Hospet

Hospet town lies in the state of Karnataka near the UNESCO world heritage site Hampi. This city, a part of the original Vijayanagar region, holds significant historical and mythical importance. Legend has it that Krishna Deva Raya, a ruler of Vijayanagar, constructed this city in 1520 AD in memory of his mother Nagalambika, and named it Nagalapura. However, people started calling it ‘Hosa Pete,’ meaning ‘New City,’ which eventually evolved into ‘Hospet.’ Interestingly, an area between Hampi and Hospet is still known as Nagalapura. Hospet served as the ancient gateway to Vijayanagar for travelers arriving from Goa and the West Coast. The city’s pivotal role in Karnataka’s history is supported by archaeological discoveries made by historians.

Today, Hospet is experiencing remarkable growth in both education and industry. The city’s rapid development is largely attributed to its swift industrialization. With approximately 2,974 industrial units, Hospet has become a hub of employment, offering jobs to around 15,000 individuals. Among the flourishing industries, iron-ore mining stands out as a major contributor to the city’s prosperity, yielding substantial profits.

Tourist attractions in Hospet

• Hampi: The crown jewel of Hospet, Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that transports you to a bygone era of stunning architecture and intricate temples. The majestic Virupaksha Temple, the iconic Stone Chariot, and the grandiose ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire paint a vivid picture of the region’s historical significance.
• Tungabhadra Dam: This engineering marvel stands tall on the Tungabhadra River, offering a serene retreat and a chance to witness the massive reservoir against the backdrop of lush landscapes.
• Chitradurga: often referred to as Kallina Kote or the ‘Palace of Stone,’ is a remarkable destination. The fortress comprises seven substantial walls, each guarded by its own gate. Within the fort’s premises, you’ll find nineteen temples, with the Hidimbeshwara temple being the most renowned. Interestingly, the fort always had a reliable water supply due to its interconnected tanks, ingeniously designed to collect rainwater.

Ways to Reach Hospet

Reaching Hospet is convenient and accessible:

• By Air: The closest airport to Hospet is the Jindal Vidyanagar Airport in Toranganallu, situated around 36 km away. This airport operates domestic flights to and from Bengaluru and Hyderabad. If you’re looking for a larger airport, the Hubli Airport is the nearest major option, offering flights to Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Goa, and Cochin.
• By Train: Hospet Junction railway station is well-connected to major cities in Karnataka and beyond. Trains provide a comfortable and scenic journey to the town.
• By Road: National Highway 13 connects Hospet to various cities, making it easily reachable by road. State-run buses and private vehicles offer flexible travel options.

Timings

Chitradurga – 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM

Tungabhadra Dam – 8 am to 7.30 pm

Entry Fee

Tungabhadra Dam – ₹20 per person

Chitradurga – ₹25 per person