The Group of Monuments at Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage property in Karnataka, India, preserving the remains of the Vijayanagara Empire’s capital. Its temples, royal complexes and water structures sit within a broad landscape of rocky hills, open plains and the Tungabhadra basin.
For a visit, Clarks Inn Hampi is a hotel about 20 minutes by car from the Group of Monuments at Hampi, giving you a base for exploring the heritage area.
At a glance
- Location: Karnataka, India, in the Tungabhadra basin.
- Heritage status: Inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1986.
- Scale: The property covers 4,187.24 hectares, with a 19,453.62-hectare buffer zone.
- Entry: Several temple and enclosure areas have paid entry.
What the Group of Monuments at Hampi includes
The Hampi heritage area contains more than 1,600 surviving remains, from temples and forts to gateways, pillared halls and water structures. UNESCO describes them as the remains of the Vijayanagara Empire’s capital, principally dating from the 14th to 16th centuries CE.
Among the notable complexes are Krishna, Vitthala, Achyutaraya and Pattabhirama, alongside the Hemakuta group of temples, Lotus Mahal, Narasimha and Ganesa.
The Vitthala temple complex is the site’s most ornately decorated structure; its granite Garuda shrine is known as the stone chariot, and a grand bazaar street forms part of the setting.
The landscape is part of the visit: the Tungabhadra River, rocky hill ranges and open plains frame the remains. Virupaksha Temple is another important Hampi landmark; what to know about visiting Virupaksha Temple covers it in more detail.
The scale of the protected area means Hampi is a collection of sites across a larger heritage landscape, rather than a single monument.
How to organize a visit across the heritage area
Plan around the separate temple and enclosure areas, rather than treating Hampi as one compact site. A one-day Hampi itinerary for first-time visitors can help you shape a route around the places you want to see.
If the Vitthala complex is on your route, the stone chariot and grand bazaar street are two of its defining features. For a focused visit to that complex, what to know about visiting Vijaya Vittala Temple provides a useful companion guide.
Hampi’s history also helps put the surviving structures in context. The Battle of Talikota in 1565 led to extensive destruction; after the conquest, the city was pillaged over six months and subsequently abandoned.
Tickets, entry points and visitor access
The Archaeological Survey of India identifies paid-entry areas at Hampi, including the ancient and royal enclosures at Kamalapuram, Hazara Ram Temple, Zanana enclosures, Krishna Temple at Krishnapuram, Vithal Temple at Venkatapuram, Pattabhirama Temple at Kamalapur and Achutaraya Temple at Venkatapuram.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 6:00–18:00
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Because entry fees and visitor arrangements can change, check the official site before you go. Check the applicable entry details for the places you plan to visit.
Getting to the monuments
Hosapete Junction is the nearest railway station identified by Karnataka Tourism, about 13 km from Hampi. The broader heritage area has multiple named monument locations, so use the specific site you intend to visit when planning your onward journey.
FAQs
When was the Group of Monuments at Hampi added to the World Heritage List?
UNESCO inscribed the cultural property in 1986.
What can you see at the Hampi monuments?
The remains include temples, forts, shrines, gateways, pillared halls, water structures and royal and sacred complexes. The Vitthala complex is known for its stone chariot.
Are there paid-entry areas at Hampi?
Yes. Several temple and enclosure areas have paid entry, including the Vitthala and Krishna temple sites.