World Heritage listed Hampi was once the glorious capital of mighty Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1565), from the Deccan Plateau to the tip of the Peninsula . Founded in the middle of the 14th century by two local princes, Hukka & Bukka, the Vijayanagara Empire came to be celebrated for its might and wealth and as a showpiece of imperial magnificence. The emperors of this dynasty were great patrons of art and architecture, which can still be seen in the vast ruins of Hampi. In an effort to resurrect this abandoned capital, the government has been involved in the restoration, excavation and protection of the ruins, which spread over an area of 26 sq. kms. Rocky hills and the mighty Tungabhadra River , which flows through this rugged landscape, dominate the terrain.
Founder and Producer at On The Road Productions Dileep Singh Rathore, filmed in Hampi on a Swiss/German/French co-production entitled Flames In Paradise staring Élodie Bouchez, Sylvie Testud, Laurent Grévill and Bruno Todeschini back in 1997 and later for a photo shoot Harpers & Queen when access and accommodation was limited. I had the privilege of working in Hampi during the pre-production of a more recent project entitled Shantaram staring Johnny Depp. The film was unfortunately postponed due the Writers Guild Strike in Hollywood but thankfully I did get a chance to experience one of India’s treasures and really get to know the locations and locals.
Hampi is located in the central part of the state of Karnataka, in the southern part of India . It is 353 km from Bangalore , and 13 km from Hospet. It is located on top of a rugged terrain and is 467 m above sea level. Tungabhadra River flows through Hampi. The travel there can be tiring as the route at times is busy with heavy and slow trucks from the nearby mining industry.
It is advised for international film & photographic crews and talent to stay in the town of Hospet, 13km away as access to Hampi from Anegundi takes 40minutes drive or a 10 minute boat ride in a traditional basket boat or tin bottom motorboat. Hampi does not have many hotels, but the there are a number of lodges and guesthouses. Most of these are concentrated in Hampi Bazaar area near the main bus station and the Tourist Office. Most guesthouses and hotels are basic. There are no 5 star hotels in the area. Anegundi village in Koppal district has some nice guesthouses and probably the best accommodation in the area, The Boulders Resort.
Its not an easy area to film for a high profile project due to the lack of adequate accommodation required with larger crews but smaller independent films, photo shoots and commercial shoots will probably fall in love with this place. Its common to see expats from all over the world especially Israeli, Russian, German & Australians who are just kicking back in India.
Climate
Hampi has a tropical climate with hot summers (April-June), and cool winters (October-February). It experiences the southwestern monsoon rains from June to August.
Temperature (Deg C): Summer- Max. 41, Min. 37; Winter- Max. 27, Min. 24.
Best Season: October to March.
How To Get There
* Air: The nearest airport is Bellary (77 kms) which is connected by Vayudoot flights to Bangalore . Belgaum (259 kms) is connected by Indian Airlines flights to Bombay . Bangalore (353 kms) is linked to most parts of India by Indian Airlines, Vayudoot flights and Jet airways.
* Rail: The nearest railhead is hospet (13 kms), which is connected to Bangalore , Hubli and guntakal.
* Road: Hampi is connected by road to Aihole 156 km (via Hospet,Hungund); Badami 189 km (via Hospet, Hungund); Bangalore 353 km (via Hospet,Chitradurga); Bellary 77 kms, Bidar 379 kms (via Gulbarga, Homnabad); Bijapur 254 kms (via Hospet); Hungund Gadag 91 kms, Gulbarga 264 kms (via Sindhnur); Guntakal 133 kms (via Bellary); Hassan 335 kms (via Hospet, Chitradurga, Hosdurga, Arsikere); Hospet 13 kms, Hubli 154 kms (via Gadag); Hyderabad 416 kms (via Raichur, Mahaboobnagar); Mysoer 366 kms (via Chitradurga, Tiptur, Chennarayapatna); Raichur 194 kms (via Gangawati, Sinnur); Tungabhadra Dam 17 kms.
* Bus Hampi is connected by frequent bus services to Hospet which is connected with Anegondi, Badami, Bagalkot, Bangalore , Belgaum , Bijapur, Hyderabad , Guntakal, Kamalapur, Mantralaya, Munirabad, Mysore , Mangalore etc.
* Local Transport: Nil. However tourist taxis may be hired from Hospet and Bicycles can be hired from Kamalapur.
Places Of Interest
Virupaksha Temple, Monolithic Ganeshas, Krishna Temple, Monolithic Narasimha, Hazara Rama Temple, Elephant Stables, Zenana Enclosures, Royal Performance Zone, Royal Residences, Quieen’s Bath, Vittala Temple, Achyuta Raya Temple, Kodandarama Temple.
History - Vijayanagar, Hampi
Vijaynagar, the capital of one of the largest Hindu empires in Indian history, was founded by Sangama dynasty princes Harihara and Bukka in 1336. Its power peaked under Krishnadevaraya (1509-29), when it controlled nearly the whole of the peninsula south of the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers. Comparable to Delhi in the 14th century, the city, with an estimated population of half a million, covered 33 sq km and was surrounded by several concentric lines of fortification. Its wealth derived from the control of spice trade and the cotton industry. Its busy bazaars, described by European travelers such as Portuguese Nunez and Paes, were centers of international commerce. The empire collapsed after the battle of Talikota in 1565 when the city was ransacked by the confederacy of Deccan sultans (Bidar, Bijapur, Golconda , Ahmednagar and Berar ) over a six-month period, thus opening up southern India for Muslim conquest.
The ruins are set in a strange and beautiful boulder strewn landscape with an almost magical quality. The undisputed highlight of the ruins, the 16th century Vittala Temple , is a World Heritage Monument . Started in the reign of Krishnadevaraya, it was never finished or consecrated, and its incredible sculptural work is the pinnacle of Vijayanagar art. The outer pillars are known as musical pillars as they reverberate when tapped. There’s an ornate stone chariot in the temple courtyard containing an image of Garuda.
by Emmanuel Pappas
