Hike to the Vijaya Vitthala Temple and the Stone Chariot - Riverside, temples, and hill views
The Stone Chariot, featured on the 50 rupee bill, is one of the most important archaeological sites around Hampi. You need a ticket to enter the Vijaya Vitthala Temple compound, where the Stone Chariot stands, but there are many other temples and ancient buildings of different types along the way to the Stone Chariot. This hike first follows the river, then returns via the hills. If you want to visit the Vijaya Vitthala Temple, keep in mind that with the same ticket you can enter the Royal Palace as well, but only on the same day - so plan accordingly!
The hike starts at the Virupaksha Temple in the centre of Hampi, in a straight line along the ancient boulevard towards the monolithic bull, but it turns left a little before reaching it.
The path from here will lead you to the river.
Going under a boulder, you will reach an area with several temples. Locals offer boat (coracle) rides for tourists here.
After the temples and the river, you will reach a big open area, offering two directions. To the right the wide and long boulevard leads to the Shri Achyutaraaya Swamy Temple. If you want to cut the walk short, turn right here. The long route will also come back to this point, so you'll find more photos and details further down.
If you want to gwt to the Vijaya Vitthala Temple and the Stone Chariot, turn left. The path will pass many archaeological sites.
After the arch known as the King’s Balance, you reach an area from where the top of the Vijaya Vitthala is visible.
After exploring the temple, you have to backtrack to the King’s Balance.
From the King’s Balance, you could descend to the river, where the Purandara Daasara Mantapa can be found. At this mantapa, a pillared pavilion, people perform religious rituals. This is one of the points where you can cross the river if you want to get to the Anjanadri Hill and the Hanuman Temple, visible in the distance.
Heading back to Hampi from the King's Balance, follow the path you came on, until you reach the junction of the Shri Achyutaraaya Swamy Temple.
As you exit the temple compound, you have two ways. To the left, it is a steep climb to the top of Matanga Hill.
To the right, the path will lead over a small hill; it is a short and easy climb.
On the top of the hill, there is a little Hanuman Temple.
A little path from behind the Hanuman Temple leads to a viewpoint.
Back on the main path, you'll soon reach the monolithic bull area.
From here, you can see the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi centre, where the hike started and finishes.
