Hampi - A heritage city where heaps of diamonds sold on streets

Lord Virupaksha Temple,Hampi

Hampi - The capital of Vijayanagara Kingdom. which is now a village situated in Karnataka state , the southern part of India. Now its well known as religious center of Hindus who worship Lord Virupaksha and several other monuments left out in the village.Hampi is located on  Banks of River Tunga Bhadra which was previously named as Pampa , adds an essence of beauty to this old city.

Hampi was formed as Capital of Vijayanagar Empire since 1336-1565 and it was finally ended by Deccan Muslim Confederacy. As today ruins of Hampi is known as Vast Museum of History and Architecture.

Ariel View of Virupaksha Temple and Streets of Hampi

                 

The Streets of Hampi

In my childhood days my grand father once told me  that in Hampi diamonds,gold,gems were sold on bare streets which was named as Virupaksha Bazaar without any security. When i grown up even i heard the same story in some movie on Vijayanagara Empire.Hampi was one of the wealthiest city in India.

But people now run daily restaurants and daily needs shops in this wealthy street.

How to reach Hampi

                            Hospete is very nearest city to this village , it is primarily connected to his town via road which is at distance of 11km. from Hospete you can access the Railway which is connected to many important cities like Bellary(60km),Bangalore(360km),Hubli(140km),Bijapur,Bagalkot,Hyderabad(400km).

You Can reach to Bangalore ,capital state of Karnataka State. Which has an International Airport

 (Bangalore International Airport) , from Bangalore you can access the means of Indian Railways to Reach Hospete,

Train Name called as Hampi Express which leaves at 10.00pm night (Daily) to Hubli will take to Hospete on the next day 7.00am. From Hospete you can hire taxi and a guide to have a pleasant stay at Hampi.

Site Seeing @ Hampi 

Lotus Mahal 

Lotus Mahal the main highlights of Zenana Enclosure. It is famous for its typical and decent architecture. It was used as the place to relax for the Queens of Vijayanagara Kingdom. The mixture of lime stone mortar and bricks was used in the construction of Lotus Mahal. It has two floors , ground floor with arches and first floor with balconies of arched windows. It was named as Lotus Mahal for its structure which resembles a Lotus flower.


Stone Chariot

Actually it is not a Chariot. It is a temple built which looks as a chariot. You can find two damaged stone elephants , and a story of battle is curved on this gigantic structure. You can visit this at the entrance of Vittala Temple. 

to be continued...