Nandi, Hampi Travel Guide

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Behold the colossal Nandi Bull in Hampi, a symbol of devotion carved from a single stone, guarding the ancient Virupaksha Temple.

The Nandi, also known as Yeduru Basavanna, is a massive monolithic bull statue in Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Carved from a single granite boulder during the Vijayanagara Empire, it faces the Virupaksha Temple, symbolizing devotion to Lord Shiva.

A brief summary to Nandi

8FM8+HP8, Nimbapura, Karnataka, 583239, IN

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Nandi.

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and experience the site in a more peaceful atmosphere.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Virupaksha Temple and Hampi Bazaar to explore the area's rich history and culture.
Take the steps beside the Nandi pavilion to reach the Achyutaraya Temple for panoramic views of Hampi.

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Explore Nandi on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Nandi, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Hampi bus stand, walk east towards the Virupaksha Temple and Hampi Bazaar. Continue along the main street (Hampi Bazaar), past the Virupaksha Temple. The Nandi statue is located at the eastern end of the street, approximately 700 meters from the temple. The walk takes about 15-20 minutes.
Public Transport

Take a local bus from Hampi bus station towards Nimbapura. Get off at the Nimbapura stop. From there, walk for a short distance to reach the Nandi temple. Bus fare is approximately ₹20-₹30.
Auto-Rickshaw

Hire an auto-rickshaw from anywhere in Hampi. Negotiate the fare beforehand; a round trip to Nandi should cost around ₹300-₹500. The driver will take you directly to the site.
Car

From Hampi bus station, head east on NH67 towards Hospet. After approximately 10 kilometers, turn left onto the road leading to Nimbapura. Follow the signs for Nandi for about 5 kilometers. Parking is available near the site for a small fee of around ₹20.

Discover more about Nandi

The Nandi, locally known as Yeduru Basavanna, is a colossal monolithic sculpture of a bull located at the eastern end of Virupaksha Bazaar in Hampi. This impressive statue, carved from a single block of granite, has stood for over 500 years, representing Nandi, the sacred mount and gatekeeper of Lord Shiva.The Nandi is housed within a two-story pavilion built on an elevated platform, providing a unique architectural setting. Though the statue exhibits relatively simple carvings compared to other Hampi sculptures, its sheer size and the serene expression on the bull's face are captivating. The area surrounding the Nandi features large boulders, adding to the natural and historical ambiance.According to Hindu mythology, Nandi was born from the devotion of sage Shilada and is revered as a symbol of unwavering dedication. Facing the Virupaksha Temple, the Nandi statue signifies the devotee's readiness to receive divine teachings and blessings. The Hampi Bazaar, located between the Nandi and the Virupaksha Temple, was once a marketplace for pearls and gems, adding to the area's historical significance.