lake Remain close to the Royal Enclosure.
After doing some historical touring, choose a tranquil getaway like the Krishna Raj Lake View hotel, whose outdoor infinity pools extend beside the historic Kamal Mahal ruins, to really relax. Drink young coconut water while riding through banana fields and taking in the foggy sunrises over the adjacent hamlets that seem to have vanished from time.

Stay beginning at: $3000 per night, including meals
Best activity: Lakeside birdwatching
Where: The Kamalpur Area
Feel history blend with nature as you gaze up at the dazzling starry heavens as your feet are submerged in water.

I hope our Hampi tour inspires you to go soon and have a magical vacation to see stone marvels.