Hampi

Why Hampi is famous

• •The GI year is disputed: Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra's own site says GI No. 134, secured in 2008. Two other sources give 2010. Use the holder's own account and note the conflict.
• •Best season: October to February. Hampi Utsav falls in this window - Karnataka Tourism gives 13-15 February for 2026, though other sources say November or early February, so verify with the organiser each year.

Hampi at a glance

History at a glance

1. Puranic · MYTHOLOGICAL
   Hampi appears in the Ramayana and the Puranas as Pampa Devi Tirtha Kshetra. The surrounding country is identified with Kishkindha, the monkey kingdom, with Anegundi across the river as its centre.
2. 3rd century BCE · MAURYAN
   Ashokan epigraphy is present at the site.
3. 7th century · PRE-VIJAYANAGARA
   The Virupaksha temple is built. Its history runs uninterrupted from about this point; the Virupaksha-Pampa sanctuary existed well before the capital was sited here.
4. 1336 · VIJAYANAGARA
   The Vijayanagara Empire is founded under Harihara I. Monument building at the capital runs from here to about 1570.
5. 1422-1446 · VIJAYANAGARA
   Deva Raya II reigns. The Vitthala temple is begun; Virupaksha is expanded by Lakkan Dandesha, a nayaka under him.
6. 1509-1530 · VIJAYANAGARA
   Krishnadevaraya reigns and adds substantially to the royal architecture. On campaign in Odisha he sees the chariot of the Konark Sun Temple and resolves to build one at his own capital - producing the Stone Chariot at Vitthala.
7. c. 1500 · VIJAYANAGARA
   Vijayanagara is among the largest cities in the world - one account places it second only to Beijing - drawing trade from Persia and Portugal.
8. 1565 · DESTRUCTION
   The empire is defeated at the Battle of Talikota by a coalition of Deccan sultanates. The capital is conquered, pillaged and destroyed, and never reoccupied.
9. 1986 · MODERN
   The Group of Monuments at Hampi is inscribed at UNESCO's 10th session, reference 241, criteria (i)(iii)(iv).
10. 1999 · MODERN
    Hampi is placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger after bridge and road construction near the monuments, and unregulated guesthouse and shop building.
11. 2006 · MODERN
    Hampi is removed from the Danger list.
12. 2007 · MODERN
    The Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority is created.
13. 2008 or 2010 · MODERN
    Sandur Lambani embroidery receives GI No. 134. The holder's own account says 2008; other sources say 2010.
14. 2011 · MODERN
    The Hampi Bazaar community is cleared to create a monument buffer zone. The clearance remains contested.
15. 2012 · MODERN
    Kinhal Toys receive a GI tag, protecting the legacy of the Chitragar community.
16. July 2023 · MODERN
    At the G20 cultural track at Hampi, over 450 Lambani women create 1,755 patchworks for a Guinness World Record. The certificate is handed over beside the Virupaksha Temple.
17. Recent · MODERN
    The Saalu Mantapa, a pavilion at the Virupaksha temple, collapses, reopening the question of neglect at the site.

Best time to visit

Hampi's climate is characterized by hot and dry summers, with temperatures soaring during the peak summer months, while the monsoon season brings moderate rainfall from July to September, bringing relief from the heat. Winters are generally mild and pleasant, with a slight chill in the mornings and evenings.

Weather details and any festival without a stated lunar anchor above are AI-drafted from general knowledge, not independently verified — timing is approximate; double-check before planning around one.