New York Times recently posted a list of the top 52 must-see places in 2019 on their website. One of the most popular UNESCO approved sites of India Hampi got the second place in the list.
According to a report from the tourism department of India, approx 5.35 lakh tourists visit Hampi last year and 38000 were foreigners. According to the New York Times, it is an ancient archaeological complex and highlighted the site as more accessible by direct flights to Billari from Bengaluru and Hyderabad. an airline. Indian tourism department promised to provide better amenities to tourists at this site of Hampi which is located near the banks of the Tungabhadra river.
Hampi is the only destination in the list of NYT listed not just from India, but entire South Asia.
About Hampi
The ruins of Hampi are in the Ballary district of south Indian state Karnataka. It is situated 40 km from Ballary. These ruins belong to the Vijayanagar Empire which was known as one of the richest towns during the 16th century. Hampi was the capital of this empire. According to historians, it was the second-largest city in the world at that time.
History of Hampi
History of Hampi closely associated with the incidents of the holy book Ramayana. According to the mythological epic, when Lord Rama and his brother were wandering in the forest in search for the trails of Mata Sita (Lord Rama’s wife), who was abducted by the demon king Ravana, Lord Rama and Laxman came to this region in search of Bali and Sugriv (two monkey brother) who ruled in this territory. Lord Rama took help from Sugriv to form an army of monkeys and other animals to fight against the demon king Ravana in order to rescue his wife. Due to such religious and historical value, this place was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tourist Attractions of Hampi
Tourist places of Hampi can be divided into two main areas – The Hampi Bazaar Area and the royal centre near Kanchipuram. With a horde of tourist spots to see in Hampi, this dream-world made of hilly rocks, monoliths, and ruins of ancient time construction is a delight for tourists and therefore is considered as the best place to visit in Karnataka. It hosts the most stunning sunrises and sunsets. It has more than 1000 stone temples.
Temples of Hampi
Hampi is famous for its beautifully carved temples especially the Virupaksha Temple of Hindus near the revived Hindu bazaar. This temple is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha. Apart from several other monuments and temples, It also has very important value in the Hindu religion.
Vijaya Vitahala Temple
Another most impressive structure in Hampi is the Vithala temple dates back to the 16th century. It is a fabulous example of rich architecture. The famous stone chariot is located inside the premises of this temple.
Monkey Temple
This temple is 500 years old and dedicated to Lord Hanumana. Visitors and devotees have to climb up 570 steps to reach this temple. It is located atop at Anjaneya hill. This temple is present inside a cave. The idol of Hanuman is carved on the rock. Also is the small shrine for Rama and his consort Sita inside the temple.
Hemakuta Temple Complex
This temple complex has hill houses and many of them are dedicated to Lord Shiva. They are protected by the hill fort. It is one of the must-visit places to visit in Hampi. This spot is considered as the best location to experience the sunset in Hampi. This place has the largest number of pre-Virupaksha temples. Virupaksha temple is the most popular amongst these temples. It has a pool in its front.
Other Famous Tourist Attractions of Hampi
Apart from temples, Hampi has many other tourist attractions. All the sites have something for historians, families, and photography enthusiasts.
Daroji Bear sanctuary
This sanctuary was established in 1994 exclusively for the preservation of the Sloth Bears. It is spread over in an area of 83.72 km. It is located 50 km from the Ballary. Free-ranging sloth bear can be spotted afar from the viewing platform.
Archaeology Museum
This museum has four different art galleries that house an extensive variety of artefacts, statues, paintings, ancient coins, metal plates, and sculptures. It will take approx. 2 hours to visit this museum. It remains closed on Fridays.
Matanga Hill
This hill offers a panoramic view of the ruins of Hampi. There is a trek of 30 minutes to climb up the hill. Witness the sunrise and sunset over the lovely landscape of Hampi town. During the time of Ramayana, this place was a hermitage of rishi (saint) Matanga.
Monolith Bull
According to the Hindu mythology “Nandi Bull” is a ride of Lord Shiva. The sculpture of Nandi Bull is placed on a high platform. It has been partially ruined now but still attracts the visitors due to its huge size.
Note: Hampi is the only destination from India that has made its way to this list. The other top places in the list include- Santa Barbara, Panama, Munich, and Puerto Rico.