Hospet, India
Region: Karnataka
Geographic Coordinates: 15.268900, 76.390900
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 35.0°C (59°F to 95°F)
Climate: Hot and dry summers, monsoon rains in July-September, and mild winters.
Population: 206167
Language: Kannada
Hospet is a small city in the Bellary district of Karnataka, India. It is located at the foothills of Hampi, A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cultural and historical significance. Hospet acts as a gateway to Hampi and attracts tourists from all over the world. The history of Hospet dates back to the 14th century when it was called Nagalapura. Later in 1520, Krishnadevaraya, One of the greatest kings of Vijayanagara Empire founded this city and named it Hosapete (New City). The name was later changed to Hospet during British rule.
The main attraction in Hospet is Hampi which is just 12 km away from the city. Hampi has numerous temples, Palaces, Water tanks and other structures that are remnants of Vijayanagara Empire’s glory days. The most popular attractions in Hampi include Virupaksha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vittala Temple known for its impressive stone chariot and musical pillars, Lotus Mahal- a palace with Islamic architecture influences among others.
Apart from visiting historical sites tourists can also indulge in various adventure activities such as rock climbing or trekking around hills surrounding hospet like Matanga Hill or Anjaneya Hill which offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Hospet also has several other attractions like Tungabhadra Dam which provides irrigation facilities to nearby farmlands and is an ideal spot for boating enthusiasts. Another popular destination near Hospet is Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary where visitors can see sloth bears in their natural habitat along with other wildlife species like leopards and hyenas.
For those interested in shopping local handicrafts such as leather items or traditional sarees made by weavers can be found at markets around hospet. Additionally local delicacies such as masala dosa or bisi bele bath can be found at local restaurants. Hospet is a city that offers a blend of history, Culture and adventure. It serves as an ideal base for tourists visiting Hampi and also has its own attractions such as Tungabhadra Dam and Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary.
The city’s rich cultural heritage combined with its natural beauty makes it an ideal destination for travelers seeking to explore the rich history of India.
- Hampi – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Virupaksha Temple
- Vittala Temple
- Lotus Mahal
- Hazara Rama Temple
- Elephant Stables
- Tungabhadra Dam
- Anegundi Fort
- Ugra Narasimha Statue
- Queen’s Bath
- Hospet, India is primarily known for its mining industry, particularly the iron ore mining industry.
- The city is home to several large mines and has a significant presence of companies involved in mining and related activities.
- Additionally, Hospet also has a growing tourism industry due to its proximity to Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
- Other major industries in Hospet include agriculture (mainly cotton), textiles, and small-scale manufacturing units producing items such as steel pipes and cement products.
- Hampi: An ancient city located just outside Hospet that was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Krishnadevaraya: One of the most famous kings of the Vijayanagara Empire who ruled from 1509 to 1529 known for military conquests, patronage of literature, and promotion of Hinduism.
- Tungabhadra Dam: Built in 1953 near Hospet to provide irrigation water to nearby farms.
- Battle of Talikota: Took place near Hospet in 1565 between the Vijayanagara Empire and an alliance of Muslim sultanates resulting in a decisive victory for the sultanates leading to decline and eventual collapse of empire.
- Rani Chennamma: A queen who ruled over Kittur during British colonial rule who led an armed rebellion against British forces in 1824 but was eventually captured and imprisoned.
- Virupaksha Temple – A famous temple located in Hampi that dates back to the 7th century AD.
- Kishkinda Kingdom- Mentioned as Vanara Kingdom which existed during Ramayana period where Lord Hanuman met Lord Rama at this place
- Akka Mahadevi – Poetess lived in Kalyana near Hospet known for her Vachanas (poems) considered as one of first feminist works
- Malikarjuna Temple – Located just 45 km from Hospet is one famous shiva temples situated at Kurnool district Andhra Pradesh
- Anegundi – Once capital city Of Vijayanagara Empire with many historical monuments like Pampa Sarovar, Bukka’s aqueducts, Anjanadri Hill etc.
- Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that history buffs and architecture enthusiasts must visit. The ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire include temples, palaces, and other structures, spread across a vast area.
- Tungabhadra Dam is located about 16 km from Hospet and is a popular spot for picnics and boating. The dam provides irrigation to the surrounding farmland.
- Sri Virupaksha Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the heart of Hampi. It features intricate carvings and sculptures showcasing the architectural prowess of the Vijayanagara Empire.
- Lotus Mahal or Kamal Mahal was built during King Krishnadevaraya’s reign in the 16th century and is a beautiful palace.
- Anegundi Fort dates back to the 14th century and offers stunning views of Hampi from atop a hill overlooking it.
- Vithala Temple Complex, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hampi, has musical pillars that produce different sounds when struck.
- Hazara Rama Temple features exquisite carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology on its walls.
- Jaina Temples at Kamalapura are Jain temples dating back to around 10th or 11th century AD located near Kamalapur village just few kilometers away from Hospet city.
- Ugra Narasimha Statue depicts Lord Vishnu’s fourth avatar – Narasimha can be found at Hampi.
- Queen’s Bath was built during Vijayanagara empire rule for royal ladies’ bathing purposes.
- Hampi Utsav is a three-day cultural festival held in November every year to celebrate the rich history and heritage of Hampi.
- Pattadakal Dance Festival is a two-day dance festival held every January, showcasing classical Indian dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak and more.
- Virupaksha Car Festival takes place annually at the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi during February or March and involves colourful processions, music and dance performances.
- Navaratri Festival is a nine-day Hindu festival celebrated with great fervour in Hospet with traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya.
- Mahashivratri Fair is held at the Chitradurga Fort near Hospet to celebrate Lord Shiva’s birthday with cultural programmes, food stalls and a cattle fair.
- Basava Jayanti is celebrated every April or May to honour Basavanna who was an important social reformer from Karnataka.
- Tungabhadra Pushkarams are river festivals that happen once every 12 years when Jupiter enters Scorpio sign where people take holy dips into Tungabhadra River to cleanse their sins.
- Vijayanagara Utsav is a three day mega-event that showcases various art forms including music concerts by renowned artists from all over India along with traditional sports events like Kusthi (wrestling).
- Kamat Restaurant is famous for its vegetarian South Indian cuisine and thali meals.
- Shanbhag Hotel is known for its delicious dosas, idlis, and vadas.
- Swathi Delicacy serves authentic North Indian and Chinese dishes.
- Sri Raghavendra Bhavan offers a range of vegetarian dishes including biryani, curries, and sweets.
- Annapoorna Restaurant is known for its tasty South Indian food and filter coffee.
- Chalukya Hotel is a popular spot for breakfast with a variety of dosas, idlis, vadas, and chutneys.
- The Royal Orchid Central Kireeti Hotel’s restaurant serves an assortment of cuisines ranging from North Indian to Continental to Chinese.
- KFC is perfect for those looking for fast food options.
- Pizza Hut satisfies pizza lovers.
- Cafe Coffee Day caters to coffee lovers.
- Tungabhadra Dam Garden is a popular park that boasts of a beautiful garden, boat rides, and a play area for children.
- Hampi Bazaar is an ancient marketplace that has now become a must-visit spot for tourists to explore and shop for souvenirs.
- Anantapuram Lake Park is located near the Anantapuram Lake and offers breathtaking views along with boating facilities.
- Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary situated near Hospet where sloth bears, leopards, and other animals can be spotted.
- Virupaksha Temple Complex is an UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient Hindu temples and ruins dating back to the 7th century.
- Sanapur Lake is a peaceful lake located near Hampi that provides fishing opportunities and scenic views of the surrounding hills.
- Kishkindha Water Park caters to families looking to beat the heat during summer days with its water slides, pools, and other attractions.
- Vijayanagar Golf Course is Hospet’s only golf course where visitors can enjoy playing amidst lush greenery of the region.
Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, some activities may be temporarily closed or have limited access available at this time.
