Matanga Hill Hampi Entry Fee
- No Entry Fee
Matanga Hill Hampi Phone
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Matanga Hill Hampi Address: Nimbapura, Hampi, Karnataka, 583239, India
Hampi Tour Packages
Matanga Hill Hampi Timings
| Day | Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday | 6:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Wedesday | 6:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Thursday | 6:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Friday | 6:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Saturday | 6:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Sunday | 6:00 am – 6:00 pm |
Note: Matanga Hill Hampi is open from Sunrise to Sunset
Links: Website | MapPerched above Hampi’s ancient ruins and mystical landscapes, Matanga Hill is the highest point in the town. It served as a natural boundary of the capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire. And it stands as a silent guard for the secrets of a bygone era. The hill is also considered holy, as it’s connected with the tales from the Hindu epic Ramayana.
Matanga Hill Hampi is a towering mound of boulders that’s both alluring and mysterious. Being the highest point of Hampi, it offers spectacular views of its timeless surroundings. The hilltop also has a small temple, from where you can watch the sunset over the picturesque landscape.
The place is a trekker’s delight, and it’s considered one of the best places to visit in Hampi in the evening. Climbing Matanga Hill is one of the most captivating experiences in Hampi.
Where is Matanga Hill in Hampi?
Matanga Hill is near the centre of Hampi, and it’s one of the best tourist attractions here. From the top, you can get an excellent view of the historic ruins of the town and the surrounding landscape. Its base is at one end of the Hampi Bazaar.
Image Gallery of Matanga Hill Hampi
Legend of Matanga Hill Hampi
According to Hindu mythology, Matanga Hill is a sacred place. It’s said in the Ramayana that it once was the dwelling place of Saint Matanga.
It’s said that the monkey king Bali enraged the saint by leaving the dead body of Dundhuvi, a demon he killed. And the saint cursed him, forbidding him from ever climbing the hill. Later, Dundhuvi’s son sought revenge and drove Bali into a cave nearby. Bali’s brother, Sugreeva, however, closed the cave door after some time, believing Bali to be dead.
Bali wasn’t dead in the cave, though. He accused Sugreeva of treason and banished him from the kingdom. After that, Sugreeva sought refuge on this hill. Lord Rama later defeated Bali and appointed Sugreeva the ruler of the monkey kingdom.
Things to do at Hampi Matanga Hill
1. Trekking to the top – Matanga Hill is a popular trekking destination in Hampi. Many hiking trails lead to the summit, from which you can get an excellent view of Hampi’s landscape. It usually takes about 30 minutes to climb to the hilltop, and all tourists with reasonable fitness can go for the trek. On your way down, you can find the small cave that’s believed to be the hiding place of Sugreeva (from Ramayana).
2. Enjoying the panoramic views – The highlight of Matanga Hill Hampi is the astounding view of the surrounding landscape from the hilltop. It’s an excellent spot to capture the beauty of Hampi. Tungabhadra River, Virupaksha Temple, Achyutaraya Temple and many other monuments belonging to Hampi ruins are visible. From the summit, you can also see banana plantations and the bouldered landscapes of Hippie Island nearby.
3. Witnessing the sunrise/sunset – At the summit of the hill, you’ll find a small temple called Veerabhadra Temple. The roof of the temple is the perfect vantage point to watch sunrise and sunset. Sunset in Hampi is just as mystical as this ancient town, and a large crowd visits the hill to bid goodbye to the sun. If you can wake up early, you can undertake a morning trek to watch the sunrise.
4. Checking out nearby hill temples – Apart from the Veerabhadra Temple on the hilltop, you’ll find many other temples on the nearby hills. The Monkey Temple (on Anjaneya Hill) and Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex are the most prominent ones. Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple, Achyutaraya Temple and Virupaksha Temple are a few other temples close to Matunga Hill.
Matanga Hill Hampi Timings and Entry Fees
Matanga Hill is open throughout the day. You can visit it anytime between sunrise and sunset. However, it’s best to see it during the tranquil hours of early morning or late afternoon so that you can escape the scorching heat.
To enjoy the visit comfortably, you need at least two hours. The winter season (November – February) is the best for the Hampi Matanga Hill trek.
Entry to the hill is free for everyone.
Things to keep in mind when visiting Matanga Hill
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses.
- Apply sunscreen lotion.
- Carry plenty of water.
- Keep a torch handy.
How to reach Matanga Hill in Hampi?
Matanga Hill is close to the centre of Hampi, only a few hundred metres away from Hampi bus stop. Hospet Junction (14 km away) is the nearest railway station and Jindal Vijaynagar Airport (37 km away) is the nearest airport. Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport (350 km away), though, is the most suitable for international connectivity.
And here’s how to reach Matanga Hill Hampi Karnataka –
By bike – You can get rental bikes and scooters easily in Hampi Bazaar. Take one for the day and enjoy a trip to Matanga Hill and nearby tourist places.
By auto/e-rickshaw – Auto-rickshaws are also available for Hampi sightseeing. You can get one from anywhere in the town.
By cab/taxi – Booking a cab/taxi is the most convenient way to explore Matanga Hill and other tourist destinations in Hampi. You can easily book them from the top car rental companies in Hampi and explore the town at your leisure.
Explore the architectural wonders of Hampi by booking a Hampi tour package with us. Hampi Tourism promises an immersive journey through time and culture, where ancient ruins and vibrant traditions converge to captivate the senses. To know more about our offerings, please fill the Contact Us form.
