![Hampi](http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/hampi-what-to-see.jpg) Virupaksha Temple: This 5th-century temple located in Hampi Bazaar is one of the most recognized structures of Hampi. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Virupaksha and his consort, the local goddess Pampa. This is one of the finest examples of Vijaynagara architecture and this is evident from the 9-tiered eastern gateway, which at 50 m is the highest. The temple houses shrines dedicated to the gods, a pillared hall and the Ranga Mantapa, which is an open pillared hall. This open hall has close to 38 pillars carved intricately as a mythical lion, with the base having typical Shaivite carvings. The central ceiling is massive in size and is beautifully adorned with bright paintings from Ramayana, Mahabharata and the puranas. The entrance of the temple has the Virupaksha market, which is flanked on one end by the Bistappa’s gopura and the image of Nandi Bull on the other. A large image of Narasimha (6.7 m high), the half-lion, half-man is seen seated under a canopy of a seven-hooded snake as well as a huge linga. Another interesting shrine within the temple is that dedicated to Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, which is especially noted for its carved doors, pillars and finely chiseled panels.
Vijayavitthala Temple: This is by far the most splendid temple complex you’ll see in Hampi. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Vitthala, it is built in typical Dravidian architecture. The hall is created with pillars and the small sanctum houses the idol of the deity. Note that only the main priest is allowed in the sanctum. The temple is flanked by 3 gateways, and the base is heavily carved with the kings army and dancing girls. A special highlight of this temple are the 56 musical pillars, which produce music when tapped. This is however, discouraged to prevent further damage.
The Vitthala Temple is home to the exquisitely carved Stone Chariot, which is actually a miniature temple. It is crafted to resemble the chariot on which idols are taken out in a procession.
Open from: 10.00am – 6.00pm (Staruday-Thursday)
Entry fee – Rs 10
Hazara Rama Temple: This derives its name from the Ramayana panels that adorn the walls. Believed to have been the original temple of the royal family, the external walls have intricate bas relief that narrate episodes from Ramayana. The pillared hall within has beautiful pillars done in black stone. The temple is not in use anymore, though you can visit it to see the shrine dedicated to Devi. The walls of the complex are carved both from within and without. The outer walls depict horses, elephants, dancing girls and infantry in procession; the inner walls showing scenes from Ramayana.
Elephant Stables: Adjacent to the Zenana Enclosure this huge stable is a beautiful example of Indo-Islamic style of architecture. This grand building housed 11 rooms, out of which 10 are adorned with high domes. This was, quite obviously, home to the ceremonial elephants used by the royal family on special occasions.
Open from: 8.00am – 6.00pm
Archaeological Museum: Located in the Bellary district adjoining Hampi, it houses a collection of artifacts of the Vijayanagar Empire. It is divided into three galleries and a sculpture gallery. Popular displays include sculptures dating to the Shaiva faith including Shivalinga, Nandi and Dwaramantapa, arms, brass plates, gold and copper coins, iron objects, limestone Buddhist panels, Jain Thirthankaras and scultures of Ganesha, Hanuman, Lakshmi and Garuda.
Open from: 10.00 am-5.00 pm, Saturday – Thursday
Entry fee – Rs 5
Queen's Bath: This is one of the best-known structures of Hampi built in true indo-sarasanic style. It is a square structure bounded by arched pillars and arched balconies that project over the bath. This was used by the women of the royal household and water was supplied by pipes. The bath has lotus-shaped fountains that once sprouted perfumed water!
Lotus Mahal: Quite obviously, it is shaped like a lotus flower and is a 2-storey structure complete with beautiful archways. Created in indo-Islamic architecture, the lower level was apparently used for recreation and music concerts. The structure is flanked by a high watchtower and has an elephant stable within.
Open from: 8.00 am-6.00 pm
Tula Bhara: Located close to the Vitthala Temple, this was essentially two high carved granite pillars supporting a 12 ft high stone beam with three hoops on the underside. This king’s balance was used to weigh the kings on special occasions like the coronation day against precious diamonds, gems, gold, silver and grains, which would then be distributed among the poor.
Sasivekalu and Kadalekalu Ganesha: These are two huge stone idols of Ganesha, located on the Hemakutam Hill. The Sasivekalu Ganesha is about 2.4 m high and is also called, believe it or not, mustard seed Ganesha. Seated in a round mandapa, the idol is shown holding the ankusa, broken tusk and a looped pasa. Similarly, the Kadalekalu or groundnut Ganesha is also a 4. 5 m high monolith idol carved out of a massive boulder.
Stepped Tank: This is a recently excavated tank made of black stone. A relatively small, but ornately done tank, it is accessible by 5 tiers of proportionately fitted steps. Water to this tank was drawn through a stone aquaduct which is also preserved today.
Ugra Narasimha: Carved out of a single granite boulder, the statue of Narasimha is 6.7 m in height though not much of the original grandeur remains. He is seated on the coils of the serpent Adishesha and is portrayed with bulging eyes and broad chest – a terrifying countenance. The original statue also had Lakshmi seated on his left leg, though this was destroyed long back.
Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary: Located close to Hampi, this is a relatively new sanctuary housing the endangered sloth bears. While you are assured of a glimpse of the tiger, hyena and deer, sights of the sloth bear are not guaranteed since they are largely nocturnal and essentially camera shy! However, get in touch with the forest authorities, who have their own way of getting them out of their habitats for a quick glance. |