Hemakuta Hill

The architecture of the temples on the Hemakuta Hill is quite different from the typical Vijayanagara style of architecture found in many other temples in Hampi. The Hemakuta group of temples have a distinct style of their own.

These temples are often mistaken for Jain temples due to their architecture, which is in some ways similar to that of the Jain temples. As such, they are sometimes mistakenly referred to as Jain temples.

The Hemakuta group of temples are compact triple chambered structures with pyramid like roofs made from granite. Some of the temples located on the northern side of the hill are built in the Trikuta Chola style of architecture. In this style of architecture, three shrines are placed in a perpendicular position to each other facing a common central hall.

The temples have almost plain outer walls, except for the horizontal chain of floral motifs that provide some ornamentation to the walls.

The Hemakuta hill is sprinkled with ancient temples that belong to both, pre-Vijayanagara as well as Vijayanagara periods. A large number of these temples date back to 9th to 14th century and hence, belong to the era before the Vijayanagara Empire was founded.

The Hemakuta Hill can be described as a canvas of stones. In ancient times the whole hill was fortified with tall stone walls. Traces of the ruined fortification can be seen even today. The top of the hill is a stretch of rocky sheet that is almost flat.

All the temples dotting the face of the hill are hundreds of years old and represent a historical era of art and culture.

• Timing: From morning to dusk on all days of the week
• Entry Fee: No entry fee required
• Photography: Allowed
• Visit Duration: About 3 to 4 hours
• Best time to visit: From November to February

Hampi is a famous tourist destination that draws visitors from all over the country and beyond. There are a number of ways to reach Hampi from various parts of Karnataka and beyond. The Hemakuta Hill is not a very high hill and does not offer a steep climb. The hill is easily accessible from all parts of Hampi.

By Air- Hampi is an ancient ruined village with no airport of its own. Ballari (Bellary) is the closest town to have an airport. The airport at Bellary is located at a distance of around 64 km from Hampi.

Visitors can reach Bellary by taking a flight and then proceed towards Hampi by means of local transport.

By Rail- Hampi does not have a railway station of its own. The nearest railway station can be traced to the city of Hospet. It has the Hospet Junction Railway Station. Hospet is at a short distance of around 10 km from Hampi.

One of the simple ways to reach Hampi from Hospet is to take a bus. A few other means of local transport also exists and visitors can avail them to reach Hampi from Hospet.

By Road- Hampi is connected by the road network to a number of towns and cities. Several KSRTC buses ply between Hampi and other towns and cities in Karnataka. Visitors can reach Hampi either by bus or by hiring private cars, cabs or other vehicles from the major cities like Bengaluru (Bangalore) or Mysuru (Mysore).