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Hospet hampi
| India City: Hospet Hampi |
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Population : 146,000
Languages : Kannada.
Telephone area code : 08394
Best time to visit : October to March
Hospet is a base for visiting the Vijayanagar ruins at Hampi.
The ruins of Vijayanagar city near the village of Hampi are one of the most fascinating historical sites in South India. The two points of entry to the ruins are the Hampi Bazaar and the small village of Kamalapuram.
The old Hampi bazaar is now a village and the locals have inhabited the old bazaar buildings. The village of Kamalapuram is dominated by the Virupaksha temple with its 52m high gopuram. The temple dates back to 15th century.
The highlight of the ruins is the Vittale Temple. The temple is a World Heritage Monument (one of the only three in South India, the others being at Thanjavur and Mahabalipuram ). Although the temple was never finished, the incredible sculpture work of the Vittala temple is of the highest standard and is the pinnacle of Vijayanagar art. The outer pillars are known as musical pillars as they reverbate when tapped.
The Royal enclosure area, within it's various stone walled enclosures has some of Hampi's major attractions. Firstly, is the Lotus Mahal and the Elephant stables.The former is delicately designed pavilion in a walled compound known as Zanana Mahal. The building gets its name from the lotus bud carved in the center of the dome and vaulted ceiling.
The Elephant stables is a grand building with eleven domed chambers for housing the state elephants.
How To Reach
By Air
Nearest airport is Bangalore (358 kms)
By Train
Trains from Bangalore .
By Road
Hubli (160 kms), Bijapur (215 kms), Bangalore (358 kms).
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