Virupaksha Temple

The Sacred Centre
As the name suggested this is the religious area of Hampi. A number of temples and other religious structures are located here. This is roughly the area around where the Hampi bus stand is located. Some of the oldest functioning temples in India are located here. Also this is the bustling centre where the pilgrims and the backpackers camp. The river marks the northern boundary of the Sacred Centre. The local coracle ferry services give you access to places like Virupapur Gadde and Anegondi located across the river. In most cases tourists start their Hampi tour from Sacred Centre.

The Royal Centre
This is an area generally populated with the courtly and military structures. Royal Center was the citadel of the Vijajanagara capital. Currently many winding dirt paths connect various enclosures and other structures in this location. A number of highlights in Hampi tour are located in this area. The main road to Hampi from Hospet in fact passes though the Royal Centre before terminating at the Sacred Centre. Some of the important structures in this area includes the Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, Royal Enclosure, Hazara Rama Temple and the Queen’s Bath.

The Islamic Quarter
This is believed to be the residential area of the Muslim officers in Vijayanagara court and army. The road that connects Kamalapura to the Vittala Temple passes though the heart of this area. You can see the remains of many tombs and other religious structure in this area. For example the Ahmed Khan’s Mosque & Tomb and the well nearby.

Kamalapura
This is a tiny but crowded suburb located just outside Hampi proper. Kamalapura houses a number of interesting monuments like the Pattabhirama Temple and the domed gateway. Also the Archeology museum is located at the heart of this place. The state run hotel, one of the few ‘luxury’ facilities in Hampi, is located at the edge of Kamalapura. You may in any case be passing through Kamalapura as it is a main junction from where many roads branches to various locations in Hampi.

Anegondi
This had been the original capital of the kingdom long before its founder chiefs made Hampi as their imperial capital. You need to cross the river at some point to reach Anegondi from Hampi side. At the core of Anegondi is the bustling village square. Many important sites in Hampi are located in Anegondi. For example the Hanuman temple on the hilltop and the Ranganata Temple at the village square are highly sough after by tourists and pilgrims alike. Also this is the laidback area of Hampi (that is even in Hampi’s rural standards). The riverside areas towards the west of the village square are the main ‘huts for rental’ scene. A few resort like places Hampi boast of are too located about this locality.