HAMPI AND PATTADAKAL Location of Hampi : Bellary District in Karnataka Location of Pattadakal : Bijapur District of Karnataka Famous For : Ancient Temple Ruins Distance from Bangalore : Hampi – 352 kms, Pattadakal – 514 kms

Hampi and Pattadakal – Crowned as World Heritage Sites

Hampi and Pattadakal are the two most famous heritage towns of Karnataka. Included in the list of world heritage sites by UNESCO, these towns are a must visit for all those undertaking Karnataka tours. These are historical sites that highlight the temple ruins of Karnataka. A tour to Hampi and Pattadakal is like a gateway to the historical facet of Karnataka.

Hampi – Ruins that Rule the Heritage Attractions of Karnataka

Hampi, the second largest world heritage site in the world, is the most celebrated name in Karnataka. Famous for its temple ruins, this heritage town of Karnataka is located at a distance of 352 kms from Bangalore. Hampi was the capital of renowned kingdom of Vijaynagar Empire of 14th century to 16th century. The city derives its name from Pampa, the old name of the Tungabhadra River on whose banks the city is built. This village is also an important pilgrim destination thehaving the Virupaksha temple along with many other holy sites. This historical town is of great importance in terms of architecture that is displayed by the larger than life sculptures. There are more than 500 temple complexes that are located in vicinity. Begin your journey from Kamalpur, which is the starting point for exploring Hampi ruins.

Tourist Attractions at Hampi – The World Famous Marvels

Major tourist attractions of Hampi can be divided into two main part – the Hampi Bazaar Part and the Royal center near Kamalapuram. Though the Virupaksha Temple, Achutaraya Temple, Hazara Rama Temple and the Vithala Temple are considered to be the most important monuments, you can also visit Queen's bath, monolithic Ganesha, Ugra Narasimha on your heritage tours to Hampi. The Stone's Chariot, Elephant Stable, Balakrishna Temple, Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple, King's balance are also worth seeing.

Besides being awe struck by the temple attractions, one can also indulge in climbing the Matangi hills. The annual Hampi festival is also an important travel attractions for Karnataka visitors. Organized by the Government of Karnataka, the Hampi Dance and Music Festival witnesses participation of some of the most distinguished people from the field of art, dance, music and drama.

Pattadakal – Living Embodiments of Karnataka Heritage History

Like the temples of Hampi, Pattadakal too is renowned for its group of monuments. At a distance of 514 kms from Bangalore and just a 22 kms long excursion from the rock cut caves of Badami, Pattadakal is a famous historical town in Karnataka. The temples of Pattadakal saw the Badami Chalukya art in full bloom. The most famous temple in Pattadakal is the Virupaksha temple that was built in 745 AD by Queen Lokamahadev to commemorate her husband's victory (Vikramaditya II) over the Pallavas of Kanchi. Other important temple attractions of Pattadakal includes Sangameshvara temple (incomplete yet attractive), Galganatha temple (contains a sculpture of Lord Shiva killing a demon), the Nagara styled Papanatha temple and Jambulinga temple.

Do not forget to pay a visit to the Museum of the Plains and the Sculpture Gallery that is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India on the Bhutanatha temple road. Other important monuments here are the monolithic stone pillar bearinginscriptions, Naganatha temple, Chandrashekara temple and inscriptions in the Mahakuteshwara temple.