In the 14th century, the last great Hindu kingdom of India, the Vijayanagara Empire, made Pampa, the modern-day Hampi, its capital. Historical records reveal that the city, with its seven layers of fort walls, was one of the largest in the world. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has ruins of ancient temples, palaces, and market streets, set against rugged hills and rocky terrain.
With winter bringing cooler temperatures, now is the perfect time to book your trip to this incredible city. Day 1: Tracing Hampi’s Rich Heritage Morning: Sunrise at Matanga HillStart your Hampi adventure by witnessing a stunning sunrise from Matanga Hill. Known for panoramic views of the ruins and the river, Matanga Hill is the highest point in Hampi and has many small nooks that can be explored early in the morning.
Beware of monkeys, who are notorious for stealing food from the hands of travellers. Matanga requires a bit of a climb, but the rewarding views over the city’s historic landscape make it well worth the effort. Mid-Morning: Virupaksha Temple From the Matanga Hill, you can make your way down to the Virupaksha Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of Hampi’s most iconic landmarks.
The intricately carved temple, believed to date back to the 7th century, has a towering gopuram (gateway) that’s hard to miss. Take your time exploring the impressive architecture and watching the temple elephant, Lakshmi, who blesses visitors with her gentle touch. Evening: Hampi Baza.
