Hampi Festival: Where Culture Meets History

Perched beautifully on the banks of River Tungabhadra and located within the intriguing ruins of Vijayanagara, Hampi transports you to a different world to a different era. The ruins, temples, a landscape adorned with endless stretches of water, greenery and oddly shaped boulders; Hampi is so steeped in history and culture that it’s hard not to be awed by its beauty.

This otherwise modest town can be seen at its vibrant best during the Hampi Festival, which is held from 9^th to 11^th January every year and is organized by the Government of Karnataka. Also known as the Vijaya Utsav, Hampi Festival is a cultural extravaganza packed with dance shows, musical events, puppet shows and a host of other cultural activities. During the festival, the age old rocks and ruins of this once capital of the mighty Vijayanagar Empire come to life and how! Several prominent artists travel to this UNESCO World Heritage Site to partake in celebrating Hampi’s rich history and culture. From spectacular fireworks to colorful processions, the Hampi Festival is a cornucopia of local and international talent and a showcase of India’s rich traditions and culture. Admission to the Hampi Festival is free of cost.

November to March is the peak tourist season in Hampi, mostly because of the pleasant weather and the illustrious Hampi Festival. If you plan to visit during this time, it is best to arrange for accommodation well in advance. There are several guesthouses and hotels in the town that offer a comfortable stay.

Hampi is located about 350 kilometers away from Benagluru.  One can take a flight to Hampi from the nearest airport at Hubli, which is 144 kilometers away or take a train from the nearest train station at Hospet, which is 13 kilometers away from Hampi.

Sightseeing, nature, history and culture; traveling to Hampi is so much more than a typical holiday. Even with so much variety packed into this tiny village, it is ideal for a quiet and relaxing vacation, away from the hustle and bustle of big metropolises. If you’ve always wanted a unique holiday experience then Hampi is the place to be. So pack your bags and prepare to be enchanted.