hampi

Hampi (or Hampe) is a town located in east-central part of the south Indian state of Karnataka , India.

It is also referred to as “the Group of Monuments at Hampi”, and was officially declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hampi is a place with a rich heritage that is reflected in its beautiful ancient monuments with stunning architecture. Here are the top places to see and visit in Hampi:

• Daroji Bear Sanctuary – A protected forest area which is the primary habitat of the Indian Sloth bears.
• Tungabhadra Dam – A picturesque dam on the nearby Tungabhadra River; the place has many flamingoes and lots of greenery.
• Hippie Island – A nearby island, with lovely sandy beach, sunset views and restaurants with live music.
• Sanapur Lake – A beautiful lake surrounded by rocks and boulders.

• Matanga Hill
• Virupaksha Temple
• Vijaya Vittala Temple
• Monkey Temple
• Statue of Ugra Narasimha
• Lotus Mahal
• Elephant Stables
• Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex

• Archaeological Museum Hampi – An archaeological museum that houses various sculptures from the ruins around Hampi, and also a couple of excellent 3-D exhibits of the entire Hampi area.

• Hampi Utsav – Also known as Vijaya Utsav, this is a festival honouring the cultural richness of Hampi, and is usually celebrated during the first week of November, for 3 days across the city
• Maha Shivaratri – A festival dedicated to Lord Shiva
• Ganesh Chaturthi – A festival where Lord Ganesh – the elephant headed God (who is also the son of Lord Shiva) is worshipped
• Navrathri – A 10-day Hindu festival, where Goddess Durga is worshipped
• Deepavali – The festival of Lights; India’s most popular and widely celebrated festival
• Naga Panchami – Where snakes are worshipped and offered milk; a tribute to Snake deity/God

If you’d like to buy some souvenirs, the best things to buy from Hampi are ---. Some of the best shopping spots to check out in Hampi are:

• Hampi Bazaar – A pretty market with attractive and not-so-expensive souvenirs and items. This is the most popular market in Hampi and is often frequented by tourists as well as locals
• Craft Bazaar Hampi
• Akash Art Gallery & Bookstall

Following is a list of some of best restaurants in Hampi to try the local delicacies as well as sumptuous meals:

• Mango Tree Restaurant
• Laughing Buddha
• Funky Monkey Restaurant
• Ganesh Old Chillout
• Hampi Roof Restaurant
• Gauthami Restaurant
• Suresh Restaurant

Some of the best hotels in Hampi for a comfortable stay include the following:

• Hotel Malligi
• Wanderlust Hampi
• Hotel Gowri
• Royal Orchid Central Kireeti
• Lotus Riya
• Stay Chill Hampi
• Hampi’s Boulders Resort
• Clark’s Inn Hampi
• Abhi Homestay
• Tutti Hampi
• Little Banana Homestay

Hampi STD Code – 08394 (to be used before dialling numbers from a number that is not locally registered).

Common emergency numbers:

• Police: 100
• Fire: 101
• Ambulance helpline: 108
• Medical helpline: 104
• Child helpline: 1098
• Women helpline: 1091

Kannada is the official language of Hampi .

Kannada:

• Hello - Namaskra
• How are you? - Athava kshemana?
• Welcome - Susvgata
• What's your name? - Nimma hesarenu?
• My name is - Nanna hesaru
• Good morning - Shubhodaya