Hampi Tourism
Karnataka's
cultural heritage is as fabulous as its glorious history. The various dynasties
that ruled this resource bounty lands are known as much for their heroic deeds
and administrative acumen as for their deep, discerning love for the arts. This
penchant of the long line of rulers for art manifests as indelibly in the sculptural
edifices dotting the sprawling, verdant landscape as in the patronage they extended
to performing arts like theatre, dance and music.
This glorious cultural quest had reached its zenith during the reign of the
legendary Krishnadeva Raya (1509 - 1529 AD). His many splendoured empire Vijayanagara
was reputed for its plenty and prosperity in all aspects of life on earth, rightly
referred to even to this day as the Golden Age of Karnataka.
The
capital of this unforgettable empire was the historic city of Hampi. With its
vibrant economy witnessed as vividly in its happy populace as in the pompous
cultural life, it verily was a paradise on earth. In the oft-quoted words of
the then Persian Ambassador Abdul Razak : "...... the eye has not seen
nor the ear heard of any place resembling it upon the whole earth". Indeed,
the vestiges of its ruined forts, lovely temples, luxurious baths, ornate palaces,
perennial irrigation canals and busy bazaars sing the glory of that dream capital
of one of the greatest empires. India has ever known. Demingo Paes, a Portuguese
visitor of the times goes into raptures as he extols, "Each day is more
splendid than the last. And when these amusements are ended, they begin to throw
up many rockets and many different sorts of fires, also castles that burn and
fling out from themselves many bombs and rockets". One may only imagine
the vista as a fantasia, comparable only with the mythical world of Indra !
Reference like this to this once-opulent town are plenty in the annals of Indian
history. As names by which the empire of Vijaynagar was known. It is described
as the most celebrated of the medieval metropolises of the times.
Hampi had few parallels in the world both for its orderly administration and
artistic achievements. The fabled metropolis was indeed unsurpassed for its
affluence, magnificence and spread out splendour.
This paradise on earth, undulated with rocks all round and bathed by the gurgling
waters of the Tunga-Bhadra, is spread over an area of 26 sq.kms. It was a city
that was synonymous with plenty and prosperity. In the words of Nuniz, another
Portuguese visitor, it was "the best provided city in the world".
After Krishnadeva Raya, alas the Kingdom disintegrated, the regal city of Hampi
itself running into ruins. It is in the fitness of things that another dynasty
as celebrated as Vijaynagar, should have continued that cultural grandeur in
the famous Mysore Dasara. That was the Wodeyar dynasty crowned by such illustrious
maharajas like Raja Wodeyar, Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wodeyar and, last but
not the least, Krishnaraja Wodeyar the Fourth.
With
the abolition of the princely order, all that pomp and pageantry would have
naturally come to an end. But no, the Government and people of Karnataka would
not have it. The inheritors of the glorious tradition, they have made concerted
efforts to revive and re-live that glory, that marvel in all its glitter and
gaiety, The annual Hampi festival has become as major an attraction as the Mysore
Dasara. The environs of this Utsav slated for November 3, 4 and 5 every year
is the same legendary town of Hampi in Bellary district.
Though the whole city goes gay on the festive occasion, the actual festivities
are held in four different locations. Each presents a variety of entertainment
which includes folk dances, wrestling, classical music and dance recitals and
plays. It culminates in a colourful procession through the bedecked streets
of the city. Well-known personalities in the field of performing and plastic
arts, sportsmen and women and literatures join in the great event to make it
a memorable occasion, and an experience worth living again and again!
Hampi Local Festival
The Vijayanagar Festival
is organized by the Government of Karnataka in December. Dance, drama, music,
fireworks, puppet shows, spectacular processions, all combine to recreate the
grandeur of the bygone era.
Languages Spoken: Kannada, Hindi, English. When to go there. October
to March.
How to Reach Hampi:
By Air
The nearest Airport is Bellary (74 kms). Other convenient airports are at Belgaum
(190 kms) and Bangalore(353 kms).
By Rail
Hospet is the nearest railhead (13 kms). Hospet is linked by rail to Bangalore,
Bijapur, Hubli and Guntakal.
By Road
Hampi is 350 kms from Bangalore.
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