Lets explore the things to do in Hampi Located on India’s Deccan Plateau, Hampi is a world heritage site which has history written all over it. This fort city originally a town is located at the banks of Tungabhadra river at karnataka, which is left with many beautiful temples and ruins from Vijayanagar Empire.
But Hampi is not just about history, there is more to it; The next destination of Hampi…… This is a place that one can visit in the day and marvel at the architecture of the temples before going to watch the sunset or have a good view of the lights at night. Regardless of whether one is a history enthusiast, an explorer or a nature lover planning on a holiday, Hampi will dispense its doze. In this guide, we’ll show you what to do in Hampi during the day and unveil to you some of the best things to do in Hampi at night making them a unique attraction.
Exploring The Things To Do In Hampi:
In Hampi there is a clear division of new civilization and old civilization, which adds to the beauty of the place. Indeed at times it is vibrant with great architectural features and a variety of markets, but at night it becomes so quiet with the great pillars of the ruined structures illuminated at night. This guide of Hampi also captures much detail on things to do in Hampi during the day such as the most popular destinations, the least seen but worthy places to visit, and interacting with the people. After that we will familiarize ourselves with what you can do in Hampi at night for those who would like to see the town from a different perspective. The best time you can devote for sightseeing starts as early as the sun rises and can continue to the night when stargazing begins.
Few of the Important Activities to Carry out in Hampi
Visit the Virupaksha Temple
One of the things to do in Hampi is to visit Virupaksha temple which is considered as one of the oldest and holiest temples in the region. There is a Shiva Temple known as Duga Basadi, which was built during the period of Vijayanagara empire marks the purity of architecture. The temple of Java is on the other hand not only a religious shrine but it is a formal market where you see people going about their business in the morning performing their rituals and other ceremonies. This had a very tall gopura or the tower like structure and from the top of this one can get a good view of the plains surrounding this place as well.
Tour is to Visit Vijaya Vittala Temple
The most popular among all the existing buildings undoubtedly is the Vijaya Vittala Temple that may be famous for the Stone Chariot and Musical Pillars. This temple complex is a fine example of the Dravidian style; it is marked by sheer columns, spacious mantles, and porticoes. Make an attempt to spend time gazing at the well chiseled sculptures that relate various incidents in Hindu mythology. The architectural design of the temple is magnificent and you will be fascinated by it, which makes it among top things to do in Hampi.
Visit the Royal Enclosure
The Royal Enclosure or the residential area of the kings of Vijayanagara still possesses a lot of interesting and marvelous ruins visiting there makes it one of the best things to do in Hampi. Here, you can see the Mahanavami Dibba, where the King used to sit and watch the processions and festivities. The lanterne also contains the subterranean room, which is used as a meeting place in secrecy. When you are amid these ruins you will be able to appreciate the magnificence that pervaded Hampi in the past.
Best vantage point for watching the sunrise from Matanga hill
If one is an early morning person then one of the best things to do in Hampi is to climb Matanga Hill to witness the beauty of sunrise. From the top he said that there is nothing as beautiful as the view of the whole town that one gets from the peak. The sky at sunrise is orange and pink and the golden light falls on the remaining ruins. This part may need a little bit of fixing, but once at the top it is well worth the trouble.
Coracles floating on the Tungabhadra river are really an interesting ferry
To explore the things to do in Hampi andn get a taste of something more local and traditional one can go in a coracle round boat in Tungabhadra River. This leisurely ride gives an opportunity to have a glance of the site at the comfort of the boat. Freely floating coracle moves through shallow waters and among the rocks and trees, visiting the falls, ruins, and boulders. It is quite friendly and a beautiful way of cycling around the town especially when walking or driving by the countryside.
Explore the Hippie Island
And on the other side of the river is the laid back bohemian part of Hampi which is also called Hippie Island. There is where you can sit in one of the numerous cafes, have a tasty meal, or even rent a scooter to travel the countryside. Said to be popular among tourists, it is also good to visit it after walking around and popular historical things to do in Hampi because it has a different atmosphere.
This guide focused mostly on the activities and sites which are best visited in Hampi at night
Stargazing at Hemakuta Hill
After dusk, head to Hemakuta Hill which probably along with the open landscape of Hampi is one of the best places and best things to do in Hampi. It is brilliantly dark out here especially with no artificial light from the city that makes you see numerous stars in the sky. It is relatively calm and with the ancient structures in the night that rises in the open sky, it feels exactly like magic. Pack a blanket, put it on the ground and let the miracles of the universe work above you.
Night photography at Vittala temple
The beauty of the temple is entirely different at night, when one can see details of carving in the soft light of the moon. For the people interested in photography, taking a shot of the temple at night is one of the best things to do in Hampi at night. The movement of lights and shades is something which enhances the magical look of the structure which is already magical.
Go for a Dinner in the Quiet Area Near the Riverside
In the evening after a hectic sightseeing, one can have a quiet and peaceful dinner at the bank of the river Tungabhadra. There are a number of cafes which are situated near the riverside where you can have local delicacies accompanied by a nice sound coming out of the river. It is perhaps the best way of bringing the things to do in Hampi with the magnificent creation of Mother Nature and the Indian hospitality.
Attend a Cultural Show
At times, local art groups dance and sing, native songs and dances in the open air theater is one of the best things to do in Hampi. Seeing one of these cultural performances is good fun and a good way of feeling the culture that is in the regions. Most of the performances are conducted at historical structures which enhance the theme.
Moonlit Walk Among the Ruins
Probably, one of the most silent things to do in Hampi at night is to go for a walk along the site under the moon. The breeze in the night is normally cool, and when one is alone amid the stone ruins of these structures, a feeling of otherworldliness is produced. It is a good way to sum up the day’s exploration or just to walk around and contemplate when night strolling in Hampi.
Conclusion
Hampi is a place that will make one's head spin due to the history intertwined with the culture as well as the stunning and sublime sceneries. Day or night, there are many things to do in Hampi , it would take an entire post to tell you everything you could do in this historical paradise of majestic temples. Every branch of this learning enriches the experience of visiting this old town which makes the visit so memorable. And when you want to start planning the next holiday you plan on going for, let Capture a Trip enhance your trip by offering everything you need for your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the must avoid things that can be done in Hampi in a day?
Some of the exciting things involve; another interesting thing is to visit Virupaksha temple, the next one is to explore Vijaya Vittala Temple and third and the most exciting one is to trek Matanga Hill at dawn.
2. Is there any activity to be done in Hampi during night?
Yes, few of the night activities include, nocturnal trek to Hemakuta Hill, night photography session at Vittala Temple and a river side dinner.
3. What are the ways of getting to know the culture of Hampi?
Experience the flavor of the cultural show encompassing music and dance or experience the flavor of the traditional markets at Hampi.
4. What is the best way of exploring the site?
It would be informative to note that the best way to move around and acquaint yourself with Hampi areas of interest is by on- foot tour, bicycles and coracles on the Tungabhadra.
