Hampi Things to Do

Virupaksha Temple is a Shiva Temple at the end of Hampi Bazaar.
We enjoyed exploring the Temple and the blessing from the Temple Elephant.

A local guy/guide showed us the "secret" way to the Temple roof...

I am an Architect, and history of architecture specially Indian architecture has been my favourite. We studied in very brief about Hampi in college, it was only after visiting there did I realise the beauty of Hampi. I went there as a weekend trip, but Hampi requires good 2 days to observe study and photograph that place (photography specially at nights).
The landscape is beautifully monochromatic, the temple and the ruins just superb. Make sure you get the local map upon your arrival, as I dint and missed on a few things. Among the temples the biggest and the best is the Vijay-Vitthal temple stupendous temple architecture and carvings its even better at night when its lit-up!!
Regarding the stay, Hampi has decent B&B/Home-stay options, ask for directions to local people, these are quite reasonable for INR Rs.1200/- onwards and you can book upon reaching I dont think any online booking would be necessary. Food is available at street side restaurants which would be specifically south-Indian style, but I would recommend a restaurant called Mango-Tree, its a very pretty and cozy restaurant on the banks of the river Tungabhadra (yes you can also have a nice drench in the river). There is another Government operated resort nearby and the food there is reasonably good (still mango-tree is highly recommended).
You can also go for boating in the river they these very unusual looking circular boats just like a shallow bowl and its quite fun, make sure you bargain with the boat rowers.
There is a market place in front of the huge Gopuram (gateway) of the Virupaksha temple, you can get mopeds (two-wheelers) on rent so roaming around Hampi with the bike is an experience in itself, there are also a few archaeological museums go there only if you are interested.

1 more image

Overlooking the Virupaksha Temple in the centre of Hampi village, Hemakuta Hill has a number of small temples on it, many of which are dedicated to Shiva due to the myth that it was on this hill that the god of destructiondid penance before marrying local girl Pampa. The hill is packed with the largest number of pre Vijayanagara temples.

Hemakuta Hill is one among the best places in Hampi to see the sunrise and sunset, and is a comparitively easy climb.

The Royal Enclosure was the seat of power of the Vijayanagara empire until its fall. Sprawling over several hundred square metres, this fortified area is scattered with a number of interesting relics, including the Mahanavami Dibba, the King's Audience Hall and a huge stepped tank.

Near the entrance we found these huge fallen gates. The original structure to which these massive doors were attached to is not known, but from the size of them, one can be easily guess that they adorned the entrance to an important royal building.

The same ticket that gets you into the Vittala temple (250r) will also give you entrance here, as long as you visit on the same day.

1 more image

This magnificent 15th century, domed and long rectangular structure, built in the Indo-Islamic style of architecture, is considered to be the stable for the state elephants. Facing west, it has eleven large domed chambers interconnected with large arched openings. There are shallow niches and doorways in the walls between the arches. The remnants of a structure near the central dome suggest a pillared pavilion on top.

The domes are of various types; circular, octagonal, ribbed and fluted in design, and are symmetrically laid out. There are remnants of ornate stucco and plaster ornamentation, on both the exterior and interior, which was part of the design of the building.

There is access to the roof from a concealed staircase, through a niche by the side of the central chamber.

To the north of the stables are the supposed Guards Quarters (2nd photo).

1 more image

This beautiful little two-storey pavilion, situated within the 'Zenana' Enclosure, is one of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture, with its typically Hindu Base and its Islamic super-structure. Dated to around the 16th century, it is an indented square in plan, with massive piers and cusped arches, which demarcate fourteen bays for the lower pavilion. It has nine pyramidal cupolas on the second storey, of which the central one is the largest.

The exemplary plaster work on the outer faces of the cusped arches are in the form of Kirtimukha (lion-faced) toranas (arch- or gateways). The torana creepers have playful birds perched on them.

The Lotus Mahal is also referred to as the Chitrangini Mahal locally.

The Zenana enclosure is a complex enclosed by tall walls on four sides with entrances at the north and northeast, and watchtowers at the east, southeast and north. It was a secluded area reserved for the royal women.

It contains structures currently identified as a rectangular treasury building facing east, an ornate terraced building, probably the queen's residence, facing north and Jal Mahal (or water pavilion) facing east. To the east of Jal Mahal is the most popular building, the two storeyed Lotus Mahal, to the north of which is a tank. The structures of the Zenana Enclosure are in the Indo-Islamic style of architecture.

Measuring about 46 x 29 metres, the Queen's Palace is the largest palace base excavated in the Hampi ruins so far. The three-tired elaborate base structure speaks of its importance as a palace. The super structure was made of wooden or other less durable materials compared to the stone base.

However, some archaeologists believe that this is not the women's area, due to the presence of the Treasury and the proximity of the Elephant stable and guards quarters. The Queen's Palace may have belonged to the King, and the Lotus Mahal could have been for the meeting of commanders rather than the Queen's ladies.

From the Royal Enclosure you can also get a good view of the neighbouring Danaik's (or Dannayaka's) Enclosure. Archeologists and historians are at different opinions about the erstwhile status of this area, but many believe that this was the area of the city’s administrative and high-ranking officers. The state mint may have been located here, and it is also possible that it had been used as a military training area for the elite army.

The Band Tower is one of the few tall structures that can be spotted from a distance within this large compound, standing near to the south wall of the enclosure between the basement of the palace and the Mosque. This two-storied hexagonal structure has narrow stairways at the northeast side. The lower portion has arched walls joining the pillars around. The upper story has alternate arch and rectangular windows. The dome is multi layered like that of the temples.

Like many other structures among the ruins, the name probably doesn't suggest the erstwhile function of this building. According to archeologists in all probability this would have been a watchtower than a band tower.

There is a further watchtower within this area, known as the Muhammadan watchtower, and is situated in the north west corner. It is a strong and massive square tower, more impressive than the Band Tower; considered the most formidable of its kind in Vijayanagara.