The Legend of 'Ghost City' Hampi
This article gives a brif history about thecity of Hampi. Hampi is now a major tourist attraction of Karnataka. Many tourists from India and abroad visit this place. It has some very amazing monuments & sculptures.
There was once a village called Hampi on the banks of the Tungabhadra in Karnataka. In the 14th century, Hampi metamorphosed into a large bustling city. It was called Vijayanagara and was the proud capital of a mighty empire also called Vijayanagara.
Vijayanagara grew into one of the grandest cities of Asia. Its fabulous wealth drew travellers and merchants from all over the world and some of these visitors have left glowing accounts of the city.
Domingo Paes, a Portuguese merchant wrote: "I climbed a hill where I could see a great part of it. What I saw seemed to be as large as Rome and very beautiful to the sight."
The battle of Rakkasatangadi in 1565, ended the glory of Vijayanagara. Its citizens fled before the advancing armies of the Sultans of the Deccan.
Plundered and deserted, Vijayanagara turned into a ghost city and fell into ruin. People began to call it by its earlier name, Hampi, or often, Halu Hampi, 'wretched Hampi'.
The former Vijayanagara still gets visitors from all over the world, but now they come to see the spectacular 'Ruins of Hampi', an archaeological site spread over 26 square kilometres.
UNESCO has declared Hampi a World Heritage monument.Major Attractions
Two idols of Ganesha can be seen nearby. One is called Sasive Kaolu (mustard grain) and the other Kadalai Kaola (gram grain). The mustard-grain Ganesha is 2.4 m tall and the gram Ganesha stands 4.5 m high.
Ugra Narasimha (Fearsome Narasimha) is a gigantic 6.7-metre tall image of the god. He is four-armed and seated under the canopy of a seven hooded snake. 
Stone chariot in front of the Vithala temple on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra. The Vithala temple is famous for its musical pillars which produce musical notes when struck.Entry Fees
Indian citizens: Rs. 10 (It is free for the children below 12 years)
Foreigner Tourists: $5.
The ticket is valid for one day to visit the following three monuments:
The best time to visit this place is between September & February How to reach Hampi
Hampi is a north Karnataka village, near Bellary. There are many ways to reach Hampi
By Road: Excellent road networks connect Hampi to major places like Hubli, Mysore, Hassan and Hospet. It is about 350 km from Bangalore. Nearest main Road Highway is NH 13.
KSRTC busses are available at regular intervals. Once you reach Hampi, you can take bicycles on rent to explore the place. Few of the tourist buses are also available from the cities like Bangalore, Goa.
By Train: Hospet is the nearest railway station from Hampi. It is approximately 13 km from Hampi. There are 10 daily trains and 5 special trains. Two of these trains are connected from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and other major tourist places across India.
By Air: Bellary is the nearest airport from Hampi. It is 60 kms from Hampi and the other airport is Hubli, which is 160 kms from Hampi. Many regular flights are available from Bangalore. Plcaes to stay at Hampi
Shanti Guest House
Address:Hampi Island / cross the river from Hampi
Email: [email protected]
Phone:08394 325352
Cost :Rs.600 onwards
Ranjana Guest House
Address: Behind Govt. School, Hampi 583 239
Phone : 08394 241 696
Cost : Rs.600 onwards
Padma Guest House
Address: Bus Stand Road,Hampi
Phone:08394 - 241331
Cost: Rs 600-1000(Double room)Tourism Contact Details
Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC)
Enquiry office is situated in the main Hampi Bazaar area.
Contact person: Mr.Nagraj
Contact no: (08394)241339
