Sightseeing Tour Central Karnataka - Hubli, Hospet and Hampi

The Central part of Karnataka offers an ideal base to explore some of the most fascinating and culturally rich destinations. Your itinerary to Central Karnataka should must include a visit to these places :

Hampi :

Think of the central Karnataka and the first thing that comes to the mind is the Hampi. The ruins of Hampi, Located in south Indian state of Karnataka are the evidence of the greatness of the Vijayanagara Empire. Travellers such as Portuguese chronicler Domingo Paez, who stayed here for two years, was amazed by its size and wealth. Hampi was once the medieval capital of the Hindu empire Vijayanagara popularly known as 'the city of Victory'.

It consists of as many as 500 monuments. The empire boosts of the four major dynasties, that spread to the total area of 26 sq km amidst giant boulders and vegetation. It stretches over the three consecutive states – Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. The land was founded in the middle of the 14th century by two local princes Hakka and Bukka and continued to prosper until 1646. The Vijayanagar Empire was the last Hindu Kingdom in India.

Hampi is a popular tourists site in India. The group of monuments at Hampi are listed as World Heritage Site. The name Hampi originated from the word Pampa, the ancient name for the River Tungabhadra that flows through the city. The main highlight of the Hampi is the Virupaksha Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The temple is still in use and is the venue of the annual chariot ceremony in February. Another popular temple in the area is Vithala temple, located on the south of the Tungabhadra river. Reflecting the art of the Vijayanagar empire. The main pavilion of the temple consists of 56 elaborately carved pillars. Each of these, when struck, emits a different musical sound. Tourists can also make a visit to the Hazara Ram Temple, bulit in the 15th century.

Hospet :

Hospet, the charmless city is transport hub for Hampi. It is most popular for the Tungabhadra Dam located on the river Tungabhadra. The city is also the main center of iron ore production. The city was built by Vijayanagara King Krishnadevaraya and is considered as an architectural marvel. Some of the major attractions at Hospet includes Chitradurga, Harihara and many more.

Hubli :

The popular city of Hubli is the hub for rail routes from Mumbai to Bangalore, Goa and northern Karnataka. Located at the distance of 428 kms from Bangalore, it is the twin city with Dahrwad. The city is known as the center oof numerous textile industries. The most famous attractions of Hubli is the of the Chalukyan era that has an image of Sri Narayana. Tourists can also make a visit to Asar - a building erected by Mohammed Ali Shah in about 1646, to serve as a hall of justice.

Hampi in Karnataka

Location : Karnataka India
Area26 sq km
Best time to visit Hampi : October to March
STD Code08394

Hampi the architectural wonder was once the seat of the Vijayanagara Empire in the post Mughal India. The Hampi covers the several states reigned supreme under emperor Krishnadevaraya. Karnataka Maharashtra and Andhra pradesh were under the jurisdiction of the emperor. When the city of Vijayanagara was destroyed by the Mughal invaders reduced the city to ruins amid scenes to savage massacres and horrors beggaring description.

The ruins of Hampi of the 14th century lies scattered in about 26 sq km of area, amidst rich flora and fauna. History is resplendent with a multi faceted splendor. The ruins of the palace and gateways of the broken city tell a tale of three cities that were once the seat of arts , culture and sciences.

The remains of Hampi are testimonies that speak of events and occurrences besides giving us glimpses of a long lost dynasty. Every rock, every path and every monuments at Hampi speaks the same language a language of glory and beauty.

Attractions of Hampi : Major tourists attractions in Hampi can be divided into two areas namely Hampi Bazaar Area and Royal Center Kamalapuram. Virupaksha is the oldest temple here which lies in the Hampi Bazaar area. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is visited by tourists from all over the world.

To the south of this temple lies the Hemakuta Hill, which is famous for the ancient Jain temples, ruins massive sculpture of Lord Narasimha or Lord Vishnu. Than near to the Hampi bazaar is the Vittal temple, built in 16th century, which is also a World Heritage Site. Vittal presents the perfect example of the ancient form of architecture. It is believed that outer pillars of this temple produce music when tapped. Other attractions in Hampi include Lotus Mahal built in the Indo Islamic form of architecture. Than there is Anegondi, one of the famous tourists attraction across Tungabhadra River in Hampi.

Efforts are on to retain the lost glory of Hampi. It is the world Heritage Site and Hospet in Hampi provides the gateway for Hampi. In April 2002, Karnataka officially set up the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority and wide ranging powers as well as a state Level Advisory Committee.

Aparana Chauhan