Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
The Official Website of Ministry of Tourism
Vijayanagara Research Project

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1986
Size of heritage: 4,187 ha
- Buffer zone: 19,454 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 76,472°
Latitude: 15,314°

Summary

The austere, grandiose site of Hampi was the last capital of the last great Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagar. Its fabulously rich princes built Dravidian temples and palaces which won the admiration of travellers between the 14th and 16th centuries. Conquered by the Deccan Muslim confederacy in 1565, the city was pillaged over a period of six months before being abandoned.

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Group of Monuments at Hampi: A Glimpse into India's Glorious Past

The Group of Monuments at Hampi, located in the Bellary District of Karnataka, India, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a captivating glimpse into the rich history and architectural brilliance of the Vijayanagara Empire. Spread over an area of 4,100 hectares, this site is a treasure trove of ancient temples, palaces, marketplaces, and other structures that date back to the 14th century.

History

Hampi, once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, flourished between the 14th and 16th centuries. Under the reign of King Krishnadevaraya, the empire reached its zenith, becoming one of the most powerful and prosperous kingdoms in South India. The city of Hampi was a center of trade, art, and culture, attracting merchants, scholars, and artists from across the world.

The Group of Monuments at Hampi showcases the architectural brilliance of the Vijayanagara Empire, which blended indigenous South Indian styles with influences from Islamic and European cultures. The temples, palaces, and other structures were built using local granite, with intricate carvings and sculptures adorning their walls.

Current State

Today, the Group of Monuments at Hampi stands as a testament to the grandeur and opulence of the Vijayanagara Empire. The site is divided into two main areas: the Sacred Center and the Royal Center.

The Sacred Center is home to several magnificent temples, including the Virupaksha Temple, which is still an active place of worship. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, depicting various mythological stories. The Vittala Temple, another highlight of the Sacred Center, is famous for its iconic stone chariot and musical pillars that produce melodious sounds when struck.

The Royal Center, on the other hand, showcases the grandeur of the empire through its palaces, audience halls, and other administrative buildings. The Lotus Mahal, a stunning palace with Indo-Islamic architecture, and the Elephant Stables, a row of domed chambers that once housed the royal elephants, are among the notable structures in this area.

Despite its historical significance, the Group of Monuments at Hampi faced significant challenges over the years. The site suffered from neglect, encroachment, and illegal construction, leading to its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage in Danger list in 1999. However, concerted efforts by the Indian government, local authorities, and conservation organizations have helped in the restoration and preservation of this invaluable heritage site.

Today, the Group of Monuments at Hampi attracts tourists and history enthusiasts from around the world. The site offers a unique opportunity to explore the architectural marvels of the Vijayanagara Empire and experience the grandeur of a bygone era. With ongoing conservation efforts, this UNESCO World Heritage site continues to stand as a symbol of India's glorious past.

Hotels and places to stay

Royal Orchid Central Kireeti

Address
Distance: 6,0 mi
Railway Station Road
583201 Hospet
India

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00


Vijayshree Resort And Heritage Village

Address
Distance: 1,8 mi
V R Bhurat Nagari, Malpangudi
583201 Hospet
India

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Hotel Malligi

Address
Distance: 6,0 mi
10/90, J.N. Road, Hospet
583201 Hospet
India

Time Information

Checkout: 23:59 - Checkin: 12:01
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00


Hotel Hampi International

Address
Distance: 6,0 mi
Station Road Bellary Dist Hospet.
583201 Hampi
India

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Hotel Priyadarshini

Address
Distance: 6,1 mi
V/45 Station Road
583201 Hospet
India

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Even Suites Managed by Spree

Address
Distance: 6,1 mi
343, 4th Ward, Opp SBI Bank, Station Rd
583201 Hospet
India

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


KSTDC Hotel Mayura Bhuvaneshwari

Address
Distance: 0,6 mi
Hospet, Bellary District, Kamalapur
583221 Hampi
India

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Sunny Guest House

Address
Distance: 2,0 mi
Virupapur Gadde, Hampi Island
583234 Hampi
India

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 10:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Siddarth Residency

Address
Distance: 6,0 mi
Bus Station Road, Near Sriramulu park
583201 Hospet
India

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Videos from the area

Hampi part 1

Published: November 30, 2014
Length: 19:36 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: MaharashtraBharat

Hampi was the capital of Vijayanagar's Hindu empire. The city is very ancient. It is said that the city is having existence from pre Ramayana era. This was famous as Kishkindha as a capital...

Hampi - Virupaksha Temple

Published: August 23, 2013
Length: 14:38 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: everybodysaysiamfine

Spread across 26 sq km lie the remains of the splendid medieval city of Hampi or Vijayanagara, the city of Victory in Karnataka insouth India. Bounded by the wide, almost unfordable Tungabhadra...

INDIA with Indian Railways: Hyderabad-Hospet-Hampi-Goa-Arambol part 2 ИНДИЯ: Хампи

Published: May 10, 2009
Length: 49:17 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Tibeliuss

HYDERABAD-HAMPI-GOA `09 Virupaksha temple, Ugra Narasimha Statue, Vittala Temple, Band Tower, Panes on the Mahanavami Dibba wall, Elephant Stable.

Hampi : The glory of lost empire : Hazariram Temple and Palace area हजारीराम मंदिर, राजगृह

Published: November 06, 2013
Length: 27:09 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: MaharashtraBharat

Hampi : The glory of lost empire : Hazariram Temple and Palace area. On this hazariram temple, entire Ramayana is carved out in the stone. Palace area is only in the forms of ruins. Vast palace...

Crossing the River in Hampi

Published: September 22, 2007
Length: 34:31 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: bhaktitube

Hampi in Southern India, July 2004. You have to cross the river in this little papadum of a boat to get to our guest house. This sunset ride was beautiful.

Riding mopeds in Hampi :)

Published: February 23, 2013
Length: 14:59 min
Rating: 1 of 5
Author: robert zurawski

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