In Indian history, Vijayanagara was one of the largest empires, which ruled from 14th to 16th century. Hampi was the magnificent capital of this greatest empire. It is a magical and beautiful town in Karnataka.
On the North, it is sheltered by the turbulent TungabhadraRiver and on three sides by rocky granite ridges. It is very popular for its ruins that belong to the one-time Vijaynagara kingdom and it is declared as the ‘World Heritage Site'. Tourists and ambassadors from Iran, Europe and China have talked about the grandeur and magnificence of Vijayanagara.
Hospet is the closest railway station and as Hampi is a big tourist destination it is preferred to contact the tour operators in South India for advance bookings for tour packages and accommodations, if you are taking your family for the vacation.
The ruins of the imperial capital of Vijayanagara are sprawled over 26 sq. kilometers including Hampi and a few villages that are called Hampi ruins. Buses are always available from Hospet to reach Hampi. Other transport options for Hampi are also available like rent a car, autorikshaw, motorcycle and cycle. There are many monuments in Vijayanagara that takes minimum two days to explore the ruins.
Virupaksha temple lies on the south side of TungabhadraRiver. It is a big structure and is a well-maintained temple. It is a long rectangle enclosed space with a 52 meter lofty Gopura placed at the entrance.
Lakshmi and Narsimha temple is a huge monolithic sculpture that is around 6.7 meters high with four arms, which are all damaged now. There is a large seven hooded cobra that shelters Lord Vishnu's head.
Originally, there was Lakshmi seated on Narsimha's thigh, but today only her arm has remained that was placed around the waist of Narsimha. This temple was constructed in the year 1528 A.D by King Krishnadevaraya. However, today only a ruined statue can be viewed.
Mahanavmi Platform was used for religious ceremonies including Navratri, Durga pooja, Deepavali, Holi and different colorful festivals that were celebrated in the open by the kings of Vijayanagara. The platform is 12 meter high with three row granite stages.
There are three diverse segments depicted on this platform. The first segment has scenes of the people of Vijayanagara celebrating festivals, horses, hunting and more. Second segment is adorned with dancers, musicians, elephants and medallions. The third segment is magnificently engraved schist blocks.
Royal fortress protects 45 buildings and occupies 59,000 sq. meters of area. The king's meeting hall that was the superior building in the palace during its time had 100 pillars. Today, we can only see the pedestals of those pillars. There is a stepped tank in this royal enclosure, which is well-decorated with schist blocks. This tank has 5 landings and each is joined with decorative steps.
Queens's bath is a huge square structured tank with flamboyant interiors. It is bordered by decorative corridors as well as projecting balconies. This was used by the women of royal families. There are eleven large elephant stables for elephants of the royal family with arches and decorative entrance, ceilings and domes.
The Lotus Mahal and Vithal temple architecture is beyond any illustration. Tourists flock here hiring cars and return back with unforgettable memories and a plan to return back the next year to explore this beautiful colossal heritage.
On the North, it is sheltered by the turbulent TungabhadraRiver and on three sides by rocky granite ridges. It is very popular for its ruins that belong to the one-time Vijaynagara kingdom and it is declared as the ‘World Heritage Site'. Tourists and ambassadors from Iran, Europe and China have talked about the grandeur and magnificence of Vijayanagara.
Hospet is the closest railway station and as Hampi is a big tourist destination it is preferred to contact the tour operators in South India for advance bookings for tour packages and accommodations, if you are taking your family for the vacation.
The ruins of the imperial capital of Vijayanagara are sprawled over 26 sq. kilometers including Hampi and a few villages that are called Hampi ruins. Buses are always available from Hospet to reach Hampi. Other transport options for Hampi are also available like rent a car, autorikshaw, motorcycle and cycle. There are many monuments in Vijayanagara that takes minimum two days to explore the ruins.
Virupaksha temple lies on the south side of TungabhadraRiver. It is a big structure and is a well-maintained temple. It is a long rectangle enclosed space with a 52 meter lofty Gopura placed at the entrance.
Lakshmi and Narsimha temple is a huge monolithic sculpture that is around 6.7 meters high with four arms, which are all damaged now. There is a large seven hooded cobra that shelters Lord Vishnu's head.
Originally, there was Lakshmi seated on Narsimha's thigh, but today only her arm has remained that was placed around the waist of Narsimha. This temple was constructed in the year 1528 A.D by King Krishnadevaraya. However, today only a ruined statue can be viewed.
Mahanavmi Platform was used for religious ceremonies including Navratri, Durga pooja, Deepavali, Holi and different colorful festivals that were celebrated in the open by the kings of Vijayanagara. The platform is 12 meter high with three row granite stages.
There are three diverse segments depicted on this platform. The first segment has scenes of the people of Vijayanagara celebrating festivals, horses, hunting and more. Second segment is adorned with dancers, musicians, elephants and medallions. The third segment is magnificently engraved schist blocks.
Royal fortress protects 45 buildings and occupies 59,000 sq. meters of area. The king's meeting hall that was the superior building in the palace during its time had 100 pillars. Today, we can only see the pedestals of those pillars. There is a stepped tank in this royal enclosure, which is well-decorated with schist blocks. This tank has 5 landings and each is joined with decorative steps.
Queens's bath is a huge square structured tank with flamboyant interiors. It is bordered by decorative corridors as well as projecting balconies. This was used by the women of royal families. There are eleven large elephant stables for elephants of the royal family with arches and decorative entrance, ceilings and domes.
The Lotus Mahal and Vithal temple architecture is beyond any illustration. Tourists flock here hiring cars and return back with unforgettable memories and a plan to return back the next year to explore this beautiful colossal heritage.
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