About this walk
Hampi is a sacred land with great spiritual significance. The people of Karnataka believe that goddess Parvati undertook her long prayer for Shiva’s hand in marriage here, in Hampi. Hampi is also the site of Kishkinda - the legendary monkey kingdom in the Ramayana - and the birthplace of Lord Rama's devotee Hanuman. The Vijayanagara empire venerated the land. They built temples to various deities, as an expression of their faith and of their royal power. Master artisans carved imposing giant sculptures from granite boulders.
On this walk, you will see beautiful temples and giant granite carvings, learn about how temples functioned every day in the Vijayanagara period, and how their faith shaped traditions that live on today. You will visit the towering temple of Virupaksha, a form of Lord Shiva. Virupaksha is the patron deity of Hampi, and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year.
Walk coverage
The giant granite carving of Narasimha, the half-lion avatar of Lord Vishnu
Badavi Lingam, one of the largest shiva lingams in the country
The beautiful Krishna Temple, built to commemorate Vijayanagara’s victory over the Udaygiri kingdom of Odisha. You can also see the medieval bazaar opposite the temple, and a temple tank (pushkarini).
Saasivekaalu Ganesha, a giant Ganesha carved in granite
Climb the small Hemakuta hillock and see small Chalukya temples, a few hundred years older than Vijayanagara. Enjoy scenic views of the Virupaksha temple and the surrounding countryside
Descend to the Virupaksha Temple and explore this active temple
Start Point: Narasimha Statue
End Point: Virupaksha Temple
Timing and Duration
Approximately 3 hours, starting at 8 am or at 2 pm. However, we do have room to modify the start time per your convenience.
Costs
INR 850 per person for 7-10 persons
INR 1250 per person for 5-6 persons
INR 1750 per person for 3-4 persons
INR 2250 per person for 2 persons
INR 4000 for a solo traveller
Prior reservation is mandatory. Payment online prior to the tour. Email deepa@magictoursofindia.com or WhatsApp wa.me/+919867707414
Inclusions
Knowledgeable guide, personalised walk and all taxes.
Exclusions
Entrances, camera fees, tips, transport, water/refreshments.
Tour Notes
Virupaksha is an active temple, so we advise dressing modestly. You also have to take off your shoes when you enter the temple. Photography is allowed in the Virupaksha Temple, but not of the inner sanctums or idols.
Climbing Hemakuta involves walking up approximately 70 uneven rock cut steps, and then descending. If you would like to skip Hemakuta, please tell the guide you would like to proceed directly to Virupaksha Temple. Wear comfortable shoes and use sun protection. After the walk, you can rest at nearby cafes. Ask the guide for directions.