Karnataka > Bellary > Hospet
340 kms from Bangalore lies Hospet. Its tourist importance lies in its proximity to Hampi, the site of the medieval Vijayanagar Empire, situated about 13 kms away. The Tungabhadra Dam here harnesses the sweet waters of the Tungabhadra River. At the base of the dam is a garden styled along Japanese lines. In contrast to the Hampi ruins site, Hospet offers a range of hotel options . If you expect a reasonable luxury stay (of course with respect to Hampi's standards), Hospet is the place for you to set the base camp. Most of the hotels are located around the main road that connects the railway station to the bus station. Also Hospet has a number of ATMs and banks.
Apart from the above, Hospet doesn't have any tourist attractions of significance. Of course the unique Anantashayana temple of Anantashayana Gudi is located at the eastern fringe of this town, on the way to the Hampi ruins.
Krishnadevaraya, one of the famous kings of Vijayanagara, built Hospet in 1520 AD in honor of his queen Nagala Devi. Historically Hospet was a gateway to the city of Vijayanagara. None of the old fortifications at Hospet is not traceable now though. |
