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Old Palace (Gagan Mahal)


Soi Buakhao

The Gagan Mahal was built in the 16th century. Despite the fact that large elements of this palace are lying in ruins, it is still one of the most worthwhile destinations to see in Hampi.

The palace is tiny and golden in colour, with adorned windows and four lovely towers encircling it. You can march to Sarovara Laxmi Temple, Sabari Caves, Nava Brindavana, Durga Temple, and other important religious sites nearby once you arrive.

Between October and March is the greatest time to come. However, keep in mind that there is no public transportation available here.

More About Hampi Tourism

Hampi Tourism

Hampi, the city of ruins, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in the shadowed depth of hills and valleys in the state of Karnataka, this place is a historical delight for travellers. Surrounded by 500 ancient monuments, beautiful temples, bustling street markets, bastions, treasury building and captivating remains of Vijayanagar Empire, Hampi is a backpacker's delight. Hampi is an open museum with 100+ locations to explore and a favourite way to see the city from the perspective of its history.

Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagar empire around 1500 AD, and by some accounts, the second largest city in the world at that time. Over the next centuries it fell out of importance, and now you can explore the ruins of a lot of temples and other structures spread out over a vast area. The terrain around Hampi is as mysterious as the ruins itself - the city is surrounded by boulders of different sizes, and you can climb to the top of them with a little effort to get a stunning view of the entire city and the geography. It is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Famous for its massive, beautifully carved temples, especially the Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to the patron deity of the empire. You can also find remains of the old aqueducts, canals and military barracks and stables here. Hampi was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986 and many efforts have been taken to restore the lost glory of the place - very limited (if any) modern establishments are allowed in the main area, which gives an authentic feel to the ruins.

People Also Ask About Hampi
  • Q: How to reach Hampi?

    Ans:

    There are various ways through which you can reach Hampi. There are plenty of options available that are facilitated by Karnataka Tourism. You can consider the following ways to reach Hampi:

    • By Air: The closest airport to Hampi is situated in Hubli, which is about 143 kilometers. Goa is also an option to consider, so you can then take a bus or drive down to Hampi from there.
    •  By Train: The closest station to Hampi is in Hospet, which is situated at a distance of 13 kilometers away. You can take overnight trains from Hyderabad or Bangalore. One of the best options is to take the Hampi express which is an overnight train and can be boarded from Mysore.
    •  By Bus: The main station of Karnataka tourism which is close to Hampi is in Hospet. There are various buses that run from Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Mysore to Hospet. You can then hop on a local bus which will cost you roughly 20 rupees and get to Hampi from the Hospet bus station.
    • By Car: You can drive to Hampi from anywhere in Karnataka and if you are up for a full-fledged road trip, then driving down from Maharashtra or Goa would also make for quite a memorable journey.

  • Q: What is the best time to visit Hampi?

    Ans:

    Hampi is commonly known as the hippie’s paradise. Known for its ever welcoming weather conditions, Hampi has three seasons. The best time to visit Hampi is during the winter season. This is the month wise break-up of the seasons to visit Hampi:

    •  April to July (Summer Season)
      It is quite hot during this time of the year. The temperature starts at 27 degrees Celsius and can go up to 37 degrees Celsius. May and June do not make for good months during this time as it is unbearably hot.
    • July to September (Monsoon Season)
      Even though the rains can be a little bit of a barrier, but it is during this season that the villages become extremely green and beautiful. Even the monuments become extremely pleasant to visit during this time of the year.
    • October to March (Winter Season)
      This is the best time to visit Hampi. It is during this time of the year that the weather is extremely accommodating and quite comforting as well. Perfect for bonfires, sightseeing, and long walks, it is during this season that you can enjoy the beauty of Hampi completely.

  • Q: How to commute in the city?

    Ans:

    • By Bicycle: You will see a completely different side of Hampi if you ride around the town. Every nook and corner will tell you something new about the city.
    • On Foot: Another great way to explore Hampi is on your foot. This way you can connect with the locals and see a completely authentic side of Hampi.
    • By Boat: A lot of main attractions of Hampi are located across the river. You can get across the river by boat and visit these places.
    • By Rickshaw: You can travel by Rickshaw as well to cover short distances.
    • By Car: Since Hampi has very dry heat, walking around the city can get quite tiring instantly. This is why traveling by car is the safest option.

  • Q: Where are the ruins of Hampi located?

    Ans:

    Hampi is regarded as one of India's most historically significant sites. The settlement is now known as the Ruins of Hampi since it is in ruins. Every tourist has a tale to tell about the rocks here, and the temples that have endured the test of time add to the Ruins of Hampi's allure.

  • Q: Which are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit in Hampi?

    Ans:

    The old ancient temples of Hampi have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has gained the distinction of being a temple town, with a number of sites listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. Krishna Temple, Krishna Temple, Pattabhirama Temple, Hazara Ramachandra, Chandrasekhara Temple, and Jaina Temples are some of the structures included in the aforementioned list.

  • Q: Food of Hampi ?

    Ans:

    Amid the ruins of the Vijayanagara Kingdom in lies a huge variety of South Indian cuisine. The rise in inbound travelling has led to the opening of restaurants serving a flattering variety of cuisines from all over the world. But being a town of temples, one bank of Tungabhadra River accommodates the temples due to which nonvegetarian food is completely prohibited on that side.

    The restaurants offer cakes, cookies, pita bread and, hummus. Therefore, just in case you find a need to linger your taste buds on some continental dishes you can choose to visit these restaurants. Do not forget to give clear instructions, if any, about the food being ordered to the person in service.

    If you are a fan of pasta you should try homemade pasta by a small home run restaurant, Suresh. The pasta is known for its unique flat, thick and long shape. With Indian spices, the pasta reaches further heights in its taste.

    Some popular restaurants
    Try some vegetarian thalis at Mango Tree and Suresh.

    Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants- Mango Tree, Laughing Buddha, Funky Monkey Restaurant, The Goan Corner, The Bridge, Tibetan Kitchen

    Asian and Israeli- Chill Out In Bamboo Restaurant, Hampi Roof Restaurant, Funky Monkey Restaurant, Tibetan Kitchen, Nargila Guesthouse Restaurant

    All of the restaurants are concentrated in the small markets on both sides of the Tungabhadra river - although the northern side definitely has a lot more variety and better cafes. You will find a lot of restaurants serving Italian (pasta/lasagna/pizzas) and Israeli (lafa/shakshouka) food, along with the usual Indian food.

    Most of the cafes here are very laid back, so expect leisurely service and a chill ambience with pleasant music and some scenic views. If you would like to get a good view, crossing the river to the north side is worth the effort - there are some cafes with a view of either the river or the rice fields.

  • Q: Restaurant in Hampi ?

    Ans:

    Nargila

    Nargila is a Restaurant and Guesthouse in Hampi offering classy ambience. With great live music, variety of cuisines this is a great go-to place.

    Prince Restaurant

    Prince Restaurant is a classy, relaxed place with modern decor is home for authentic biryani?s. Their menu includes multi-cuisine delicacies.

    Gouthami

    Gauthami is a multi-cuisine dhaba-style family restaurant in Hampi. The vegan friendly restaurant offers delicious food. There is a German Bakery adjacent to the restaurant.

    Moonlight

    Located right behind virupaksha temple, Moonlight is a cool place for exquisite delights.

    Chill Out

    Chillout is an amazing rooftop restaurant to hang out with family and friends. It has a wide array of western cuisines. This small rustic dhaba-style restaurant is famous for pizzas.

    Ravi?s Rose

    Started in 1995, Ravi?s Rose is a small multi-cuisine restaurant. The rooftop restaurant is famous for its mouth-watering dosas and tasty Lassis.

  • Q: Hotels in Hampi ?

    Ans:

    1. Malligi

    Facilites: Parking, Bar , Wifi , Pool , Food

    Placed in the heart of Hospet Town, Malligi is equipped with a blue lagoon pool where the guests can enjoy the city’s tropical weather. The property also offers free Wi-Fi.

    Book without credit card

    Hotel with 4 room options

    ? 2,006 onwards

    2. Shankar Homestay

    Facilites: Parking , Wifi

    This is a homestay that will really make you feel at home. With home-cooked delicious food and timely address of all issues raised, this homestay gives you a comfortable and a pleasant stay. The rooms (Read More)

    Homestay with 3 room options

    ? 3,304 onwards

    3. Heritage Resort Hampi

    Facilites: Parking, Bar , Wifi , Pool , Food

    This resort in Hampi boasts of a well-preserved property that is spread across 8 acres in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Modern-day architecture infused with the magic of nature, this resort offers a variety of villas to its visitors with its own private pool and Jacuzzi. The resort also has an ayurvedic spa and a spacious swimming pool. There is also all-day dining with a dedicated bar available in the resort.

    Book without credit card

    5 star resort with 4 room options

    ? 7,668 onwards

    4. Evolve Back Hampi

    Facilites: Parking , Bar , Wifi , Pool , Food

    One of the most favoured resorts by tourists, Evolve Back should be your ideal choice if you are looking forward to enjoying a king-size Holiday in Hampi. With a royal atmosphere that resonates with the 14th century’s Vijayanagara Empire, the resort has luxurious chambers that reflect the ancient Mughal architecture. An inviting infinity pool, a top-notch spa and a tranquil lounge are few of the many amenities available here.

    5 star resort with 4 room options

    ? 21,000 onwards

    5. Hyatt Place Hampi

    Facilites: Parking, Bar , Wifi , Pool , Food

    Known for providing world-class service to their customers, Hyatt Place Hampi is yet another masterpiece that is located just 1 km away from the Vidyanagar Airport. This pet-friendly hotel offers exquisite upscale rooms with outdoor plunge pools too. Some of the amenities that the hotel provides include 24/7 dining, an outdoor pool and a fitness centre.

    4-star hotel with 5 room options

    ? 7,121 onwards

  • Q: What is Hampi famous for?

    Ans:

    Hampi is famous for the numerous ruins which belong to the erstwhile medieval Hindu kingdom of Vijayanagara. Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it remains an important spiritual centre with a wide number of ancient religious architecture and temples dotting the city. It is also famous for:

    1. Monolithic sculptures
    2. Religious monuments
    3. Natural rock and boulder formations
    4. Skilled workmanship
    5. Ruins of royal residences
    6. 7th and 8th-century temples

  • Q: How many days do you need in Hampi ?

    Ans:

    Essentially, while visiting Hampi, you need a maximum of three to four days to explore the whole city, along with Hippie Island