Hampi By Night not before December

Now, you can tour Hampi by night from December

If all goes well, tourists will be able to see 19 sites of the Hampi ruins and do shopping at the world famous Hampi Bazaar at night from December.

The tourism department has set a deadline of December to showcase the ruins of Hampi under the “Hampi by Night” project. To add glitter to the tour, the state government is now working on curating the tours where lights will illuminate each step the tourist takes. But this will be limited to select sites.

The Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority (HWHAMA), tourism department and Ballari district administration have listed out 19 places to be illuminated. The list includes Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara temple, Kodandarama temple, Nadedande Guhe, Virupakasha temple, Chakrateertha, Kotilinga (one and two), Hastagiri Ranganatha Swamy temple, Courtesan Street (or Sule Bazaar), Achutaraya temple, Varaha temple, Vishnu temple, Sugreeva caves, Pushkarini, ancient bridge (near Achutaraya temple), King’s Balance (also called as Tula Purushadana), Kudregombe Mantapa, Gejjall mantapa and Ugra Narasimha temple.

Two sites — Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara temple and kodanarama temple — have been included for the sound and light show. Apart from this, the HWHAMA and tourism department are in talks with the Archaeological Survey of India on including Vittala temple and the Stone Chariot on the list.

“All physical works have been completed. We have also decided to illuminate Hampi Bazaar. Talks are on with the Archaeological Survey of India for finalising the list, whether to add or delete some places. We have planned a two-and-a-half hour tour where monuments will be showcased at night, since tourists complain that it is very hot during the day,” said Ram Prasath Manohar V, Ballari district commissioner.

“Tenders for illuminating the sites will be floated soon and clearances will take at least 60 days. If all goes well, then from December, tourists will be able to see the sites at night,” said N Manjula, tourism department director.