Ahead from the Varaha Temple, we headed to the Narasimha Temple. This requires a slight trek onto a barren hillock and the first thing you'd spot is the Deepa Sthamba (the pole for lamps) and a two storied mandapa. Beside it, almost submerged into the ground is the Narasimha Temple (this is different from the monolith Narasimha!). As the rest, this too has no idols inside. It was closed but the lathe pillars made of black stone were a visual delight. This has a major Hoysala inspiration here with those perfectly cylindrical pillars!
Later in the evening, we climbed the Hemakuta Hill to watch the aerial view of Virupaksha Temple and watch the exquisite sunset in this location.
The Hemakuta hill itself has several small temples and shrines in it, most of which I didn't check out. The crowd that assembles here, both locals and foreigners, to watch the sunset is just so much!!! But still, the space is so vast that you won't feel the crowd!!!
My complete (all posts of) Hampi Travelogue: Zenana Enclosure, Hazara Rama Temple, Royal Enclosure, Achyuta Raya & Varaha Temples, Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Monolith Sculptures, Riverside ruins, Malyavanta Hills & other temples, Anegundi Pre-Historic Rock Art, Discoveries & Musings
My complete (all posts of) Hampi Travelogue: Zenana Enclosure, Hazara Rama Temple, Royal Enclosure, Achyuta Raya & Varaha Temples, Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Monolith Sculptures, Riverside ruins, Malyavanta Hills & other temples, Anegundi Pre-Historic Rock Art, Discoveries & Musings
To Get There:
From Bangalore: 343km via NH48 & NH50
From Hyderabad: 373km via NH44
From Goa: 316km via NH67
From Pattadakkal (another UNESCO site): 135km via NH50
These sites are covered in The Tungabadhra Trek, Virupaksha Trail & Vittala Trail organized as a guided tour by Orange County Resort.
Each trail costs Rs.1000/- per head as a group.
If you want it exclusive just for you it costs Rs.4000/- for 2 trails (+ Rs.1000/- incl vehicle).
If you want a guide for yourself for the whole day it costs Rs.8000/-
Otherwise, KSTDC certified guides (they carry an ID card mentioning the same) can be hired at the Tourism Office or Ticket Office located in the premises of Virupaksha Temple, Sasivekalu Ganesha and Vittala Temple. The prices are Rs.1200 for 2-3hrs and Rs.1700 for 5-6hrs for upto 3 persons. For a larger group, the price would be higher. Also they are highly adaptable to your requirements / interest area etc and they could also meet you at your hotel and begin from there!
Ph no: of Prakash, one of the certified guides: +91 94820 61626
Otherwise, KSTDC certified guides (they carry an ID card mentioning the same) can be hired at the Tourism Office or Ticket Office located in the premises of Virupaksha Temple, Sasivekalu Ganesha and Vittala Temple. The prices are Rs.1200 for 2-3hrs and Rs.1700 for 5-6hrs for upto 3 persons. For a larger group, the price would be higher. Also they are highly adaptable to your requirements / interest area etc and they could also meet you at your hotel and begin from there!
Ph no: of Prakash, one of the certified guides: +91 94820 61626
Dedicated to Venkat
I really enjoy reading your posts about the temples. It's great to see all the pictures about this place. It's very useful that you include how to get there as well.
ReplyDeleteWow, this is truly awesome place to visit. I love all your photos as it speaks about this beautiful place. I've never been here, but you're bringing me here by reading your blog post. Thank you so much for sharing! Your photos are really awesome as well.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing trip. It reminded me of the temple hopping I did in Cambodia. You fell like an archeologist running around on your own adventure. Thank you for posting!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely place!! I really love these ruins of temples !! Awesome shots as always!!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your series on these temples that I've never heard of before! So nice to learn something new every time I stop by :) And wow that is one glorious sunset!
ReplyDeleteHampi has been on my bucketlist for such a long time ... somehow, haven't been able to get there as yet. I love the boulders ... natures magic. And oh ... I need a picture with the chariot!
ReplyDeleteI love going on a temple tour and learning about the stories of the different gods and goddess. It is pretty fun even just for photography. I love the Malyavanta Temple especially - it is quite a site in itself!
ReplyDeleteI am going to bookmark this post of yours for my October Hampi trip! Thanks for sharing all the important information including an official tour guide's contact number :)
ReplyDeleteA great architectural wonder from India. Loved the pics. Makes for a great road trip from India.
ReplyDeleteI'm always so mesmerised by the intricate detail. Your photos show the rich and wonderful architecture of India. Everytime I read your articles I'm like damn girl get yourself to India now!
ReplyDeleteIt is nice that you know the background of these temples. Is there a guided tour when you visit this place? I will not be able to notice the details of the sculptures probably on my own. This kind of place has so much history. I would have to do a bit of research if I were to visit this place someday.
ReplyDeleteLooks really cool! The temples fascinate me so much and they always look so interesting. Its good that you have to pay for the trails as I feel it keeps it safer in a way!
ReplyDeleteThe details in the temples in India are always beautiful. I bet you feel like you have stepped back in time whilst exploring these incredible temples and ruins. I really hope I get to experience it for myself one day!
ReplyDeleteHampi is treasure trove of art, architecture and history and its shame we haven't been there yet. The carving and sculptures of the temples are stunningly beautiful and exemplifies the past glory. Malyavanta Raghunatha temple and the Lakshmi Narasimha temple are remarkable.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting to see more historical treasures of Hampi in this post. There is really so much to see in this place so a trip there would really be worth a history buff's time.
ReplyDeleteI'm so jealous that you got to visit all these amazing temples!! As usual, the carvings are just exquisite :D
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had a great trip with a lot of things to explore! This temples have an amazing and beautiful architecting.
ReplyDeleteIndia is still on my bucket list and your post makes me to check it off as soon as possible. Posts about India usually make me so nervous while wishing to pack my bags immediately and take next flight to India!
ReplyDeleteYet another post about Hampi! The creativity shown in the carvings on these temples and pillars is truly remarkable! It seems that there is no end to the inventive designs. And the sunset is gorgeous too. I hope to see this for myself one day.
ReplyDeleteI love the last sun set photo. It's scenic and really gives a nice sendoff after seeing the temple.
ReplyDeleteAnother article to bookmark on Hampi! Yay! Great one again:) Did you to the coracle ride? And visit the paddy fields? The sun set pic just stole my heart!
ReplyDeleteClimbing Hemakuta hill is amazing for those views of the sunset and the splendid Virupaksha temple. Hampi, a place so close to my heart!
ReplyDeleteAmazing pics.Loved the post.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome place to explore! The temples look fantastic, would love to get the camera out around here! Love the details of the carvings :)
ReplyDeleteI am reading so many of your Hampi posts. Guess it's a signal to book a trip to the place. Thanks for putting it on my wanderlust list :)
ReplyDeletethe pictures are so beautiful! I'm from Karnataka and have never been here, obviously missing out! :)
ReplyDeleteThe trek up to Narasimha Temple sounds interesting, I hope it's not too hot! I'm impressed with the 360 degree view you've added, this gives me a better feel of Hampi. I think I'd go with a guide because they would know some unique angles from which to shoot Hampi.
ReplyDeleteThat's beautiful! Malyavanta Raghunatha Temple looks gorgeous, with all its carvings on the outside - I love how detailed each of them are. And the sunset! Oh, it must have been stunning.
ReplyDeleteAwesome shots of the temples and that sunlight is making it more gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThe hardest climbs render the best views. Totally true for your post! I'm always in awe of the places you get to visit. The ancient architecture and ruins make for amazing pictures and even better experiences!
ReplyDeletebeautiful place to visit. I am planning to visit Hampi sometime next month and this post will come in handy for me. The pictures are really beautiful and I am in awe of the place already
ReplyDeleteI can imagine how majestic the temple is. Photos definitely don't do justice. I believe we will have to visit and see for ourselves to connect with the temple~
ReplyDeleteAmazing post.. very useful information..
ReplyDelete