Exploring Hidden Places in Hampi

Hampi is famous for having been the center of the prosperous South Indian kingdom called the Vijayanagar Empire, and many people visit it each year to see the buildings and structures left behind as a mark of the kingdom’s power. They are examples of beautiful and advanced architecture with great significance in understanding the technological developments and heritage of the erstwhile empire. It is a place of fascinating history and a testament to culture, and if you wish to find out more about this UNESCO World Heritage site, here’s a list of hidden gems you should visit in Hampi.

Matanga Hill

A natural landmark of the city, this hill is part of the Matanga range and used to serve as a natural defensive boundary for Hampi. It also holds spiritual significance, having been the hermitage of Sage Matanga and believed to be the place where Vali was cursed in the Ramayan. This hill is the highest point in Hampi, and the view at the top can be accessed by trekking, from where one has a panoramic view of the nearby Virupaksha and Achyutaraya temples, along with the Tungabhadra river. 

Daroji Bear Sanctuary

Located in the Ballari district, this sanctuary was founded in 1994 and was Asia’s first sloth bear sanctuary. It was created exclusively for the conservation of the sloth bear, but today it holds multiple species including leopards, pangolins, hyena, porcupines, and dozens of bird and butterfly species which may be spotted during jungle drives and bird watching. The animals are given free range of movement, meaning they can move around to their liking and are not enclosed in cages. 

Virupaksha Temple

One of the oldest temples in Hampi and still intact, this temple was built for Lord Shiva and is also known as ‘pampa pathi’. It is an underground structure with pillars and a courtyard, and this causes it to remain submerged throughout most of the year with the water believed to be sacred. It is also believed to have been used by the royal family for their private ceremonies due to its proximity to the Noblemen’s Quarters.

Anegundi Village

Originally known as the Kishkindha village, this site is even older than Hampi. It is located in the Koppal district on the northern banks of the Tungabhadra river. It is the site of the Anjaneya Hill which is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. There are many ancient temples to be found here, including the Durga Temple and Ganesha Temple in Anegundi Fort, which is where the rulers of Vijayanagar would offer prayers before setting out for war.

Hampi Bazaar

This market used to be a thriving center of trade during the time of the Vijayanagar empire, where merchants would come sell spices, silks, precious stones, and other commodities. Today it is a mere shadow of what it used to be, but is still fascinating for those interested in history, archaeology and photography. Certain parts of the kilometer-long bazaar have stalls and restaurants which attract a good crowd, but this place truly comes alive during the annual Hampi Utsav in the month of November.