Spirituality in the city of ruins
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Relishing Hampi’s spiritual front
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Highlights
Vitthala temple, Badavilinga Temple
Your day is going to be full of adventure so begin your day with a hearty breakfast. Enjoy Hampi’s rice and lentil-based delicacies at the local restaurants near your lodgings then start your exploration. Begin by making your way to the magnificent Virupaksha Temple, one of the most important temples of India, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple serves as a living narrative of the architectural might of the Vijayanagara Empire. There are many marvellous details and wonders that await you inside. After your visit, stroll down to Hampi Bazaar. This once-vibrant marketplace unfolds as a dynamic tableau of culture, echoing the bustle of a busy market that once thrived within these ancient walls. Adjacent to the Hampi Bazaar looms the iconic Monolithic Bull, an impressive sculpture of Nandi, Lord Shiva’s mount, hewn from a single stone. Next, you can proceed to the Achyutaraya Temple, a quintessential representation of Vijayanagara-style temple architecture dedicated to Lord Tiruvengalanatha, an incarnation of Vishnu. The timeless beauty of this ancient marvel never fails to charm any traveler. Following this, make your way to the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, located just a short distance away. With its majestic entrance embellished by two massive pillars and a sheltered colonnade, this sacred temple provides a captivating view of the serene river and the grand city of Hampi.
All this exploration is bound to leave you with an appetite, so head over to any of the nearby eateries. Aside from the wide range of mouth-watering meals, you can also try Vada, a fried delicacy that enjoys popularity among both locals and visitors alike.
After lunch, your next stop should be the Badavilinga Temple, a holy abode for worshippers of Lord Shiva. Inside, you will be able to view the monolithic granite Shiva lingam, hewn from a single stone. This Linga stands at an imposing 3-metre height and is the largest in Hampi. Next, embark on a journey to the Zenana Enclosure, where a collection of captivating attractions awaits. Start with Queen's Bath, an exceptional architectural marvel that was once the venue for royal swimming sessions. Proceed to the Elephant Stables, where the royal elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire were once stabled, and finally, to the enchanting Lotus Temple. Admire its majestic architecture, fashioned in the likeness of an elaborate lotus structure, and experience a sense of mystique as you step inside.