Hampi, an ancient village located in Karnataka, India and a UNESCO World Heritage site is an enchanting place. It is decorated with beautiful memories, and ancient history representing the grand empire of Vijayanagara. Though Hampi has so many incredible places of its own, there are other places to visit near Hampi. These stress upon the culture and heritage of the region. Each of the nearby places also offers a different side of attraction ranging from old buildings to green forests.
10 Best Places To Visit Near Hampi
Let us explore both the famous and the unexplored places to visit near Hampi that enhance the beauty of it:
1. Pattadakal
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Pattadakal, a phenomenal site in Karnataka, stands as a UNESCO World Heritage centre and among the major attractions near Hampi. It is well known for the breathtaking temples characterising the architectural greatness of the Chalukyan dynasty. This site, which dates back to the 7th and 8th centuries, manages to achieve a fascinating combination of Dravidian and Nagara architectural styles. The temple complex features a total of ten principal temples with nine being Hindu temples and one Jain temple. The Mallikarjuna Temple and the Sangameshwara Temple are also important temples that belong to the past and are ornamental by the epoch.
Distance From Hampi: Approximately 22 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March for pleasant weather
Activities: Explore the temples, photography, and attend local festivals like the Pattadakal Dance Festival in February
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2. Anegundi
Photo: Ingo Mehling / Wikimedia Commons
Anegundi is a beautiful village situated directly opposite Hampi on the other side of the Tungabhadra River in Karnataka. It is quite historic and is said to be the place of the great monkey king Sugreeva where Hanuman was born, the kingdom of Kishkindha in the epic Ramayana. For instance, the village has temples from the past such as the Ranganatha temple, Chintamani temple and the Anegundi Fort. This fort consists of a Durga temple. The visitors can also choose to visit Pampa Sarovar, a sacred lake set within greeneries. Thus, it comes under the best tourist attractions near Hampi..
Distance From Hampi: Approximately 3 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March for pleasant weather
Activities: Trekking to Anjanadri Hill, visiting historical sites, and enjoying local cuisine
3. Sanapur Lake
Photo: Christopher Soghoian / Wikimedia Commons
Nested in the heart of Karnataka, Sanapur Lake lies close to the ancient city of Hampi. It is a pleasant and relaxing location for visitors due to its charm around the artificial lake. One can also get to indulge in a coracle ride, a round-shaped boat experience facilitated by local villagers enhancing the charm of the visit. Sanapur Lake is reached through green and thick carrying paddy and banana farms, indulging the visual geography of the region further. Also, the lake is famous for its early morning and late evening views, which are quite suitable for taking pictures.
Distance From Hampi: Approximately 8 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March for pleasant weather
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4. Hospet
Photo: Dineshkannambadi / Wikimedia Commons
Hospet is an energetic town founded in 1520 by a Vijayanagar ruler King Krishnadevaraya. Hospet is endowed with the rich history of the past and supply of the contemporary. Everyone is very busy in the city and this scene is the utmost opposite of the placid remains of Hampi. Tungabhadra Dam is a significant structure that affords picturesque views along with various other amenities and recreational opportunities.
Jambukeshwara Hill Temple is a shrine built in honour of Lord Shiva constructed at the peak of Jambunatha Hill. Huligemma Devi Temple is a time-honoured structure that is widely recognized for its religious importance.
Distance From Hampi: Approximately 13 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March for pleasant weather
5. Koppal
Photo: Krishnakulkarni36 / Wikimedia Commons
Koppal, a town in Karnataka state has a significant significance owing to its history, culture, and many archaeological locations. Commonly known as “Jaina Kashi,” Koppal is a town with a lot of history that has several empires including Mauryas, Chalakyas, and Nizams. Koppal Fort is a historic fort and an outstanding piece of building work, rendering the views of beautiful landscape. Mahadeva Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was built by the Chalukyan king Vikramaditya VI. It contains beautiful sculptures as well as 68 beautifully crafted pillars. Kukanoor is an adjacent village famous for its older temples, in particular, the Navalinga temple which has nine jyotirlingas.
Distance From Hampi: Approximately 70 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March for pleasant weather
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit Near Udupi For A Spiritual Experience
6. Bellary
Photo: Ravibhalli / Wikimedia Commons
Bellary has numerous historical stories to tell as well as a cultural presence. The town has a richer past being governed by many empires like the Satavahanas, the Chalukyas, and Hyder Ali. Bellary Fort is a magnificent fort built on a hill and about 400 steps are required to be able to reach the top of the structure. The structure gives a 360-degree view of the surrounding flat levelled area which is dotted with remnants of structures, temples, and water tanks. Daroji Bear Sanctuary encourages and allows animal lovers the great opportunity to see the bears up close in their natural environment.
Distance From Hampi: Approximately 70 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March for pleasant weather
7. Badami
Photo: Keekeerob88 / Wikimedia Commons
Badami is famous for its rock-cut caves, temples and abundant history. Encircled by beautiful red sandstone cliffs, the town features a total of four cave temples that were hewn out of the cliffs in the sixth and seventh centuries. Badami Cave Temples have been embellished with beautiful sculptures and carvings. Agastya Lake is a beautiful lake located at the foot of the caverns and provides an excellent relaxing ambiance for the guests. Badami Fort offers a 360-degree view along with many old temples. This is one of the best places to visit near Hampi Karnataka.
Distance From Hampi: Approximately 140 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March for comfortable weather
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8. Sandur
Photo: Marc Roberts / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sandu is an alluring town with a deep historical background and picturesque places. Sandur was previously a princely state ruled by Ghorpade’s family and is nestled amidst green hills and thick forests. Sandur is also well known in the town for its deposits of iron ore and manganese, which are a great aid to the local economy. Sandur Fort is a structure that provides an extensive outlook on the surrounding areas. Sandur Palace epitomises the architecture of the Ghorpade dynasty which is now a heritage hotel. Krauncha Giri is a village that is close by and has very old temples dedicated to Hindu gods.
Distance From Hampi: Approximately 35 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March for pleasant weather
9. Aihole
Photo: Shyamal / Wikimedia Commons
Aihol is popularly called the ‘birthplace of Hindu rock-cut architecture’ as per Anthony Lilles’ political culture architect. This ancient village contains over 120 temples with different architectural designs. Most of the temples remain devoted to several Hindu gods such as Shiva, Vishnu and the two grand temples that stand out. The Durga Temple has an apsidal layout similar to that of Buddhist chaitya halls. The Lad Khan Temple is one of the few oldest shrines cut out of stone. It includes delicate sculptures, creatively shaped edifices and culture which encourages archeologists and travellers too to visit the sites. Thus, Aihole is one of the best places to see near Hampi.
Distance From Hampi: Approximately 140 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March for comfortable weather
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10. Chitradurga Fort
Photo: Shyamjk1919 / Wikimedia Commons
Chitradurga Fort is one of the best tourist historical places located within the Chitradurga district of Karnataka. This splendid hill fort is replete with the architectural skills of Chalukyas and later Nayakas of Chitradurga. The fortress covers an area of more than 1500 acres and consists of more than seven enclosing rings, 19 entrances, and also many concealed doors to prevent encroachments. Hidimbeshwara Temple is one of the oldest temples within the fort, linked to the Mahabharata legend. Onake Obavvana Kindi is a historical site commemorating the bravery of Obavva, who defended the fort from invaders
Distance From Hampi: Approximately 141 km
Best Time To Visit: October to February for cooler weather
Visiting Hours: Open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM
Hampi is more than just its historical heritage, acting as a springboard for several other sites for travel enhancement. Places to visit near Hampi will surely give you funny and wonderful experiences regardless of whether you are a lover of history or adventure-oriented. Each place is unique in itself and offers a diverse experience. Plan your trip with TripXL and immerse yourself in this amazing region of India.
Cover Photo: Apadegal / Wikimedia Commons