Matanga Hill is situated on the eastern end of the Hampi Bazaar. It provides a breathtaking view of the city of Hampi and the stunning landscape of the valley below. It is one of the major tourist spots to visit in Hampi. The highest peak there is the ideal place to capture an aerial view of Hampi and its nearby surroundings. Matanga Hill was also home to many other Hindu temples during the reign of the South Indian Vijayanagara Empire from the 14th to 16th centuries. The area thrives with tropical birdlife, where you can find quails and great horned owls.
History Of Matanga Hill
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According to Hindu legend, Matanga Hill was the home of a hermit named Matanga. The monkey-king Vali visited the hill to slaughter the demon Dundhuvi. The hermit then cast a curse on Vali that would become true if he went further up the mountain. Later, the son of the killed demon rose to avenge his father’s death and drove Vali into a cave as his brother, Sugreeva, stood guard. After being convinced that Vali had died, he left the cave, causing Vali to wrongly capture him for treason and outcast him from the kingdom. Sugreeva, in desperation, hid his general on another hill that Vali could not reach. Later, he was killed by Lord Ram. It is believed that this scenario took place in this very area.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Hampi
Places To Visit Near Matanga Hill
Hampi has a wide variety of ruins, temples, and natural spots to get lost in nature. So, while making a trip to Matanga Hill, it makes sense to spare a few more days to visit the other tourist attractions in and around Hampi and get transported back in time!
1. Vittala Temple
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The Vittala Temple (Vitthala Temple) in Hampi is an old monument famous for its brilliant architecture and unique craftsmanship. It is deemed one of the largest and the most famous structures in the city of Hampi. Its magnificence is what draws visitors to it. The temple is situated in the northeastern section of Hampi, near the shores of the Tungabhadra River. The iconic temple has beautiful stone structures, such as the mighty stone chariot and the fascinating musical pillars. This monument in Hampi is the main attraction of the battered town and is a must-visit for visitors and tourists, especially those who like to see South Indian architecture.
Location: Hampi, Karnataka
Distance From Matanga Hill: 1.2 km
2. Mahanavami Dibba
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Mahanavami Dibba is the spot where the kings of the Vijayanagar Empire once reigned. They sat on their golden throne, studded with gems, and watched processions march. The structure is also decorated with thick, carved bands of animals, soldiers and images of various aspects of life at the court of the Vijayanagar Empire. This is the tallest structure in the area and, hence, the first thing spotted as you arrive at the Royal Enclosure. From afar, this looks like a simple, heightened square stage, but the details come into view as you tread closer. The entire structure is made up of a giant square in three layers.
Location: Royal Enclosure of Hampi, Karnataka
Distance From Matanga Hill: 4.1 km
Suggested Read: Tourist Places In Bijapur
3. Hampi Bazaar
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Hampi Bazaar is a beloved attraction in Hampi. Situated in front of the Virupaksha Temple, the Bazaar is a popular marketplace that stretches for more than a kilometre. The road through the market has a line of old pavilions on either side. The place was a bustling market in the reigning days of the Vijayanagara Empire. Though the market has lost its glory and importance, it is still famous among tourists. The Hampi Bazaar was once the hub of flourishing trade. It was a very well-planned bazaar area. The line of pavilions was organized, with some even two stories. It was also a home to many wealthy and influential people of that time.
Location: Hampi, Karnataka
Distance From Matanga Hill: 900 m
4. Hazara Ram Temple
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Hazara Rama Temple in the city of Hampi is a significant religious shrine. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. It used to be the royal family’s private temple and the Vijayanagar court. The temple is famous for its excellent bas relics and panels depicting Ramayana’s story. The term ‘Hazara Rama’ translates to ‘a thousand Ram’ and refers to the relics depicting the temple’s main deity. The temple’s outer walls are embellished with bas-relics of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. During that time, the relics also display processions of elephants, attendants, horse soldiers, and dancing women participating in the Dasara ( Dussehra) rally.
Location: Hampi, Karnataka
Distance From Matanga Hill: 3.8 km
Suggested Read: Aihole In Karnataka
Location & Timings Of The Hill
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Matanga Hill is a rocky hill in the Matanga Hill range in Hampi. Hampi is a very significant tourist attraction in the state of Karnataka. The mountain is considered a holy land dating back to the epic of Ramayana. The hill range acted as a natural border of Hampi (Vijayanagara), which used to be the capital of its empire. Since the hills acted as a defensive shield against attacks from other empires and lands, the Sangama brothers purposely chose Vijayanagara to be in this location.
How To Reach The Hill
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To plan your next best trip, here is how you can reach the gorgeous Matanga Hill for a fantastic holiday in Karnataka:
By Road: Matanga Hill is only about 1 km from the Hampi Bus Stand, and it takes about an hour to reach it from the city bazaar.
By Air: The nearest airport to Matanga Hill is at Hubli, 143 kms away.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Matanga Hill, Hampi, is Hospet Junction, about 13 Km away.
Further Read: Hampi Temples
Hampi is a town that can send you back to the past with the vibe of a tourist destination peppered with ruins. As soon as you enter Hampi, you get a sense of the kingdom flourishing there in ancient times and how life would have been in this royal town. It is indeed a must-visit for any avid traveller of India. Now that you have enough information about Matanga Hill in Hampi and its exciting features, it is time to plan your holiday immediately. Book your tickets as soon as possible for a fantastic trip to Karnataka!
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Cover Image Credit: Vyacheslav Argenberg for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Matanga Hill
What is the usual climate in Hampi?
Hampi experiences low to moderate and intermittent rainfall. The rainfall keeps the climate pleasant, with temperatures between 25°C and 33°C. It is quite an amazing experience to explore Hampi when the nearby surroundings are in bloom with lush greenery.
What is the best time to visit Matanga Hill?
The ideal time to visit Hampi is between October to March when the days are comfortable and evenings are windy. The whole town is back to life as the monsoon gradually goes away. The average temperature is between 16 - 32 degrees Celsius.
Is there any entry fee to visit Matanga Hill?
The whole Matanga Hill tour is free of entrance fees or camera charges and tourists can visit the spot freely.
What essentials are to be carried while visiting Matanga Hill?
Carrying a small pocket torch is advisable as this is not a very well-lit area. Make sure to carry extra water, medicines, walking shoes, and a first-aid kit.
How long does it take to cover Matanga Hill?
Matanga Hill is rich in history, nature, and culture, making it the perfect spot for tourists in Karnataka. A day or two can be enough to explore the hill and its nearby places.
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