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What to See Hampi - Kishkinda Heritage ResortKing’s Place : The largest enclosure in Hampi, the King’s palace includes two major platform structure, and underground chamber which must have served as a treasury or private audience hall, several minor platforms and double fortification walls, besides other interesting architectural elements.
Virupaksha Temple: Dedicated to Lord ‘Shiva and his consort Pampadevi, this is the only temple here that is still used for worship. Parts of the temple predate the Vijayanagar empire. The temple, with its nine-storied gopuram, towers above the other structures at Hampi. The ceiling of the Ranga Mantapa is beautifully painted with scenes from the epics and Puranas.
Ganesh Images : Two Ganesh images (Sasuvekalu and Kadalekalu) can be seen on the slopes of the Hemakuta Hill. One of them is enclosed in a temple with unusually tall pillars, while the other is in an open hall.
Lakshminarasimha : The awesome 6.7 m-high monolith depicting the man-lion form of Vishnu is seated on a seven-hooded serpent.
Badavilinga : Located next to the Lakshminarasimha statue, the Badavilinga is 3m-high and stands permanently in water that flows through an ancient channel.
Vijay Vithala Temple : The Vijay Vithala Temple is Hampi’s crowning glory, with a magnificent stone chariot standing in the temple courtyard. Equally impressive is the large Ranga Mantapa with 56 musical pillars that resound with musical chimes when struck.
Pushkarni : The stepped water tank, excavated in the mid-1980, was originally a part of the palace complex. Almost lyrical in its beauty, the tank is a tiered structure crafted rectangular pieces of granite.
Lotus Mahal : This visually appealing structure has two levels, with open pavilions at the bottom and balconies above. Highlighting the fusion of the Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture, the Mahal derives its name from its beautiful, geometrically arranged cusped arches that resemble the petals of the lotus opening to the sun.
Hazara Rama Temple : The royal temple reserved for ceremonial use, the Hazara Rama Temple is embellished with bass reliefs depicting scenes from the epic, Ramayana. The walls of the enclosure are richly carved with friezes depicting processions of horses, elephants, dancing girls and soldiers attired in splendid armour. Inside, four exquisitely sculpted granite pillars add to the beauty of the Ardha Mantapa.
Queen’s Bath : Though the exterior may appear simple, the interior is stunningly ornate, with graceful arched corridors, projecting balconies and lotus-shaped fountains that once spouted perfumed water for the ladies of the court.
