Hampi is a beautiful place. A UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands undisturbed even after 500 years. Hampi has a lot to offer with the beautiful architecture of various temples to scenic views of the ruins alongside the river.

The ruins of once great Vijayanagara Empire are best experienced on Foot. As you’ll see further in this post, the trail from Virupaksha temple to Vittala temple along the Tungabhadra river amid the ruins will take you back in time. So let’s begin with the most famous places to visit in Hampi.

Hampi Archaeological Museum

I started my trip with a brief visit to Archaeological Museum. This is situated on the way to ruins and is 5 Kms from the Virupaksha temple. The Museum contains relics and artefacts of Vijanagara empire. It’s a good place to learn a little bit of history. The highlight at the museum is the mini model of Hampi ruins in the first section. It’s basically a 3d picture of Hampi and is complete with hills, various landmarks and the river. It gives a glimpse of what awaits ahead.

Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Bazaar & Monolithic Bull (Nandi)

The next stop was at Virupaksha Temple. Even if you are just like me who is not really a temple person, there is plenty to admire at the temple complex of Virupaksha. As is true for all ancient temples in India, the architecture and the intricate artwork on each and every wall is just amazing.

Hampi Bazaar

In between the Virupaksha temple and Monolithic bull lies a 1 km long stretch of Hampi Bazaar. This was once a bustling marketplace during the Vijayanagara Empire. Traders from all over the world would set up shops to sell diamonds, ornaments etc. Although few stretches of the bazaar have not been maintained well, a walk on the street in between the shops still took me back in time.

Monolithic Bull

At the end of the Hampi bazaar street lies the famous statue of Monolithic Bull and is locally called as Nandi. The statue is facing the Virupaksha temple. According to Hindu Mythology, Nandi is the vehicle of Lord shiva for whom the Virupaksha temple is dedicated. The statue itself is mounted on a raised platform and looks quite fascinating with a picturesque pavilion.

Trail along Tungabhadra river to Vittala temple

The trek trail to Vittala temple starts from Hampi Bazaar after taking a left just before the monolithic bull. The distance between the Virupaksha temple and Vittala temple is 2.2 Km. We took close to an hour by leisurely walking and enjoying the beautiful sights along the way.

This entire stretch till the Famous Vittala temple is just spectacular and is worth the time spent. There are various temples and stone sculptures along the way. I also spotted what I think were once guard stations on the hills on the opposite side of the river and it was amazing. There is a Coracle riding place (small bamboo boats) in between and is very much recommended.

At the end of my trip stood the marvellous and splendid attraction for which Hampi is known for all over the world. Vittala Temple is the most spectacular architectural showpiece of Hampi and made for a very satisfying end to my trip.

Although I did all the above in just a day, I can’t wait to come back again and spend a few more days at this beautiful and quiet place.