This ancient magnificent city now survives only in ruins. From the view of the ruins here, it seems natural that once upon a time there was a flourishing civilization in Hampi. There are more than five hundred monuments between the valleys and dunes. There are many buildings which include temples, palaces, cellars, water-ruins, old markets, royal pavilions, platforms, treasuries, etc.

 According to historians, Hampi was once called Kishkindha, in fact, from the 13th to 16th century the city prospered as the capital of the Vijayanagara kings. Hampi is an open museum for both tourists and pilgrims. Every turn of Hampi is amazing. Every monument holds a secret than it reveals.

Hampi is called a city of temples. Let’s know about some temples and sites that are worth visiting while Hampi and also included in the UNESCO world heritage site.

Virupaksha Temple

This temple of Hampi is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, who is another form of Lord Shiva. Virupaksha Temple is a sacred place situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River at Hampi in the state of Karnataka. Built during the seventh century, this temple was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its history and beautiful architecture. The temple has beautiful sculptures of many deities which reflect mythological stories related to them.

VITTHAL TEMPLE or VITHALA TEMPLE

The Vitthal temple is one of the most influential temples in Hampi. The Vitthal temple was built during the 16th century. In fact, this temple presents its rich architecture beautifully. Hampi has a famous stone chariot which is considered an iconic symbol of Hampi’s architecture. This temple has a large courtyard which is located in the center. It signifies the majesty of Vijayanagar and the glory of Kalavabhava.

HAMPI CHARIOT

The main attraction of the Vithala temple is its pillared walls and stone chariots. These pillars have a unique feature that can’t be found anywhere else. They are known as musical pillars because the music comes out of them when patted with love. The stone chariot is a wonderful piece of architecture. The temple has been carved in stone, which is in the shape of a chariot.

LAKSHMI NARASIMHA TEMPLE

Hampi Lakshmi Narasimha Temple or Ugra Narasimha Temple is made of large rock which is the tallest statue of Hampi. It is about 6.7 meters high.

SHIV LINGA: Bada Shivlinga

As the name indicates, Bada, the shiv linga stands at a height of 3m. This Shivlinga has been carved out from a single stone and one of the most attractive sites to visit during the Hampi tour.

The other places that are popular and worth demanding a visit are lotus palace, monkey temple, Hippie Island, Elephant stable, and many more archaeological sites are there.

To explore the world heritage site and ancient ruins of Hampi, winters from (October to February) is the best time to visit Hampi. Visiting during this time can lead a traveller to see the events of Hampi that including Vijaya Utsav, the largest celebration happening in Hampi.

Kasol is getting popularity because of its adrenaline-rushing adventurous trekking along the river Parvati, Kheerganga, Manikaran, and Malana. Get the panoramic and picturesque views of mighty snowy mountains, waterfalls, waters of the Parvati river, blue sky and cafes while trekking to the Kheerganga and Malana. Malana is famous for its cultivation of Malana cream.

It’s a place where a traveller can experience thrilling adventure activities or can just lay back and unwind in the lap of nature as this offbeat destination has a lot to offer. The music festival at the end of the year attracts most tourists from all over.

Reaching Kasol is easy as it is accessible through Rail, Road, and Airways. The nearest Airport and Railway station are Bhuntar Airport and Joginder Nagar railway station respectively. Kasol can be explored at any time of the year as it has a pleasant climate all around the year.

The island of Lakshadweep, which is situated about four hundred kilometres away from Kochi, is a beautiful tourist destination for honeymooners. A permit is required to visit the Lakshadweep islands for all including Indians. Lakshadweep is the only place in the country where tourists can visit the colourful world of Lagoons along with seeing the beauty of the earth. Even if you can’t swim, you can see the unique world underwater. If one can swim, scuba diving can be an adventurous sport for spending some time in the foothills of the ocean, experiencing corals, reefs, turtles, octopuses and other water organisms.

In Lakshadweep, the colorful views of sunrise and sunset can be seen from every island. At the time of sunset, the unique colors of sun rays on the lagoon create a wonderful view.

It is a well-known place for pollution-free air, clean water, and guest hospitality and convenience. The main shores are Kavaratti coast, Kalpani, the Minicoy Beach, the Kadmat Coast, the Agati coast and the Bangaram coast.

Bangaram Island being the largest of all is a treat to the tourists having pure blue water, colourful reefs, and quite an environment. It is very less inhabited and can be a good point to relax from the hustle-bustle of city life if you demand solitude.

Minicoy Beach is an expanse of the Arabian Sea, mainly a white sand beach and beautiful reefs. It is the second-largest Island among all and a perfect place for rejuvenating yourself in the beauty of nature.

Kalpeni Island is the most picturesque Island grouping three islands in it. Famous for water sports like Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Reef walking, canoeing, and kayaking.

Agatti Island: The only Island having an airport that makes the island extremely accessible from major parts of the world.

The union territory can be reached via Airways and Waterways only. Lakshadweep has its airport at Aggati Island. Kochi is the other nearest Airport. One can reach Lakshadweep through ships which operate through Kochi and Lakshadweep.

The best time to visit the Lakshadweep is winters (November-Feb) and summers (March-May).

With Whitewater Rafting industry developing and various outdoors and bistro spots jumping up, Rishikesh is developing as a top choice, taking into account individuals with various needs.

Laxman Jhula, built in 1939, is the major attraction point in Rishikesh for travellers. It is a suspension bridge and is believed to be built in the same place where Laxman cross the river Ganga on a rope. This belief makes it a pilgrimage and it is always open for visitors.

Another important pilgrimage in Rishikesh is Neelkanth Mahadev temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva drank the venom when asuras and devas were churning the ocean.

Rishikesh is a splendid spot for whitewater rafting or river rafting. Shivpuri, located at a distance of 19-20km from Rishikesh, is a famous spot for river rafting and water sports.  Other adventurous experiences that can pump the adrenaline level of a person are mountain biking, Kayaking, camping, trekking, and even bungee jumping.

There are numerous ashrams, some of which are internationally recognized as centres of philosophical studies, yoga, and meditation. This place is a hub for sadhus or saints who are indulged in practicing yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, Reiki, and etc. Due to this, it is also termed as the Yoga capital of the world.

The place Rishikesh has a pleasant climate throughout the year because of its location. The summer from April to June is slightly warm but it is the best time for river rafting. A month from July to September faces rush of tourists due to Hindu month Saavan and other religious events.

The place is the right blend to see spirituality and picturesque natural beauty.

Triund, 2km ahead of Mcleodganj is a perfect place for trekking the majestic Himalayas. It’s a trek of 7-8 km long. The trek gives you a view of oak trees and Dhauladar range.

The most famous tourist spot of Mcleodganj and Dharamshala is Bhagsu Waterfall. It is a beautiful place known for its peace and serenity. Bhagsunath temple is also there which is a major attraction point of this place. A number of café and coffee houses are there where tourists can have a cup of coffee and other refreshments along with watching the waterfall.

As Mcleodganj witness the Tibetan culture, a number of monasteries are there, in which the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet, Namgyal Monastery is situated here. It is believed to be as Dalai Lama’s temple where monks learn and meditate on Buddhist preaching.

Another tourist place, Tsuglagkhang, lies above the Mcleodganj and Dharamshala is the holy place where Dalai Lama resides. It has statues of Shakyamuni, Avalokiteśvara, and a statue of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche). The place is visited by many devotees from all over the world. The place has monastery, temples, museum, library, and café.

The summer’s weather is pleasant here and one can visit during the months from March to June. If one travels during the Month of April and May, he can get to enjoy the festival of Buddha Purnima which is the major festival of the place.

Apart from the splendid natural beauty and cool temperature, travelers can see many tourist spots in Almora and can spent their leisure time there. Chitai Golu Devta Temple, Bright end corner, Martola, Kalimat, Simtola, Katarmal Sun Temple, Kasar Devi Temple and many more sites are there for spending time in Almora.

For shopaholics, Almora is a perfect place as it is the best commercial place of Kumaon district famous for Angora wool clothes. Travelers can do adventurous activities like rock climbing, Burma Bridge,  Spider web and they can also go for village walk for witnessing the daily life of local community, walk through forest to feel the fresh air.

Almora is easy accessible from north cities like Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Chandigarh. The place is just 370Km from Delhi and 434 km from Kanpur. Thus, it can be visited on weekends easily. Almora’s  climate  is pleasant and cool all through the year. But the best time to visit Almora is during March to November. In summers, it has moderate temperature to for sightseeing and outings.