Things to do in Hospet , Best Places to Visit in Hospet

Hospet
The gateway to Hampi

Fact & figure

Indian union territory:
Area: 70.12 km²
Population : 2.06 lakhs
Language : Kannada, Hindi, English
Attractions : Virupaksha Temple, Tungabhadra Dam, The Archaeological Museum, etc
Rainfall : 145 mm
: 479 m
Monsoon : July - September
Best time to visit : October to March
Temprature : L 15° C - H 36° C

City Information - Hospet

Hospet, or Hosapete, is a popular tourist destination of North Karnataka. Located in the Bellari Districts, on the banks of Tungabhadra River, Hospet has been an important historical city during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is one of the major producers of iron and steel ore of India and a major source of employment for the region. Unofficially, many address this place as the 'Steel City' of Karnataka. Hospet, part of the Hospet-Hampi twin-city, is the gateway to Hampi – the land of ruined temples of the Vijayanagara Empire. The city receives a huge amount of tourist footfall from September to February, when the temperature is comfortable.
Hospet has always been an important center for art and culture. Due to its proximity to Maharashtra, one can find Maratha influences in the architecture, music, and food of the region.

Top highlights - of Hospet

Hospet was a historically important city of the region, and several monuments dating back to 12th-century A.D.E. can be found in the region. Some of the popular landmarks of the area are Hampi ruins, Anantasayanagudi, King’s Balance, and Virupaksha Temple.
The food of the region is comprised of a unique mixture of flavors and textures. Some of the popular dishes of the region are Soppina Huli - a thick broth made with lentils served with rice and Pulliyoigrae – flavorful sour and spicy rice dish.
The Vijay Utsav or the ‘Hampi Utsav is an important festival celebrated in the region. Apart from that, Purandaradasa Aradhana is organized during January – February, to celebrate the birth of 15th-century poet named Purandara Dasa.

What makes Hospet famous ?

Hospet is an interesting place for shopping for local artifacts and souvenirs. One can buy handmade beads, pendants, caskets and other wooden artifacts for taking back home. Also, good quality sandalwood items like perfumes and incense sticks can be found here. Apart from that, the area is famous for its handloom saris and apparels.

History of Hospet

Hospet, once was the part of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire, was founded in 1520 A.D by King Krishna Deva Raya. According to popular belief, he built this beautiful city in the honor of his mother Nagalambika. During those times, the city was named as Nagalpura, but with time the name changed to 'Hosa Pet' and then to 'Hospet'.
In the early parts of the 19th century, Hospet was the part of the Mysore Estate and ruled by Tipu Sultan. After his defeat, the British took over the region and ruled till India’s independence.