Hampi Group of Monuments

Hampi Group of Monuments is situated on the Southern banks of the river Tungabhadra at Hampi, in Karnataka State, India. It is one of the best Karnataka sites in terms of archaeological value. The moment you see the ruins at Hampi, you will be spellbound. The temple complex is known as Hampi Vittala Temple.

The Jain temple (called Jain Narayana) at Hampi
The Jain temple at Pattadakal (Hampi) is a UNESCO world heritage site.

This group of monuments consists of ten temples that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the heritage site, you can find eight temples dedicated to Lord Shiva; the ninth one is a Shaivite sanctuary known as the Papanatha Temple, and the tenth temple is a Jain Temple. Four temples were built in the Chalukya Dravida style of architecture, while four other temples were built in the Northern Indian Nagara style. The Shaivite sanctuary, Papanatha Temple, shown below, is a fusion of the Chalukya Dravida and Nagara styles of architecture.

Hampi was once the seat of the Chalukya and Vijayanagar Empires, which ruled northern Karnataka centuries back.

UNESCO declared a group of temples consisting of the Virupaksha Temple, built in the year CE 740, which is considered one of the most outstanding architectural marvels in India. These World Heritage temples at Hampi are a remarkable combination of temples built by the Chalukya Dynasty, which ruled the areas of Aihole, Badami, and Pattadakal during the 6th and 8th centuries.

Vittala Temple Complex has an iconic stone chariot, which the Karnataka State Tourism Department adopts as its emblem.

How Do I Go to the Hampi Group of Monuments?

Hospet is the nearest railway station, at 13 kilometers distance.

The nearest Airport is Bellary, a domestic airport 60 kilometers away. Bengaluru Alias Bangalore is the nearest international airport, located 350 kilometers away.

Roads connect Hampi to other parts of the country.

Gangavathi is a nearby city around 27 kilometers from the temple town on the other side of the river, Tungabhadra. A lot of cottages and resorts are there. Tourists patronize Gangavathi to Hampi, especially foreign tourists.

Conclusion

Are you interested in going to see this UNESCO World Heritage site? Please leave your comments.

Comments

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