“Hampi – An Ultimate Treat for Monument Loversâ€
Posted on July 21, 2008 in Travel by Prarthna
Hampi is very popular for its landscape and historical significance. So mystic is this place that it invites not just tourists but directors too. Myth, one of the most popular movies of Jackie Chan has been shot in Hampi with the ever gorgeous Mallika Sherawat. What makes Hampi so distinctly mysterious is the fact that it lies peacefully along the Tungabhadra River, in Northern Karnataka and is generously laid with monuments, temples, palaces and forts.
Historical evidences suggest that the monuments, forts and palaces have an intrinsic connection with Rome. The baths, ruins and irrigation canals all speak volumes of the medieval period. It is believed that the earliest settlement in Hampi began as early as in the 1st century AD. A lot of Buddhist shrines at Hampi, the capital of Vijaynagar also carry great reminiscence of the medieval era.
Vijaynagar was considered to be the largest Hindu empires in ancient India and was visited by curious travelers like Domingo Paes, Abdur Razak and Nicolo Conti. The entire Southern India flourished in cotton and spice trade from 1509 to 1529. Infact, till date it is regarded as an important trade center owing to its historical abundance.
When is the best time to visit Hampi?
The best months to visit Hampi are from October to March. Hampi gets roasted during the hot summer months of April to June but remains relatively cool from October to February. June to August is not recommended because that is the time when the South West Monsoons hit Hampi.
What sites to visit in Hampi?
The most popular tourist attractions in Hampi are:
- Lotus Mahal
- Virupaksha Temple
- Vithala Temple Complex
- The temple of Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy
- House of Victory
- Hazara Ramaswami Temple
- Daroji Bear Sanctuary
How to reach Hampi?
Hampi is well-connected by air, rail and road.
Air
The closest airport to Hampi is at Tornagallu which is about 32 kilometers from Hospet. Bangalore and Belgaum are other airports that can get you close to Hampi.
Rail
The nearest railway station is Hospet, which is about 13 kilometers from Hampi. Hospet is again well-connected with cities like Bangalore, Hubli, Bijapur and Guntakal.
Road
Hampi, which is 350 kilometers from Bangalore, is also well-connected by road. Regular bus services are also available between Hospet to Hampi.
If timeless monuments fascinate you, then Hampi is just the place to visit!