One of the less visited temples in Hampi, as I didn't see many visitors here, though by sunset, there were a lot of people who had cime to witness the sunset. However on that day, it was raining, so the sunset wasn't on view that evening. This temple is built around a huge boulder, under which it is believed that Shri Ram and his brother Lakshmana took shelter during the rainy season, on their March toward Lanka to free Sita. There is also a temple dedicated to Hanuman ji and one to Lord Shiva. The chanting of the Ramayana has been taking place continuously here for several years, and one is invited to participate by clapping in tune or by bearing the cymbals along with those who are chanting. The temple is never closed and all are welcome to visit and partake of the blessings of Lord Rama

The mythical association of the place with (Hampi's version of ) Ramayana is interesting. Rama and Lakshmana were looking for a shelter during the monsoon season. Rama aimed an arrow in the Malyavanta hill direction. A cleft on the boulder atop the Malyavanta Hill is caused by the arrow, according to this story. Rama and Lakshmana stayed here till the monsoon rains are over, before marched to Lanka along with the army of Hanuman. The images of the deities are carved on the face of a massive boulder. Rama and Lakshmana are sitting posture, Sita is standing next to them, and Hanuman , a kneeling posture with great attitude. A massive temple complex is built around this boulder, keeping the images portion within the inner shrine. The boulder protruding above is further enhanced with a tower structure over the boulder. This makes boulder is an integral part of the structural elements. You'll see many such instances in Hampi. This is one of the peculiarities of the Vijayanagara architecture.

Awesome peaceful temple with great history. I really like the monkey and the architecture of the temple is great. Also ramdhun was going on when we visited. It fills so peaceful.. Must visit. After vithala temple this is a place which I like in hampi

Malyavanta Raghunath temple is which Lord Hanumana met Lord Shri Rama for the first time when Shri Rama and Lakshmana were in search of the Goddess Sita.Lord Rama reside here for 6 months in monsoons. Temple will remain open 24hrs and Ramacharithamanas chanting will do continuously 24/7 here Great spot for sunset. From the view point one could get 360 degree view around hills, the valleys, the green fields,Beautiful View Everyone should experience this.

The temple is atop the Malyavanta hills. Built in Vijayanagar style of architecture, the temple houses idols of Rama, seeta and lakshmana. There two mahadwaras, one on the east side and the other on the south side. There is a good road that leads to the temple but it is narrow. There is limited parking space and it is difficult to find parking during evenings when lot of people visit here for sunset. Inside the temple premises, there is a stone tower which has short form of Valmiki ramayana inscribed on it. The temple and the location behind the temple are popular for sunset.

Malyavanta Raghunatha temple , The temple complex built in early 16th century CE by Vijayanagara king Sri Krishnadevaraya with 2 entrance gopurams on the east and south. The temple is elaborate in classical Vijayanagara style with highly decorated tall pillars, richly carved bas-reliefs and exquisite sculpturing. The east facing temple consists of 2 Gopurams, porch, a large pillared pavilion, Kalyana mantap (marriage hall), a couple of pillared halls with large courtyards and large praakara around. The temple complex has the cave in which Lord Rama and Lakshmana lived during the rainy season. Sri Rama Charita Manas is being recited dawn to dusk everyday here. There is a door at the rear (west) outer wall leading us to the Shiva shrine at the back and the view point.

Vehicle goes all the way to top, very beautiful temple and you get to see Bhajan going on here 24/7. This is also a great place in hampi for a sunset, very calm and serene view of banana plantations and coconut trees. The temples are also very beautiful with some structural destruction. Must visit if you are exploring this side of Hampi.

Amazing place. Such an old temple. Ramayana is being recited here since 25-26 years 24x7. Don't miss the sunset from here too, amazing views. Do also visit the Hanuman temple right outside.

The place is a temple adjoined by the sunset point. It is the most accessible point for sunset in Hampi and attracts a lot of crowd. The temple is historically very important as it is associated with that leg of Ramayana in which Shri Ram waits for the monsoons to finish to head for Lanka. The vehicles are parked nearby to the entrance and through a large iron gated pakoda opening up to a large compound including the temples, the torch pillar etc. the temple complex is walled and has iron gates at all the sides. The sunset point is absolutely opposite to the entrance behind the main temple and is walkable but caution is advised.

This temple was built in 16th Century. It's believed that Lord Rama and Lakshamana, during their search for Sita, spent the rainy season here. You also get a beautiful view of sunrise from this place. The camera definitely cannot capture the real beauty.

Malyavanta Raghuvanta temple, Hampi. Again not a very famous attraction and many people miss to see this place due to its isolation from the main touristy circuit. But once we went here, thanks to our guide, Virupaksha(not Lord Shiva ) this was an amazing hill top with some amazing sunset views. We spent almost 2 hours here waiting for the sunset, although it was anti-climatic in the end. The hill top offers view of the famous Matunga hill, Hampi landscape and at the bottom there is the beautiful Rama temple where Lord Ram vigraha is without any weapons and that is rare to find. So if you're in Hampi don't miss this place! The sunset, panaromic views of Hampi and more in the upcoming posts, stay tuned. .... The Virupaksha Temple, Hampi, Karnataka. On my recent trip to hampi I got really spell bound by the beauty even in the ruins, if the ruins are so picturesque and beautiful, imagine what the Vijayanagara Kingdom at its peak could have been One can only wonder. I was there for 2 days but I will certainly be back for more because for a photographer Hampi is divine! There's always a certain feeling-nostalgia when you are capturing a city to show what could have been, if it did survive. Enough reason to spend more and more time at Hampi. ...... The Virupaksha Temple gopura, from within the temple complex at sunset. The temple was built by Lakkan Dandesha under the ruler Prauda Deva Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, also one of the very few temples left behind from that era. Hence it is over one of the main attractions at Hampi, also because of the natural Pin hole camera at the temple where the gopura's shadow falls inverted on the wall, a km away inside the temple. It speaks volumes about the architectural finese and mastery of the people back then and is still a wonder to watch! Do not miss to visit this place as during sunset it is a picture of serenity and calm with the Tungabhadra flowing right behind the temple complex.

This temple is a hidden jem. Where it’s associated with the Ramayana where Lord Rama had visited here with Sita and Laxmana during Vanavasa, to meet Sugreeva. So the temple has Rama japa happening through out the day. The temple is beautiful and big. Surely it’s pleasant feeling visiting here and it has good parking place.

Beautiful temple. Was very calming and serene. There were no other people around when we visited so it was very quiet and beautiful. And the architecture was as beautiful as the rest of Hampi.

The never ending saga of Hampi and Ramayan. The legend says Ram stayed here during monsoon when he was searching for Sita. This is the only temple where you see Lord Rama in sitting position. The temple is beautiful and you can see a Shiva temple on rear side of the temple. While walking past from the Shiva temple, you can find sunset spot. The sunset was beautiful and calm as not many people visit here. The priest here will recite Ramcharitha Manas 24*7. If you're visiting in evening time, make sure you have own vehicle or an booked auto as Cheetah and bears usually come late night surrounding this hill. The security at the temple will warn you about the same and people will not stay after around 7 pm.

Visiting Malyavantha Swamy Temple in Hampi for the sunset was a magical experience. The ancient temple offers a breathtaking view of the mesmerizing Hampi landscape as the sun sets, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The serene ambiance and the spiritual vibe made this visit truly special. Highly recommend catching the sunset here – it's a soul-soothing experience that connects you with the rich history and natural beauty of Hampi.

Malyavanta hill is very famous for Malyavanta Raghunath Temple. It is said that before marching towards Lanka to do battle with the demon Ravana, Lord Rama along with his brother Lakshmana stayed on this hill during the Chaturmas. Chaturmas is a holy period of four months in Hindu culture. It is one the temple where Ramayan is recited 365days, 24hrs. This the place where Rama and lakshmana reside during the search of Sita. There is many shivalinga with nandi made by Lakshmana. Beautiful scenic beauty can be watch here. You can see a very beautiful Sunset here.

Some places in Hampi are off beat but are more interesting then standard tourist spots we’re in you have better options to see sunrise or sunset & lively temple operating 24hrs

Come here early before dusk to watch the mesmerising sunrise and then visit this peaceful temple. Climb to the sunrise temple is not that difficult and you will get a complete and beautiful sun rise. Temple is also very serene and the mantapa next to temple is also very beautiful.

Can drive vehicle up to the main entrance of the temple complex. There is still daily rituals being held in the main temple. The complex also contains other temple structures, mostly not in use. Gives great insight into the then architecture style of erstwhile Vijayanagar Empire

If you have a 2+ days itinerary, you should come here for sunrise and this is one the very few huge operating temples in Hampi. Even elders can make it to the sunrise point.

One of the best places ever to see the sunset. It's surreal. Spent a good hour just experiencing the sunset. There is a Ram mandir here which one should visit too. The rocks are unique.

Folklore is that Rama and Lakshmana waited out in this region during the rains , on their way to Lanka - in their search for Sita . The temple is accessible by a small trek ( which gives a different perspective) but the cars can also go right to the top . It is a popular sunset point ( among so many in Hampi ) . Active temple and very clean in maintenance inside .