Weather forecast :
Scattered showers. There is a 30% chance of precipitation. Cloudy. Temperature of 34°C. Winds NW 18km/h. Humidity will be 56% with a dewpoint of 24° and feels-like temperature of 41°C.
HOW TO REACH HERE
By Air
The nearest airport to Hospet is in Tornagallu which is at a distance of 33 Km. Tornagallu is one of the most importnat airports in Karnataka and is served by service of Air Deccan. From the airport you can hire a taxi to Hospet. It will take around 1 hour to cover the distance. There are KSRTC buses as well that ply between these cities.
By Rail
There is a railway station in Hospet itself. It is connected with regular trains from Bangalore, Mysore, Hyderabad and Hubli. Railway station is situated close to the city center.
By Road
Hospet is well connected to all the major cities of Karnataka. Transport buses from the capital city Bangalore are regular to Hospet. Bangalore is around 350 Km from here. Hampi is among the most important travel destination in Karnataka which is only 13 km from here. Hospet thus is the best place from where you can visit to Hampi.
Hospet was once the stronghold of the mighty Vijayanagar Empire while Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire. Most of the remains of the Vijayanagar Empire are accumulated in the places near Hampi and Hospet. And Hospet is the perfect center for the visitors of Hampi. It is just 13 km away from Hampi and it is also known as the gateway to Hampi. The findings from the excavation of Hospet reveal the involvement of Hospet in the history of Karnataka.
Sight see
About Tungabhadra Dam :
Tungabhadra Dam, set up across river Tungabhadra, is one of the chief attractions of the town of Hospet. The multi-purpose reservoir was built by Dr. Thirumalai Iyengar, an engineer from Chennai. The dam has a storage capacity of 135 thousand million cubic feet.
The dam gets filled with water during rains and water is supplied to the canals. It fulfils requirements of electricity, irrigation of land as well as prevents natural disasters like floods. Over the years, the site of the reservoir has become a popular picnic or tourist spot.
Besides, the water body has various species of fish and other aquatic animals. Species such as greater flamingos, spot-billed pelicans, storks and others can also be spotted at the site. Tourists visit in large numbers to the artificial water body to spot movements of birds and fishing.
About Queen\`s Bath :
Queen`s Bath, one of the famous historic testimonies, is constructed over a large area. Enveloped between gallery, verandas and overhanging Rajasthani balconies, the bath of yesteryears sprawls over an area of 15 m. The ancient testament is also known as the Stepped Bath, as it features steps leading to the water body for bathing.
During olden times, there was a waterfall in the complex that poured cool and perfumed water through an underground drain. At present, these structures have scattered, some in adequate condition, while others in ruins. However, the architecture marvel still depicts creativity and craftsmanship of the artisans.
About Vittala Temple :
Vittala Temple is one of the most frequented sites of the region. The ornate of 16th century is positioned on the southern bank of Tungabhadra River. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Vittala, a deity in Pandharpur.
One of the highlighting features of the temple is the fifty-six musical pillars, that produce a sound when struck. The temple houses beautiful sculptures of Varaha, one of the manifestations of Lord Vishnu. A stone chariot for Garuda, a carrier of Lord Vishnu, at front of the temple grabs attention of the tourists.
Pillars of the shrine are ornamented with depictions of Narasimha. The construction of shrine began in 1513 but the temple was destroyed in 1565 before its completion.
About The Archaeological Museum :
The Archaeological Museum features archaeologically significant artefacts and items. Positioned in a small hamlet of Kamalapuram inBellary, the gallery of the museum displays numerous ancient sculptures and scale-models of the city.
These ruins and collection of sculptures were earlier housed at elephant stables by the British Officers. All the artefacts and antiquities were shifted to this building in 1972. The museum features four galleries that enclose Hampi valley with a corridor all around.
The first gallery exhibits collection of sculptures of the Saiva faith, which include Bhairava, Bhikshatanamurti, Ganesha, Kartikeya, Mahishasuramardini, Shakti and Virabhadra with his consorts and Durga. In the central hall, Shivalinga, Nandi and Dwaramantapa with a royal couple at front are displayed.
Arms, armoury, copper plate grants and metal objects of religious significance and brass plates are displayed in the second gallery. On the other hand, the 3rd gallery displays currency coins in various denominations of gold and copper, prevalent during Vijayanagara dynasty.
Antiquities pertaining to various eras, such as prehistoric, protohistoric period, medieval along with sati stones are displayed in the fourth gallery. The excavation items such as stucco figurines, Iron objects and sherds of porcelain are also put on display.
About Hazara Rama Temple :
Hazara Rama Temple, positioned along the main road to Hampi, is one of the prominent sightseeing spots of Hospet. In yesteryears, the temple was the private place for the worship of royal family.
The 15th century temple was originally known as Hajana Rama, meaning the palace temple. Dedicated to Lord Rama in olden time, the shrine still displays beautiful carvings from the Ramayana. At present, it houses an image of Lord Buddha, who is believed to be 9th incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
About Raghunath Temple :
Raghunath Temple is a major sightseeing location, owing to its religious and historic significance. Dedicated to Lord Rama, the shrine features images of deity carved on the boulder.
According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Rama along with his brother Lakshmana sheltered themselves at the site during monsoon season on their way to Lanka. The temple is built within the boulder, housing image of Ram, Lakshmana, Sita and Hanuman.
One of the highlights of the shrine is whitewashed pillars at the centre of the complex. Besides, there is a colonnade standing along enclosure in front of temple compound.
There is a sub-shrine of the goddess at the northern side of the main shrine. While on the south, there is a natural well with image of Krishna carved on the inner wall.
About Virupaksha Temple
Virupaksha Temple, one of the most significant shrines at Hampi, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Virupaksha, a manifestation of Lord Shiva, is housed in the temple along with regional goddess Pampa, associated with the Tungabhadra River. Believed to be built in 7th century, there are several inscriptions carved in the temple that date back to 8th and 9th century.
There were several additions during Chalukyan and Hoysala period in the temple. The shrine comprises a sanctum, three ante chambers, a pillared hall and an open pillared hall. Entrance gates, courtyards and a pillared cloister grab the attention of the tourists.
The historic marvel is a part of the Hampi Bazaar area, which is positioned at an elevated platform of 50 m from the ground.
About King`s Balance :
King’s Balance, one of the important historic sites, is situated in proximity to Vittala Temple. It is named after ancient tradition of weighing the emperor against precious metals and food that were distributed to Brahmins. There is a 5 m tall balance, which is also known as Tula Bhara or Tula Purushadana.
This practice was carried out during ceremonial and festive days such as solar or lunar eclipses. Three loops on top of the balance into which the balance is hanging is the major attraction. There is a carving of King along with his concerts on the wall at the site.
Travellers can advance to the place through Kampa Bhupa’s Path behind Vittala temple.
About Lotus Mahal :
Lotus Mahal is a beautiful arena, which is enclosed by Zenana near Hazara Ram Temple. The testimony was named after a carving of lotus bud on its dome. As per historians, the enclosure was the socialising area for women in the royal family during ancient era.
One of the rare secular or non-religious structures in Hampi, it is also known as Chitragani Mahal and Kamal Mahal. The structure was made of lime mortar and brick made composition. It is a two-storey structure with an open base floor and upper floor featuring balcony and arched windows. The decoration and architectural carvings are a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles.
About Royal Palace :
The Royal Palace Complex is one of the major attractions of the township of Hampi, positioned at the entrance. The complex served to the royal family of Vijayanagara Empire during yesteryears.
Located in the southern region of Kamalapuram village, the site is also approachable from Hampi Bazaar.
