Achyutaraya Temple
A stunning 16th-century temple complex in Hampi, known for its intricate carvings and historical bazaar ruins, offering a peaceful escape.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light on ruins
Achyutaraya Temple
Best Time
Golden light on ruins

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning 16th-century temple complex in Hampi, known for its intricate carvings and historical bazaar ruins, offering a peaceful escape.
"A beautiful offbeat gem in Hampi! The walk to Achyutaraya Temple itself is an experience.
"🚶♀️ Scenic Trek to Temple
Enjoy the walk from Kodandarama Temple; it's an adventure through boulders and ruins! :athletic_shoe:
🤫 Seek Solitude
Visit early or late to experience its peaceful ambiance, often missed by tourists. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Intricate Pillar Carvings
Kalyana Mandapam
Marvel at the finely carved pillars depicting emblems of the empire and showcasing the rulers' thoughtful nature.

The Grand Bazaar Ruins
Temple Complex
Explore the remnants of what was once one of India's largest markets, echoing tales of a bustling past.

Peaceful Pushkarni
Temple Complex
Discover the serene beauty of the temple's sacred pond (Pushkarni), a tranquil spot amidst the ruins.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Hidden Gem of Hampi
Navigating to Achyutaraya Temple
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Scenic Trek to Temple
Enjoy the walk from Kodandarama Temple; it's an adventure through boulders and ruins!
:athletic_shoe:🤫 Seek Solitude
Visit early or late to experience its peaceful ambiance, often missed by tourists.
:camerawithflash:🗺️ Offbeat Gem
This temple is a beautiful, less-crowded spot perfect for history and adventure lovers.
:world_map:⛰️ View from Matanga Hill
Catch a mesmerizing top view of the temple from the nearby Matanga Hill.
:mountain_sunrise:Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Scenic Trek to Temple
Enjoy the walk from Kodandarama Temple; it's an adventure through boulders and ruins!
:athletic_shoe:🤫 Seek Solitude
Visit early or late to experience its peaceful ambiance, often missed by tourists.
:camerawithflash:🗺️ Offbeat Gem
This temple is a beautiful, less-crowded spot perfect for history and adventure lovers.
:world_map:⛰️ View from Matanga Hill
Catch a mesmerizing top view of the temple from the nearby Matanga Hill.
:mountain_sunrise:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Achyutaraya Temple as a beautiful, offbeat gem in Hampi, offering a peaceful escape from crowded sites. Its intricate carvings and historical bazaar ruins are highlights, though reaching it requires a scenic walk. Some note its somewhat desolate nature, advising caution for solo travelers.
"The Achyutaraya Temple also known as Tiruvengalanatha (a form of Lord Vishnu) temple, built in 1534 AD by Mahamandeleshwara Hiriya Tirumalraja during the reign of Achyutadeva Raya, is situated in the foothills between the Matanga and Gandhamadhavan hills. Mythically, these hills are associated with the curse of Matanga Rishi due to which Bali could not enter this area and hence the area was a safe haven for Sugriva.
The temple complex includes the main temple as well as associated bazaar and pushkarni (pond). The main temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antaral, mandap, Devi temple and kalyana mandap. The temple is surrounded by two prakaras. The outer prakara has one gopuram (entrance) and the inner prakara has three gopurams. The open chamber outside the temple is formed by finely carved pillars. The kalyana mandap is also adorned with highly carved pillars.
The distinctive feature of Vijayanagara temples are the tall gopurams and Kalyana mandapams. Over time the gopurams became increasingly taller, in most cases even higher than the vimana (spire) of the temple. The Kalyana mandapam was built to perform the annual marriage ceremony between the main deity and the goddess. The pillars of the Kalyana mandapam have some of the most magnificent carvings. In temples of this period, the sanctum and gopuram walls are built of stone while the vimana is built of bricks."
Rajiv Ranjan
"A beautiful offbeat gem in Hampi! ✨ The walk to Achyutaraya Temple itself is an experience — a short trek through boulders and ruins that feels straight out of history. The temple is stunning and so peaceful compared to the more crowded spots. If you like hidden trails, quiet corners, and a bit of adventure with your history, this is a must-visit."
Krithika Saptarishi
"Great temple of Lord Shri Vishnu built in Vijayanagara Empire era.. It's named after King Achyutaraya, under whose reign it was constructed around 1534 AD, by Hiriya Tirumalraja, A Mahamandaleshwar under King Achyutraya. it's located at foot of Matang hill in west of the hill. The main idol in this temple is Lord Tiruvengalanatha. Achyutaraya was an emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire who ruled from 1530 to 1542 CE, succeeding his brother Krishnadevaraya. He was known for his patronage of arts and letters, with Portuguese chronicler Fernão Nunes visiting during his reign and noting his support for Kannada and Sanskrit scholars. Alike other temples this temple also have it's own makert and a marvelous pond (Pushkarini) at right side (where market starts). The area was named and known as Achyutrayapete as per plaque placed here. In this temple every Stambha / piller is carved beautifully showing various emblems of empire and how rulers were of thoughtful and righteous nature, while ruling the kingdom."
Ishanya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Achyutaraya Temple is often reached by walking from the Kodandarama Temple or through scenic boulder paths. It's considered an offbeat gem, so direct transport might be limited. Travelers suggest it's a bit of an adventure to get there, but the walk is part of the experience.
While not on the most direct routes, many find the walk to Achyutaraya Temple rewarding. It's a good idea to use a map or ask locals for directions from nearby landmarks like Kodandarama Temple.
To reach Hampi, you can fly to Hubballi and then take a train to Hosapete, followed by a taxi to Hampi. Alternatively, consider overnight buses from cities like Hyderabad.
Local buses typically go to Hampi town. From there, you'll likely need to walk or hire an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple, as it's a bit off the main tourist circuit.
Cycling is a great way to explore Hampi, and it can be a good option to reach Achyutaraya Temple, allowing you to stop and admire the scenery along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Achyutaraya Temple is generally free to enter, as it's part of the historical ruins of Hampi. However, it's always good to check for any minor entry fees that might be applicable for specific sections or if new regulations are in place.
As an ancient ruin, Achyutaraya Temple doesn't have strict opening and closing hours like a functioning temple. It's accessible during daylight hours, but visiting during sunrise or sunset offers the best light for photography.
Most of the Hampi ruins, including Achyutaraya Temple, are open to the public without an entry fee. However, some major sites like the Vittala Temple complex might have a nominal fee.
It's best to visit Achyutaraya Temple during daylight hours for safety and to appreciate the intricate carvings. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for photography and a peaceful experience.
Many local guides in Hampi offer tours that can be customized to include less-visited sites like Achyutaraya Temple. Inquire locally for options that fit your interests.
📸 📸 Photography
The intricately carved pillars of the Kalyana Mandapam, the remnants of the grand bazaar, and the serene pushkarni are excellent photo opportunities. The temple complex offers many angles for capturing its historical beauty.
Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best natural light for photography, casting a warm glow on the ancient stone structures and highlighting the intricate details.
Drone usage is generally restricted in and around historical monuments in India to preserve their integrity and for security reasons. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone.
A camera with good low-light capabilities and a versatile lens (wide-angle to moderate telephoto) is ideal for capturing the vastness of the ruins and the intricate details of the carvings.
Focus on the detailed stone carvings on the pillars, the layout of the ancient market, and the unique Vijayanagara architectural style. The temple's setting amidst boulders is also photogenic.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
You can explore the main temple complex, including the sanctum, mandap, Devi temple, and Kalyana mandap. Don't miss the associated bazaar ruins and the pushkarni (pond). The finely carved pillars are a highlight.
Compared to more famous Hampi sites, Achyutaraya Temple is often less crowded, offering a more peaceful and intimate experience with history.
Built in 1534 AD during the reign of Achyutadeva Raya, it's dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Tiruvengalanatha). It was constructed by Mahamandeleshwara Hiriya Tirumalraja and is a prime example of Vijayanagara architecture.
Facilities are minimal at this less-visited site. It's recommended to carry your own water and use restrooms in Hampi town before heading to the temple.
While peaceful, it's advisable to be cautious when visiting solo due to its somewhat desolate location. Traveling with a group or informing someone of your plans is recommended.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the intricate carvings are fascinating, ensure children are supervised closely, especially on uneven terrain. Pack plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited. The relative lack of crowds can make it a more relaxed experience for families looking to explore Hampi's heritage without overwhelming numbers.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Consider staying in hostels or budget guesthouses in Hampi. Exploring the temple on foot from nearby sites like Kodandarama Temple saves on local transport. Pack your own food and water to further minimize expenses. The experience of discovering this less-visited gem is a significant value for money.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Visiting during the early morning or late afternoon will provide the best lighting conditions, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the textures of the ancient stone. The relative lack of crowds here compared to other Hampi sites means you'll have more freedom to compose your shots and capture the serene beauty of this architectural marvel.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvels of Achyutaraya Temple
The Kalyana Mandapam is particularly renowned for its finely carved pillars, which are adorned with intricate depictions of various emblems of the empire. These carvings are not just decorative; they are believed to reflect the thoughtful and righteous nature of the rulers. The temple also features an associated bazaar and a pushkarni (sacred pond), remnants of its historical importance as a center of religious and commercial activity.
Unlike many temples where gopurams dominate, the Vijayanagara style, as seen here, often balanced tall gopurams with ornate Kalyana mandapams. The construction materials typically involved stone for the sanctum and gopuram walls, with brick used for the vimana (spire). This temple offers a glimpse into the sophisticated craftsmanship and artistic sensibilities of the Vijayanagara period.
The Journey to Achyutaraya Temple
The walk is often highlighted as a positive aspect, offering a chance to immerse oneself in the landscape and feel a connection to the past. It's a journey that rewards visitors with a sense of discovery. The path can be uneven, so wearing comfortable footwear is essential. The effort involved in reaching the temple often means fewer crowds, allowing for a more personal and contemplative visit.
For those who prefer a less strenuous approach, local guides might offer customized routes. However, the inherent adventure of the walk is a significant part of the Achyutaraya Temple experience, making the arrival feel like uncovering a well-kept secret amidst the grandeur of Hampi.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit