Hampi in India is one place that is considered venerable enough to be awarded the status of UNESCO World Heritage site, and if you dig around a little, literally, you will find it very easy to see why. As is common knowledge, Hampi is a world famous ancient ruins site of civilisations of the past. Some lesser known facts are that it was influenced by the Vijajayanagars, houses a temple that has wheel architecture in front, and that it has a wildlife sanctuary that boasts of sloth bears’ existence. Not necessarily in that order. So, whether you’re looking for a laid-back vacation, a historically educative experience, or some time to give yourself. Hampi’s a good idea any day. Check up on the weather, and start packing as we count down the 10 absolute best destinations of here.
1. Virupaksha Temple
India and other heritage tourism spots are renowned for their glorious temples and palaces and this temple is the one that lends the majority of such glory to Hampi. A true temple as old as time, Virupaksha Temple’s inauguration and functioning dates back to the 7th century, making it the most ancient and revered temple here. It is famous for musical involvement and has something to satisfy architecture, history and religion devotees.
2. Sasivekalu Ganesha
Sasivekalu Ganesha is the Hindu God of wit and wisdom, and this destination in Hampi is devoted to exactly that lord. There are spectacular statues of him, and architecture in the shape of mustard. There are wonderful views of land for miles around and photo opps shutterbugs would kill for.
3. Kadalekalu Ganesha
No wonder the ancient folks were so intelligent, building roads and bath houses that leave modern architects scratching their heads in puzzlement. Well, now you know that the secret to their success was their very devout worship of the Kadalekalu Ganesha, proven by this second consecutive memoriam to him. This temple and statue is for the history and architecture buffs out there.
4. Matunga Hill
The beauty of Hampi lies in the fact that it provides amazingly clutter free landscapes even with such architectural heavyweight glamour nearby. Matanga Hill is one such open-air spot, a hilly region where you can go backpacking, trekking and climbing.
5. Hemakuta Hill Temple
This one is a double whammy of Hampi Tourism. It has hills, the open-air charm element of Hampi, and architectural, religious glamour in form of one of the many temple groups that earned Hampi the UNESCO tag. Hemakuta Hill Temple is for a date with religion and history, you can worship, photograph or look around for miles from high up.
6. Hampi Bazaar
Whoever heard of tourism without a little bit of shopping? You know how offended the folks at home are going to be if you return empty handed. Here’s a fun fact: old world people loved shopping too, and they met their needs at Hampi Bazaar. This bazaar had gone to ruins, but is now being desperately revived by authorities and is a popular tourist spot as a result.
7. Pampa Sarovar
Pampa Sarovar is one of the most popular tourist spot in Hampi, great for photography especially when the Sun is setting, and holds special interest for lovers of history and architecture.
8. Achyutaraya Temple
Achyutaraya Temple is another of the many gorgeous temples in and around Hampi and is dedicated to worshipping Lord Krishna. With sculpture that reminds one of Alexandria, it is best watched at sunrise and sunset.
9. Sunset Point
Sunset Point is the ideal place to go to if you’re looking for a perfect sunset, it is eponymous actually. It serves the joint purposes of nature, photography and adventure lovers, as it is also a trek trail.
10. Mathanga Temple
This is like an amalgamation of Matanga Hill and Matanga Temple, both amazing tourist spots in their own right. This is a hilly place where there is a good chance of falling over if you climb without proper shoes on, so do the needful. It is under constant maintenance, and is particularly mesmerizing at dusk.
Hampi is a lot of things. Hampi is UNESCO recognized. Hampi has more temples that many cities put together. Hampi can put you in mind of glorious pasts. Hampi has hills where you could go trekking. Most of all, Hampi can delight both your mind and your heart, notwithstanding the eyes, if you pay it a visit. So, what are you waiting for? Go right ahead!
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