Classic Hampi

DAY 1

09:00 AM to 12:30 PM – Sacred Areas of Hampi

Sacred Center as the name suggests is the religion heart of Hampi, a number of ancient temples and structures are in this area. The area was established as an important place of pilgrimage well before the establishment of Vijayanagara empire, and to this day continues to be an important religious site. 

As per the local tradition, we will start our visit of Hampi with a visit to the monolith of Sasivekalu Ganesha, remover of obstacles. We then climb our way to the entrance of Hemakuta Hill and explore structures that range from 8th to 16th centuries. Hemakuta hill was a fortified hill established by the Hoysalas before the founding of Vijayanagara. From here you will get your first panoramic view of the awe-inspiring landscape that makes Hampi special.  

We then head to the Virupaksha temple complex.  Within the Sacred area of Vijayanagara, there are 4 Major temple complexes, of which Virupaksha is the oldest and only surviving one.  The much older shrines of Pampa Devi, Bhoodevi & Durga dating to 6th & 8th centuries are incorporated into the current temple complex.  Here we will learn about the origin of  the name Hampi & story of how Vijayanagara was founded. We will visit several live shrines within this complex and take part in the traditional rituals. 

Monuments Covered: Sasivekalu Ganesha, Double Stories Mantapa, Moola Virupaksha, Manmata Kunda, Virupaksha Temple & Hampi Bazaar. 

12:00 PM to 02:30 PM: Lunch Break 

03:00 PM to 05:30 PM: Urban Core of Hampi 

After lunch break we continue our exploration with the Urban Core area. This area was the Citadel of the Vijayanagara kings, it encompasses courtly and military structures of the core zone. 

Here we have basements of palaces, administrative buildings, underground chambers, aqueducts, military structures etc. We will learn about social lives of people in the city through art, we will learn about festivals celebrated, irrigation and sanitation plans of the city. 

Monuments Covered: Queens Bath, Mahanavami Dibba, Aqueduct, Secret chambers, Stepwell tank, Audience Hall, Public Bath, Hazara Rama Temple, Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, Underground Shiva Temple, Nobleman’s Quarters.

06:00 PM: Return to Hotel/Resort in Hampi

DAY 2

09:00 AM to 12:30 PM:  Monoliths, Tungabhadra River, Coracle Boat & ASI Museum 

Today we will visit some important sites missed the previous day.  We will also go to the riverside and visit the most sacred spots at Hampi called Chakra Tirtha, here the Tungabahdra river swirls and changes direction to the north.  We will also engage in a coracle boat ride over the Tungabhadra river which gives us a unique visual perspective of Hampi. Coracle boats have been used here for over 1200 years as a means of transport. If time permits we will also visit the ASI museum in Kamalapur to look into material culture of Vijayanagar, this will give us important insights in to the lives of its medieval citizens. 

Monuments Covered: Narasimha Monolith, Badve Linga, Kampa Bhoopa Marga, Chakra Tirtha, Coracle Boat Ride (Optional add-on), ASI Museum.

01:30 PM to 02:30 PM: Lunch Break 

03:00 PM to 05:30 PM:  Vijaya Vittala Temple Complex

We will end our two day tour with a visit to the glorious Vijaya Vittala Temple, scholars consider this as the pinnacle in Vijayanagara style of temple architecture. This is the temple where the architectural genius of Vijayanagara comes to life. It houses the famous stone chariot and the 56 pillared mantapa with musical columns amongst many other gems. Time permitting we will also visit the river side musical school of Purandara Dasa. 

Monuments Covered: Purandara Dasa Mantapa, Kings Balance, Vittala Temple (Ranga Mantapa Musical Columns, Stone Chariot, Kalyana mantapa), Pushkarnini

06:00 PM: Return to Hotel/Resort in Hampi