Hospet

Hospet, officially named as Hosapete, is a tiny city located in the district of Bellary in Karnataka. The city owes its popularity to its proximity to the famous Hampi ruins. Thus, it is visited by many every year who ultimately fall in love with its picturesque facets dipped into simplicity. It is believed that Hospet was raised during the reign of Lord Krishna.  Today it stands as a modern technological marvel with some bewitching historic wonders.

One cannot miss the Tungabhadra Dam in Hospet built along the Tungabhadra River. This dam is not only used for electrical power generation in the state but is also useful for irrigation purpose. Its construction work began during the British rule however; it was completed after independence in the year 1953.

Lotus Mahal of Hospet also remains a highly visited site due to its arresting structure. This palace used to be a residence for the royal women folk during the rule of Vijayanagar Empire. Its architecture resembles a lotus bud with archways designed as lotus petals. The palace has a special air-cooling mechanism that keeps it cool even during summers. Another architectural wonder of the city is the Hazara Rama Temple dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple enjoys a rich past and it has the entire story of Ramayana engraved on its walls. It also features an extensive lawn and two massive gateways, which add to its beauty.

Religion enthusiasts must not miss out the very beautiful Virupaksha Temple with great architecture and historical significance. This UNESCO’s World Heritage site is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features a sanctum, a pillared hall, entry gateways, a courtyard and few smaller shrines. The month of December transforms the Virupaksha Temple into a festive ground when the annual temple festival is organised here.