Located right in front of the Virupaksha Temple, the Hampi Bazaar was once a shopper’s paradise but also one of the main landmarks of Hampi. And if you’re lucky enough to visit during November, don’t miss the Hampi Utsav, which is a big tourist draw and features cultural events like fairs, festivals, and music.
But that’s not all. The Hampi Bazaar also has a rich history dating back to the days of the Vijayanagara Empire, where it used to be a thriving market. Today, the remains of the market are being carefully excavated and maintained in this Heritage Site to showcase visitors an inspiring and thought-provoking experience.
As you walk along the bazaar, you’ll notice a series of old pavilions on both sides that used to be the locations where many merchants used to sell accessories, jewelry, precious stones, clothes, and more. The east end of the street leads to the Achyuta Raya’s Temple (Tiruvengalanatha Temple), where you can spot the huge Nandi, also known as Yeduru Basavanna.
Earlier, the old Hampi Baazar were functioning with numerous stalls selling tourist junkies. However, in order to retain the tourist charm and solace, the markets were removed entirely and now one can view it in peace.