Hampi is in Karnataka, on the Tungabhadra River, near the border of the modern state of Andhra Pradesh. Among golden granite boulders along the Tungabhadra River in Karnataka, India, is the site of Hampi – in a landscape once dominated by the wonders of the vanished Vijayanagara Empire (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Over 4,000 hectares of desecrated and destroyed temples, markets and palaces bake under the burning Deccan sun. I had a lot of questions about how to access the site, its history and what to see. I had to discover a lot for myself, so – in between the plethora of touristy content – I hope these posts of my actual visit there helps you. As a travel author, I can’t help myself – I’m addicted to helping people get the real facts about a place.
1. Where is Hampi located
Hampi sits on the southern banks of the Tungabhadra River in Karnataka, near the Andhra Pradesh border in southern India. It is roughly 140 km southeast of Badami and Aihole. The surrounding terrain of granite hills and riverine plains gave Vijayanagara natural defences. The nearest town with rail connections is Hospet, about 13 km away. Bangalore is just over 300 kms away, we found it best to drive to Hampi on an excellent national highway, NH 48 and NH 50.
2. Hampi temple history
The Virupaksha Temple, the oldest shrine at the site, was established in the 7th century by the Chalukyas and greatly expanded by Vijayanagara rulers in the 14th century. It remains an active place of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Pampa. Beyond Virupaksha, Hampi boasts more than 1,600 monuments, including the Krishna, Achyutaraya and Vitthala temple complexes, all showcasing classical Dravidian architecture
3. What is Hampi famous for
Hampi was the last capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and at its height was among the world’s richest cities. All that remains is a vast array of temples, palaces, markets and civic structures set amid thousands of acres of spectacular boulder-strewn hills. Visitors flock to see icons like the stone chariot of Vitthala Temple, the monolithic Narasimha statue and the delicately carved Lotus Mahal. I went to see how such a magnificent city could disappear from history.
4. 10 Sentences about Hampi (FAQ)
- Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located along the Tungabhadra River.
- It served as the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from 1336 to 1565 and became one of the world’s wealthiest cities.
- The ruins cover about 4,100 ha and include more than 1,600 monuments.
- The Virupaksha Temple dates back to the 7th century and is still in use.
- Hampi’s architecture exemplifies the Dravidian style with towering gopuras and elaborately carved pillars.
- The site is named after Pampa, a form of Parvati, who, according to myth, performed penance here.
- The city was sacked in 1565 at the Battle of Talikota and abandoned.
- European archaeologists revived interest in Hampi in the 19th century leading to conservation efforts.
- Highlights include the Vittala Temple’s musical pillars and the Queen’s Bath.
- Today, Hampi attracts pilgrims, historians and tourists from around the world who explore the ruins on foot, by bicycle or by coracle ride.
5. Which is the best time to visit Hampi
The ideal season is October to February, when temperatures range from 15–25 °C and post‑monsoon greenery enhances the ruins. Winter also hosts the Hampi Utsav, a cultural festival celebrating music and dance. Summer months (March–June) can exceed 40 °C, making exploration uncomfortable, unless you are a statue carved in stone.
6. Can Hampi be covered in 2 days
Yes. A two‑day itinerary allows you to see major highlights. On Day 1, start at the Vittala Temple, walk along the river to the Krishna Temple, and visit the Narasimha monolith, Lotus Mahal and Elephant Stables Day 2 can include the Queen’s Bath, Mahanavami Dibba (royal platform), Ramachandra Temple, and sunset on Hemakuta Hill.
Yes, two days are enough to see the highlights, provided you resist the urge to photograph every boulder. Good luck with that.
7. Why is Hampi called Lost City
After the Battle of Talikota in 1565, invading sultanates destroyed and plundered Vijayanagara. The capital was abandoned, and its ruins lay forgotten until British archaeologists renewed interest in the 19th century. This period of oblivion led to the nickname “Lost City.”
8. Hampi Karnataka nearest airport
Hampi has no airport; travellers fly into nearby domestic terminals. Vidyanagar Airport (VDY) in Toranagallu is about 30–35 km away and has intermittent flights from Bengaluru on regional airlines, Alliance Air and Star.
Hubli Airport (HBX) lies 160–180 km away and has direct flights from Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad.
9. Hampi Karnataka nearest airport distance
Road distances from Hampi are:
Vidyanagar Airport – 30 km,
Hubli Airport – 180 km,
Kempegowda International Airport (Bengaluru) – 368 km, and
Belgaum Airport – 270 km.
Vidyanagar is a 45‑minute drive, Hubli about three hours and Bengaluru around 5–6 hours by road.
10. Nearest international airport to Hampi
The nearest international gateway is Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bengaluru, roughly 350–368 km from Hampi. Visitors can connect to domestic flights to Vidyanagar or Hubli or hire a car for the 5‑hour journey.
Conclusion
Hampi’s combination of mythic landscapes, monumental architecture and rich history make it an epic destination for travellers and scholars alike. For further exploration of why the Vijaynagar Empire fell, read on.