Hampi Bazaar is the perfect spot to begin your Hampi trip. It is a bustling city center, home to souvenir shops, food stalls, and guesthouses. This shopping street is known for its ancient intricate architecture, which showcases the town's heritage and culture.
The most famous and ancient temple in the region is Virupaksha Temple. Built-in the 14th century, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is still used for worship today. It is an architectural spectacle, adorned with ornate pillars, carvings, and sculptures depicting Hindu mythology stories.
The Vithala temple is famous for its iconic stone chariot, which is emblematic of Hampi's heritage. The temple is home to an impressive array of sculptures and engineering marvels such as musical pillars and monolithic structures. It ought to be high on your itinerary list given its association with ancient Vijayanagara empire's richest architectural depictions.
If you have more time, explore other attractions included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site including Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex and Lakshmi Narasimha Temple. Don't miss the sunrise from the Matanga Hill Viewpoint. Hampi is a vast city that deserves at least five days for a comprehensive discovery. However, if you have less time, skip Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex and the local markets to focus more on Vithala Temple, aka Hampi's architectural gem.