This is the largest festival at Hampi and also known as Vijaya Utsav or Hampi Utsav. Generally, it is scheduled for 3 days during the first week of November. The celebrations typically packed with shows of music, dance puppet shows, fireworks and a pomp procession as the grand finale showcasing the cultural richness of the place. The admission to this festival is free and sponsored by the state. Hampi is a UNESCO approved world heritage site and a lot of national and international celebrities come to this festival to perform their performances.
Highlights of Hampi Festival
Helicopter ride to enjoy the aerial view of the ruins of Hampi.
Adventure sports activities like rock climbing, ladder climbing, rappelling, target shooting, etc.
Activities for kids like face paintings, caricatures and other fun games.
Horse galloping show
Water sports events like swimming competition, motorboat ride, surfing, etc.
Decorated elephants, horses and men dressed up in the military-style
Classical music and dance performances
Light and sound show
Tourist Attractions of Hampi
There are number of UNESCO approved world heritage sites in Hampi. Some of them are listed here.
Vijaya Vithala Temple Complex
This is the most amazing structure in Hampi dates back to the 16th century. Remains of a township named Vittalapura can be seen around the complex of this temple. Impressive pillar hall having 56 musical pillars and 4 open halls are the major highlight of this temple. The ornate pillars with exquisite carvings and sculptures leave the visitors mesmerized. The stone chariot is also known as Ratha temple located inside the campus is another point of tourist attraction.
Hazara Rama Temple
Hazara Rama temple was dedicated to Lord Rama. Being listed as a UNESCO world heritage site this temple was the private place of worship of the royal family. It was built in the 15the century by king Devaraya II of Vijayanagara. The walls of the temple tell the story of Ramayana carved on stone.
Monolithic Bull
Locally known as Nandi or Yeduru Basavanna is a grand piece of architecture. Built on two stories pavilion this gigantic statue attracts a lot of passersby and looks quite appealing. It is located just opposite to the Virupaksha temple.
Bear Sanctuary
Spread over approx 82.72 kms, this sanctuary was created exclusively for the preservation of the sloth bear. The sanctuary is located in the Bellary district of Karnataka. It is a habitat of animals like sloth bears, jackals, mongoose.
Virupaksha Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva this temple was a small shrine and developed into a huge complex under the rule of the Vijayanagara rulers and later during the Chalukya and Hoysala period. It is one of the most famed pilgrim destinations of Hampi.
Elephant Stables
It is one of the major tourist attractions of Hampi These stables were used to provide shelter to the royal elephants of the Vijayanagara empire during the 15th century. It has a row of 11 domed chambers and a good example of Indo-Islamic architecture.
Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex
It is a cluster of temples situated at the top of the Hemakuta hill located on the southern side of Hampi. Tourists get a good view of sunset and sunrise from this hilltop. Most of the temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
This is one of the most imposing sculptures and the largest statue in the ruined town of Hampi. It is approx 6.7 meters tall and displays the rich artistic work of craftsmen of the Vijayanagara Empire.
How to reach Hampi?
It is a small village situated on the northern side of Indian state Karnataka. It is the most important tourist destination of south India.
By Air
The nearest domestic airport is Hubli Airport (HBX). It is approx 144 kms far away from Hampi.
By Bus
There are regular buses available from all the major cities of Karnataka.
By Train
The nearest railway stations are Kariganuru (KRU) and Hospet Junction (HPT). Both are approximately 10 kms far away from Hampi.