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Hampi

The magnificent ruins of Hampi dot an unearthly landscape that has captivated travelers for centuries. Heaps of giant boulders perch precariously over miles of undulating terrain, their rusty hues offset by jade-green palm groves, banana plantations and paddy fields. While it’s possible to see this World Heritage Site in a day or two, plan on lingering for a while.

The main travelers’ ghetto has traditionally been Hampi Bazaar, a village crammed with budget lodges, shops and restaurants, and towered over by the majestic Virupaksha Temple. Tranquil Virupapur Gaddi, across the river, has become a popular hang-out. However, recent demolitions in both areas have seen businesses closed.

Direct daily flights to Jindal Vijaynagar Airport, 22 miles (35km) south of the ruins, mean that Hampi has never been more accessible.

Explore Hampi

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Hampi.

  • Hindu Temple

    Vittala Temple

    Hampi's most exquisite structure, the 16th-century Vittala Temple stands amid boulders 2.5km from Hampi Bazaar. Work possibly started on the temple during…

  • Hindu Temple

    Virupaksha Temple

    The focal point of Hampi Bazaar is this temple, one of the city’s oldest structures, and Hampi’s only remaining working temple. The main gopuram (gateway)…

  • Hindu Temple

    Achyutaraya Temple

    At the southern end of Sule Bazaar is the beautiful Achyutaraya Temple, dating from 1534, one of the last great monuments constructed before the fall of…

  • Historic Site

    Sule Bazaar

    Halfway along the path from Hampi Bazaar to Vittala Temple, a track to the right leads over the rocks to deserted Sule Bazaar, one of ancient Hampi’s…

  • Ruins

    Zenana Enclosure

    Northeast of the Royal Centre, within the walled ladies’ quarters, is the Zenana Enclosure. Its peaceful grounds and manicured lawns feel like an oasis in…

  • Ruins

    Queen’s Bath

    South of the Royal Centre you’ll find various temples and elaborate waterworks, including the Queen’s Bath, deceptively plain on the outside but amazing…

  • Hindu Temple

    Lakshimi Narasmiha

    An interesting stop along the road to Virupaksha Temple is the 6.7m monolithic statue of the bulging-eyed Lakshimi Narasmiha in a cross-legged lotus…

  • Wildlife Reserve

    Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

    Amid scrubby, undulating terrain 21km south of Hampi, the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary nurses a large population of free-ranging sloth bears in an area of…

  • Ruins

    Mahanavami-diiba

    The Mahanavami-diiba is a 12m-high, three-tiered platform with intricate carvings and panoramic vistas of the walled complex of ruined temples, stepped…

  • Museum

    Archaeological Museum

    Boasts a fine collection of sculpture from local sites, plus neolithic tools, 16th-century weaponry and a large floor model of the Vijayanagar ruins. Don…

  • Archaeological Site

    Elephant Stables

    This grand building with 11 domed chambers is where the state elephants once resided – each chamber has a small opening where mahouts (keepers) entered…

  • Hindu Temple

    Krishna Temple

    Built in 1513, Krishna Temple is fronted by an apsara (celestial nymph) and 10 incarnations of Vishnu. It’s on the road to Virupaksha Temple near Lakshimi…

  • Statue

    Nandi Statue

    At the eastern end of Hampi Bazaar is a Nandi statue, around which stand some of the colonnaded blocks of the ancient marketplace. This is the main…

  • Historic Site

    Hemakuta Hill

    To the south, overlooking Virupaksha Temple, Hemakuta Hill has a scattering of early ruins, including monolithic sculptures of Narasimha (Vishnu in his…

  • Ruins

    Lotus Mahal

    Part of Hampi's Zenana Enclosure, this delicately designed pavilion was supposedly the queen’s recreational mansion.

  • Hindu Temple

    Hazarama Temple

    Features exquisite carvings that depict scenes from the Ramayana, and polished black-granite pillars.

  • Ghat

    Ghats

    These stepped bathing ghats (landings) are just north of Virupaksha Temple.They're still used by village women.

  • Hindu Temple

    Underground Virupaksha Temple

    This temple is at a lower level than the surrounding structures. It's on the western side of the Royal Centre.

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Hampi.

  • Activities