Also known as the Virupaksha Bazaar, the Hampi Bazaar is the place to go to pick up knick-knacks, souvenirs, cheap clothes and trinkets to remember your trip to Hampi by. Situated right in front of Virupaksha temple, hence its alternate name, this bazaar which stretches for over a kilometre long is one of the main landmarks of Hampi. From embroidered shawls, fibre handicrafts, to stone carvings, this is the place to pick up anything Hampi-related. The Hampi Utsav which happens every November is also a big tourist draw and should be noted.
Hampi Bazaar is a unique attraction of Hampi. Located in front of the Virupaksha Temple, the Hampi Bazaar is a well-known marketplace that spreads for more than one kilometer. The road passing through the market has a series of old pavilions on both sides. Both sides of the street have a series of very old pavilions, some single stories and others two stories. These buildings were once the part of a booming market and houses of the upper class merchants. The arcades are open structures with no doors. It was once a place where merchants used to sell precious stones, jewellery, silk clothes, etc. during Vijayanagar rule. It was also a market where cows and horses were traded. The Hampi Bazaar still functions as a marketplace, though it is no longer as attractive as it was. The western end of the street has been encroached by a number of shop owners and small restaurants. These shops sell items like ethnic clothes, bags and pooja artifacts.
A huge Nandi, also known as Yeduru Basavanna, is located at the eastern end of the street. A two-storied pavilion near the bull acts as a photo gallery. Photos of Hampi taken by Alexander Greenlaw in 1856 are on display here. An open platform nearby is the main stage of the annual Hampi festival.
Hampi takes on a vibrant look during the annual festival, the Hampi Utsav. Every year the Hampi Utsav is held in the month of November. Hampi Bazaar becomes the center of all festive happenings that occur in Hampi during these days.
The place used to be a thriving market during the days of the Vijayanagara Empire. Though the market has lost much of its sheen and significance, it is still popular among the tourists.
Hampi Bazaar is a unique attraction of Hampi. Located in front of the Virupaksha Temple, the Hampi Bazaar is a well known marketplace that spreads for more than one kilometer. The road passing through the market has a series of old pavilions on both sides.The place used to be a thriving market during the days of the Vijayanagara Empire. Though the market has lost much of its sheen and significance, it is still popular among the tourists.
Hampi takes on a vibrant look during the annual festival, the Hampi Utsav. Every year the Hampi Utsav is held in the month of November. During the annual festival, the market place turns into a vivacious place.
Hampi Bazaar becomes the center of all festive happenings that occur in Hampi during those few days. It becomes a hotbed of cultural, religious and temple festivals. As such, the activity in the marketplace increases many folds as a huge number of tourists visit Hampi to take part in the festivals.
The Hampi Bazaar is a place where one can enjoy a local shopping experience. It was once a place where merchants from various foreign lands used to sell exotic stuff like precious stones, jewellery, silk clothes, etc. in the ancient times. It was also a market where cows and horses were traded.
Today the market place is an area that sells a variety of local items like embroidered shawls and textiles, traditional costumes, antique coins, jewellery, colourful bags, stone figurines, carved artefacts, handicraft items, clay dolls, etc. One of the interesting things found in the Hampi Bazaar is the replica of Hampi ruins.
Apart from the items on offer the Hampi Bazaar is also a place where one can enjoy lovely morning strolls before the hustle-bustle of shopping starts for the day.
- Timing: Open on all days of the week from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: No entry fee needed
- Photography: Allowed
- Time Required: 1 to 2 hours depending on how interested you are in checking out the items on display
- Best time to visit: From October to February
Hampi Bazaar is an attraction that visitors don’t miss while on the Hampi trail. It is a place that can be easily reached as most hotels accomodating tourists are located in the areas surrounding the market.
By Air: If you want to reach Hampi by air then take a flight to the nearest airport at Bellary. It is situated at a distance of about 64 km from Hampi. The airports at Belgaum (190 km) and Bangalore (353 km) are other options for you to reach Hampi by air. You will be able to avail other modes of transport to reach Hampi from these places.
By Rail: In case you want to reach Hampi by rail, reach the nearest station located at Hospet. Hampi can be easily reached from Hospet as there are frequent buses that ply between the two towns. There are also other local means of transport that connect Hospet to Hampi.
By Road: The road network to reach Hampi is quite good. Hampi is well connected to several towns and cities by the road network. There are several buses that connect Hampi to the nearby places. Private cars and vehicles can be hired from Bangalore or Mysore to reach Hampi.
