Virupaksha Temple is the oldest pilgrim and still is an active Hindu temple. The temple has a large Gopuram (entrance) built in 1510 AD and has carvings and sculptures including erotic on its each story. Temple has 100 Pillar Halls with reliefs on all four sides of each pillar and the paintings on the ceiling depicting various stories of God Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Out-side the temple are the ruins of the 750 meters long stone market.

Located on the banks of river Tughbhadra and the largest temple structure in Hampi, the 15th-century Vitthala temple is known for its exceptional architecture and unmatched craftsmanship. built-in the Dravidian style of architecture, The Vittala Temple Complex has the richly sculpted Stone Chariot, which is considered to be the most stunning architecture of the Vijayanagara kingdom. The Stone Chariot or Ratha stands in the courtyard of the temple. It is one of the three famous stone chariots in India.

Temple is open to visitors on all days of the week from 08:30 AM to 05:00 PM.

Dedicated to one of the re-incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the Ramchandra Temple in Hampi is right in the heart of the royal enclosure. the superbly decorated walls of the Haza Rama Temple depict the story of Lord Rama Chandra. The exteriors of the temple have relief carvings portray the Hindu festival processions showing marching elephants, horses led by horsemen, soldiers celebrated by the public, dancers, and musicians.

One of the most preserved structures in Hampi is the row of domed structures used to keep the royal elephants of the Vijayanagar empire. Out of a total of 11 stables, 10 stables are influnced by Islamic architecture while one has beautiful carvings usually found in Hindu temples. These interconnected domed chambers are big enough to keep two elephants at a time and have an entry at its rear indicating the entrance to the mahouts.

Set in the center of the royal harem, the Zenana Mahal, Lotus Mahal or The Palace of Lotus was a reserved area for the royal women of the Vijayanagar empire. Two storied domed structure resemble a half-opened lotus bud. Built of lime mortar and plaster is notable for its archways and the balcony. Lotus Mahal is also one of the most photographed buildings in Hampi.

Watching the sunset over temples and ruins spread around the hills of Hampi is a spectacular vista. The light of the sunsets sprinkles a reddish hue along the boulders that paint the canvas of the Hampi landscape. There are so many viewing points around the site where you can take a seat and watch the sun setting over the hills and the temples below. However, Hemkuta Hills is the best place to watch sunset over the Virupaksha temple and the mountains at a far distance.

While in Hampi, a unique experience, a coracle ride across the Tungabhadra river is a must. A coracle is a traditional boat, made of cane from inside and a plastic sheet from outside, that has been used in this region for centuries to ferry people across the river. On average, around eight people can fit into a coracle. At Hampi, there are three places for coracle crossings. The first one is at the ghat (stepped river bank) near the Virupaksha Temple. The second is in front of the Kodandarama Temple and the third and the most popular one is near the Vittala Temple.

However, the best experience is to board the coracle from the ghats of Virupakksha temple and cruise in the river all thru up to the backside of Vittala temple. While onboard on this gentle boat journey of around 30-40 minutes, one can enjoy the breathtaking views of the small temples and caves spread all around on the mountains along the river. If you like, you can even deboard the boat and climb up to some of these temples in the caves to see hundreds of Shivalinga carved in rocks.

Hampi is a tranquil town and there are not many opportunities for a culinary experience. However, a mango lassi at a small cafe "Mango Tree" just outside the Vittala temple is always very refreshing.

A romantic dinner in the quietness of the boulders is an ever treasured dining experience at a luxury hotel - Evolve Back. Indulging in a royal romance enjoying a four-course meal and sipping a glass of wine in a Mandapa (canopy) by the lotus pond and the infinity pool is like going back to the era of royalness of  Vijayanagara empire.