Adventure And Historic Trip To Humpi, Karnataka - HolidayKeys.co.uk

Adventure And Historic Trip To Humpi, Karnataka
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“Hampi” is a village in north Karnataka. It
was one of the largest and richest cities
during its prime. It’s a city of monuments
of history, temples, bouldering, and
adventures. You are thinking that what kind
of name is it “Hampi” means champion in
kannad language. It is located within the
ruins of the city of Vijayanagara, the
former capital of Vijayanagara Empire.
The ruins are the UNESCO world heritage site, listed as the group of monuments of
Hampi. Hampi is mostly recognized by its monuments. One of the most monuments is
“AchyutaRaya Temple”, named after Achyuta Raya who was ruled in Vijayanagara 1529
– 1542 CE, younger brother of Krishna Deva Raya . You can reach there by Kodanda
Bazaar also called as “Soolia Bazar”. It is an excellent example of Vijayanagara style
architecture. It is located between the Gandhamadana and Matanga hills. It is one of the
last creations of Vijayanagara Empire before the empire falls down.

The beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Tiruvengalanatha, a form of Lord Vishnu, hence
the temple was original name was Tiruvengalanatha Temple but it gradually came to
notice after the king in whose period it built. So it became well known as “AchyutaRaya
Temple” rather Tiruvengalanatha Temple. It is clearly visible from the Matanga hills. The
complex has two enclosures, each having an entrance gopura. The temple consists has
garbhagriha, an antarala, sukanasi, a rangamantapa and an ornate mahamantapa, and the
beautiful carved pillars. It is an ancient temple but it still reflects the grandiosity and
magnificent architecture of that reign.
One of the most magnificent sculptures is “Yeduru Basavanna” also known as “Eduru
Basavanna” is a bull statue. As per legend, it is regarded as the guard and protector of
Hampi during the ancient time. The monolithic bull is represents Nandi, the mount of Lord
Shiva, who is also considered as gatekeeper of Lord Shiva. It was stood here from more
than 500 years till now. It is a prominent sculpture of Vijayanagara Empire. This statue is
placed in a sheltered and elevated backdrop of huge boulders. It has a simple carved out
of a single colossal rock and has been chiselled in a simple manner.

There is one more impressive structure known as “Dasara Dibba”, often
known as “Mahanavami Dibba”, is a beautiful carved stone platform, it has
height about 12 meters, located within the royal enclosure. It was constructed
by King Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagara Empire to commemorate his
victory over Udaygiri (now Orissa). The grand platform was used as a stage
by the king to watch the celebration of nine days festival Mahanavami, all the
splendour performances were clearly visible from the there. It is huge three
tier square platform structure. The platform has two stairs one is at front and
another is at back of the stage. The font stairway is magnificently decorated
with carved elephants, horses, soldiers and stately processions. You must visit
this platform; the joy is to visit there and face it will be a great experience
more than reading.
The “Royal Enclosure” is a huge fortified area in the town, it is 59,000 square
metres. It is the place where the royal family of Vijayanagara Empire used to
dwell. It is a huge enclosure that can once housed as many as 43 buildings. It
has three entrances, audience hall, Stepped Tank, underground chamber,
Hazara Rama Temple, aqueducts, public Bath. The sculptures on the walls are
remarkable; these are the most prominent architecture style of Vijayanagara
Empire.

The “Elephant Stable” is located just outside of the “Zenana Enclosure”, built to
provide shelter to royal elephants. It is one of the finest examples of Indo – Islamic
style architecture. It is an eminent building, which has eleven huge domed chambers,
with high ceiling. The exclusiveness with stable is that it has a distinct central dome. It
is largest and most decorated among the 11 domes of the building. The domes were
designed in variety of shapes such as octagonal, circular, ribbed, fluted, drum –
shaped. The architecture is amazing. There are also some architectures built in Indo –
Islamic style.
Beyond these monuments there are you can do rock climbing, trekking along with the
destinations such as Hemakuta Hill trek, the Matanga Hill trek, the Anjaneya Hill trek
and the Malyavanta Hill trek. Each of the trekking destination ample the natural beauty
of the town. The Coracle ride is the most the joyful on the waters of the “Tungbhadra
River”. A coracle is a circular boat which carries 6 to 8 people. It will be great ride
with swirling waters of the river.
There are so many monuments such as Granaries, Chandramouliswara Temple, Palace
of Vira Harihara, Pushkaranis, Hampi, Stone Chariot, Ugra Narasimha, Sasivekalu
Ganesha Temple, Prasanna Virupaksha Temple, Shri Virupaksha Temple, Shri Vijaya
VitthalaTemple, and Kings’s Balance.

This place is mostly famous for its boulder carved style architecture that you can’t find
anywhere else. If you interested in rock climbing, trekking, shopping, historical
monuments, than Humpi is the best place for you. It would be your best adventurous and
historic tour to Humpi.