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Hampi

brown concrete building under blue sky during daytime

What is the best time to visit Hampi?

The optimal time to explore Hampi is during the winter season, spanning from October to February. This period offers moderately cool weather, making it perfect for discovering the World Heritage Site. Despite some warmth in the afternoons, the overall conditions are conducive to a delightful visit. Notably, the month of November hosts significant festivals like Vijaya Utsav (Festival of Hampi).

Hampi maintains a moderate and dry climate year-round. Summers, from March to June, bring elevated temperatures, discouraging visits. Monsoons, from July to September, offer inconsistent rainfall, with slightly lower temperatures but increased humidity. While a visit during the monsoons is feasible, caution is advised due to potentially slippery terrains.

To summarize, choose the winter season for an enjoyable trip to Hampi, avoiding the summer heat and exercising caution during the monsoons.

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How to Reach Hampi?:

By Flight: Hampi is accessible by air through the nearest airport, Bellary, located 60 km away from the temple town. Hubli Airport, situated 143 km away, is another option. Additionally, JSW Vidyanagar Airport in Toranagallu is approximately 40 km from Hampi. Foreign visitors may need to disembark at Bengaluru Airport for Visa on Arrival. Domestic flight tickets can be booked from Bengaluru to Bellary or Hubli. From Bengaluru Airport, you can also hire a private taxi to reach Hampi, which is 350 km away.

Nearest Airport: Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) - 272 km from Hampi.

By Road: There are buses to Hampi (or to Hospet) from major cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, and Bellary. The NH4 highway connects Bangalore to Hampi, taking around 7 hours. From Hospet, a local state-run bus covers the distance in approximately 40 minutes.

By Train: Although Hampi lacks its own railway station, trains halt at Hospet Junction (13 km). However, there are limited trains to Hosapete Junction (HPT), often sold out well in advance during the season. It is easy to reach Hampi from Hospet, with state buses running every 20-30 minutes and direct autos also available.

By Bus: Roadways provide convenient access to Hampi, with the nearby town of Hospet offering excellent road connectivity from Bangalore and Mumbai/Pune/Kolhapur. Comfortable AC sleeper buses operate from Mumbai/Bangalore to Hospet, usually arriving early morning.

Local Transport in Hampi: Exploring the winding paths and ruins is best done on a moped. Rent one to visit the holy temples and witness locals bathing elephants or playful monkeys. Riding through the Boulder town offers glimpses of a unique and vibrant backpacker journey.

Tourist Information: click-here

"Hampi Aglow: Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav Lights up 75 Years of Independence!"

Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav Celebration in Hampi: Illuminating 75 Years of Independence

To mark the celebration of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, an initiative by the Government of India, commemorating 75 years of Independence and the glorious history of its people, culture, and achievements, the historical monument in Hampi, a UNESCO heritage site, is adorned in tri-color lights. This luminous celebration of 75 glorious years of Independence will continue until August 15, 2022, and entry to the monument is free.

Image courtesy: Shivshankar Banagar, Hampi

Hampi: A Glimpse into Glorious History

Set against an awe-inspiring boulder-strewn landscape along the Tungabhadra River, Hampi was the capital city of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire. Founded in 1336 by Harihara and Bukka, it fell to the Muslim rulers in 1565, enduring pillage for six months before being abandoned. Despite its desolation, the ruins stand resilient, echoing memories of a bygone era.

Classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Hampi is often hailed as the "World's Largest Open-air Museum," covering an area of nearly 29 sq km.

Vijayanagara Empire: Opulence and Grandeur

At its peak, the Vijayanagara Empire surpassed Rome, boasting opulent palaces, magnificent temples, fortifications, markets, and more. A 15th-century Persian ambassador, Abdul Razaak, marveled at its grandeur, describing it as a city like no other.

The ruins of Hampi are extensive and fascinating, captivating attention for several days.

Exploring Hampi: UNESCO World Heritage Site

The best way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site is to take a leisurely stroll through the eloquent ruins or embark on a bicycle/bike ride. If time is limited, a day or two may suffice to explore the key structures. However, photography enthusiasts, archaeology buffs, and yoga practitioners may find ample reasons to extend their stay and delve deeper into the historical richness of Hampi.

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