Hampi | North Karnataka | UNESCO World Heritage site | Day 1 | Part 1

Hey guys welcome to my Channel, today in this video Let's embark on a journey to uncover the history of the Vijayanagara Empire, beginning with Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The town derives its name from the Pampa Devi Hindu mythology in Sanskrit, with Pampa morphing into Hampa in Kannada, then Hampi
The iconic temple has amazing stone structures such as the incomparable stone chariot and the fascinating musical pillars.

Vittala Temple, Hampi:
-The temple is in the northeastern part of Hampi near the Tungabhadra River.
Constructed during the reign of King Devaraya II (1422 – 1446 A.D.) of the Vijayanagara Empire.
The road leading to the temple, once a bustling marketplace (Vittala Bazaar), is now in ruins.


The Stone Chariot:
Inspired by the chariot at the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha.
Symbolizes the empire’s artistic and architectural excellence.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Found within the Vittala Temple Complex, dedicated to Garuda.
Originally had a large sculpture of Garuda, now empty.

The Musical Pillars of the Ranga Mantapa:
One of the main attractions of the Vittala Temple, known for its 56 musical pillars, also called SAREGAMA pillars.
Emit musical notes when gently tapped.
Carved from single pieces of resonant stone.
Inside the Mantapa, there are a group of main pillars and several sets of smaller pillars.
-Each main pillar supports the ceiling of the Ranga Mantapa and is intricately designed to resemble musical instruments.
Each main pillar is encircled by 7 minor pillars. These 7 pillars produce seven distinct musical notes, carved from single pieces of resonant stone to represent various musical instruments.

Maha Mantapa:
The Maha Mantapa, or main hall of the Vittala Temple, is in the inner courtyard of the temple complex.
This stunning structure rests on an elaborately decorated base, featuring intricate carvings of warriors, horses, swans, and various other ornamental designs.
The step on the eastern side is decorated with elephant balustrade. There are forty pillars lining the facade of the temple. Each of these pillars has a height of 10 feet.

Timing: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, all days of the week
Entry Fee: No entry fee required.
Visit Duration: About 3 hours.
Best Time to Visit: From November to February

Lotus Mahal:
Fine architectural design, uniquely found by its lotus-like structure.
Found within the Zenana Enclosure, used by the royal women of the Vijayanagara Dynasty.
Remarkable and unmistakable design is the main highlight.
One of the few buildings in Hampi not damaged or destroyed during the city's attack.
Named for its lotus bud shape, with balconies and passages covered by domes resembling an opened lotus bud.
Central dome also carved as a lotus bud.

Elephant Stable:
-The Elephant Stable in Hampi, constructed in the 15th century, was designed to shelter the royal elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Located outside the Zenana Enclosure, it is a prime example of Indo-Islamic architecture.
The stable features a long, rectangular building with eleven large domed chambers, each capable of holding two elephants.
The interconnected chambers have large arched openings and small doorways without evidence of actual doors.
Each chamber includes a rear opening for mahouts, and the building has a concealed staircase leading to the roof.
The chambers are notable for their high ceilings.

Timing: Open on all days of the week from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry fee for adults: INR. 10 for Indians and INR 250 for foreign tourists
Entry fee for children: Entry is free for children under 15 years.
Visit duration: 2 hours.
Best time to visit: From November to February