India Tourism

Hampi was once the glorious capital of mighty Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1565), from the Deccan Plateau to the tip of the Peninsula. Founded in the middle of the 14th century by two local princes, Hukka & Bukka, the Vijayanagara empire came to be celebrated for its might and wealth and as a showpiece of imperial magnificence. The emperors of this dynasty were great patrons of art and architecture which can still be seen in the vast ruins of Hampi. In an effort to resurrect this abandoned capital, the government has been involved in the restoration, excavation and protection of the ruins which spread over an area of 26 sq. kms. The terrain is dominated by rocky hills and the mighty Tungabhadra river which flows through this rugged landscape.

Temparature (°C):
Summer: Max 41, Min 37
Winter: Max 27, Min 24
Best Season: October to March

How to get there

	Air: The nearest airport is Bellary (77 kms) which is connected by Vayudoot flights to Bangalore. Belgaum (259 kms) is connected by Indian Airlines flights to Bombay. Bangalore (353 kms) is linked to most parts of India by Indian Airlines and Vayudoot flights.
	Rail: The nearest railhead is hospet (13 kms) which is connected to Bangalore, Hubli and guntakal.
	Road: Hampi is connected by road to Aihole 156 km (via Hospet,Hungund); Badami 189 km (via Hospet, Hungund); Bangalore 353 km (via Hospet,Chitradurga); Bellary 77 kms, Bidar 379 kms (via Gulbarga, Homnabad); Bijapur 254 kms (via Hospet); Hungund Gadag 91 kms, Gulbarga 264 kms (via Sindhnur); Guntakal 133 kms (via Bellary); Hassan 335 kms (via Hospet, Chitradurga, Hosdurga, Arsikere); Hospet 13 kms, Hubli 154 kms (via Gadag); Hyderabad 416 kms (via Raichur, Mahaboobnagar); Mysoer 366 kms (via Chitradurga, Tiptur, Chennarayapatna); Raichur 194 kms (via Gangawati, Sinnur); Tungabhadra Dam 17 kms.
	Local Transport: Hampi is connected by frequent bus services to Hospet which is connected with Anegondi, Badami, Bagalkot, Bangalore, Belgaum, Bijapur, Hyderabad, Guntakal, Kamalapur, Mantralaya, Munirabad, Mysore, Mangalore etc. Tourist taxis may be hired from Hospet an Bicycles can be hired from Kamalapur.

Places of Interest

Virupaksha Temple
Monolithic Ganeshas
Krishna Temple
Monolithic Narasimha
Hazara Rama Temple
Elephant Stables
Zenana Enclosures
Royal Performance Zone
Royal Residences
Quieen's Bath
Vittala Temple
Achyuta Raya Temple
Kodandarama Temple
Museums & Art Galleries
There is an Archaeological Survey of India Museum in Kamalapur which has a collection of sculptures found in the region. Entrance free.
Timings: 1030-1800 hrs. Friday Closed.

Excursions

TUNGABHADRA DAM (17 kms)
15 kms from Hospet is the site of the dam built across the Tungabhadra river. The high masonry dam is about 590 metres long and 49 metres high. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 1,32,559 million cu.ft. of water spread over an area of 379 sq. kms.
Regular bus services are available from Hospet.

The Region