Explore Hampi Tours

01/10/2023

📸 Lost in Time: Exploring the Visual Tapestry of Vijayanagara's Ruins! 🏰

Wandering through the ancient remnants of Vijayanagara, I'm transported to an era of grandeur and majesty. 🌄

🏛️ The sun-kissed boulders and intricate stone carvings tell stories of a civilization that thrived in this rocky terrain, creating a city that was the envy of its time.

🌿 Nature and history entwine seamlessly here; the lush greenery juxtaposed with the rugged ruins create a visual symphony that's nothing short of mesmerizing.

🏞️ As I walked through the sprawling landscapes, I marveled at the genius of the architects who designed these magnificent structures, and the resilience of a city that stood firm for centuries.

🌅 The play of light and shadow on these weathered stones creates a visual drama that's ever-changing, a reminder that time may erode the physical, but the spirit of Vijayanagara lives on.

📜 Each crumbling wall, each intricately carved column, is a testament to the enduring legacy of a civilization that has left an indelible mark on history. 🕰️

29/09/2023

📸 Stepping back in time at the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi!

Standing before the Eastern Gopura, I couldn't help but imagine how this stunning masterpiece must have looked centuries ago.

🌟 Its intricate facade, now weathered by time, is a testament to the remarkable craftsmanship of the Vijayanagara Empire.

🙏 Picture this: Pilgrims and traders passing through this monumental gateway, their footsteps echoing through the bustling streets of an ancient city, as the temple served as a center of spiritual devotion and commerce. At the time this would have been the tallest man made structure known to anyone in this part of the world.

🌿 The landscape around, with its rocky outcrops and the Tungabhadra River flowing nearby, was the backdrop to daily life, a vibrant canvas of history.

📜 Today, as we explore the Virupaksha Temple, we step into the footsteps of those who walked here centuries ago, connecting with the enduring spirit of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. 🕊️

26/09/2023

Good morning!

Leading an educational tour for middle students at Hampi today. If you are interested in sending your child on a tour with us, approach the school and ask them to get in touch with us!

The program covers a variety of topics and can be customized based on the desired learning outcomes of the school.

- Continuity in History through art, cultural traditions, rituals, cuisine
- Historical narratives and how we build them using primary and secondary sources
- Introduction to archaeology and how we study the past
- Unique geology and ecosystem of Hampi
- Fun activities like sunrise hikes, boat rides, bouldering, Wildlife safaris, birding, Scavenger hunts, Handicraft workshops, Village tours, authentic local cuisine experiences.

22/09/2023

Jungle book vibe ✅

On our Hampi by Dawn tour, we walk through stunning landscape and ruins of Hampi as we enjoy a beautiful sunrise.

16/07/2023

"𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝒉𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑢𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝐻𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑖, 𝑎 𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑛𝑜 𝑜𝑡𝒉𝑒𝑟."

24/01/2023

Which temple complex is this from? It is one of the 4 Major temple complexes in the sacred area of Hampi. It is the only temple complex, ongst the Major ones that is facing the North.

01/11/2022

28/09/2022

STONE COLUMNS OF VITTALA TEMPLE

The stone columns captured in this lighting showcases the enormous amount of coarse detailing. These are the famous Musical columns of the 56 pillared Ranaga Mantapa of Vijaya Vittala Temple at Hampi. These columns is the pinnacle of Vijayanagara style of temple architecture, erected during the reign of Sadashiva in 1554 CE. While early Vijayanagara columns were simpler, often lathe turned, in early 16th century the shilpis got more creative with elaborate pillars with multiple colonettes and rearing Mythical creatures as well as human figures. This pillar here is the absolute peak of that design evolution. This style then was picked up by other artisans in southern India and influenced pillar designs of 17th and 18th century.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Photo Credit 📸
Award winning renowned photographer 🙏
-------------------------------------------------------------------

27/09/2022

WORLD TOURISM DAY

Experience the extraordinary right here in Hampi. Explore the culture, food and people.

Book a tour with us!
www.explorehampi.com

25/08/2022

Come join us on our all inclusive group tour of Hampi from Bengaluru this October 21st to 23rd

INR 6400/- per person
*Includes all meals, travel in a comfortable A/C coach bus, A/C hotel room on twin sharing & award winning sightseeing program.

FOR BOOKING WHATSAPP : +919606156857 / +916361448041

HURRY! LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE

20/04/2022

BADAVI LINGA, HAMPI 📌

The local oral legend states that this 3 meter monolithic Linga was commissioned by a poor lady, thus the name Badavi Linga. Badavi in Kannada translates to poor woman. The linga has three eyes carved out in line and daily pooje is conducted by Sri Raghava, who is second generation priest fulfilling this duty 🙏

__________________________________

Pic Credit: 📸
__________________________________

19/04/2022

"The pupil of the eye has never seen a place like it,” wrote a Persian envoy to the court of King Devaraya II in the mid-15th century, about what he saw of the splendour of Vijayanagara.

________________________________________
Pic credit 📸:
Captured as the early morning sunrays hit the stunning temple complex of Vijaya Vittala
________________________________________

18/04/2022

Vijayanagara Saamraajya sansthapana dinacharane shubhashayagalu. Happy Vijayanagara foundation day!!

On this day, 686 years ago, a band of brothers built an empire that would change South India forever. They gave us 229 years of stable rule, during which South India underwent a cultural Renaissance. Art, architecture, literature and all kinds of art forms flourished changing the lives of all South Indians. The impact of this can still be felt today in our Temples, traditions, festivals, music, dance and other art forms.

While the exact date and year of founding is debated amongst scholars, we support the spirit of this celebration. Spirit of celebrating our glorious past and remembering those that came before us.

15/04/2022

We had the pleasure to be part of this path breaking series on Ramayana when Amish came to Hampi. Episode 2 features Arjun Bhat providing insights into the story of Ramayan and its connection to Hampi. The series also features Ramucherry Ram and his incredible crew of Hagaluvesha artisans, who have added such much colour to this series. The team at Wide Angle Films have done such a good job of weaving them into the narration. Thanks to discovery+ for producing this show and opportunity to participate.

Watch it on Discovery Plus app here : https://www.discoveryplus.in/show/the-legend-of-ramayana-with-amish-in

Watch it on PrimeVideo :
https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0KGPKHW3M4DG3S4X0X2CSL2YIS

06/04/2022

LEGENDS OF RAMAYANA - A docu-series releasing on the 7th of April on Discovery+ platform. It traces the journey of RAMA through the Indian subcontinent and brings an important perspective to the Ramayana.

We played an important role in shaping one of the episodes featuring Hampi. We owe our gratitude to the team at Discovery and WideAngleFlims who involved us and gave us this opportunity. Cannot wait for this series to go live. Catch this series on Discovery+ OTT platform, it looks stunning!

09/12/2021

DUARTE BARBOSA on VIJAYANAGARA & IT'S KING

Duarte Barbosa was a Portuguese writer and Portuguese India officer between 1500 and 1516–1517. After his arrival in Goa with the first Portuguese fleet in 1501, Barbosa made the journey to Vijayanagara soon after. His account mentions the king of Narsyngua, he was referring to Vira Narasimha Tuluva. Let's see what he said about the city and its King

"Vijayanagara is fenced with strong ramparts and by a river as well, on further side of a great chain of mountains. It stands on a very level plain. Here always dwells the King Narsyngua, who is heathen (Hindu) and is called Rayen (Raya), and here he has great and fair palaces, in which he lodges, with many enclosed courts and great houses very well built, and within them are wide open spaces, with water tanks in great numbers, in which reared an abundance of fish. He also has gardens full of trees and sweet-scented herbs. In the city as well there are palaces of the same fashion, wherein dwell the great Lords and Governors thereof. The other houses are thatched, but nonetheless are very well built and arranged according to occupations, in long streets with many open places" - Duarte Barbosa

Barbosa account of the city’s location and layout are quite accurate to what we know today from archaeological findings. The urban core is built on a flat plain surrounded by boulder hills, fortifications fill the gaps and the river Tungabhadra flowing provides natural defence along the entire northern stretch of the city. We also know about the numerous palaces, courts, water tanks within the Royal area.

_______________________________________

Picture credit 📸:
_______________________________________

08/12/2021

MAHANAVAMI CELEBRATIONS VIJAYANAGARA
🎊🪁✨🐎🐎🐘🐘🤼👯‍♂️🏇✨🪁🎊

In the 15th & 16th century, the city of Vijayanagara was epicenter of Mahanavami celebrations in India. The grand procession with decorated war elephants, horse mounted cavalry, infantry and variety of tableaus representing different vassals of the empire, were part of these celebrations.

By making the capital epicenter of Mahanavami celebrations in the world, the rulers of Vijayanagara proclaimed to be the protectors of all that is good in the world from evil. Mahanavami was a martial festival as much as a religious one. The Raya showed off his military might, his weapons, his best warriors, his armoured cavalry and war elephants. Nobleman and chieftains from around the empire gathered every year at the capital city during Mahanavami to pay tributes, provide accounts and pledge loyalty to the the King.

The temple in this picture was at the focal point of the Mahanavami celebrations. This is where the procession started, this was the Royal temple of the Vijayanagara Kings. The outer walls of the temple as seen here depict the senses of this procession in vivid detail.

Come join us on our Heritage Hampi Tour where we narrate to you the story of Mahanavami celebrations in great detail.

__________________________________
📌Hazarama Temple, Hampi
ಹಜಾರರಾಮ ದೇವಾಲಯ

📸 clicked by:
__________________________________

26/11/2021

Who is Purandara Dasa?

Swipe through the pictures to learn about one of the greatest musicians of India.

Join us in our tours if you want to learn more about his life and impact he had on all our lives.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to share and distribute with attribution to

--------------------------------------------------------------------

25/11/2021

Sports event held at the Goverment school in Anegundi on occasion of Children's day. We had the honor of sponsoring the certificates, medals and prizes distributed on this occasion. Coverage in the local media.

ಮಕ್ಕಳ ದಿನಾಚರಣೆಯಂದು ನಡೆದ ಆಟೋಟ ಸ್ಪರ್ಧೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ವಿಜೇತರಾದ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಹಂಪಿ ಬಸವ ಅವರಿಂದ ಬಹುಮಾನಗಳ ವಿತರಣೆ

25/11/2021

On occasion of Children's day, a week long sports event was conducted at the Anegundi goverment primary school. Explore Hampi sponsored the different prizes and certificates awarded on this occasion.

18/11/2021

Good morning 🌞
Suprabhat 🙏

"There's a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they're absolutely free. Don't miss so many of them."
- Jo Walton

-----------------------------------------------------------

Pic Credit 📸

-----------------------------------------------------------

16/11/2021

DAMARU or MRIDANGAM or some other Instrument?

The 56 pillared Ranga Mantapa at Vijaya Vittala Temple is world famous for its musical columns. One such columned pillar is featured here with a high-relief sculpture of a musician playing some percussion instrument. The question we are asking ourselves is which percussion instrument?

On careful observation we can make out the following :
> The instrument is slung over one shoulder using a belt
> His left hand is amongst the ropes/lacing in the middle
> The instrument is wide on the ends and narrow in the middle
> It appears that he using a stick to play the instrument with his right hand

The first instrument that comes to mind is a Damaru which is wide at ends and narrow in the middle. But it is much smaller in size, is held in one hand and played by rattling knotted cords against the sides. So we can rule that out.

We can also rule out a Mridangam because of it shape that is wide in the middle and narrow on the sides.

After a bit of search we found that this instrument looks and is played lot like a traditional instrument called IDAKKA from Kerala. The idakka is slung over the left shoulder and the right side of the instrument is gently beaten with a thin curve-ended stick. It has an hourglass shape and the lacing can be squeezed to change the pitch of the sound. To see portrait of a Idakka player from kerala swipe right.

What do you think? Have we guessed the instrument correctly? Do you have other suggestions? Drop a comment!

--------------------------------------------------------------------

For more such stories and interpretations follow us

We organise immersive tours of Hampi. Find link in our bio to check them out!

--------------------------------------------------------------------

15/11/2021

🐒🐒🐒

--------------------------------------------------------
Pic Credit 📸:
--------------------------------------------------------

13/11/2021

Good morning 🌞 Suprabhat 🙏

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Pic Credit :
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •



Use and tag us to get featured 😊🙏

12/11/2021

MANMATHA VIJAYA

The ceiling of the Ranga Mantapa of Virupaksha Temple at Hampi has beautiful murals depicting stories from Puranas and folklore. One such panel is showcased in this picture, it depicts the episode of Manmatha Vijaya.

Pampa Mahatmya, a sthala purana narrates the story of the wedding of Pampambika (Parvathi) and Virupaksha (Shiva) and it's relationship with Hampi. Manmatha Vijaya is one of the episodes from this story.

A grief struck Shiva, after death of his beloved wife Sati devi, withdraws from the world as he sits down at Hemakuta Hill to meditate. As a result, the world looses it balance between good and evil. Meanwhile, Sati reincarnates as Pampambika, daughter of Himavantha. The God's conspire to wake Shiva from his deep meditation and unite Pampa with Shiva. They send Manmatha (Kamadeva) for the task.

The mural panel shows Manmatha riding on his chariot drawn by parrots (his vahana). To his side is his companion Rathi. His bow is made of sugarcane. He shoots arrows made of flowers to wake Shiva from his meditation and sow a desire (of union with Pampa) in Shiva's heart.

Shiva's meditation is disturbed, he opens his third eye and instantly incinerates Manmatha. This episode is known as Manmatha Vijaya. The location of this episode as per the sthala purana is at the Moola Virupaksha Temple on Hemakuta hill. Next to the temple is a pool called Manmatha K***a, this is supposed to be the crater formed by the intense gaze of Shiva's third eye.

For more stories like this follow us . To be featured tag us using

----------------------------------------------------------------
Picture Credit 📸 :
-----------------------------------------------------------------

10/11/2021

GRAY LANGUR & BONETT MACAQUE

The two species of primates are usually at loggerheads with each other and compete for common food sources. At Hampi however you often see them grooming each other and even sharing food. The local belief attributes this to the fact that this region in Kishkindha, the vanar Kingdom of Vali & Sugreeva from the Great Indian epic Ramayana. This is the birthplace of Hanuman. Infact the Gray langur that have very human like movements and attributes are also known as Hanuman Langurs. Isn't that fascinating?

For more stories like this follow us, to be featured tag us at

----------------------------------------------------------------
Featured picture today is from:
----------------------------------------------------------------

10/09/2021

KADALEKALU GANESHA
The towering statue of Kadalekalu Ganesha with a height of 4.6 meters (15 feet) is carved out of a single granite boulder (monolith). When the city fell following the defeat of the Vijayanagara army at Talikota, vandals disfigured many sculptures within the city. The big plumb belly of Ganesha was disfigured by chiseling large portions of it off. It just so happens that the manner in which they chiseled, gave the appearance of a Bengal gram (known as Kadalekalu in the local language). Hence, the locals began calling this statue Kadalekalu Ganesha.
Like this many of the names for temples, shrines, sculptures, and monuments at Hampi are based on local names. These names are not necessarily what they were called during the Vijayanagara period. Know other examples of this? Share in comments below.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more such stories follow us

Book a tour with us
👣 buff.ly/2XTqR8x
📞 9606156857

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10/09/2021

"ವಕ್ರತುಂಡ ಮಹಾಕಾಯ ಕೋಟಿಸೂರ್ಯ ಸಮಪ್ರಭ
ನಿರ್ವಿಘ್ನಂ ಕುರು ಮೇ ದೇವ ಸರ್ವಕಾರ್ಯೇಷು ಸರ್ವದಾ ||"

"वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ ।
निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा ॥"

"O Lord Ganesha, one with a huge body, a curved elephant trunk and whose brilliance is equal to billions of Suns, May you always remove all obstacles from my endeavors"

These above lines are from a very popular sloka to Ganesha, often chanted at the beginning of rituals or at the start of something auspicious. The sculpture in this picture is that of Sasivekalu (local name) Ganesha at Hampi, located at an intersection of roads that connect Hospet, Hampi & Kamalapaura. This is also the entrance to Hampi and Hemakuta Hill, and so is aptly placed at the "entrance" or at the beginning.

On this auspicious occasion, we'd like to remember Ganesha and pray to him to remove all obstacles from our endeavors. That this country is rid of the great challenges it has been facing due to acute economic distress and the pandemic.

ಗೌರಿ - ಗಣೇಶ ಹಬ್ಬದ ಹಾರ್ದಿಕ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು
गणेश चतुर्थी की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं
Many wishes on the occasion of Ganesha Chaturthi 🙏
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more such stories follow us

Book a tour with us
👣 https://buff.ly/3Bc2SzH
📞 9606156857
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

09/09/2021

One of the first things a visitor notices on entering Hampi is its awe-inspiring landscape of boulder hills. This landscape provides some of the most beautiful backdrops to sunrise and sunsets you will ever see. So catching a sunrise or sunset is a must-do activity for all visitors to Hampi.

For a good sunset view, you can climb up Anjanadri Hill or watch it from Sunset point on Hemakuta Hill. There are other lesser-known spots like the Malyavanta Hill, Gangavathi Bridge overlooking the river, and sunset point on hippie island. For a Sunrise you can climb up Matunga Hill for the best view. Other alternatives are Anjanadri, Malyavanta Hill and Chintamani Ghat at Anegundi village.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more such content follow us

Book a tour with us
👣 https://buff.ly/3Bc2SzH
📞 9606156857

------------------------------------------------------------------------------