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Heritage Hampi was the capital city of the powerful South Indian Vijayanagar Empire. Founded by Harihara and Bukka in 1336, it fell to the Muslim rulers of North
India in 1565 after the disastrous Battle of Talikota, and subsequently lapsed into decline and abandonment. The onceproud city of victory is now a city of desolation. However, the ruins of these historical monuments have stood the ravages of man and time and still evoke memories of the grandeur of a bygone era.
Set amidst an awesome boulderstrewn landscape along the banks of the Tungabhadra river 12km away from the sleepy town of Hospet in Bellary district, Hampi was the magnificent capital of the mighty Vijayanagar kingdom. “The city is such that the pupil of the eye has never seen a place like it, and the ear of intelligence has never been informed that there existed anything to equal it in the
world,” marvelled a 15th century Persian ambassador. There were opulent palaces, marvellous temples, massive fortifications, baths, markets, aquaducts, pavilions, stables for royal elephants, and elegantly carved pillars. This was a city whose merchants offered diamonds, pearls, fine silks, brocades, horses, and, according to
one Portuguese visitor, “every sort of thing on earth.” A visit to Hampi is a sojourn into thr past.The best way to experience this World Heritage Site is to take a leisurely stroll through the eloquent ruins. Most of the important structures and ruins are located in two areas, which are generally referred to as the Royal Centre and the Sacred Centre. The Royal Centre in the southwest part of the site contains structures that seem to have been palaces, baths, pavilions, royal stables, and temples for ceremonial use. The Sacred Centre is situated on the northern edge of the city along the banks of the holy Tungabhadra river. The ruins of Hampi are extensive and fascinating enough to absorb your attention for several days. There is always something new to discover in Hampi. If you are in a hurry, a day or two will suffice to see all the important structures. Photography and archaeology buffs should plan on staying a little longer.
King's Palace
This is the largest enclosure, including two major platform structures, an underground chamber which must have served as a treasury or private audience hall, several other platforms, double fortification walls, and several other interesting architectural elements.
Mahanavami Dibba
Equally impressive is the massive Mahanavami Dibba, where the kings once sat on gem-studded golden thrones and watched processions pass by. The platform sports densely carved bands of horses, soldiers, and depictions of the various aspects of courtly life.
Queen's Bath
This structure has a very plain exterior but the interior is stunningly ornate, with graceful arched corridors, projecting balconies, and lotus-shaped fountains that used to spout perfumed water for the ladies of the court.
Lotus Mahal
This visually appealing structure has two levels, with open pavilions at the bottom and balconies above. An elegant example of the fusion of the Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture, the Mahal derives its name from its beautiful, geometrically-arranged cusped arches that resemble the petals of a flower opening to the sun.
Elephant Stables
An imposing edifice with arched entrances and many domes that once housed the magnificent state elephants.
Pushkarni
The stepped water tank, excavated in the mid-1980s, was originally a part of the palace complex. Almost lyrical in its beauty, the tank is a tiered structure crafted from rectangular pieces of granite.
Hazara Rama Temple
The Vithala Temple is Hampi’s crowning glory, with a magnificent stone chariot standing in the temple courtyard. Equally impressive is the large ranga mantapa with 56 musical pillars that resound with musical chimes when struck.
Virupaksha Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Pampadevi, this is the only temple that is still used for worship. Parts of the temple predatethe Vijayanagar empire. The temple, with its nine-storied gopuram, towers above the other structures at Hampi. The ceiling of the ranga mantapa is beautifully painted with scenes from the epics and Puranas.
Lakshminarasimha
The awesome 6.7m high monolith depicting the man-lion form of Vishnu is seated on a seven-hooded serpent.
Badavilinga
Located next to the Lakshminarasimha statue, it is 3m high and stands permanently in water that flows through an ancient channel.
Ganesha Images
Two Ganesha images (Sasuvekalu and Kadalekalu) can be seen on the slopes of the Hemakuta Hill. One of them is enclosed in a temple with unusually tall pillars, while the other is in an open hall. monkey king Sugriva of Ramayana fame. Anjanadri Hill, near Anegundi, is believed to be the birthplace of the monkey-god Hanuman. Anegundi and its tranquil environs are dotted with forgotten temples and fortifications. The dilapidated Huchappayana Matha Temple, near the river, is worth a peek for its black stone lathe-turned pillars and fine panels of dancers. The other places of tourist interest are the sacred Pampa Sarovara, Aramane (a ruined palace,) and the Ranganatha Temple.
With its beautifully chiselled temples, this World Heritage Site on the banks of the
Malaprabha river bears testimony to the richness of Chalukyan architecture. Pattadakal reached its pinnacle of glory under the Chalukya kings and was once
used as a ceremonial centre where kings were crowned and commemorated. It
has a cluster of 10 major temples, each displaying interesting architectural
features. At the entrance of the site, you can see the 8th century temples of
Jambulinga, Kadasiddeshvara, and Galaganatha with their curvilinear shikaras or spires. The biggest temple, dedicated to Virupaksha, has a huge gateway, several inscriptions, and a profusion of friezes from the epics. Facing the temple is a pavilion containing a massive nandi. The Mallikarjuna Temple is similar in design to
Virupaksha Temple, but smaller in size. The ornate Papanatha Temple is yet
another impressive piece of architecture, with delicately chiselled ceilings and a 16-pillared main hall. The Sangameshwara Temple dating from the reign of King Vijayaditya (696–733 AD) is the earliest temple in this complex.
A tranquil village on the banks of the Malaprabha river, Aihole is acclaimed as the cradle of Hindu temple architecture. There are hundreds of temples in the villages and fields nearby. The most impressive one is the Durga Temple with its semicircular apse, elevated plinth, and the gallery encircling the sanctum. The Lad Khan Temple, which is one of the earliest temples, was originally a royal assembly
hall and marriage mantapa chosen as the abode of a Muslim prince, Lad Khan.
The Huchimalli Temple with a sculpture of Vishnu sitting atop a large cobra, the
Ravalphadi Cave Temple celebrating the many forms of Shiva, the Konti Temple
Complex, the Umamaheswari Temple, the Jain Meguti Temple, and the twostoried
Buddhist Temple are other sights worth seeing
- Day 1
8.30 a.m.- Convene at our office; say bye bye to home; drive down to "Jog Falls"- 8hrs drive from here via Tumkur; Bellary, Hospet.
- Day 2
Arrive to the "Hampi"; Check in to hotel, refresh after b/fast; spend your day at leisure visiting Hampi; return for lunch and relax; evening take a stroll at temple, return to room for night dinner.
- Day 3
Day begins with short drive to "Pattadkal" visit the temple and relax here till lunch, after lunch short drive to "Aihole", visit temple and evening at your leisure, after dinner, drive back to home.
- Day 4
Welcome home at Sun rise.
Tariff
=Rs 2499/-
Includes
- 2 cycle simple Hygienic Veg b/fast, lunch and non-veg dinner(limited to Chicken only)
- Accommodation on mulitple sharing in a deluxe room at decent hotel
- Forest entry fees and guide charges
- Comfortable transportation
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