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Things to do in Hampi

Places to Visit in Hampi

By Meenakshi Gupta Better known for Virupaksha Temple, the iconic Chariot, and the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire, the historical city Hampi has a lot more to offer to travellers. In the era of experiential and slow travel, Hampi is a place to get immersed in. Set-in in a splendid rugged boulder landscape, Hampi was once the capital city of mighty Vijayanagara . The ruins of this iconic location evoke the memories of the grandeur of the royalty of the time. The historic town, the ‘World’s Largest Open-Air Museum’ is classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The royal city located on the banks of River Tungabhadra has so much to absorb and indulge in apart from the massive ruins and its stories. There are a lot more things to do in Hampi to make that a heritage holiday into an experiential tour. Take a bicycle or take a bike ride, hop on to the coracle boat in Tungabhadra River or climb those boulders, or just jump off the cliff, and soak up the off-beat things to do in Hampi.

Coracle Boat Ride in Hampi

Coracle ride in Hampi

A beautiful setting of boulders in the backdrop on the river Tungabhadra, a coracle boat ride is something one must indulge in. Be it a sunrise or a sunset, the smooth sailing crossing over zig-zag leads to swirling in the middle of the river giving you that adrenaline rush. A relaxing and soothing boat ride called Coracle has been the mode of transportation since the 15th century. A coracle boat ride is an experience by itself as these boats are available only in Southern India. These circular boats carry 6-8 people at a time and are enjoyed by everyone. A coracle boat ride is available throughout the year however for safety reasons due to the overflow of the river, the rides are completely closed during monsoon. The best time to visit is between October to March. Summers can be a little harsh for a boat ride. Usually, the timings are 6 am until 6 pm. On all days. A ride for 10 to 15 mins is available for anything between Rs 50 to Rs 100.

Rock Climbing at Hampi

Rock Climbing

Visiting Hampi and not climbing the rocks or the boulders is something an adventurous soul wouldn’t do. Ignite your courageous soul for that adrenaline rush in you at Hampi for those appealing boulders at Hemakuta Hills. Hampi is one of the most sought and one of the top rock climbing destinations in the country. Magnificently spread landscaped serving as a perfect backdrop for the river Tungabhadra, these boulders invite rock climbers from all over the world. Just rent a bicycle or walk up to the hills to explore this earthy, rustic and exciting activity in Hampi. Apart from Hemakunta hills, one can also explore rock climbing in Hampi at Raghunatha and Tiruvengalanatha temple area. Rock climbing is open on all days between 8 am to 5 pm and is a do-it-yourself activity. The best season to indulge in rock climbing at Hampi is December and January and the best time is early morning when the sun is not so harsh. Although it’s a DIY activity, all necessary precautions to be taken.

Cliff Jumping at Hampi

If your courageous and freaky soul is still unsatisfied after rock climbing, jump off the cliff at Hampi for that heavenly adrenaline rush. Cliff jumping at Hampi is one of the prime activities which most of the fun-loving and sporty visitors crave for. Sanapur and Hampi / Tungabhadra Lakes are the most popular sites for cliff diving in Hampi. Even though there are caution sign-boards for the presence of crocodiles in the lakes, it doesn’t deter the spirit of the divers. However, there are no or little reports of crocodiles found at these sites but it is advisable to take assistance from the local guides for cliff jumping. The cliff is of 15 feet high and is free of cost at your own risk. The best season for cliff jumping is November to January.

Hippie Island

As the name suggests, Hippie Island is visited by nomads than serious tourists to Hampi Temple and its ruins. Just a little away from the main UNESCO Heritage sites lies this island full of activities. If you take a coracle boat it takes about 5 mins, however, it takes about 40 mins to go by road. A quaint and laid-back life at Hippie Island attracts slow and immersive travellers. A city by itself, the island has huts to stay in, cafes, and an array of activities for young and not-so-young travellers. These shacks or huts facing the lush green rice fields and water bodies with magnificent views of boulders are available for rent at a nominal rate for staying. The cafes serve Indian and well as European cuisines as some of them are run by Europeans who stayed back long ago. Also known as Virupapur Gadde, the island is popular amongst backpackers, who love to explore the destination at their pace and not just do a touristy tour.

A mesmerizing ancient town Hampi and a UNESCO Heritage site has a lot to offer for active and slow travellers.

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Hampi- aihole- pattadakal- badami, virupaksha temple, hampi, stone chariot, hampi, vijayanagara.

 Image credits : Anju Yadav & Birendra Kumar Sahu

Essential Travel Guide for Visiting Hampi in Karnataka

The Evocative Ruins of One of India's Greatest Hindu Kingdoms

TripSavvy / Faye Strassle

Laid-back Hampi was the last capital of Vijayanagar, one of the greatest Hindu kingdoms in India’s history. The area has some amazing ruins, intriguingly intermingled with large boulders that dot the landscape. It's a must-visit destination in India , and an incredible energy can be felt there. Plan your trip with this Hampi travel guide.

Emperor Krishna Deva Raya built many temples and other structures at Hampi during the powerful reign of the Vijayanagar Empire in South India, from the 14th to 16th centuries. The flourishing capital was regarded as the center of South India , and its vibrant marketplace was one of the largest trading hubs in the world selling all kinds of goods to foreigners.

Hampi was naturally fortified by hills that protected it from invaders approaching from the north and south. However, its glory finally came to an end in 1565 when the five allied Deccan Sultanates of Bijapur, Bidar, Berar, Golconda and Ahmednagar succeeded in defeating ruler Rama Raya (the son-in-law of Krishna Deva Raya) in the Battle of Talikota. Six months of subsequent plundering reduced Hampi to ruins. Sadly, its grandeur was never able to be reinstated.

Hampi's ruins were discovered in 1800 by Colin Mackenzie, who became the first Surveyor General of India under the British East India Company. Extensive excavations followed, and are still being carried out by the Archeological Survey of India. In 1986, Hampi was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hampi is located in central Karnataka , approximately 350 kilometers (217 miles) from Bangalore in South India.

How to Get There

The nearest airports are Bellary/Ballari (two hours away) and Hubli (four hours away). From there, you'll need to arrange bus or taxi transportation.

Alternatively, the closest railway station is in Hospet , about half an hour away. Overnight trains run to Hospet several times a week from Bangalore and Goa. Buses also operate from Bangalore and Goa, as well as from Mysore and Gokarna in Karnataka, and will drop you in Hospet. The train is definitely more comfortable and preferable though. From Hospet, you can take a bus or auto-rickshaw to Hampi. The local buses are frequent and inexpensive, and better than a long and dusty auto-rickshaw ride.

The best time to visit Hampi is when it's cool and dry, from November to February. In March, the weather starts getting unbearably hot.

If you enjoy local color and culture, make sure you go during the three-day Hampi Festival (also known as the Vijaya Utsav). Dance, drama, music, fireworks, and puppet shows all take place with the ruins of Hampi as a backdrop. This popular (and crowded) festival usually happens in November but has been moved to January in the last couple of years, so it's wise to check the dates with Karnataka Tourism beforehand.

In March or April, the Virupaksha Car Festival is held to mark the annual marriage ritual of the gods and goddesses. It's the largest religious festival in Hampi.

Hampi is also a good place to celebrate the Holi festiva l in South India, in March.

How to Visit

Hampi is ideally explored on foot or by bicycle, so it's important to wear comfortable shoes. Hiring a scooter is also an option.

The main group of monuments (including the Vittala Temple, Elephant Stables, and Royal Center) requires an entry ticket. The cost is 600 rupees for foreigners and 40 rupees for Indians. The ticket also provides entry into the Archeological Museum. The Vittala Temple is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. The Elephant Stables, which once housed the royal elephants, are open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily. Get there as early as possible to beat the crowds.

The surrounding ruins can be explored at leisure and there is no charge.

A guided tour is helpful to uncover Hampi's extensive history. Options offered by Travspire include a full-day heritage tour, half-day tours including stories from the Ramayana narrated by a local guide, and a six-hour village tour of Anegundi and surroundings. There's also a tourism office at the Virupaksha Temple, where you can hire guides and bicycles. Lakshmi Heritage Tourist Home has decent quality bicycles for rent near the temple too.

Do note that meat and alcohol aren't available in Hampi town as it's a religious place. However, both can be obtained across the river in Virupapur Gadde. Ferries depart riverside near the Virupaksha Temple.

There aren't any ATMs in Hampi. The closest ones are in nearby Anegundi and Kamalapura. It's a good idea to make sure you withdraw the cash you'll need while in Hospet.

What to See and Do

Hampi's ruins stretch for just over 25 kilometers (10 miles) and are made up of more than 500 monuments.

Most striking is the Vittala Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It's situated amid boulders on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra River not far from the center of town, and represents the culmination of Vijayanagara temple architecture. Its main hall has 56 pillars that, when struck, make musical sounds. To the east of the hall is the iconic Stone Chariot. Most incredibly, its wheels can still turn!

The Royal Center, where Vijayanagar rulers lived and governed, is another must-see. At its core is the ornate Hazara Rama Temple, with panels of intricate sculptures featuring regal processions of elephants, horses, musicians, and warriors.

The ancient traditional water tanks, or step wells, are another highlight in and around Hampi. Their aqueducts carried water all over the city. The Stepped Tank at the southeastern side of the Royal Enclosure is particularly impressive. It remained covered by mud and sand, with a mound on top, until about 20 years ago.

In the Main Bazaar, the towering Virupaksha Temple is still actively used for worshiping Lord Shiva. The temple existed in a much smaller form before the Vijayanagar Empire, perhaps as early as the 8th century, making it one of the oldest structures in Hampi. The temple is open from sunrise until sunset, and there's a nominal entry fee. Allow at least an hour and a half to enjoy it.

Hampi is also renowned for its monolithic sculptures. Some, such as the Kadalikelu Ganesha in a temple on Hemakuta Hill, are as high as 15 feet tall. What's really remarkable is that one misplaced chip when carrying out the sculpturing would've caused the granite rock to fall apart. There are beautiful sculptures on rocks alongside the river, which were prototypes of those inside the temples.

Sunrise and sunset over the village, viewed from atop the central Matanga Hill, are truly magical and not to be missed.

If you have time, take a ferry across the river to Anegundi and explore the ancient structures there as well.

Where to Stay

There are two main areas to stay in Hampi -- near the bus stand and Main Bazaar, and on the edge of paddy fields across the river in rural Virupapur Gadde. The lively Main Bazaar area is packed with cheap guesthouses, shops, and restaurants. Budget accommodations at Virupapur Gadde are preferred by hippies and backpackers who want to spend time chilling out. Many people choose to spend a couple of nights in each place to experience their different atmospheres.

Hampi's upmarket properties are all located out of town.

What Else to Do Nearby

If you're into wine, don't miss visiting award-winning Krsma Estate vineyards, about two hours north of Hampi.

A side trip northwest of Hampi to the heritage sites of Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakal is worthwhile to see monuments and ruins from the Chalukya Empire, which ruled there between the 4th and 8th centuries.

East of Hampi, Bellary Fort is another Vijayanagar Empire monument from the 16th century. Tickets cost 300 rupees for foreigners and 25 rupees for Indians.

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Things to Do in Hampi & A Complete Travel Guide

Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Look no further than Hampi – a hidden gem in the heart of Karnataka, India. Our Things To Do in Hampi – A Travel Guide will explore its breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, and vibrant culture; this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a dream destination for history buffs and wanderlust seekers alike.

But before you embark on your journey to this enchanting wonderland, we’ve covered everything you need to know! From must-visit attractions to top things to do and insider tips, get ready to dive into the ultimate guide for planning your trip to Hampi. Let’s make memories that will last a lifetime!

Table of Contents

Introduction: Brief overview of Hampi

Hampi, located in the southern state of Karnataka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most captivating destinations in India. It is a small village once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire , which ruled South India for over two centuries from the 14th to 16th century AD .

The ruins of this ancient city are spread across an area of about 26 square kilometres . They are surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, making it a picturesque destination. Despite being in ruins, Hampi continues attracting tourists worldwide due to its rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels.

A Mix of Culture, Nature & History

One of the main reasons why Hampi is a must-visit destination is because it offers a unique blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty . The temples and monuments here testify to the grandeur and opulence of the Vijayanagara Empire. The intricate carvings on these structures depict scenes from Hindu mythology and showcase outstanding craftsmanship.

Apart from its historical significance, Hampi also has a spiritual aura that can be felt throughout the village. With over 500 temples scattered around its landscape, Hampi is considered one of the holiest places for Hindus. The Virupaksha temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the oldest functioning temples in India and attracts thousands of devotees every year.

In addition to its cultural importance, Hampi also offers breathtaking views with its boulder-strewn hillsides , lush green paddy fields, and glistening Tungabhadra river flowing through it. It is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers, with activities like trekking , rock climbing, and coracle rides available.

In conclusion, Hampi is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience India’s rich history and culture, along with its natural beauty. The village has something to offer everyone and promises an unforgettable trip filled with ancient wonders and enchanting experiences.

Getting There: Different modes of transportation to Hampi

Hampi is a popular tourist destination located in the state of Karnataka, India. It is known for its rich history and ancient ruins, making it a must-visit place for history buffs and adventure seekers. However, planning your transportation mode is essential before embarking on your trip to Hampi. This section will discuss the various modes of transportation available to reach Hampi and their pros and cons.

The nearest airport to Hampi is the Hubli Airport, approximately 160 km from the town. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to Hampi from there. The airport has good connectivity with major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi.

• Fastest mode of transportation.
• Flights are available from major cities in India.
• Comfortable journey.
• Expensive compared to other modes of transportation.
• Limited flights may result in higher airfare during peak season.

2. By Train:

The closest railway station to Hampi is Hospet Junction Railway Station (HPT), which is around 13 km away from the town. You can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw from there to Hampi.

• Affordable option.
• Trains are available from major cities in India.
• Scenic train journey through rural landscapes.
• Limited trains may require advance booking during peak season.
• Longer travel time compared to flights.

Hampi has good connectivity with major cities in Karnataka, like Bengaluru, Mysore, and Hospet. You can take a bus from these cities to reach Hampi. The town also has local buses that connect different parts of the town.

• Cheapest mode of transportation.
• Good connectivity with nearby cities.
• Local buses provide an authentic experience of the town.
• Long travel time.
• Buses may only be comfortable for a short distance.

4. By Car/Taxi:

You can also opt for a private car or taxi to reach Hampi from nearby cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, or Goa. You can either hire a self-drive car or book a chauffeured taxi service.

• Flexible timings and routes.
• Allows you to explore nearby places at your own pace.
• Expensive option if travelling alone.
• Traffic may result in longer travel time during peak season.

In conclusion, your transportation mode depends on your budget, comfort level, and travel preferences. It is recommended to plan your trip in advance and book tickets accordingly to avoid any last-minute hassles. No matter which mode of transportation you choose, a trip to Hampi will surely be an enriching and memorable experience.

Best Time to Visit

Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka, India, is a popular tourist destination known for its rich history and stunning architecture. This ancient city was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and is now home to numerous ruins, temples, and other historical sites that attract visitors from around the world.

If you are planning a trip to Hampi, it is crucial to choose the right time of year to visit. The weather, festivals, and tourist crowds can significantly impact your overall experience. To help you plan your trip effectively, here are the ideal months to visit Hampi based on these factors.

The best time to visit Hamp i is during the winter season , which lasts from October to February . During this time, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C (59°F – to 86°F) . The cool breeze makes it perfect for exploring the outdoors and visiting various historical sites without feeling too hot or uncomfortable.

Summer in Hampi starts in March and lasts till June , with scorching temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F). It can be scorching and humid during this time, making it difficult for tourists to explore outdoor attractions. Monsoon season begins in July and ends in September, bringing heavy rainfall, which can disrupt travel plans.

Tourist Crowds

Hampi receives a high influx of tourists during the winter season from October to February . If you want to avoid large crowds, planning your trip during the shoulder season is best, from March to June or September to October. There are fewer tourists during this time, and you can explore the attractions at your own pace without feeling rushed or crowded.

In conclusion, the ideal time to visit Hampi would be from October to February when the weather is pleasant , and plenty of festivals and events are happening. However, to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder season (March – June & September to October)  . Plan your trip accordingly and have a memorable experience exploring this ancient city.

Where to Stay in Hampi

Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India, offers diverse accommodation options for various budgets and travel preferences. These accommodations include:

• Budget-friendly hostels:  Ideal for budget travellers, hostels provide shared dormitory-style accommodations with basic amenities and a chance to connect with fellow travellers.
• Guesthouses:  Family-run guesthouses offer more privacy than hostels and often provide simple rooms with attached bathrooms. Some may offer home-cooked meals.
• Heritage hotels:  For a unique experience, heritage hotels provide a glimpse into the city’s history while offering modern comforts. Many also organize cultural activities and guided tours.
• Resorts:  Luxury resorts, located away from the main tourist areas offer top-notch facilities, serene surroundings, and various activities like yoga, spa treatments, and outdoor adventures.
• Boutique hotels:  Combining heritage charm with modern amenities, boutique hotels offer personalized services and attention to detail, often in or near the main tourist areas.
• Camping:  For adventure seekers, camping is an option. Campsites offer basic tents; some provide luxury tented accommodations with attached bathrooms.

It’s advisable to book well in advance during the peak season (October-March) due to the town’s popularity. Hampi caters to travellers with various budgets and preferences, ensuring there’s a suitable place to stay for everyone.

Must-See Places in Hampi

Hampi is a mesmerizing destination with a rich history and cultural heritage. It is home to countless ancient temples, monuments, and ruins that will leave you in awe. If you plan a trip to Hampi, add these must-see places to your itinerary for an unforgettable experience.

• Hampi Bazaar – Stroll through this bustling market street, which was once the commercial hub of Hampi during its prime days. You can find everything from handicrafts, souvenirs, clothes, and traditional food here.
• Lotus Mahal – Also known as Chitragani Mahal or Kamal Mahal, this striking palace was used by the royal women of the Vijayanagara Empire during their recreational activities. The architecture of this palace resembles a lotus flower, hence the name.
• Matanga Hill – This is the highest point in Hampi and offers stunning views of the surrounding ruins and monuments. Many trekkers go here to catch a glimpse of the sunrise or sunset.
• Queen’s Bath – This is a large, well-preserved bathing complex built for the royal women of the Vijayanagara Empire. It consists of a central pool surrounded by arched corridors and balconies.
• Zenana Enclosure – This was the secluded area where the royal women lived in Hampi. The Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, and other structures can be found within this enclosure.
• Purandaradasa Mantapa – This memorial hall is dedicated to the famous poet Purandaradasa, a devotee of Lord Krishna. It houses a statue of him and his compositions carved on the walls.

Temples of Hampi

• Virupaksha Temple – This magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the oldest functioning temples in India. The intricate carvings and sculptures on the temple walls will leave you amazed. Take advantage of the famous chariot festival held here every year.
• Hemakuta Hill Temples – For breathtaking views of Hampi’s landscape, head up to Hemakuta Hill. You’ll also find many ancient temples and shrines scattered across the hill, including the famous Virupaksha Temple.
• Vittala Temple Complex – This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its iconic stone chariot and musical pillars that produce different sounds when struck. The complex also houses beautiful mandapas (halls), shrines, and other structures.
• Achyutaraya Temple – Located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. The annual Purandaradasa Festival is celebrated here with great pomp and show.

Hampi is a treasure trove of historical and architectural wonders. Each place has a unique story and is a must-visit for anyone interested in Indian history or architecture. Remember to carry your camera to capture the beauty of these magnificent structures.

Top 9 Things to Do in Hampi

• Visit the Temples:  Explore the awe-inspiring ancient temples in Hampi, such as Virupaksha Temple, Vitthala Temple, and more, which offer a glimpse into the rich history and architecture of the region.
• Watch Sunsets:  The surreal landscapes of Hampi make for stunning sunset views. Enjoy the magical sight of the sun setting behind the boulders and temples.
• Shopping at Hampi Bazaar:  Hampi Bazaar is a vibrant marketplace where you can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, jewellery, and traditional clothing. It’s a great place to pick up unique souvenirs.
• Indulge in Local Cuisine:  Savor local Karnataka cuisine at the numerous cafes and restaurants. Try dishes like bisi bele bath, jolada rotti, and the delicious masala dosa.
• Bouldering:  Hampi is a mecca for bouldering enthusiasts. The unique rock formations provide a challenging and picturesque backdrop for climbers of all levels.
• Cliff Jumping:  If adventurous, indulge in cliff jumping by the Tungabhadra River. Leap into the clear waters and experience an adrenaline rush.
• Cycling in and Around Hampi:  Rent a bicycle and explore the charming villages and stunning landscapes around Hampi. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
• Explore the Hippie Side in Anegundi Village:  Anegundi, just across the river, offers a more relaxed and bohemian vibe. Discover the laid-back cafes, art scenes, and vibrant community.
• Take a Coracle Ride:  Experience a traditional coracle ride on the Tungabhadra River. These circular boats offer a unique and serene way to enjoy the region’s scenic beauty.

Hampi, with its cultural richness and natural beauty, offers diverse activities that cater to all interests, from history and spirituality to adventure and relaxation.

An Ideal 5-Day Itinerary for Hampi

1: Arrival and Exploration

• Arrive in Hampi and check in.
• Visit the Virupaksha Temple.
• Explore Hemakuta Hill.
• Enjoy a riverside sunset.

2: Temple Tour

• Explore the Vithala Temple complex.
• Visit Royal Enclosure.
• Explore the underground Shiva temple and the Lotus Mahal.
• Sunset at Hemakuta Hill.

3: Adventure and Nature

• Go bouldering among the unique rock formations.
• Explore Sanapur Lake or Anegundi Village.
• Evening in Anegundi for a taste of the bohemian side.

4: Riverside Activities

• Enjoy a coracle ride on the Tungabhadra River.
• Explore Anjanadri Hill and the Monkey Temple.
• Return to Hampi.

5: Relaxation and Departure

• Cycle around Hampi and explore the remaining sites.
• Enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
• Check out and bid farewell to Hampi.

In conclusion, Hampi is a truly magical destination that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Proper planning and preparation allow you to maximise your trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From exploring ancient ruins to trying local delicacies and indulging in adventurous activities, there’s something for everyone in Hampi. Therefore, pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable journey filled with rich experiences and lasting memories with our travel guide .

While Hampi is a remarkable destination, two days can provide a taste of its beauty and history. During this time, you can explore the main temples, like Virupaksha and Vithala, and enjoy bouldering and local cuisine. However, to delve deeper into its richness, consider extending your stay to 3-4 days for a more comprehensive experience.

Absolutely, Hampi is a must-visit destination. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with awe-inspiring temples, surreal landscapes, and vibrant culture. Hampi has something to offer, whether you’re a history buff, an adventure enthusiast, or someone seeking serenity. Ensure you check for the latest travel advisories and conditions before visiting.

Hampi’s uniqueness lies in its rich historical heritage, captivating architecture, and dramatic landscape of massive boulders set against a cultural backdrop. The Virupaksha Temple, the Vithala Temple complex, and the enchanting bouldering opportunities are some of its highlights. The town’s laid-back ambience and bohemian vibes in nearby Anegundi make it unique.

Ideally, to experience the essence of Hampi, you should spend at least 3-4 days. This will allow you to explore the numerous temples, enjoy activities like bouldering, and immerse yourself in the local culture. However, you can glimpse the main attractions in 2 days if you’re on a tight schedule. Still, a longer stay is recommended for a more enriching experience.

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A Complete Hampi Travel Guide 2021: Hampi Itinerary & Tips

Hampi is an incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site located by the Tungabhadra River in Karnataka, India. The ancient city’s boulder-strewn landscape delights the eye; lush paddy fields and serene lakes soothe the soul, and the timeless ruins with their impressive history and architecture amaze the mind.

Here is a Hampi travel guide with a solid itinerary to maximize your time, details of how to get there, places to stay in Hampi, how to get around and tips for your visit!

Before we start, let us tell you that the face of Hampi has changed in the last year. If you’ve read or seen any content on Hampi before landing on our Hampi travel blog, then note that Hippie Island and restaurants like Mango Tree in Hampi don’t exist anymore. Because of this, your Hampi itinerary could look a lot different from what you had initially planned. Luckily for you, this blog post is from our visit after these changes so you’ll get the most updated information.

Brief Hampi History

Hampi was the capital city of the mighty Hindu Vijayanagar Empire for over 200 years (around 1336 AD to 1565 AD) covering all of southern India south of the Tungabhadra river. The city was an important centre of trade since it controlled both cotton and spice trade routes of Southern India and traded gold, pearls, and other precious items by the kilo. The rulers fortified the kingdom and used their wealth to build an impressive city with beautiful palaces, temples, monolithic statues, markets streets, and monuments.

After the death of the empire’s greatest king, Kishnadevaraya (reigning period 1509-1529), the kingdom soon fell to the combined armies of the neighbouring Muslim rulers of the Deccan. The city was ravaged and plundered and now lies in ruins.

In around 1 CE (the era of the Ramayana) this area was called Kishkinda – the kingdom of monkeys. The Hindu God Hanuman was born in the area!

When to Visit Hampi

Hampi’s main tourist season is in winter from October to February. To avoid crowds, you can also visit in March (explore early morning and evening) and September (rains slow down and Hampi is very green). Know that in the rainy season, however, you will not be able to take a coracle ride in the Tungabhadra due to the strong current!

We have only travelled to Hampi in these off-season months and it turned out to be awesome. Lots of peace when exploring the ruins.

How to Reach Hampi

Flight: Toranagallu (11 km), Bellary (61 km) and Belgaum (191 km) are the nearest airports to Hampi. However, since flights are limited to these locations, it would be best to fly to Bangalore (351 km) and then take a bus or hire a car and drive for around 6 hours to Hampi. Book your flight here .

Car: Hampi is at a drivable distance from major cities like Bangalore (351 km or 6 hours), Hyderabad (385 km or 7.5 hours), and Panjim Goa (346 km or 8 hours). We love this method of transport and have always gone on a Hyderabad to Hampi road trip. The drive is a pleasurable one with vast fields and bouldered hills. 

Bus: You can book an overnight bus to Hampi in all cities mentioned above like Bangalore, Hyderabad and Goa. You can book this on Redbus. If living in the neighbouring town of Hospet, you can catch a local KSRTC bus to Hampi which takes about half an hour.

Train: Hospet Railway Station, located about 12 km from Hampi is the nearest station. It is directly connected to major cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa, etc. From Hospet, you can take a local bus to Hampi which takes about half an hour.

Days Required to Explore Hampi

You need a total of at least three days to see the main sights of Hampi – Two days to explore the heritage area side and one to explore the other side of the river – Anegundi, Anjaneya Hill, etc.!

Four-five days is ideal for a slower, more comfortable, visit!

Places to Stay in Hampi

To make the most of your time in Hampi, it is best to stay at a distance of 0-10 km from Hampi – the closer the better! Know that Hampi isn’t a town in itself. Locals live in a small village called New Hampi but the location doesn’t have any hotels or accommodation. So, you will have to opt for the area near Hampi or at nearby villages.

We have stayed at below given (first two) Hampi resorts and hotels and highly recommend them in terms of location.

Clarks Inn – Located in Kamalapur Town 4.7 km from Hampi’s main attractions, it makes for an ideal place to stay. Small but well-appointed rooms with an in-house restaurant and a small pool! Perfect for those who’ll spend their days exploring and look for only basic comfort in their accommodation. We booked this for only Rs.2000 per night making it a super budget stay, but per our understanding prices are not so low during season time. Check prices and book property here .

Heritage Resort Hampi – Located 7 km from Hampi, this resort is a great mid-range option for families and couples looking for a relaxed and comfortable stay amongst nature. Large rooms, great food at the restaurants, happy hours, evening entertainment, amazing greenery (lots of mango trees) and a decent-sized swimming pool make this stay option one of the most ideal resorts in Hampi. Check prices and book this property here .

Evolve Back Hampi – For the ultimate luxury, opt for this Hampi resort located 9 km away. The architecture of the resort is inspired by that of the Vijayanagar Empire. You’ll feel like you’re staying in a palace. We haven’t stayed here but would love to someday! Check prices and book property her e .

If you’re on a tight budget and don’t care much about worldly comforts, opt for a homestay. You’ll not only save money but also have an authentic local experience.

How to Get Around Hampi

Having your own set of wheels is super convenient. However, if you can’t do that, hire an auto-rickshaw for the day.

You can also opt to hire rickshaws to transport you from one location to the other but this might be more time consuming and you may not find rickshaws outside all points of interest especially if travelling out of season.

Earlier, scooters used to be available for rent, but now due to the demolition of the hippie area, we are not sure if it is possible. It would be best to enquire about scooter hire at your accommodation or ask guides in the Hampi area on Day 1.

Hampi Itinerary – 3 Days

Here is a 3-day Hampi itinerary that will help make the most of your time.

Day one’s itinerary has been written assuming you will be reaching by mid-day or morning, checking into your accommodation and stepping out only after lunch.

If you type Hampi on Google Maps, it takes you to the main Hampi area consisting of Virupaksha Temple and Hemakunta Hills. This is the area you should explore today to get a flavour of what Hampi is all about.

Park your car at the Virupaksha Temple parking or take an auto till there and start your walking adventure for the day. You won’t need a vehicle till after sunset to go back to your hotel.

Sri Virupaksha Temple

Dedicated to Virupaksha, an incarnation of Shiva, this is the most popular and probably the oldest temple in Hampi as it was built in the 7th century (most other sites were built in the 15th century). It is a must-visit for two reasons:

• It is the only working temple in main Hampi
• You get to meet and get blessings from an adorable elephant called Lakshmi.

As you approach the temple, you’ll be welcomed by a beautiful gold Gopuram. Leave your shoes on the left side of the entrance (Rs.2), buy your ticket (Rs. 25 per person), and hire a guide (Rs. 200). You’ll start at a serene courtyard, admire vegetable paintwork on the roof of the main temple, gape at a fascinating opening in the wall that works like a pinhole camera, see a charming kund, and various temples dedicated to other Hindu gods.

The visit should take about half to one hour.

Hemakuta Hills

When we think about Hampi, the Hemakuta hills is what comes to mind. It is a hilltop (made of one huge rock) dotted with several temples and smaller boulders. While the most iconic place to visit here is the Moola Virupaksha Temple just a 3-min walk from Virupaksha Temple, we say don’t sweat it. Just climb the hill and explore on your own though we must mention we love the frangipani tree at the Hemakuta Hanuman temple. Watch the sunset sitting on one of the cliffside benches (google sunset point Hemkuta) or anywhere else that appeals.

Remember the sun doesn’t set at the horizon but much above it due to the haze in the area. Don’t miss the sunset thinking you have a lot of time. Also, as soon as the sun sets, get ready to leave. If you don’t, a police guard will usher you out.

Wondering why this is important? Well after sunset, bears and leopards freely roam the Hampi area. You wouldn’t want to serve yourself as dinner to these animals 😛

Vijaya Vitthala Temple

The Vithalla Temple is dedicated to Vittala, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is the most popular, beautiful and fascinating structure in Hampi and attracts a significantly large crowd. Therefore, it is best visited first thing in the day.

The temple opens at 8:30 AM so ensure you’re at the parking by 8:15 AM. Since the temple complex is at a distance of about 1.3 km from the parking, you will have to choose between the two options for getting to the temple – a 15-minute walk or a golf cart ride for Rs. 10 per person. We recommend you walk to the temple visiting various sites on the way and take a golf cart when exiting to save time and energy for the rest of the day.

While walking to the temple’s entrance, you will see the Pushkarni (water tank), Guduregombe Mandapa (temple), and lastly structures that used to be a marketplace. At the entrance buy a ticket (Rs. 40 per person). Keep the ticket safely as it is used at some other sites you’ll be visiting today as well.

On entering the walled temple complex through the gopuram gate, you’ll immediately notice the stone chariot that is featured on India’s Rs. 50 notes. A marvel! Further, you’ll see the Nritya/Ranga mandapa (dance hall) that has musical pillars. When tapped, these pillars that are made of a single piece of resonant stone, make musical sounds. It’s an absolute wonder! This mandapa is shut for maintenance so you may be shown this phenomenon at another mandapa.

After your visit, check out the King’s balance nearby (300 metres) or head directly to the Queen’s Bath (in the Royal Centre) which is about 5 km from here.

The visit should take about 1-1.5 hours.

Royal Centre

Hampi is divided into two – the Royal Centre and the Sacred Centre. Today, for the first half of the day, you’ll be exploring buildings in the royal centre that houses the palaces, durbars, tanks, residences, and baths used by the royals of the empire. Start at Queen’s Bath the first building in the Royal Centre area.

Queen’s Bath

The Queen’s bath makes for a short and interesting visit. Constructed in Indo-Islamic style, the structure has a simple exterior and an ornate interior with a colossal sunken bath. Due to its distance from the royal enclosure, it is believed to be a pleasure complex. Arched corridors and ornate balconies are what makes this place worth the visit. An owl and owlets are often found inside the empty bath. An additional delight!

After exploring the bath for about 15-20 minutes, head to the Royal Enclosure located 550 metres from the Queen’s bath. Better to take your vehicle instead of walking it if you have one!

A guide is not necessarily required to explore this structure and as such, you won’t find any outside it.

Royal Enclosure

The royal enclosure was the seat of power of the Vijaynagara Empire. In its heydays, this 59000 square meter area housed 45 buildings including the great platform, durbar halls, tanks, and underground chambers.

The main places to see in the Royal Enclosure are:

Mahanavami Dibba (Great Platform) – This 3 tier 8-meter-high platform is the only structure in the enclosure that still stands as it did back then. The raised platform was used by the king to view the Navami/Dussehra celebrations. There are beautiful war carvings at the lower sidewall of the structure.

The Underground Chamber  – This is where spies were held for questioning. It is constructed in a manner that left spies wondering where they are and was made soundproof with flowing water above.

The Stepped Tank  – This is a 5-tiered super-symmetrical and aesthetic 7-metre deep tank that was used for ritual bathing before prayers by the royals. It is different from other tanks in Hampi as it is made of black schist stones to heat and purify the water.

It’ll take you about 30-45 minutes to see the above three structures. Other structures in the enclosure are absolutely ruined so we did not see them. But if you wish you see them anyway then you’ll take about an hour!

Next, proceed to the Hazara Rama Temple located 280 metres from the Royal Enclosure.

Hazara Rama Temple

The Hazara Rama temple is a small but beautiful temple that was used only by the royal family. As the name suggests, it is dedicated to Vishnu in his aspects as Lord Rama. Since the geographical area is a part of the epic Ramayana, it isn’t tough to reason why there exists a temple entirely dedicated to showcasing Ramayana stories on its walls. The pictorial stories are almost like a comic strip carved along the exteriors of the main shrine. The temple also has black marble pillars that are unlike any other in the city.

The Hazara Rama Temple will take about 20-30 minutes to explore.

Zenana Enclosure

Now, proceed 500 meters along the dirt path to the Zenana Enclosure, a fortified and secluded area for the then royal ladies including the Queen. Per our guide, this structure was primarily used to house the royal women and protect them in times of war. The area was protected by eunuchs and the only man allowed inside was the king.

The main attraction here is the Lotus Mahal built in Indo-Islamic style. You aren’t allowed to step inside which doesn’t matter much as the beauty can be appreciated from outside itself!

You’ll take about 10 minutes here.

Elephant Stables

Just through a pathway from the enclosure, located right outside it, is the famed Elephant Stable. This structure used to provide shelter to the royal elephants, clearly showing their importance in the empire. The architecture has fluted arches topped with Jain, Hindu and Muslim style domes. The secular nature of this Hindu empire was something we appreciated a lot.

You can explore the stables and just sit in the garden and relax for a bit. It will take another 15-20 minutes to explore this area.

Lunch and Relaxation

It’ll be around lunchtime by now. So, head to your hotel, grab a bite and relax for a bit before heading back to explore.

Note that all the famous restaurants you must have heard of do not exist anymore so eating at your hotel restaurant is a good option. If you don’t want to head back to the hotel, ask a guide for information on where to eat.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

This temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi as well who was his consort. It is the largest monolith statue in Hamp – an imposing sight! You’ll take about 5-10 minutes here.

Badavilinga Temple

Located a few steps away from the Narasimha Statue is this giant shrine for Shiva. At 3 metres, it is the largest Linga in Hampi and is made of impressive black stone. Another 5-10 minutes are required to admire this structure.

Kadalekalu Ganesha

Next visit the Kadalekalu Ganesha, a 4.6-meter statue, the belly of which resembles a Bengal gram. The temple is a beautiful stone structure decorated with ornate tall granite pillars (that reminded me of Roman ruins for some reason). This Ganesha statue was worshipped by the royals.

This structure is located on Hemakuta hills 450 meters from the Narasimha statue. It will take about 10 minutes to visit.

If you’re a devout Ganesh follower or simply would like to see another Ganesh statue, then you can also visit the Sasivekalu Ganesha – a 2.4-metre high statue of Ganesha that has a snake wrapped around it (to prevent it from bursting due to over-eating per mythology). This Ganesha statue was built for the common people of the kingdom. It is located just 170 meters away from Kadalekalu so you can visit both statues with just 15 minutes to spare.

Coracle Ride on the Tungabhadra River

The coracle ride on the Tungabhadra river was our favourite experience and we’re sure you will enjoy it too. The evening is the best time for a coracle ride as the area is in shade in the evening.

The round boat (coracle) is rowed on the river between massive boulder-strewn cliffs on either side. It is incredibly serene and so hypnotising that you’ll forget you’re in present-day India. You’ll see flowing water, boulders, temples perched precariously atop these boulders and some even submerged in the water. The boatman will tell you about these temples and tell you other interesting facts about the area. Then he will ask you for permission and spin the boat. Shut your eyes and enjoy as the world rotates around you!

We only did the half an hour ride and weren’t completely satisfied, so I suggest you do the whole one hour ride.

The coracle ride costs Rs. 400 per person for half an hour and Rs. 750 per person for an hour.

Sunset at Kamalapur Lake

For sunset, just sit on the benches on the banks of Kamlapur Lake (you’ll see this from the road itself while going from Hampi to Kamalapur) and enjoy as the sun dips and the birds fly by! You’ll only be able to do this if you have your vehicle as there is no transport available in the area.

Phew, that was a long day. It feels longer than it was but for sure it will be tiring. Sleep early to be rejuvenated for the next day’s adventures.

Matanga Hill

Do a sunrise climb to Matanga Hill that has a small Veerbhadra temple at the top. The view from the hill is incredible. You’ll see vast expanses of paddy fields, mountains, scattered boulders, Hemakuta Hills with all its temples, Virupaksha Temple and Achutaraya Temple. You might also be shown a cave on your way up. The hike to Matanga hill is not to be missed!

I suggest hiring a guide for this hike since the path is not defined. As it is just through rocks, it is exposed and slippery in some areas so it is ideal to have someone knowledgeable and confident guide you up. Besides that, the hike isn’t gruelling at all! It takes 40 minutes to reach the top. You will have to start the hike between 5:30 AM-6 AM but confirm the time with your guide first. The hike back down is is a relatively easy one through proper stairs.

It is always better to do this hike at sunrise than at sunset due to the danger of bears after dark!

Have Breakfast and Change

It’ll be around 8:30 AM-9 AM by now. Go back to your hotel to change out of your sweaty hike wear and have breakfast. If you want to catch a little nap (like we did) you can do that too and head out by 10:30 AM -11 AM. You will not be coming back to the hotel until after sunset!

If you don’t care about hotel breakfast, then explore Achyutara temple (below) first before going back to change, as it is located right beside Matanga Hill.

Achyutaraya Temple

We didn’t visit this temple ourselves (despite plenty of requests to our guide), however, it is a great place to visit as far as I know. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Tiruvengalanatha, a form of Vishnu. The pillars and walls of the temple have exquisite carvings and ornamentation. The temple is secluded so few people visit!

Park your car/ get off at the Virupaksha Temple parking. Now head toward the opposite side of Virupaksha temple. You’ll see the Hampi Bazaar on either side and the Monolithic Bull at the base of the hill before heading to explore the temple. The visit will take an hour or so.

Note that this temple cannot be visited after 5 pm as leopards have often been stopped after that time, so visiting during the daytime is ideal!

Lunch at Baba Café

Head to the other side of the river for a relaxing lunch at Baba café. This café is reminiscent of the hippie island days with a similar vibe. Due to it’s awesome location amongst nature, the cafe makes for a great place to have some beer and international fare.

Attractions around Anegundi

Visit temples at Anegundi only if you’re religious or into the Ramayana. We only visited these because our guide had planned today’s itinerary with no interference from us. As per us, these temples are not architecturally beautiful – just regular temples.  

• Chinthamani Temple: Chintamani Temple is a Shiva Temple visited by Ramayana enthusiasts. It is the spot from where Ram aimed and shot his arrow to kill Baali during his fight with Sugreev. The temple is worth considering for all due to its epic location beside the Tungabhadra.
• Pampa Sarovar Temple: Pampa Sarovar is a sacred lake for Hindus – one of the 5 sacred lakes (Panch Sarovar) in Hindu mythology. The temple is constructed where Pampa (a form of Parvati) punishes herself to show her dedication to Shiva. If you’re not into mythology, consider visiting only from November to December when lotuses are in full bloom at Pampa Sarovar Lake.
• Anegundi Fort: The Anegundi with its many gates, tombs and temples (Ganesha Cave Temple and Durga Temple) is a sprawling fort that once used to guard the region.

Another famous spot is Sanapur Lake. Again, we did not find it worth the visit. This is where cliff jumping took place. However, per our guide cliff jumping is now banned as several people have lost their lives while at it. If you wish to cliff jump, do ask the locals before attempting it. We did a coracle ride here too but it paled in comparison to the one on the Tungabhadra. Do a coracle ride here only in the Monsoons when coracle rides in the Tungabhadra are not possible due to the strong current.

You can do all the things mentioned above if they appeal to you. Else, simply drive around the area through lush paddy fields. This is the bit I loved. Riding a bike here (if available) is an excellent option!

Anjaneya Hill

This hill is known to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman! There is a Hanuman Temple on top of the hill which takes about 2 hours to climb through a well-defined shaded path. Check the sunset time on google and start your hike up well in time to be able to explore the temple and see a spectacular sunset from the top!

This brings us to the end of the three days Hampi itinerary. If you have more time on hand you can consider visiting the  Krishna Temple near Kamalapur, the Underground Shiva Temple  or the  Tungabhadra Dam  at a distance of 27 km from Hampi. The dam’s premises has a Japanese style garden that makes for a pleasant visit.

Read our post on the 25 best places to visit in and around Hampi for more details or options for things to do.

Hampi Travel Tips

Photography : Drones, tripods, high-resolution cameras, and any out of the ordinary camera equipment is not allowed at Hampi’s sites. We carried our DSLR without issues, however. You aren’t even allowed to sketch, paint or draw at the sites. Per our knowledge, you can do all of this on the other side of the river – Anegundi and surrounds.

Guide : Hire a guide to understand the ancient ruins better. A full day guide cost around 2000 per day but due to COVID, some may ask about 1500 per day. However, while they make navigating the ruins of Hampi a breeze and make you understand the structures better, they also kind of put pressure on you to hurry up in order to show you as much as possible.

If you’re okay with that, do use full day guides. Honestly, we felt it was a bit rushed. 

Photographers, bloggers and vloggers would be better off hiring guides at specific structures. Follow this itinerary and hire guides at Vithalla Temple, Royal Center, and for the Matunga Hill hike. 

When hiring one, ensure he/she speaks your language fluently. Ours wasn’t very fluent in English or Hindi so sometimes it got very difficult to understand what he was explaining.

Google Maps : Download offline maps of the area on Google Maps to navigate easily. The internet is quite sketchy in Hampi.

Cash : Keep cash on you to pay for things like tender coconut, sugar cane juice, entry tickets, guide hire, coracle ride etc. While UPI is widely accepted, it doesn’t work a lot of times because of bad internet.

Shoes : Wear comfortable walking or sport shoes as you’ll be walking all day and hopefully even hiking. 

Clothes : Wear comfortable clothing in Hampi. There are no restrictions on what you wear to temples. However, it will be better to dress appropriately (cover midriff and knees) to not hurt the religious sentiments of worshippers. 

Day Bag Items : Important things to carry in your day bag for exploring Hampi:

• Sunscreen : Physical sunscreen without a white cast
• Some light snacks to eat in case you get hungry midway – We always carry Whole Truth Minis for a quick but healthy bite.
• A filled reusable water bottle (at least one each per person). We particularly like collapsible bottles to save space or the thermos type bottlesto keep water cold .
• A reusable straw for drinks on the trip. Think tender coconut and sugar cane juice. Yum!

Hope this Hampi travel guide mentions all that you were looking for. Comment below if you thought our Hampi travel blog post was helpful. Also, do tell us if we are missing any information you’d like mentioned in the post.

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Nice blog about hampi, worth reading your blog. Nice information you have provided about hampi. If you want stay in this beautiful place, connect with us to book a luxurious stay at evolveback hampi

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Hampi Travel Guide

• July 19, 2021

If you are looking for advice on how to reach Hampi. If you are looking for information on Things to do in Hampi, Hampi Hotels, Hampi Sightseeing, Travel Tips. Or if you are looking for information that will help you plan your Hampi trip then this article is for you!

How to REACH HAMPI

By Plane : The nearest airport is at Vidyanagar (45 Kms), which operates daily flight from Bangalore and Hyderabad. Check Trujet website for more details. We also have airports at Hubli (143 km – 5 Hours), Bangalore (360 Kms – 7 Hours) and Goa (360 Kms – 8 Hours) 

By train:  The nearest railway station is Hospet Junction ( IR station code: HPT ), 13km away. Overnight trains run several times a week from Bangalore, Hyderabad and Goa. From Hospet train station it is very easy to hop on a local bus which goes between the railway station and the main bus station and onward to Hampi (same bus). If you don’t want to wait then you can also get an Auto Rickshaw to take you to Hampi (INR 300 – 350). Your booked hotel would be happy to arrange a pickup for you, please check with them.  If you book with us then we will arrange the same. 

By bus:  Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation operates daily buses to Hospet from Bangalore, Goa, Mysore and Gokarna. Book your tickets in advance if you want a coach or an air-conditioned service. There are private bus companies operating buses on these routes too, in addition there are buses from Pune & Mumbai. From the bus station or drop point you can arrange a tuk-tuk or a car for transfer to your hotel.  

By Road:  You can hire a cab from one of these cities or drive down yourself.  If you are booking tours/accommodation with us, we would be happy to arrange a pickup from any of these cities as well.  Please contact us for assistance or more information.

• Bangalore: 350 km / 7 Hours
• Hubli: 150 km /4.5 Hours
• Hyderabad: 360 km / 8 Hours
• Pune: 560 km / 11 Hours

You can browse our blog section for more information like various ways available to a traveller to reach Hampi from Goa or Bangalore .  

Bangalore to Hampi – Everything You Need to Know

Mumbai to hampi – everything you need to know, where to stay in hampi.

Hampi is a UNESCO world heritage site, as a result of which commercial activity within the core zone is heavily regulated. Which is why most licenced accommodation options are outside the core zone. Before you book your stay, it is important to know where your hotel is located and how far it is from Hampi’s main attractions. 

In this article we have listed the different areas within Hampi and accommodation available here.  For our recommendations on places to stay you can refer to the below article.

10 Top Hampi Hotels for Every Kind of Traveller

Janata Plot : Is as small shanty town next to the Virupaksha temple in the heart of Hampi village. This is the last surviving commercial area within Hampi village, most others have been demolished or moved to a different part by the government authorities.  Here you will find budget accommodation in form of guest houses. Rooms here are simple and comfortable. If you are a budget traveller who will be spending most of your time out exploring then this could be a good option. The location is a big plus because you are close to the center of Heritage sites in Hampi. No alcohol or Non Vegetarian food is served in this area due to its proximity with Virupaksha Temple. The area is under litigation so their status keeps changing, so check with the property owner before you book.

Virupapura  Gaddi / Hampi Island / Hippie Island : This is an Island on Tungabhadra river, and is connected to Hampi by a ferry boat (or 30 Km route by road). It is partly agricultural, partly forest land and it comes under the protected core zone of Hampi. This area has the highest density of guesthouses near Hampi, set amongst paddy fields and along the river. If you are a budget traveller and would like to spend some time relaxing amongst beautiful surroundings then this is a good option. This is also a good option if your looking to go boulder climbing.

Kadirampur / Prakash Nagar / New Hampi :  Some of the displaced residents from Hampi Bazaar have been allotted government land in nearby villages. Here they have started to build guesthouses and restaurants. Some have started calling this place “New Hampi”.  This area is a 15 minute autoride from Hampi. Another convenient location for budget travellers. 

Kamalapura / Malapanagudi : Just beyond the core zone of Hampi are villages of Kamalapura & Malapanagudi. You can find a variety of properties here. Standard category properties like KSTDC’s Mayura and Clarks Inn Hotel. Premium category properties like  Heritage Resort Hampi and Jungle Lodge’s Wilderness Resort. Luxury world class property like Evolve Back Resorts. All of these are within 5 to 8 Kms from Hampi.

Anegundi : This is a heritage village located on the northern bank of Tungabhadra. It is connected to Hampi via a ferry across the river at Talwar Ghatta boat point (Close to Vittala Temple) or alternatively it is 22 Kms by road to hampi.  If you want to immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of Hampi through its people, then this is a good option for you. You live amongst people in guesthouses or homestays, away from the mad tourist traffic but fully immersed in life of an idyllic Indian village.  The Kishkinda Trust (TKT) operates few properties here.

Hospet : This is the main town located 15 kms from Hampi. There are several properties catering to all kinds of budgets. This is where most visitors to Hampi choose to stay for its affordability and options. You can choose amongst Royal Orchid Hotel, Mallige Hotel, Krishna Palace, Priyadarshini Pride and many others

THINGS TO DO IN HAMPI

Most visitors are drawn to Hampi due to its historic importance as the erstwhile capital of Vijayanagara. But there is so much more to see and experience in & around Hampi that you’d need 3 to 4 days at minimum. We have listed various things to do in Hampi here.

For a more detailed look into different things to do in Hampi and corresponding tours offered by us, please read this article . 

Explore the Heritage sights of Hampi

Coracle boat ride over tungabhadra river, ride mopeds & explore the countryside, catch a stunning sunrise or sunset, enjoy a home cooked meal with local hosts, buy local handicrafts & interact with the artisans, discover the ramayana connection, try your hand at bouldering, visit prehistoric caves and megalithic tombs, go on a birding tour, day trip to badami, aihole & patadakkal, visit india's only sanctuary dedicated to sloth bears, getting around in hampi.

The sites in Hampi are spread over 42 square kilometers, use of local transportation therefore becomes a must. If you opt for a private tour or package then the operator will provide local transportation and pickup/drop services included in it.  Here are the different options to consider for local transportation. 

Hired Car : This is the most convenient option for travellers to Hampi. Specially if your accommodation is in Hospet or one of the distant villages. It also allows you to cover sites that are away like the Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Anjanadri Hills, Megalithic Tomb Sites etc. Hampi also gets warm during mid-day, having a comfortable air-conditioned car to get to in between places might be something you want to consider.

Hired Auto Rickshaws : The most popular way of getting around different sites in Hampi is the humble Auto Rickshaw or the tuk-tuk as some people call it. You can even book one for the entire day. You can find auto rickshaws at the stand near Hampi Bazaar anytime of the day. 

Bicycle  Rental : This is a great way of exploring the monuments in Hampi as long as you have the energy & time on your side.  There are plenty of vendors in the Hampi Bazaar area that will rent cycles on hourly basis. Only single speed cycles are available as of today. Please inspect the condition of the bike before renting it. 

Mopeds / Motorcycles Rentals: Currently entry of rental mopeds or bikes are strictly regulated within the protected areas of Hampi. Only rental vehicles with appropriate registration papers are permitted. You will know if the rental vehicle is legitimate by looking at its registration plate, which should be in black colour with number displayed in yellow colour. If it is any other colour then do not rent it, as you will be denied entry.  Mopeds can also be rented at Hampi Island to explore the countryside. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT HAMPI

September to March:  The season in Hampi starts in September and peaks in December/January and ends by March. This is the time when the weather is the best in Hampi and allows you to spend more time outdoors. It can get really crowded towards December end and January. So make sure to plan your travel ahead of time. 

April & May:  The weather is unforgiving in the summer months of April and May. Most businesses that depend on tourist inflow shut down for these months in Hampi. Many guest houses, resorts and hotels run special promotion and drop prices as much as 30 – 50% during this time.

June to August:  The temperatures drop during these months, but since it is still considered off season, the prices are low. The entire landscape transforms with the monsoon and there is lush greenery. This is a good time to visit Hampi if you are looking for a budget trip.

Things to remember

• Bring a good pair of walking shoes – There will be a lot of walking involved to cover different heritage sites at Hampi which is spread over a large area. A comfortable pair of shoes will make it easier for you. 
• Carry a Shawl or Scarf – It can be used to cover your head when the sun is beating down on you, some places do not have shade.  When entering temples or villages you can use it to cover midriff, shoulders or chest area. 
• Carry water bottles, sunglasses, sun protection lotion, hat/cap while you go out to participate in a tour or sightseeing.
• Carry Identity Card – If you are an Indian national then carry a government authorised ID card. For foreign nationals please carry your Passport, Visa and Insurance documents. 

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Attractions to Visit in Hampi

Here are some of the best places to visit in hampi:, quick navigation.

Virupaksha Temple

The temple is so constructed that its main entrance faces east and homes to two courtyards. No sooner you enter the temple, there is a statue of Nandi with three heads. There is a pillared hall in the center which is reckoned as the Ranga Mandapa. In case you are an international traveler, you have to register yourself at a police outpost with all your essential details. Mostly, this temple remains crowded in December; whereas it celebrates its annual festival in February and it is one of the best places to visit in Hampi. Location : South banks of Tungabhadra river, Hampi, Karnataka 583239 Timings: Virupaksha temple is open for the visitors from morning 9:00 am to 13:00 pm. After about 4 hours, again the doors are open visitors from 17:00 pm to 21:00 pm. Price: There are no entry fees. However, you can hire a guide to give you complete information about the temple at its footsteps for a nominal charge of 50 INR. Click Here to Book Now:   Green Planet Dubai Tickets Planning a trip to Hampi? Checkout & Book:   Hampi Tour Packages

Vijaya Vittala Temple

Vijaya Vittala Temple or Vijaya temple of Hampi amongst the ancient Places to Visit In Hampi worthy of visiting. There are fantastic stone structures all around, and the pillars here appear as if they are playing music. This is true architectural excellence of Hampi as it exemplifies remarkable creativity and the beauty of architecture’s imagination. The architecture of this temple dates back to the Dravidian era and reflects South Indian traits. Three towering gateways are encircling the temple along with high compound walls. Maha Mantapa, Stone chariot, musical pillars are amongst the tourist attractions of this Vijaya Vittala Temple. Location:  8FRG+W3H,   Hampi, Karnataka 583239 Timings: The doors of Vijaya Vittala Temple are open from morning 08:30 am to evening 18:00 pm. Price: There are no entry fees to this temple Check Out:  Best Resorts in Hampi Also Checkout & Explore:   Places To Visit In Thailand

Lotus Mahal

Lotus Mahal or Kamal Mahal exhibits an explicit architectural design amongst all the other Hampi tourist places. It is so called as it more or less resembles the shape of a lotus flower. Central dome of this Mahala resembles the bud of lotus and the balcony and passages as petals. The roof illustrates a multi-layered design reflecting and Indo architectural style. There are around 24 pillars to provide excellent support to the arched windows of this palace. Location: SH 131, Hampi, Karnataka 583239 Timings: The Lotus Mahal Hampi is open for visitors from morning 08:00 am to evening 06:00 pm. Price: The entry fees of Lotus Mahal Hampi is fixed at 10 INR per Indian, 250 INR per foreigner and no charges for children below the age group of 15 years. Also Recommended:   Best Trekking Tours in Hampi for an adventurous experience

Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple

Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple is present at a distance of around 2km from the famous Virupaksha temple. This temple is a part of a cave standing at the peak of a hill and is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Hanuman. Also, the Tungabhadra river flows through the steps of this hill. Here, you can find Lord Hanuman indulged in a state of deep meditation. Within a distance of five minutes from here, you can find another temple dedicated to Lord Srinivasa. In case you feel hungry, you can approach small stalls nearby selling either mangoes, biscuits or cucumbers. It is best if you plan on your itinerary to this place in between October to March. Location:  8FM9+89H, Hampi, Karnataka 583239 Timings: You can visit this temple at any point during the daytime. It takes around one hour to cover your entire visit here. Price: There are no entry fees here. Also, you can easily take in your cameras here to capture some beautiful pictures of this place. Do Checkout: Best Hampi Tour Package From Bangalore

Hampi Bazaar

When you have a day reserved at leisure, do not forget to try a shopping hand at the Hampi Bazaar. It spreads more than a kilometer and the road that passes through this market exhibits pavilions on both roadsides. Alternatively, this shoppers stop is known as Virupaksha Bazaar which is one of the best Places to Visit In Hampi,  Towards the eastern side, you can find a street to be occupied by the local villagers. There is a large Nandi bull statue at the east end of this Hampi Bazaar street. Nearby pavilion exhibits photos of Hampi right from the ancient times. Location: Hampi Bazaar St, Karnataka 583239 Timings: You can stop and shop at any time from morning 06:00 am to night 11:00 pm. Price: No one is going to charge you any expense for your visit to Hampi Bazaar. However, if you are a shopaholic, do not forget to carry a reasonable sum as the place has many things to attract your tender heart.

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Hippie Island

Queen's Bath

Reckoned as a large bath of Hampi, Queen’s Bath exemplifies the Vijayanagara's architectural excellence. It lies close to one of the most awful places to visit in Hampi- the Royal Enclosure. Although built around 500 years ago, this magnificent structure still remains intact in its construction. It’s simplest exterior perfectly blends with an ornate interior to embrace its overall appearance. It a rectangular building admeasuring around 30 square meters and has a large sunken bath at its center. It may interest you to find arched corridors all around this Royal bath. Location:  8F7C+9X9,   Karnataka 583239 Timings: Queen’s bath is open for visitors from morning 08:30 am to evening 06:00 pm. Price: Entry to the Queen’s bath is free from all charges. Suggested Read:   Best Things to Do in Hampi

Matanga Hill

Out of all the places to visit in Hampi, Matanga Hill is the one which is most talked about. It represents the highest point of Hampi, and it’s a picturesque destination for the travel photographers to capture some aerial vies of Hampi. North portion of this hill terminates into Tungabhadra river where you have another religious place to visit-Kodanda Rama temple. Towards the south of this hill, you have a twisting valley with a zigzag Turthu canal. Low-lying Northern section exhibits a trekking trail that connects straightaway to Hampi bazaar. Location: 8FJ9+M83, Hampi, Karnataka Timings: There are no specific timings to climb on the Matanga Hills. However, tourists make it a point to climb this hill early in the morning to capture the allure of sunrise and carry ahead with their downward journey in the evening after sunset. Price: Climbing Matanga Hill is absolutely free of cost.

Elephant Stables

Elephant Stables is amongst the significant tourist places to visit in Hampi to witness a little to absolutely no destruction. It is a long building homing to a series of dome-shaped chambers which once were used for the parking of royal elephants. These chambers are around 11 in their total count; some of which are interconnected. The whole building gives a symmetrical appearance, and the central hall tower reflects the shape of most of the temples here. This central hall has five domes on either side of it which reflects an Islamic style of architecture. Location:  8FCF+C3X, Hampi, Karnataka 583239 Timings: The doors of this Elephant Stables are open from early morning 08:30 am to evening 05:30 pm. It takes around an hour to complete your visit here. Price: There is an entry fee of 10 INR for Indians and 250 INR for foreigners. Entry for children up to the age group of 15 years is absolutely free of cost.

Monolithic Bull

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Badavilinga Temple

Badavilinga Temple is a beautiful temple of Lord Shiva and one of the most visited Hampi tourist places. It lies close to the Lakshmi Narasimha temple and homes to a beautiful Linga carved out of a black stone. The linga is around 3 meters high and dates back to the era of the Vijayanagar Empire. This linga lies within a small stone chamber of this temple with only a single narrow opening and is without a ceiling. The pedestal is circular in shape and reflects as the Yone Pitha of Lord Shiva Linga. Location:  8FH5+PJC, Hampi, Karnataka 583239 Timings: Badavilinga Temple doors are open for the devotees from morning 05:00 am to night 09:00 pm. Price: There are no entry fees to make your visit here.

Zanana Enclosure

Once reckoned as a secluded area for the Vijayanagara Kingdom’s royal ladies, Zanana Enclosure reflects a sprawling compound with tall walls. Lotus Mahal is the center of attraction of this place. You can either step in through its northern entrance or through its north-eastern entrance. Zanana Enclosure homes to three watchtowers each standing at eastern, south-eastern and northern ends of this magnificent structure. The entire architecture here reflects an Indo-Islamic style. Lotus Mahal, queen’s palace’s basement, treasure building, and water pavilion are some key attractions of this place. Location:  8FCC+88X, Hampi, Karnataka 583239 Timings: This place is open from morning 06:00 am to evening 06:00 pm Price: Entry fee here is 10 INR per Indian, and for foreigners, it is 250 INR.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

Most significant of all the religious statues in Hampi, Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is the amongst the next best Hampi tourist places to visit. Here, the figure of Lord Narasimha sits on a coil of a snake with seven heads in a Yoga position. This statue has an image of Goddess Lakshmi on his lap. It takes around one to one and a half hour to complete your visit here. The best time to visit this temple is in between October to February. Location: Southern end of Hemakuta group of temples, Hampi, India Timings: You can easily make your way inside Lakshmi Narasimha Temple from morning 06:00 am to evening 06:00 pm. Price: There are no entry fees here. You can click photographs of the temple without any charges.

Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

You are going to find a lot of Indian Sloth Bears here at Daroji Sloth bear Sanctuary. Hillocks here are rough enough and are dotted with a lot of boulders. The Sloth bear count here goes to around 120. However, the sanctuary also accounts for other species. Tiger, Leopard, Mongoose, Pangolins, Star Tortoise, and Spotted Deer are some other animal species found here. This sanctuary alone exhibits around 90 bird species, 27 butterfly species, and a watch tower at the center. Location: Seetharama Tanda, Karnataka 583215 Timings: Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is open from 04:00 pm to 06:00 pm on all days. Price: For Indian tourists, the entry fee is 25 INR while the foreigners need to pay a sum of 100 INR. If you are eager to bring in your own two or four wheelers, you will have to pay additional charges accordingly.

Old Palace (Gagan Mahal)

This Gagan Mahal dates back to the 16th-century era. Although significant portions of this palace are currently under ruins, it is still amongst worthiest places to visit in Hampi. The palace is small and yellow in color with decorated windows and encircled all over by four beautiful towers. Once here, you can march towards Sarovara Laxmi Temple, Sabari Caves, Nava Brindavana, Durga Temple, and other nearby religious places of importance. It is best to visit here anywhere between October to March. However, take care that there is no public transport here to ride around. Location: Anegundi, Karnataka 583227 Timings: This Gagan Mahal is open for all 24 hours. It takes approximately one to one and a half hour to complete your visit here. Price: There are no entry fees here.

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Hemakuta Hill Temples

Hemakuta Hill is a vastly stretched zone offering an astounding view of the sprawling ruins, temples, and archways. This is the next best place to watch the sunrise and sunset as tourists find it easier to reach to its top position. Virupaksha temple, Moola Virupaksha temple, Krishna temple and shrines of Lakshmi Narasimha and Badivilinga are some of the best places to visit in Hampi. These temple architectures are entirely different and date back to the era of Vijayanagara king rule. These group of temples has three chambers conjoined to resemble a pyramid roof. Location: Centre of the city, Hampi, India Timings: You can climb the Hemakuta Hill temple at any time from dawn to dusk. Price: There are no entry fees to reach and adore the ancient beauty of Hemakuta Hill Temple. You May Also Like: Best Homestays in Hampi for a relaxing stay

Achyutaraya Temple

The last one to go down in the list of places to visit in Hampi is the Achyutaraya Temple. This temple lies amidst the Matanga Hills and Gandhamadana. This temple exhibits Vijayanagar’s architectural elegance and homes to a beautiful idol of Lord Tiruvengalanatha. All towers, pillars, and walls of this beautiful temple are exquisitely carved and ornamented. The main shrine of this temple is situated amidst a rectangular concentric structure. Location:  8FJC+Q26, Hampi, Karnataka 583239 Timings: The doors are opened for a visit from 05:30 am to 01:00 pm. Again, in the evening, the doors are opened from 05:30 pm to 09:00 pm. Price: No entry fee is charged for entry to this temple.

Hazara Rama Temple

This beautiful temple marks its presence at the central focus of a royal area and is dedicated to Lord Rama. The walls of this temple are eager to illustrate the entire Ramayana flow before its visitors. Once you reach here, you can find bas relics of both Hindu deities Lord Rama and Krishna. Also, do not forget to miss on the remnants illustrating a Dasara celebration. Towards its northern side, you may find a sprawling lawn widely stretched apart. The temple has two huge getaways and the interior homes to sculpted columns. Location:  8F99+4G2, Hampi, Karnataka 583239 Timings: Reaching this temple is no longer a whammy situation as the doors are open from morning 06:00 am to evening 06:00 pm. It hardly takes two hours to complete your visit here. Price: There is no entry fee being charged by the temple authorities.

Archaeological Museum

A tiny yet worthy of visiting museums, Archaeological Museum of Hampi accounts for the best Places to Visit In Hampi to spend some time with. This museum accounts for four principal sections each dedicated to a different exhibit. The first section exhibits Hampi model, the second section shows sculptures and idols dedicated to Hampi ruins. The third section exhibits tools, arms, and ammunition. The fourth section exhibits artifacts dating back to the pre-historic and post-historic era. Location: Kamalapur Road, Hampi, India Timings: You are free to take a dig at the beauty of this Archaeological Museum from morning 10:00 am to evening 05:00 pm. Price: Per head you need to pay around 5 INR as entry fees. Entry is free for children under the age of 15 years. Photography is permitted only for the lawn exhibits. Also Checkout:  Things To Do In London At Night

Riverside Ruins

Close to a river edge of Kodandarama Temple are a couple of lingas carved on a flat rock surface. The arrays of this Shiv Linga contains around 100 to 1000 such lingas. A little away from this array is Lord Vishnu’s carved sculpture. Also, you can find a lot of tiny shrines that are submerged here and rock surfaces reflecting carved motifs. Be extremely careful while you step on the slippery rock surfaces especially in the monsoons. If the river is stable, you can head towards this place through a coracle ride at a nominal charge of around 25-50 per head. Location: N ear the Kodanda Rama Temple, Hampi. Timings: You can visit riverside ruins at any point of time. Yet, if you plan to take a coracle ride here, you must cross-check with its availability in accordance with your chosen time of visit. Price:  There is no entry fee.

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Underground Temple-Prasanna Virupaksha Temple

Underground Shiva Temple’s every single piece of the structure reflects a perfect blend of mythology and history. This is amongst the only places to visit in Hampi lying under water. The central portion of this ancient shrine always lies immersed in water. According to local beliefs, it is the Tungabhadra river which flows through the interior of this temple through canals. There is the main hall, a courtyard, a small hall that leads to the innermost sanctum. All around the temple is a lush green lawn where you can sit and relax for some time. Location: Hampi Main Bus Stand, Hampi, Karnataka 583239 Timings: There is no time restriction to reach here. However, it is always better to visit here before sunsets. It will hardly take around 30 minutes to complete your visit to this temple. Price: The temple authorities won't be charging you for an entry to this temple.

Hampi Flea Market

Rice Paddies

Laughing Buddha Cafe

Krishna Temple

Built by Krishnadevaraya, Krishan temple of Hampi is the sign of Orissa campaign’s success. This temple is amongst those hand-picked places to visit in Hampi which are globally reckoned for their exquisite carvings. The love of Krishnadevraya for art and architecture is quite evident from the beauty of this place. For the original idol of this place, you need to head towards Chennai’s State Museum. The temple campus is encircled all over by massive pillars and small shrines. Towards its eastern side, lies a grand hall. You can grab a fresh banana from the Banana plantations that mark their presence to the south zone of this temple. Location: Bellary, Hampi, Karnataka 583239 Timings: You can seek blessings here at Krishna Temple from morning 06:00 am to evening 06:00 pm. Price: No authority here will demand any form of entry fees from you. However, photography is restricted only in the premises.

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Kadalekalu Ganesha

Homing to one of the largest statues of Hindu deity Ganesha, Kadalekalu Ganesha temple is the famous holy shrine of South India. It is situated on the slopes of well-known Hemakuta Hills, and its towering statue is about 4.6 meters high. The temple features a statue carved out from a single massive stone, and the belly of Lord Ganesha resembles a Bengal gram. Entire hall of the temple homes to slender granite pillars and exhibit fictitious characters. The carvings of these pillars reflect the Vijayanagara architectural style of art. Location:  8FM6+4FQ, Hampi, Karnataka 583239 Timings: You can visit this shrine of Lord Ganesha from morning 06:00 am to evening 06:00 pm. Price: There are no entry fees to lead your way to this Kadalekalu Ganesha temple.

Sanapur Lake

Stepped Tank

Stepped tanks here are considered to be sacred tanks for a holy bath before visiting any religious place of importance. Once a while,  they were centers for festival celebrations. There are steps on all four interior sides of such tanks so that you can step down to get in and out of the water. The stepped tank at the Royal center is geometrically larger in its dimensions and is carved out from a green diorite with a complete absence of drainage system. The stepped tank is constructed from black schist stones. Location: Hampi, Karnataka Timings: You can take a dive in the water of these stepped tanks at any time before the sun sets. Price: No entry fees for the stepped tank visit.

Tungabhadra River

Rising from the Western Ghats, Tungabhadra River flow towards the south-east and meets the Krishna river in Andhra Pradesh. Being a perennial river, the water level of this river takes a compelling look in monsoons. Tungabhadra Dam is an ongoing project here to aid in the infrastructure development of this region. After you complete your visit to the Virupaksha temple, you can march ahead to this river from the back of the temple. Throughout your journey, you can easily sip in sweet and tender coconut water. Do not forget to miss on your coracle ride while you plan on your Tungabhadra itinerary. Location: Vijayanagara Ruins, Hamp, Karnataka Timings: There is no specific timing to visit the Tungabhadra river. However, for the coracle ride, you need to reach here before sunset. Price: There is no entry fee to visit either the Tungabhadra river or dam. Coracle riding might charge you per head accordingly.

Pushkaranis of Hampi is sacred tanks in association with the Hampi temples. Pushkarani reminds you to take a precise note of ancient town planning and architectural style of the Vijayanagara era. Many of these pushkaranis served as the event venue for their annual boating festivals. During such celebrations, the idols of both Gods and Goddesses are taken out for a coracle ride. Majority of these Pushkarani’s are surrounded all over by explicitly beautiful pillars and arcades. Location: Pushkarani are found near to Royal Enclosure, Virupaksha temple, Krishna Bazaar, Pattabhirama temple. Timings: You can walk-in here at Pushkarani throughout the day. It takes around 20 to 30 minutes to complete your visit here.  Price: There are no entry fees here at Pushkarani. Both photography and videography are allowed.

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Sasivekalu Ganesha

This Lord Ganesha’s statue derives its resemblance from that of the mustard seed, which is referred to as Sasivekalu in the local dialect thereby leading to its name. This statue is located on the Southern foothill of the Hemakuta and is almost half the size of Kadalekalu Ganesha located on the Northern slope of the same hill.

This statue derives inspiration from an incident of Hindu mythology when one day Lord Ganesha had eaten so much food that his stomach almost burst. So in order to protect his stomach the Lord tied a snake around his belly. On this statue one can see the figure of the snake carved in front of his stomach.

This monolithic statue measure 2.4 metres in height and is carved out of a huge boulder. There is an open pavillion built around the statue, which is believed to be constructed by a trader from Chandragiri (present day Andhra Pradesh) in the memory of Narsimha II the mighty Vijaynagara king. Similar to the Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple, this temple too is considered to be one of the important places to visit in Hampi.

Royal Enclosure

The present day fortified area or the Royal Enclosure of Hampi was once the seat of power of the Vijaynagara rulers. In current times this Royal Enclosure is basically a wide open ground consisting of a number of small shelters.

Some of the important structures in here are spread across hundreds of square metres of land and consists of a number of interesting and important relics. Some of the important structures of the Royal Enclosure are the King’s Audience Hall or the 100-Pillared Hall, stepped tank, an underground chamber and the Mahanavami Debbie to the commonly called Dossier Platform.

Since the Royal Enclosure is pretty large a good amount of walking is required to have a look at the entire place. Any kind of vehicles whether manually or automatically driven are not allowed inside the area, so it is advisable to visit this place during early morning or in the evenings, as the atmosphere at these times are more pleasant.

Palace of Vira Harihara

People Also Ask About Hampi

What is hampi famous for, what is there to do in hampi at night, how many days do you need in hampi, how do you cover hampi for one day, what is the best time to visit hampi, is hampi safe to travel alone, how do you cover hampi for 2 days, does hampi have a beach, is it good to visit hampi in july, is hampi worth visiting, how do you get around hampi.

The most common means of local transportation in Hampi is auto-rickshaws. There are also car rental agencies that you can approach in order to get around. The roadways in Hampi are easy, accessible and non-congested. If you want to cross the river in order to reach Virupapur Gaddi, then boats are your only option. The boat fare may vary from INR 50 to INR 100, depending on the time during which you are crossing the river.

What can I buy in Hampi?

Though Hampi is famous for its rich and historical architecture and heritage sites, this city also boasts of great handicrafts and interesting artefacts. Some of the signature items you can collect from Hampi are- - Stone Artefacts and sculptures - Lambani crafts - Leather crafts - Various handmade musical instruments - Crafts made of banana fibre - Local Hampi clothes that are locally hand-made.

Is alcohol allowed in Hampi?

Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited in Hampi. But the region across the river is considered as a more modern version of the town. With a predominant hippie culture, beer and non-vegetarian foods are allowed for consumption and purchase as well.

How can I go to Hampi from Bangalore?

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Visit the Old Ruins of Hampi (Updated for 2021)

About this blog: This Hampi Travel Guide presents you with evocative pictures and travel tales from the ruins of ancient Hampi, Karnataka, a state from south of India. This article also aims to help you in planning to explore the ruins of Hampi during 3 days trip to Hampi. You may tweak the plan a bit and adjust it to a 3 days/ long weekend itinerary for Hampi. Hampi is a UNESCO world heritage site for immense historical value and a weekend destination from Bangalore, Hyderabad and Goa . Often referred to as India’s answer to ruined historic city of Pompeii, Hampi evokes intriguing memories of the days of kings and queens and kingdoms and invasions and battlefields. It is one of the safest destinations of solo women travelers in India.

This is the only Hampi travel guide you need to plan your trip to Hampi, choose a safe and nice stay and explore the old ruins of Vijayanagar Empire.

Traveling to Hampi: Destination at a glance!

Quick travel tips to keep in mind for this Hampi travel guide .

• Hampi is a UNESCO world heritage site in Karnataka, India. Please be respectful while exploring Hampi’s historic ruins.
• Multiple ruins of ancient Hindu temples and royal complex dating back to the Vijayanagara empire of 1500 CE.
• Hampi is a great weekend destination from Bangalore, Goa and Hyderabad .
• Easily accessible by domestic flight and train and bus. Road trips to Hampi from Bangalore is rewarding as well.
• Hampi is a safe destination for solo female travelers. I solo traveled to Hampi in July and had absolutely no issue.
• Cost of traveling in Hampi (moderate/budget): Hampi is suitable for backpacking to mid-budget travels. Hampi is not very expensive.
• Offbeat tourist attractions in Hampi: nature trails, bear sanctuary, hippie vibes at the hippie island of Hampi, birding at the backwaters of Tungabhadra, Tungabhadra river, ideal for school excursion.

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The Rise of Hampi as a Tourist Destination

…from the Numbness of History

Hampi has been featured on the New York time’s list of best destinations around the world in the recent past. Ever since, millions have swarmed into the bouldered vast pastures of the ruined wilderness that Hampi is! Located at Central Karnataka in the southern part of India, Hampi is a world UNESCO heritage site. It safeguards the ruins of the medieval Vijayanagara empire..

However, my introduction to Hampi dates back to the 90s while reading Sunil Ganguly’s Bijaynagarer Heere (The Diamond of Vijayanagara), from Kakababu, a fantasy series for children written in Bengali. I knew of the ancient temple that plays the sound of flute if you know how to tune into its flanking pillars, or whatever remains of them. The never ending secret tunnels, the lure of hidden chests filled with gold and gems, the melancholy of an empire’s heydays: Hampi, the capital city of the erstwhile Vijayanagara has buried innumerable secrets by the banks of river Tungabhadra.

Archaeological survey of India has been operational in the fields of Hampi, still excavating historical anecdotes from an era bygone. Recently, there was a news of unearthing a few KGs worth of gold and precious stones.

Physically, I visited Hampi a year before NYT ranked it as the second best place to visit in the world or something like that!

My trip to Hampi revolved around unearthing and visualizing stories from the as I had experienced in the books on Hampi on balmy afternoons in Kolkata as a child. Sharadindu Banerjee’s Tungabhadrar Teere (by the banks of Tungabhadra) is another astounding piece of literary fiction set in the era. Syam Benegal’s directorial venture, “Bharat ek Khoj” based on Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s Discovery of India played back in my mind as I stepped in the cradle of nature that hides Hampi from the world outside

While Hampi featured prominently in international backpacking bucket list post the NYT feature, the destination has always remained an enigma among the locals. Often hailed as the last bastion of contemporary Hindu India, Hampi’s riches and glory were insurmountable at a time when the dominos in the north of India fell at regular intervals to invaders from the northwest. Hampi scaled even greater heights in international politics. Her wealth and prosperity is known to have evoked awe and reverence among the western traders. Many compared Hampi to be a greater city than contemporary Rome. You do not have to trust my words. See the remnant of the massive monuments of Hampi and your eyes will tear up in the thought of looting!.

Hampi’s history is not as linear as two religiously empowered political parties fighting amongst each other and uprooting the defeated. Although seeing the ruins and systematic destruction of Hindu idols, for example the Lakshmi Narasimha Statue with two of his hands cut off as a part of the message, you may be tempted to overcome with rage. 

The fall of Hampi in many ways bore semblance to the final conquest of the Indian peninsula, translating to the whole of India. The south of India, with 5000 KM long coastline, enriched with wealth beyond measure sits as the crown jewel of Golden Bird, India is famously known for. Conquering the Vijayanagara dynasty of Hampi stood paramount for the political interest in those days.

Ironically anarchy prevailed and no other salient ruler could ever scale upto what Vijayanagar was.

Also read: Offbeat day trips from Leh when you are spending 5 days in Leh!

Conquests had been the order of the yesteryear’s politics. Incessant bloodbath to conquer Vijayanagara that lasted for 6 months had turned Tungabhadra river into florid red. Kings and queens fell. So did the deity inside old sanctums.

There is only one thing we say to death: Not today.

The emptiness of Vijayanagara is haunting. It is difficult to contain grief and pain as you walk on the now cobblestoned red earth, dotted with Gulmohors. In summer, the red blooms of Krishnachura caress the scorched Earth, as if mother nature still tries her best to comfort a sunken child. Gentle breeze maneuvers through sunflower fields. Tungabhadra flows fiercely at the bend of the giant boulders. Ethereal sunsets take place everyday. 

Nature agrees with Hampi, not the humans. Not any longer. 

Long before tourism boards promoted Hampi as a budding destination, people tried to rebuild the habitat but all efforts went into vain. Nature reclaimed Hampi and moved the birds, snakes and sloth bears in the capital of erstwhile Vijayanagar empire. Vijayanagara empire lives in our heart and mind. Hence, non-erasable.

Hampi, the Heart of Historic Vijayanagara Empire

When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground. 

Pardon me for consecutive references to Game of Thrones but anyone who has been an avid follower of the series will see a similar set of events unfolding in the context of Vijayanagar empire. In fact, every empire that ever stood to the gnaw of time, rose to fame and glory and kissed dirt subsequently has followed the same set of rules. 

That is how the Game is played. 

I got my closure on whys and hows for Hampi from Game of Thrones. That’s uncanny but I could have never written such a detailed travel guide without watching it!

Hampi as a place has been long standing even before the Vijayanagara empire came to be. There are references on Hampi in Indian epic of Ramayana, as Pampa-kshetra, Kishkindha-kshetra or Bhaskara-kshetra. Ashoka’s rock edifice retrieved from Bellary district of Karnataka points at Hampi’s existence too.

Vijayanagara empire came to be with rulers Harihara 1 and Bukka 1. The latter stretched the empire to the borders of Goa. Ancient inscriptions state that there was an established trade route between Goa and Vijayanagara. The Portuguese, Italians and the Moorish traders made entry to the Vijayanagara court through that waterborne pathway.  The Coracle boats are believed to be brought by the Arab traders.

Hampi grew steadfast amid turmoil in the northern frontier. By 1500 CE, historians ascribe Hampi-Vijayanagara to be the world’s second-largest medieval-era city, next to only Beijing. Hampi’s riches and landscaped metropolitan plan were described by the tradersmen from Persia and Portugal. However growing enmity with neighbouring Deccan Sultanates and continuous battles eventually plagued the city and contributed to the eventual fall of Vijayanagar Empire.

On the eventful nights of the fall of Vijayanagara, the city was pillaged, looted, burnt and the spell of destruction lives to tell the tale till date. I am writing this with a heavy heart and choked throat.  Since millenia, we have known wars to be futile but will there ever come a time, we will truly learn?

Today, Hampi is known as a UNESCO world heritage site. 

Hampi today stands as a prominent tourist destination with historical importance. Virupaksha temple, the only remaining temple of Vijayanagara empire, remains a pilgrimage spot. The fact Hampi was a part of the eminent Indian philosopher Adi Shankaracharya’s Yatra from south to north of the country made it an important pilgrimage stop.

Local schools conduct excursions in the archaeological zone. My trip to Hampi was basically a game of tailing a group of young school children who would not leave me be! I resisted, tried to change the routes and be comfortably numb in my mind, desperately seeking tranquility to immerse in the ancient ruins of Hampi. The next moment, two of these kids in indigo shorts and white shirts appear from thin air and smile! In an hour or so, I gave up.

Looking back, I feel grateful. I was not ready to see that massive scale of destruction that mad-danced in Hampi from the pages of history. We are the people who grew up in the legacy of world wars and holocaust and multiple media renditions of the same. I wish we would have known a bit of our own history as well. Say for example, the opium war of Asia?

Looking at Hampi ruins, I was reminded of the horrors of bombing Buddha statues of Bamiyan , Afghanistan .

How to reach Hampi?

By Flight: Bellary is the only domestic airport close to Hampi, located at a distance of 60 km. You may also fly into Hubli (143 KM) or JSW Vidyanagar  Airport  in Toranagallu (40 km) based on flight availability.

By train: In case you fan-girl the mighty Indian railway, trust Hospet Junction to bring you 13 km close to the ancient group of monuments in Hampi. The night train Hampi express from Bangalore makes it an easy trip. From Hospet, the rest of the country is well connected with Hampi.

Roadtrip to Hampi: Hampi is almost equidistant from Goa, Hyderabad and Bangalore, requiring a road trip journey of 6/7 hours at a stretch.

Compared to Badami, Aihole or the Pattadakal temples, road to Hampi is a treat to drive in. Roadtrip to Hampi from the three major citiesof South India remains a delightful experience.

How to plan a trip from Bangalore to Hampi?

From Bangalore, Hampi is located at a distance of 350 KM and can be reached through NH4 highway. You must not forget to stop at the Chitradurga fort en route.

There are multiple night buses that leaves Bangalore and reaches Hospet the day next. Bangalore night buses to Hampi leaves from Madiwala, Silk Board, Majestic and makes stop once in the night for washroom and food break. Carry tissue and other hygienic needs.

I took one such night bus, reached Hospet the next morning at 6 am, paid 200 rs to an Auto and reached the hotel I was staying in. I stayed at Hampi Heritage Resort and I would advice you more on the best neighborhood to stay in Hampi n the following section.

You can take the night train to Hampi from Bangalore station. Hampi Express. It reaches Hospet the next morning and is a delightful journey.

How to explore the Ancient Ruins of Hampi

Aka things to do in Hampi in 3 to 4 days. A rough guide to plan your short Hampi itinerary.

First thing first, to discover the archaeological ruins of Hampi, you need to get your hands on an illustrated map pointing at the areas open to tourists. ASI (Archaeological survey of India) is continuing excavation in Hampi at various sites and unearthing facts from the past. 

Every hostel/hotel/guest house in Hampi (or nearby areas of Anegundi and Hospet) provide the root map of hampi.

The archaeological ruins of Hampi are spread over an area of 26 sq km. There are over thousands of temple ruins and cultural anecdotes. 

You can walk that 26 sq km area of Hampi over a span of three days. There are stops to rest. Autos ply a short distance. A government bus runs frequently till Hampi Bazar from Hospet. A few coracles on the water. Using them, you may check out Hampi’s many magnificent Dravidian temple ruins, dilapidated pillars, grandiose royal+  forts, stables, the river bank at Tungabhadra, local life that endured centuries of trauma. 

If you are in a hurry, you can squeeze in all these in 2 days, or just explore the ruins on the banks of Tungabhadra river.

If you are keen, you can spend even a whole month in Hampi to read all the wall panels on temples, explore newer and lesser known avenues, and witness mesmerizing sunsets over sprawling fields of paddy. A guide said scholars come and live in Hampi for three months at a stretch.

Essential things to know before you plan your Hampi itinerary

• How to start exploring the ruins of Hampi

Roughly speaking, there are three clusters of ruins in Hampi.

1. Sacred Ruins (temple complexes)

2. Metropolitan ruins (the urban ruins where the king and his subjects resided) and

3. Riverside ruins.

You need at least 3 to 4 hours to explore each of the ruin clusters. Carry water bottle, umbrella, sun screen (enough sun shield basically), a nice walking shoe and camera. Photo opportunities are endless!

You will ideally reach the urban ruin first in case you are traveling from Hospet (I did). If you are taking a bus to Hampi Bazar (from Hospet again), you shall reach the Sacred ruins first.

• How to plan a three days trip in Hampi?

For your three days stay in Hampi, allocate each day for each of the ruins I mentioned above and end the day with one great sunset show. There are beautiful sunset viewpoints in Hampi. I shall note them down below. If you have completed sightseeing in two days, allocate one day to explore the Daroji bear Sanctuary (famous for appearing in India’s jungle hero series on discovery). You may also indulge in rock climbing sessions. 

• If you have only one day in Hampi…

Start the day early. Start with the urban ruins of Hampi and continue to the sacred ruins by the banks of Tungabhadra river. End the day with a sunset view from the Hemkuntha hill. Probably you will not be able to cross the river with a one day itinerary in Hampi however it is still worth it if you are hard pressed for time. It is a rushed and quick Hampi itinerary indeed.

• Do you need a guide to see the ruins of Hampi?

The day I reached Hampi, I met an auto driver. He took me around the ruins of Hampi and doubled as a guide very kindly. The Hampi ruins have detailed illustrations by ASI and that does the job of explaining well if you have patience to read. Unlike Fatehpur Sikri, Hampi did not have a guide center from where I could hire a local guide. It is a pity because I would not recommend solo female travelers to hire a guide without any authority. Not just in India, anywhere in the world. I suggest look up in the groups of Trip advisor forum and collect a guide’s number from the travelers in recent times.

The Must Visit Temples and Ruins at the group of Monuments, Hampi

Following table will give you a rough idea for what are the ruins you need to look for while exploring the ruins of Hampi. This is no way an exhaustive list. But these are the prominent spots. Once you are near any of the temples, you are close to a spot full of vibrancy. I will delve deep into each temple site in the next section.

Once you are inside the archaeological site in Hampi, you are almost inside an open museum. Look around and you can marvel at everything! I promise.

Best things to do when Traveling in Hampi

Important places to visit in Hampi

1. vijaya vittala temple: the stone chariot of hampi.

One of the largest temple complexes in Hampi, Vijaya Vittala houses the iconic temple where pillars play music. A guard stands, with red blood eyes, and now prevents people from trying it out themselves. Be a sweet maidan and ask him to play for you when no one is around and he might just… who knows?

Vittala temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. A lot of ravages have stripped down the temple’s shikaras and gopurams. However, the stone chariot stands tall. It even makes a feature in the new Indian currency note! Find out. 

To avoid tourists, plan you trip early on the day to Vittala Temple complex. 

At Vittala temple, an electric vehicle run by the local women will bring you to the main temple complex from the gate for a mere INR 10 payment. It was very heartening to see the local community of women taking part in tourism in Hampi.

2. Virupaksha Temple: Living Shiva Temple of Hampi

The most prominent temple from Hampi, Virupaksha temple is “living” and did not fall prey to the destruction spell. I am not entirely sure why. But I am more than glad that its Shikhara rises to the sky. 

Truth be told, Virupaksha is the heartland of Hampi. Locals, devotees, pilgrims, priests and everyone visits this temple. I have later visited the Living Chola temples in Tamilnadu and had been equally awestruck by those temple, again dedicated to Shiva. 

Daily Puja takes place in the temple. Remove your shoes. The temple has a step well attached to it.

3. Hazara Rama Temple: Epitaph of Ramayana

A rather small temple but Hazara rama is a beautiful place of worship which is believed to be a part of exclusive access to the royal family. The temple wall is inscribed with various stories from Ramayana. The school children from execution were actually reading off various Kaands from the wall. A lot like what they did with hieroglyphics in ancient Egypt . Next to it is the Dussera dibba, believed to be King’s seat from where he would be entertained.

4. The Lakshmi-Narasimha Temple: One of its kind

The first time I saw a Narasimha statue, though I grew up hearing stories of “Daitya Kule Prahlad”, was at Hampi. Looking at his hands cut off, I felt a pang in my heart. 

The Nara Simha, loosely translating Human-lion, God is another Avatar of Vishnu. He sits atop coiled Seshnag, with Lakhkhi on his Lap. 

Also read: Humans of Hampi!

5. The elephant stable and Lotus Temple of Hampi

Somehow the elephants stable did not have to suffer much from the massive destruction that otherwise reduced Hampi to rubble by the end of Vijayanagara empire.

Each elephant quarter is huge, bigger than a standard flat size of Kolkata (bad joke, sorry humans), and does not house elephants any longer. They look very pretty in front of the sprawling  green field. 

Close to the elephant stable, you have Lotus Temple, an instance of Indo-Islamic architecture. The Gombuj and curves atop the roof do bring back memories of the north. “The north remembers.”

Also look out for Jenana mahal, a queen’s bath, a step-well (Pushkarini) in the surrounding area. These ruins are in much better position compared to the temples.

6. Badavi Linga : The Big Shiva Linga

Inside a small and dark sanctum a huge Shiva Linga (the largest I had seen in Hampi) is housed close to the Narasimha temple. Ir is maintained by an elderly priest, always in a white dress. His picture is often posted on Instagram, hugging the Shivalinga.

7. Krishna temple commemorating Vijayanagar’s Win over Utkala

Opposite to the Krishna Market, stand the beautiful Krisha temple which originally housed the Balakrishna statue, now on display at the Chennai state museum.

8. Sasivekalu Ganesh, Hemkuta Hills

I overheard a guide stating, this Ganesha statue took birth from a mustard seed and is still growing. He sits atop the mother Parvati, but has overgrown her with time. A snake is wrapped around his belly to reduce his growth! This story brought a smile in my face. Gods in Hinduism are very much a part of our daily family! I an an atheist but I feel these emotions in my heart! Also check out the Kadalekalu Ganesha Ganesha nearby. Hemkuta hill temple complex has a fantastic share of small yet beautiful ancient temples dating back to Vijayanagar empire.

9. Anjaneya Hill and Hanuman temple on top of it (believed to be the birthplace of Hanuman)

10. The Underground temple of Prasanna Virupaksha. I saw a huge lizard here!

11. Check out the Hampi museum by Archaeological Survey of India. This is particularly interesting for those conducting a research on ancient Hampi.

The Temple elephant of Hampi

At the Virupaksha Temple of Hampi, lives an old elephant named Krishna. Usual practice demands you go close to the elephant, it touches your head with the trunk, which is considered as a blessing and you feel overjoyed. I didn’t do it. In fact, I did not see the elephant also. Temple elephants in India is a long standing practice of animal cruelty. Do not go by the evocative pictures of Krishna playing with the water of Tungabhadra. It has been broken as a baby elephant.

Also read: Rameswaram, the beautiful temple town at India’s southern most tip!

The Most Beautiful Sunset Spots in Hampi

Hampi is a photographer’s delight. The gigantic boulder reflects sun rays in abundance especially during the golden hour. If you can climb a bit higher, you will often be awarded with a prized view of the water, the banks of Tungabhadra river, life on Earth and the orange ball of fire on the way down (or up, depending on time).

For a gorgeous sunset picture in Hampi, you will ideally want the Shikhara of Virupaksha temple in front and the sun going down at the background.

• Matanga Hill: the highest point of Hampi: Named after the sage from Ramayana, Matanga Hill is located close to the Achyutaraya temple at Nimbapura, near Hampi Bazaar. It is an easy climb of 30 minutes. Can be bicycled. Matanga Hill looks stunning during sunrise as well. 
• Anjanadri Hill: Believed to be the birthplace of Hanuman, the monkey god of Hindu religion, the hill derives its name from his mother, Anjana devi. Anjanadri hill  is located at Anegundi, so you have to cross the river and start a bit early from the sacred ruins site. 
• Hemakuta Hill: Remember the hill with ethereal lights, a forlorn tree and a small temple? That is Hemakuta hill for you! It is the easiest climb among all the sunset points mentioned above, yet gives you beautiful vistas to watch the sun go down. Hemakuta hill has brilliant photo opportunities for a Hampi sunset lovers.
• The Sanapur lake, on the Hippie island of Hampi. However, here you will find no ruins to reflect the glorious golden hour on your photo, hence not my favourite.

Word of caution: In case you are venturing out late in the evening, alone or at the wee hours of the day, be cognizant of the fact leopard attack is a possibility here. Try to stick to a group lest you become a palatable dinner to the wild cat!

Other places to click great photographs in Hampi!

• Riverside waterborne culture of Hampi
• The coracle rides, specially during golden hour and you are somewhere at a height camturing this!

Hampi Bazar

• The paddy fields (specially the sunflower field)
• The shepherd with his cows by the boulders. You will find this imagery multiple times in Hampi.

Also read: The ancient doors of Zanzibar!

The Hippie Island in Hampi

The “other” side of the river is loosely referred to as Hippie island in Hampi. During monsoon, this piece of land often gets submerged in water. 

The real name of Hippie island is Virupapura Gadde. It is a rather cheap place to stay, eat good and varied food items, explore the ruins on the other side and.. Ahem… smoke weed (?). I have only heard rumors of the latter part. 

Hampi island or Hippie island is painfully beautiful. Lush green rolling fields filled with seasonal crops kissing the horizon. You climb atop a hill and experience one of the most magical sunsets in life. Life easily gets attuned to the slow, peaceful and laid back vibes of the Hippie island.  

Hippie island is dotted with relics from the past. Each of them referring to various “Kaand” of ramayana. All of them invariably point towards the realm of the Vijayanagara era. The Durga temple, The anjaneya temple atop the hill, Pampa sarovar lake adjacent to the Laxmi temple. Plenty to explore in this part of Hampi as well. Local frequent here compared to tourists.  

Compared to guest houses close to Hampi Bazar, Hippie island is far cheaper. Time is a luxury which is found in abundance at this place. ATMs are a rare sight. Cottages with thatched roofs double as guest houses. Cicadas claim the land at night. 

Sanapur lake is only 4 KM away from Hampi island, an easy bike ride. 

Also read: Bonedi barir Durgapuja in Kolkata! the century old houses of Kolkata and how they celebrate Durgapuja.

Also read: How to spend a long weekend in Goa?

Offbeat Things to do in Hampi

Rock climbing in hampi.

With steep profound boulders all around, it is a no-brainer that Hampi will be a favorite spot among the rock climbers. While the local boys easily climb atop these gigantic rocks raising heads aiming for the sky, we would recommend you the tourist signing up for a rock climbing session. There are plenty of schools at the Anegundi site. Your home-stay is likely to be able to arrange for one. You can rent gears as well. 

Where did the boulders come from in hampi? A part of the Eastern Dharwar Craton, the Hampi boulders are now decaying remains of once large monolithic mountains. However Hindu mythology associates them with a dramatic battle between Bali and Sugriv, the monkey kings. Another reference to Ramayana. 

Explore the ancient Rock Paintings in Hampi

Ask your guide to show you the caves decked up with ancient rock paintings. Locals believe these paintings go back to the age of Ramayana. I am not a historian so “I doubt everything” nonetheless it is worth noting the guide’s enthusiasm. It is as if he is unraveling magic! This is off the regular touristy tracks and difficult to find by your own.

Daroji Bear Sanctuary

Once upon a time when humans had abandoned Hampi for good and nature prevailed at large, regular residents of the rocks and caves were wild boars, leopards and sloth bears. With tourists now revisiting parts of Hampi and business sprawling, man-animal conflict was on the rise. Government further assigned a specific area for wild animals. Daroji Bear Sanctuary is one small national park that houses close to 100 sloth bears in it, safe from human habitat and tourist places. The bear sanctuary is open from 2 pm to 5 pm. Sloth bears often come out and lick jaggery off the boulders. You need to pay INR 500 for the entry fee. Go with a camera or binocular for better view. 

Explore the Sanapur lake

If you love being close to the water, visit Sanapur lake side. It is close to the famous Hippie island in Hampi. There is a place for cliff jumping at the Sanapur lake. They might scare you saying there are crocodiles in the lake but I heard this is to scare off the drunkards only.

Ankasamudra bird sanctuary

Located 40 km off the ruins of Hampi, Ankasamudra is an upcoming birding destination in the state of Karnataka. During monsoons, trees are submerged in water and it makes for an ethereal sunset spot. You need to drive to this place and we recommend you have your own car.

Wander off to a nearby village

At the risk of repeating myself, I have never seen people anywhere else in India as amiable as those in Hampi. I wandered off the paved route in more numbers than ever. Stopped by the sunflower fields. Stopped by the paddy fields. Could never get enough of the children frolicking around the gigantic boulders. I often forgot the route map provided and the trail leading to the temple ruins.

The abundance of life makes up for the eerie emptiness at Hampi monuments. Those remain the most prized moments from my trip to Hampi. 

Proceed further and explore more beyond Hampi

Close to Hampi, there lives a few more astounding ancient monuments. You can explore them if you have a couple of days more to explore. I have not done this yet but this remains high up my bucket list:

• Badami: Cave temples from fifth century
• Pattadakal: UNESCO world heritage temple
• Bijapur: Famous for the Gol Gombuj
• There is also a winery by KRSMA estate close to Hampi.
• Lepakshi: cluster of ancient Hindu temples
• Belgaum: famous for the sweet named Kunda in Karnataka

Visit Tungabhadra Dam and adjacent garden

Tungabhadra dam is also known as Pampa Sagar. It has an adjoining garden and sunset is beautiful here. Visit during monsoon to see the dam in full prowess. I loved this since I am a fan-girl of rivers around the world !

Also read: Offbeat yet fun things to do in Goa!

Public Transport in Hampi

You can not compare Hampi’s public transport system with that of a large metro city, say Bangalore or even Udupi. Yet, if you plan ahead, you will be able to explore Hampi without renting a car. 

Rent a Bike in Hampi

If you love the freedom of having a car yet do not want to shell out as much money, I suggest rent a bike. Renting a bike in hampi is similar to that of renting a bike in Goa to explore her beaches . It is as cheap as INR 300 a day and petrol is on your own. If you are two people exploring Hampi, this is a very sweet deal for a day. 

Cycling in Hampi

Check with your guest house and you may be able to rent a bicycle. Hampi roads are nicely paved and perfect for cycling however Sun scorches bright at times and that is stressful. Carry water and sun guard accordingly.

Hire an Auto Rickshaw

This is the easiest way to go around in Hampi. Oftentimes, the auto drivers know what tourists want and they deliver exactly that and even more. I paid INR 600 for an auto ride back in 2017 for 6 hours. I think prices will increase now but a good bargain might just land you a good deal. For shorter distance, an Autoride must not charge more than INR 70 to 100.

The Bus for Hampi Site-seeing

There is a government bus that runs from Hospet to Hampi every 15 minutes from morning 8 am. The last bus leaves Hampi Bazar at 6 pm. It costs a mere INR 15 bucks and drops you at the Hampi ruins you need to visit. Go to the conductor and pay your fare before taking a seat. That is how they operate in Karnataka.

Boat to cross the other side of Tungabhadra River

The round boats, coracles, mostly cater to tourists. For a cheaper transfer to the other bank of Tungabhadra river, trust a water taxi. Ferries are close to Hampi Bazar. A one way ferry transfer is not more than INR 50. The last ferry leaves at 5:30 pm. After which, you need to pay a pricey fare to an auto to cross the bridge and visit the other bank.

Also read: Bonedi Barir Durgapuja in Kolkata!

A foodie’s Guide to Hampi

Guide to the best cafes and restaurants in Hampi

In Hampi, like the rest of south India, you will be served with piping hot Dosa and crispy fried vada and delectable steamed idli almost at every corner. Add to that a spread of tropical fruit. Green coconuts. Grilled corn served with a side of fiery hot green chutkey. And peanuts. These are the regular street foods in Hampi. I find them filling, hygienic since they are mostly cooked in front of me, and surprisingly affordable. 

For a good dine in experience, I recommend the following restaurants. 

At the sacred ruins side of the river

• Tamarind Tree
• The Mango Tree 
• Funky Monkey 
• Sagar Hotel
• Tibetan Kitchen

At the Anegundi side of the river

• The Laughing Buddha
• The Goan Corner 
• Ujwal Sunrise Cafe
• Sasi restaurant (with great view of the river)

A few must try dishes in Hampi: Mirchi Bhaji (fried chillies), Filter Kaapi (the iconic local coffee of Karnataka), Appe, banana flower curry (local delicacy in Hampi). 

Over the time, Hampi has developed an eclectic gourmet culture. A lot of the credit goes to inbound traffic coming all the way from Goa. You will be now finding restaurants catering Tibetan cuisine, Israeli cuisine, even Pizza at certain places. 

The area surrounding Archeological ruins of hampi is a no meat and no alcohol zone. For meat, fish and alcohol you need to visit Anegundi or Hospet. Anegundi is closer and serves fresh catch from the river. 

In lieu of branded alcohol, please do not drink local moonshine unless you know what you are getting into. 

Please note many of the restaurants, especially those close to the Hippie village remain closed during monsoon, thanks to overflowing Tungabhadra. Plan your trip accordingly. 

Best time to visit Hampi

Hampi is sweaty hot and Humid for all the year around.

It is best to visit Hampi during the dry season, post monsoon. From October end to February is the perfect time to explore the old ruins of Hampi and even go for bouldering. 

However, I visited Hampi during July/August. I was lucky that it did not rain even though the sky was overcast. Many restaurants, guests houses are closed during peak monsoon. So do call them up before visiting. Muddy roads and uneven murky trails could be a challenge too. Rock climbing in Hampi is a distant possibility during monsoon.

Where to stay in Hampi

The place you choose to stay in can make or break your experience in Hampi. Check out Booking (.) com to find preferred stay in Hampi at good value prices.

Heritage Resort Hampi, somewhere midway between Hampi Bazar and Hospet

I chose to stay at the Heritage Resort Hampi . (Check out here ). I will list out the pros and cons. 

Beautiful stay at a villa with a pool and decent but pricey in-house restaurant. Highly recommend this place if you are traveling with family and have a mid budget estimate. A short walk from the main road and easy to use public transport as well. Upscale stay near Hampi.

Far off from the sunset spots. 

You are better off to stay at Hampi heritage resort with a car. Though I did not have a car and I could easily access public transport of Hampi.

Absolutely nothing to do here at night.

Similar Luxury and Upscale properties near Hampi

• Evolve Black
• Hyatt Place
• Hampis Boulder Resort

Hampi Bazaar, in short, is the nerve center of today’s Hampi. Many small guest houses are located close to Hampi market. Some of them have amazing views over the river. Hampi does not have any hostel per say but these guest houses have similar facilities and prices.

Pros of staying close to Hampi Bazar:

You are close to the market place hence you get to see a lot of people. Very close to the archaeological ruins. Walk-able distance. Great for morning photo-shoot.

Cons of staying close to Hampi Bazar:

People. A lot of them. I would just leave it to that!

Best guest houses to stay close to Hampi Bazar:

• Gopi guest house
• Archana River View
• Padma Guest House
• Chilloutbamboo Guste house (super cheap)
• Gopi Plantation stay 

Hampi island

Hampi island is idyllic and laid back as I had described before. Staying here automatically translates to staying close to nature. 

Less people. Peaceful. Really cheap options. Away from local tourists. Nature reigns. 

Nothing much to do at night. Limited option to go out after sundown. You have to cross the river to reach Hampi island. Crossing river makes you time bound since the last ferry leaves at 5:30 pm. After that, you need to take a long turn and detour to reach the bridge. That said, Hampi island also has some of the best subset spots in Hampi.

• Happy Treat Hostel & Cafe in Hampi
• Drunken Monkey
• Tutti Hampi Chattai Cottages (My favorite from the list)
• Gowri Guest House
• Hotel Gowri

If you love living close to a city and can not let go of the urban pleasures of life, Hospet is your choice. It is also great value for money. Every morning, a bus eaves Hospet for Hampi. The journey is for 30 minutes. It is a good idea to make Hospet your base and travel to and fro to Hampi. You will always get a return bus from Hampi Bazar to Hospet. You can easily rent a bike as well. Hospet has many hotels and restaurants close t the bus station.

Camping in Hampi is allowed at designated camping stations only. You can not and should not camp anywhere in Hampi since the group of monuments is a protected area and often frequented by wildlife at night.

Things to know before Planning a Visit to Hampi

Timing for visiting the temples and ruins.

Most of the temples in Hampi are open from sunrise to sunset, from 6 in the morning till 6 at night, roughly. None lives in the archaeological zone and you will be asked to leave premises after sundown by the security guards. Leave. The rocks and old lakes are deserted at night by humans but not by the sloth bears or the leopards. I know I am repeating these words but this is very important.

In the afternoon, there is a recess time from 1 pm to 2:30 pm. Avoid entering the temples at this time and get done with your lunch break (or experience nature’s bounty around Hampi).

What is the entry fee for Hampi temples?

To enter the temples of Hampi, you are not required to pay anything. Maybe a slight charge if you are carrying a camera. However, a few temple complexes do charge a minimal fee (less than a USD) per person. This ranges from INR 30 to INR 50 and often comes with an electric car plying you for a few KM distance. I think it is worth it.

Follow a respectable dress-code for Hampi

There is no set dress code in Hampi however I strongly recommend to dress up modestly. 

These are ruins but these are temples and heavily revered amongst the locals. A few of the temples are worshipped till date. You need to cover from shoulder to knees and enter the sanctum. 

In rural India, modest clothing can help you cross the bridge easily and foster true friendship which leaps the curious first impression. “Extra” skin show can bring a lot of unnecessary attention and that at least makes me feel uncomfortable. 

Besides, the Sun is horrid in Hampi. You need to cover up to save your skin a few unwanted blisters and rashes ( I do). 

I always carry a scarf during my travels. A scarf has many utilities from cleaning my camera lens to wiping sweat to saving my modesty which outrages deep seated patriarchy. Everywhere. EVERYWHERE around the globe! 

There was no rule for barring entry to followers of different religions. I had seen this practice of entry allowed for Hindu only in the temples of Bhaktapur in Nepal , another UNESCO site on the ancient silk route and Madurai temple in Tamilnadu.

Potable water in Hampi

You can fill up drinking water at various spots. One place I know is close to Virupaksha temple. They charge you INR 2 for a liter of water bottle. This saves a whole lot of single use plastic bottles.

Festivals of Hampi

The might and splendor of the ancient Vijayanagara empire is remembered through Hampi Utsav or Vijaya Utsav. The festival takes place every year in winter and date and time are announced on the Karnataka tourism website. Do not miss out Janapada Kalavahini, celebration of folk dance and other artistic performances. 

Mobile Network is bleak

Internet /wifi /smooth mobile network is still a luxury in Hampi. Specially applicable if you choose to stay at the riverside cottages and small guest houses. Please adjust accordingly.

No Meat and No alcohol Zone

Hampi archaeological site is a meat free and alcohol free zone. You may get some egg though for a meal.

Women on period/ carrying leather products inside a temple

Many people frown if you are a woman and on your period and entering temples. Sometimes, it is explicitly mentioned. Carrying a leather bag is not permissible also since most of the leather is derived from cow skin. And cows are holy in this part of the world.

Prasad/ food offerings from the temple

Many of Hampi’s 2000 odd temple runs are “living”. Worship does take place here every day. In case you are visiting one and offered an “offering”, a morsel of food, accept that with gratitude. It is an easy way to show respect and assimilate with the locals. It can be a sweetmeat or a banana. Do NOT throw this. 

Photo Etiquette

Asking for permission will take you a long way!

While locals in Hampi are the cordial lot, know your limit. Photographing women taking a bath by the riverside is not culturally acceptable in India. Before you click a picture of a man performing a Puja, ask for permission if you can click him. More often than not, it is awkward for the uninitiated to face a camera lens in between regular errands. This holds exceptionally true as you venture in the local habitat of Hampi, off regular tourist trail. 

Things to be aware of to be safe in Hampi: 

Do not take a guide if you think he is being unnecessarily pushy. 

Do not venture into the road at night since leopard sighting is a regular thing here. Snakes too.  

You have probably seen a few movies already which were based in Hampi. Rowdy Rathore (Bollywood), The Myth (Jackie Chan starter from Hollywood) are some of the prominent movies in the list. 

An Approximate Budget for your Hampi trip

Set aside INR 300 for food and INR 500 for lodging. Another INR 200 for using pubic transport and miscellaneous. This is the bare minimum you need to spend in Hampi on a daily basis.

Hampi is not an expensive area even though nowadays it is overrun with tourists (I mean pre lockdown). The backpackers’ huts or guest houses are mostly budget friendly and of great value for money. Think less than INR 1000 per night.

If you hire an auto rickshaw for local commute, and they are found aplenty, you are expected to pay not more than 600 rs a day. For shorter commute, the price is even lesser. If you are lucky enough to catch the government bus that goes from Hospet to Hampi Bazar every day, multiple times during sunny hours, you will pay not more than INR 20. That deal is the sweetest!

The Coracle rides being a touristy thing will charge you more than the regular boats that locals use to cross Tungabhadra river. Look for the local ferries.

Bargain hard when in Hampi. Locals are helpful, honest and friendly. Those associated with tourism business will try to charge a higher price but once you settle on a good price, you will remember their hospitality for long.

If you are willing to eat food from street-side vendors, you will be surprised at the price. Its affordable and decently hygeinic. For eating at the established restaurants, prepare to shell out 300 to 500 INR per meal per person. In case your (local) driver is taking you to a dining place, chances are his meal will be complimentary from the restaurant.

FAQs about planning a trip to Hampi

1. is hampi a safe place for travel.

I traveled in Hampi as a solo female traveler. I dropped off the bus midway to shoot sunset by a forlorn water-body. On the way back, I found no bus or auto to get back to my destination. An auto plying locals stopped midway and gave me a lift. He did not even charge me money. When I asked why so, he said, “Why are you walking alone?” I assume people are concern for solo travelers, specially female, being solo at forlorn places and goes out of the way to help you.

Just do not venture alone at extreme off the route and you will have a great time in Hampi. Women I met in Hampi were always extra loving and extra caring, specially when they see a “madam” walking alone with a camera. Forever grateful to those smiling faces who invited me to share a plate with them at the picnic spots. Women in rural India are incredible and more. There lies the soul of my big old beautiful country. Period.

2. What is the language spoken at Hampi?

Locals speak Kannada. They are Kannadiga. They also understand English (mostly who are associated with tourism) and Hindi too.

3. Does Hampi have a beach?

Hampi does not have a beach. The hippie island in Hampi is just the other bank of Tungabhadra river which has lesser ruins, excluded from the archaeological zone and is dotted with a number of affordable guest houses.

4. Can we cover Hampi in 2 days?

It is best if you allot at least three days to Hampi to see all of the tourist attractions it has on offer. If time is short, you may also explore Hampi in a quick 2 days visit. f you are rushed, we recommend taking a guide!

5. Where else I can go from Hampi?

From Hampi, you may go on and explore the old old ruins and temples of Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal temples (another astounding UNESCO world heritage site in India).

6. What should I wear in Hampi?

Unless you are entering the temple sanctums, you are good with normal shirt and pant or any short of western wears. However, keep in mind this is rural India and excessive skin show is frowned upon. My number one tip for traveling safe in India would be to try and blend in with the locals as much as you can! Please remove your footwear before entering a temple complex . Even when it is ruined. Please do this. I can not emphasis enough on this. This is like coming to my house and not removing shoe.

7. What is the best time to visit Hampi?

Hampi is hot and humid all the year around however in Indian winters, humidity level is tolerable. I would suggest plan a visit to Hampi from November to February.

8. Is it okay to smoke weed in Hampi?

I have heard the hippie island is (in)famous for weed and smoking in many backpackers’ group. However, I do not smoke myself and this is a criminal offence in India according to IPC. So, do your math!

I hope this Hampi travel guide serves the purpose and helps you plan a solo trip (or with family) to this astounding place of historical importance. You can also check out the following places in Karnataka.

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25 Responses

What an interesting place. So many things to see and experience. Thanks for sharing this special part of the country with us.

Oh your photos are so lovely. I have not heard of this place, I would love to visit. We want to get back to this region and spend more time…hopefully soon we will all be able to travel again. Great piece. I’ll save it for future reference.

Please give option to share in what’s app

Hi Selvi. Thank you. I will add that tight now 🙂

What a detailed description of the place. Loved it. One can plan out the travel easily with your tips. I loved the in and around places of Hampi. I always felt that it has only architectures. I need to put this on my bucket list.

Wow!! so many great things and amazing pictures.Thanks for sharing this.

Hi Madhurima,

This is such a great post. I really love reading about India. It is such an amazing country and I also love Indian people. They are so kind, nice and humble people. I was in India this year for two months. I was mostly traveling in South India and I didn’t visit Hampi. I got to learn about it too late. I met foreigners who stayed there for over a week because they loved it so much. After I’d heard so many good things about Hampi, I wanted to go there and explore it. But because of the coronavirus, I had to leave India.

I will definitely remember your guide about Hampi when I’m in India next time.

All the best, Diana

This post is so amazing & so thorough! I feel like I’ve been to Hampi now… but it looks so amazing that I do hope to visit in person one day. Pinned & saving this post for later for India travel inspo.

What an epic post, an excellent guide. I was really happy for the trip down memory lane. I visited Hampi around 13 years ago (probably before it was on the NYT’s list!) and absolutely loved it. The temples, river, sunset…such a special place.

Great post with loads of useful info and beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing

Never been to India but it is so high on my bucketlist. Want to go there next year, Hampi looks amazing!

What a thorough post! I hope to make it to Hampi! Pinned this post for future reference 🙂

What a wonderfully thorough guide! And such beautiful photos, I pinned it for later 🙂 Thanks!

This was such an interesting read and comprehensive guide. I’m going to save it to come back to and read again there is so much detail! Thank you for sharing, I now want to visit all the ruins at Hampi. Your photos are so beautiful.

Beautiful photos! India has been firmly on my bucket list for a long time. I hope to make it out there soon!

Wow – looks absolutely breath-taking! Just look at those details.

Wow! What a detailed guide! I’ve not travelled to India, so I’ve not done much research. Hampi sounds incredible though. And you’re pictures of the ruins and surroundings are spectacular!

I had never heard of Hampi before reading this post – it looks fantastic! Hampi is now on my India must visit list!

Wow! Thank you for all the thorough information. Great tip about how to respectfully dress there. Thank you for gathering all this info in one place.

What a great in depth guide! Love the photo of the girls with the flowers in their hair! Thanks for sharing!

Wow! This is seriously comprehensive! Thank you for all of the information. I love it when I stumble on your posts. So much great inspiration.

Oh wow I’ve been to South India so many times but never heard of these ruins! They look amazing and I just might detour to Karnataka the next time I’m headed there!

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This is absolutely gorgeous. Dying to go now that we can travel again

Definitely adding to my list for when I (finally!!) travel to India 🙂

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THE ULTIMATE HAMPI ITINERARY & TRAVEL GUIDE

• July 4, 2023

If you are planning a trip to Hampi and seek the perfect Hampi Itinerary & Guide, you have come to the right place.  In this article, we will share all the information you need to have a truly awesome time.  From all the best things to do in Hampi, where to stay, where to eat, and all of our top tips.

Hampi is without a doubt one of the most compelling places we’ve visited.  Not only in India but throughout our travels.  In contrast to the relentless fast pace of other Indian cities, Hampi is incredibly laidback.  It is, therefore, a nice addition to your India itinerary if you need to catch your breath. This being said, there is an abundance of things to do in Hampi, that guarantees even the most intrepid traveller an awesome time.

We arrived in Hampi early in the morning after a bumpy bus ride from Goa.  A blood-red sun was rising from the cryptic shadows of what turned out to be the ancient ruins of fallen Hampi.  Immediately we felt as if we were in a scene from Indiana Jones. The towering piles of boulders and prehistoric landscapes screamed adventure.  It was clear from the get-go that Hampi was going to be a special place.

… And a special place it turned out to be.

You see, Hampi is a significant place in India for a number of reasons.  Not only is the city said to be the birthplace of Hanuman, the Hindu monkey god, it also served as capital to one of the most powerful empires in Indian history.  We explain how it came to be the fallen kingdom it is today a little later on;  However, the combination of religious and cultural history appears to have earned Hampi undeniable spiritual energy.

I know what you’re thinking.  Does that mean that Hampi is bursting with hippie backpackers all lounging around smoking weed?  Partly yes.  It has in recent years become somewhat of a backpacker enclave; however, there is a specific area that this crowd stick to (more on this later)!

Need more Inspiration to visit Hampi? Check out our Hampi Photo Gallery to inspire your travels.

Anyhow, we have a lot to cover in this article. So let’s get to explaining why Hampi is one of our favourite places in all of India.

   The Perfect Hampi Itinerary & Travel Guide

*Before You Travel to Hampi , have you got your travel insurance sorted?  Cover yourself for the unexpected, read  why you really need travel insurance , or  get a quote from World Nomads .

*Have you got your travel Visa sorted? Check if  you need one here  and retrieve a quote. It’s simple, fast and reliable.

*Don’t leave home without any  backpacker essentials  with our free printable packing list.

How Long to Spend on a Hampi Itinerary

Many choose to spend 3-4 days in Hampi. And while it is certainly possible to cover most of the highlights during that time, we recommend spending a little longer.

The perfect Hampi itinerary consists of 3-4 days of exploring and 2-3 days of relaxation.  It’s not often you get to experience somewhere as laidback as Hampi when backpacking India.  Take advantage of the serenity while you can.

All things considered, 1 week would be an ideal amount of time to stay in Hampi.

Hampi Itinerary Highlights

For those who don’t have time to read through the entire itinerary, here are some of the highlights you can enjoy during your Hampi Itinerary.

• Explore the Fascinating Hampi Ruins
• Watch the sunrise on Matanga Hill
• Take a day trip to the other side of the river, Hippie Island
• Go for a dip in the local waterfall in Hampi
• Experience world-class bouldering

Top Things to do in Hampi

From exploring ancient ruins, taking part in bouldering, and visiting the secret waterfall – there is a ton of cool things to do in Hampi.  Let’s look at some of our favourites!

1.  Explore the Ruins

The city of Hampi is a labyrinth of ancient ruins, and exploring Tomb Raider style was our favourite thing to do during our visit.   The remains of sacred temples, shrines and monuments stand proudly among unexplainable rock formations, creating a landscape that is almost other-worldly.  For this reason, the ruins of Hampi are becoming an Instagram hot spot.  (Don’t forget to follow us on  Instagram here! )

Adorned with intricate carvings of Hindu gods & demons the forsaken ruins are a product of exquisite artistry.   And it is quite remarkable to see how the remains have  been spared from the unforgiving forces of nature.  

Although exploring the ruins is one of the essential things to do in Hampi, it can also be an overwhelming task.   There are approximately 1600 surviving ruins spread across an area of 16 square miles. The first question we asked upon arrival was ‘which are the most important to see’?  

You can be sure that the local rickshaw drivers will make it sound a lot more complicated than it actually is.  This is so they can charge you a premium for a guided tour.   For  this reason, we have put together a separate article detailing what the most important ruins to visit, where you can find them, and how you can get there.  

Related Read – Top 10 must-see Hampi Ruins  & Top 15 Instagram Spots of India

2.  Watch the Sunrise on Mathanga Hill

Watching the sunrise & fall over the mystical landscapes was one of our favourite things to do in Hampi.    We always envisioned Indian sunsets to be like a perfect ball of fire, transforming the sky into a cloak of red & orange flame.  In Hampi, we were never disappointed.

Matanga Hill is formed from a mound of towering boulders.  Being one of the highest points in Hampi, it is a popular lookout for sunrise and sunset.   The base of Mathanga Hill is just a 10-minute walk from Hampi Bazaar, but d on’t make the same mistake we did and attempt to climb the boulders!

There is a  carefully engineered stairway leads you to the peak in around 20-minutes.   From the peak, expect to find awe-inspiring panoramic views over the lost kingdom of Hampi.

*Tip – Mathanga Hill is a popular spot for camping in Hampi.

Must read: Matanga Hill – The best sunset spot in Hampi!

MATHANGA HILL MAP LOCATION

3. Experience World-Class Bouldering

What was once an activity for experienced climbers, can now be enjoyed by all visitors seeking adventurous things to do in Hampi.  Bouldering is a form of rock climbing, and with the Hampi landscapes littered in boulders, it’s the perfect place to do it.  It seems to be popular on the far side of the river, where a number of tour operators advertise the activity.

If you are experienced or perhaps on a budget, it could be tempting to attempt this activity without a tour guide.  We would strongly advise against this.  The guides have all the necessary knowledge & equipment to help keep you safe.   S hould you choose not to take this advice, at least be sure to follow these safety guidelines for bouldering in Hampi .

DON’T FORGET TRAVEL INSURANCE!

You will want to check your travel insurance policy to ensure you are covered for adventurous activities such as bouldering.  World Nomads is great if you want to make any changes to your policy during your travels and offer add ons for such activities.  Complete the form below to retrieve a quick quote.

4. Go For a Dip in the Waterfall

To cool down after a long day exploring, ask one of the locals to point you in the direction of the waterfall.   Although it isn’t much of a waterfall, the journey to get there is quite the adventure. We felt like Lara Croft rock climbing, trekking through banana plantations, and crossing wild rapids!

When you get the near the waterfall, expect to be approached by a guide.  Although it is possible to find the way yourself; we recommend you go with them as they will know the safest route.   They don’t ask for much in terms of a tip, and it’s nice to give something back.   

Once you get there, you can expect to find a nice spot for swimming as well as some pretty bold cliff jumps.

See full blog post:   Chasing a Secret Waterfall in Hampi

5. Visit the Virupaksha Temple

The exquisite Virupaksha Temple towers over Hampi Bazaar, dominating the town with its captivating beauty.   The original structure is said to date back as far as the 7th century and was dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities of Hinduism.  

Virupaksha remains the only place of worship still in use by the residents of mainland Hampi and attracts huge crowds of visitors every day.  An essential addition to any Hampi Itinerary.

VIRUPAKSHA TEMPLE MAP LOCATION

6. Watch Lakshmi the Elephant Take a Bath

OK, we know this one is a controversial subject and we are by no means advocates for the use of wild animals to entertain. Nor do we believe in holding them in captivity.     However, Lakshmi, the temple elephant plays a big part in the cities tradition and is one of the top Hampi attractions.

Lakshmi is the Temple Elephant of Virupaksha.  Each day around 8 am, you can watch her taking a morning bath in the river.   Lakshmi is quite the local celebrity and bathes in the river among the locals.

It was quite amusing to watch them having to swerve the ginormous poos she was depositing!

7.  Camp Under the Stars

Although we didn’t have the necessary equipment to camp ourselves on this occasion, we learnt that camping is very popular in Hampi. Thanks to little light pollution in the area, you can expect a pretty epic view of the stars on a clear evening.

There are a number of spots in the city where it is possible to camp, such as the peak of Mathanga Hill or down by the river;   however, some areas are privately owned so be sure to check with the locals before you pitch up.

8. Explore Hampi Bazaar by Bicycle

There are a fair number of attractions and ruins dotted around the area of Hampi Bazaar, and renting a bicycle for the day is a fun way to explore them all.   You can rent bicycles all over town for 150 rupees per day.

9. Try a Bhang Lassi

If you are going to experiment with bhang in India, there is no better place for it than Hampi.  There is something about the prehistoric landscapes combined with an air of mystical energy, that makes for a beautiful and spiritual experience.

Bhang Lassis are often easy to find in Hampi.  Just look for ‘special Lassi’ on the menu, or don’t be afraid to ask around. If it’s your first time, you should read these 15 tips for experimenting with Bhang in India .

10.  Explore The Other Side (aka Hippie Island) by Scooter

If you plan to spend most of your time on mainland Hampi, a day trip to the far side of the river known as Hippie Island, is an essential addition to your Hampi Itinerary.  Here you can enjoy world-class bouldering, visit the birthplace of Hanuman the monkey god, or simply soak in the tranquil vibes.

One of the best things to do in Hampi is to disconnect from the world and immerse yourself in the beautiful nature.   It’s not often you can escape the madness in India, so embrace this chance while you have it.

See Full Blog Post:   Hippie Island, Hampi – A Reliable Guide

Hampi Itinerary – Where to Eat

For a small town, we were pleasantly surprised to find a number of nice restaurants in Hampi.  Our favourite of them all, however, is Mango Tree .  The appetisers are especially delicious, as well as the Indian Thali and Israeli meals.   And as a finale,  you would be doing yourself an injustice not to try the delectable banoffee pie!  

How to Get to Hampi

By Air:  The closest airport to Hampi is Hubli Airport situated 144km away.

By Train:  The closest railway station to Hampi is Hospet Junction situated 10km away.    Hospet is connected via train from across the region, however, booking trains in India can be tricky.    It is advised to book at least 3 days in advance and even then you aren’t always guaranteed a ticket.

For this reason, we always used the bus network in India. You can book trains up to 6 months in advance using  12go Asia .

By Bus:   Hampi is accessible by bus from a number of destinations across India.     Although, most will drop you in Hospet, located 10km away.  From Hospet you can take a local bus or pay for a rickshaw to take you to Hampi.

To check routes, timetables and ticket prices we recommend using  Redbus .    In our experience, they are extremely reliable.    They are one of the few companies who will accept payment with an International card, and they are contactable by phone should you have any issues with your journey.

Hampi Itinerary – Where to Stay

Budget Private  –  Rashmitha Guesthouse  – Conveniently located in Hampi Bazaar, Rashmitha Guesthouse is a great budget option in Hampi.  While the rooms are basic, they come with all the necessary facilities for a comfortable stay.

Mid-Range  –  Heritage Resort Hampi  – Boasting a swimming pool, spa, and wellness area, this place is amazing value for money.  Perfect for that extra bit of comfort in Hampi.

Luxury  –  Evolve Back Hampi  – We don’t often talk about luxury hotels on this blog, but this place looks phenomenal.  If you have the budget, you won’t regret splurging on a night at this palace hotel.

For more places to stay in Hampi, you can check the  latest prices here .

Alcohol, Drugs & Parties in Hampi

One of the reasons that Hampi remains a favourite among the backpacker crowd, is the illicit world of alcohol and drugs that exists here.    Although it remains a taboo in the holy city, alcohol, weed & other psychedelics are readily available on this side of the river .  

Alcohol is sold under the radar in many of the bars.  And if you’re looking to participate in something stronger, you only have to discreetly ask around to find it.  If you’re lucky, your stay might even coincide with a secret party under the stars!

*Warning  – LSA seeds are a cheap & popular psychedelic available in Hampi.    When taken in a large enough quantity they can produce similar effects to magic mushrooms & LSD; however, avoid taking with alcohol as they can make you violently ill – So I heard from a friend anyway!  

Hampi Itinerary – Top Tips

Alcohol in hampi.

Buying alcohol in Hampi can be very expensive, however just 3kms out-of-town is a bar where you can buy anything from local beer to imported vodka at a reasonable price.    Just ask any rickshaw driver and they will take you there & back for around 200 IDR.

It’s worth noting that there are no ATMs in Hampi. The closest is located 3km away in the town of Kamalapuram.  Although, you will sometimes find it out of service or out of cash.

It’s worth carrying enough cash to see you through in Hampi.  Which isn’t much, as everything is pretty cheap here.

Alternatively, you can withdraw money at one of the moneychangers in Hampi;  however, be prepared to pay a 3% fee.

Wherever you go in India, it is important that you dress appropriately.  It is recommended that female travellers respect the local tradition of covering shoulders and legs from the knee upwards.  Not only is it respectful, but it will help to avoid unwanted attention.

The dress code for men is a little more relaxed; however, it is recommended to avoid revealing vests or tank top.

Be Aware of Scams

In all touristy areas there are   travel scams you should be aware of  so consequently, you can avoid them.    There are also known to be skilled pick pockets operating in Hampi so be sure to keep your valuables secured at all time.    We use either a small padlock or compartmental bag to keep our valuables safe when out exploring.

We recommend educating yourself on  Travel Safety in India  to help you avoid any sticky situations.

Best Time to Visit Hampi

The  best time to visit Hampi is from October to February  when the weather is dry and not too hot.   We visited Hampi in October, and while there was some rain , most of the time it was clear and pleasant for sightseeing.  Although midday until around 3 pm could get quite hot, it was just about bearable for us pale-skinned folk.    It’s best to avoid Hampi during the months of Summer or Monsoon.

A Brief History of Hampi

Hampi is considered a sacred city since it is said to be the birthplace of Hanuman, the Hindu monkey-god.  And up until the 1500s, Hampi was rich and prosperous, serving as the capital of the almighty Hindu Vijayanagara Empire.  However, in 1565 the capital was abruptly bought to its knees, when the city was ambushed by a coalition of Muslim Kings, conquering the empire and leaving Hampi to perish.

Despite this basic understanding of how Hampi came to be the lost kingdom that it is today, there is an air of untold history that consumes the city.  The unexplainable rock formations and skilfully carved ruins are sure to leave you with an abundance of unanswered questions.  But it is these mysteries that give Hampi the charm that we fell hopelessly in love with.

Hampi Itinerary – What to Pack

Unsure of what you might need to pack for your adventures in Hampi? Don’t worry, we have got you covered.  Check out our  backpacker  essentials,  for a   packing list of  items that we carry with us on every adventure .

Here are some items that we recommend taking to make your visit to the lakes & waterfalls more comfortable:

• Comfortable shoes for the hike down
• Water shoes to wear in the water –  We Recommend :  2 in 1 Water/Hiking Shoes .
• Waterproof Bag to protect valuables –  We Recommend: Waterproof Dry Bag-10L/20L/30L
• Bathing suit & towel for the obvious –  We Recommend: Microfiber Travel Towel

Travel Responsibly

As travellers, it should always be a top priority to travel responsibly.  We already leave a substantial carbon footprint just by flying to our travel destinations, so that’s even more reason to make a positive impact when we get there.

There are many  small steps you can take to  becoming a responsible traveller,  and we highly encourage you to educate yourself before travelling to Hampi.  Here are some things you can do to minimise your footprint:

1. Do not leave any rubbish on the ground:  You will see a lot of rubbish on the ground in India, but that doesn’t make it ok to add to it.  Bin your trash!

2. Limit your single-use plastic consumption:   This is tough in India as we wouldn’t recommend drinking tap water even if it has been treated/sterilised.  However, you can say no to straws and plastic bags. Take a  reusable bag  with you everywhere.

3. Respect the local culture:  Be courteous of the local culture and act in such a way that leaves a good impression.  Learn a little of the local language (hello and thank you is the minimum), greet the locals in a polite manner, and respect dress codes & traditions. We recommend carrying a  Sarong  with you to cover up where needed

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6 Responses

This was pretty awesome. Impressive narration. Quite helpful, Thank you

Hello Diyush, we’re so pleased you enjoyed the guide, thank you for taking the time to leave this lovely comment

Nice pictures and good detailing. I also went to Hampi and it is a memorable and an awesome trip.

Thank you, we are glad you enjoyed it and enjoyed your time in Hampi!

Your explanation and itinerary of Hampi is excellent

Thank you for the compliment!

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Historical Hampi – a complete travel guide

Architecture , Karnataka

Last Updated on: Mar 22, 2020  

Hampi was in our bucket list for long. The place has everything that could possibly pull us towards itself – the story of a lost kingdom, architectural marvels from our past that we could boast of and a rugged yet alluring landscape. Hampi being a UNESCO World Heritage site was an added attraction (my love for these old, dull, decaying structures is now well known to my readers). So Hampi had to be in our trip when we visited Karnataka this year.

Where is the historical city Hampi?

Hampi, the historical and mythological city is located in Karnataka. From Bengaluru, the distance of Hampi is about 365 km and from Hyderabad, it is 380 km. So you can easily access the place from both Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Hospet is the nearest town. Thus Hampi can serve as a great weekend destination from Bangalore and Hyderabad.

What is the History of Hampi?

Hampi is full of stories – stories from the historical past as well as the mythological anecdotes. Infact, the history of the place gradually mingles with the folklore and then subtly blends with mythology.

Hampi is also known as the Pampa Kshetra and Kiskinda Kshetra. These magical stories of Hampi are inexorably linked with the Hindu mythology.

Pampa was the daughter of Lord Brahma. She was a fierce devotee of Lord Shiva. The Lord pleased with her devotion wanted to grant her a boon. She wanted him as her husband. Lord Shiva had to give in to Pampa’s demand, but before marrying her, the Lord did penance at the Hemakuta Hills (He was already married to Parvati). And then it rained gold on the hill. “Hema” is the Sanskrit term for gold and hence the hill came to be known as Hemakuta Hills.

Hampi is also known as Kiskinda Kshetra. It is said that the Vanara kingdom of Kiskinda of the Ramayana was actually here. The Kiskinda episode of the Hindu epic Ramayana was based here at Hampi. Infact, it is believed that Anjaneya Hills was the birthplace of Hanuman, the faithful devotee of Lord Rama.

Those were the mythological stories around Hampi. The history starts with the popular folklore that two local chieftains Hakka and Bukka were on a hunting expedition when they viewed an unusual sight. A hound was chasing a hare which was normal. But suddenly, the hare became all-powerful and started chasing the hound. Hakka and Bukka reported this strange incident to their guru (master) Vidyaranya. The Guru could foresee the place to be special and asked his disciples to shift their local capital to that very place. Thus one of the richest and most beautiful kingdoms were born. This was during 1323 when the two brothers laid the foundation of the Sangama dynasty, the first rulers of Vijaynagar, the City of Victory. From 1323 to 1565 for almost 200 years, four dynasties ruled over Hampi and made the Vijaynagar empire one of the richest and famous empires. Hampi was also one of the biggest trading centres of those times and the markets of Hampi were always abuzz with traders and merchants not only from India but also from other parts of the world. No wonder that we see so many market areas in Hampi!

Hampi had reached its pinnacle during the reign of Krishna Deva Raya of Tuluva dynasty who ruled between 1509 to 1529. Hampi at that time reached great heights under the progressive and international trading practices. Also, the art and architecture flourished with beautiful and magnificent temples being made around the city.

But the golden era of Hampi did not last long. The empire was brutally attacked by the Deccan Sultans during 1565 and Hampi fell under their attack. The Deccan Sultans looted and ransacked the city for almost six months leaving only mass destruction everywhere. The temples were damaged and the markets were robbed; ultimately nothing left of the great empire. The empire was ruled by different kings after the massive attack, but it could never regain its lost glory. Gradually, the city lost its strategic importance and gradually lost into oblivion. The city became a ghost city.

The story about the boulders of Hampi:

The boulders in Hampi has the composition of granite. They belong to what is known as Eastern Dharwar Craton. A craton is a piece of the Earth’s crust that has existed as a solid, without being modified by plate tectonics, since they were formed. These boulders are highly metamorphosed.

However, Hindu mythology has a more dramatic and colourful answer to the boulders of Hampi. The place was believed to be Kiskinda and there was a battle for power between the two monkey brothers Bali and Sugreeva. In the fierce battle between the two brothers, the army threw boulders at each other and thus these boulders were piled up all around Hampi. Well, almost everything in India has a mythological essence linked to it.

What is Hampi famous for?

Hampi is a wonderland. The place is like an open museum – you just have to explore the place at your own pace and discover its charm. And be ready to get surprised even at nondescript places; because even in ruins, Hampi is charismatic. So we have collated a list of places that should not be missed while you are at Hampi.

• The Virupaksha Temple

One of the most prominent structures of Hampi is the Virupaksha Temple located on the southern banks of the Tungabhadra River. Standing tall near the market area, it is not easy to miss the temple.  It is an important place of worship for all the Shiva worshippers. The temple is a grand structure sprawling over a large area with many smaller shrines, pillared halls and gateways. The temple also has an interesting engineering marvel – working of one of the first pinhole cameras can be seen here.

• The Vijaya Vittala Temple

The Vijaya Vittala Temple is the most extravagant architectural wonder of Hampi. The temple is spread across a large complex where there are numerous halls, pavilions and gateways. Outside the main temple complex, there are other ruins also. Seems like an entire town had been set up there. In fact, it is the remains of the ancient town of Vittalapura. Vittala, another form of Lord Vishu was worshipped in the temple. The most extraordinary feature of this temple is the stone chariot.

• Hampi Bazar

Near the present day market of Hampi, also stands the old Hampi Bazar. The bazaar is also known as the Virupaksha Bazar and is located in front of the temple.  The sides of the street are lined by old pavilions that used to the yesteryear markets.

• The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

The Lakshmi Narasimha statue is the largest statue in Hampi. Narasimha is sitting on the coil of Seshnag, a giant seven-headed snake. The statue presents a menacing look of Lord Vishnu in his Narasimha avatar (incarnation). The original statue had Goddess Lakshmi sitting on the lap of the God. But the statue was damaged heavily during the fall of the Vijaynagar empire.

• Krishna Temple

The Krishna Temple was built by the King Krishnadevaraya in 1513 AD to commemorate his victory over the kingdom of Udaygiri or Utkala (in the present day Odisha). The main idol inside the temple was the figure of Balakrishna (Lord Krishna as an infant). This idol is now displayed in the state museum at Chennai. There is a huge slab inside the temple that tells the story of the conquest of Utkala.

• Hemakuta Hills

The hill is just near the Virupaksha Temple. The hill provides a gorgeous sight of the Virupaksha Temple and the other ruins of the Vijaynagar empire. The hill itself has a large number of ruins of temples, archways and pavilions. This is one of the places to view the splendid sunsets at Hampi.

• Sasivekalu Ganesha

The temple is situated very near to the Hemakuta hills and a little south of the Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple. This is a giant statue of Lord Ganesha.

• Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple

This temple is situated on the north-eastern slope of the Hemakuta Hills. Here a giant statue of Lord Ganesha is present that is carved out of a single stone.The belly of this statue resembles a Bengal gram (Kadalekalu, in local language) and hence the name.

• Matanga Hills

The Matanga Hill is just at the centre of Hampi and you can get a bird’s eye view of the entire place from here. while at Hampi, do not forget to view the spectacular sunset from the Matanga Hills. We missed the sunset at Hampi this time because it was raining heavily on both the evenings of our stay!

• Hazara Rama Temple

The Hazara Rama Temple was built in the early part of the 15 th century by Devaraya II, the emperor of Vijaynagar. This small but beautiful temple is located in the centre of the royal area. The temple once served as the private temple of the royal household of the Vijaynagar empire. The “Hazara Rama” literally means “a thousand Rama” and the temple carries the story of Ramayana carved on stone. The relics found in this temple is one of the most extensive ones found in India.

• The Anjaneya Hill and Temple

The Anjaneya Hill is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. The hill is located on the other side of River Tungabhadra on the Anegondi Area. There is a temple on the hilltop dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

• Pampa Sarovar

The Pampa Sarovar is one of the sacred ponds among the Hindus and is located near the Anjaneya Hills. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Pampa Devi beside the pond.

• Durga Temple

The Durga temple is also located on the Anegondi side on a small hillock. The temple is located at the base of a fort. Hence it is also believed that its name is derived from the word “Durg”, meaning fort. We moved further from the temple towards the gate of the fort.  There were a number of tombs belonging to the Vijayanagar dynasty. We trekked a further up and came to the edge of a rock. The place was simply out of the world. The whole of Hampi was in front of us – we got a panoramic view of the whole place. Didn’t I tell you that Hampi would surprise you at the strangest of places? We never thought that the place would be so beautiful.

Other places of interest at Hampi are the Queen’s Bath, Mahanavami Dibba, Zenana enclosure, Courtesan’s Street, Royal enclosure, Sugreeva’s cave and Bhima’s Gateway.

How to Reach Hampi?

The nearest railhead to Hampi is Hospet. Hospet is well connected to Bangalore by buses and train. From Hospet, you can take an auto to Hampi. We took an overnight bus from Bangalore to Hospet. From Hospet we took an auto to Hampi. The auto took Rs.150 from us. There are local buses from Hospet to Hampi that you can get from the Hospet bus stand.

The nearest airport to Hampi is the Bengaluru airport.

Places to stay & eat:

Hampi has a lot of accommodation options for various ranges. You can stay near the market area near the Virupaksha Temple where you will find a lot of options according to your choice. We stayed at the Rocky Guest House.

You can also opt to stay on the other side of the Tungabhadra River. There are a number of homestays in this area. This area has a Goa like feel to it. The foreigners mostly stay in this part.

Hampi has a number of restaurants for eating out. Most of the guest houses have restaurants on their top floor where you can eat.

If you want cheaper eating options, the best places are the roadside shops. We had great South Indian fares at the roadside at a very cheap rate.

What is the best time to Visit Hampi?

Hampi can be visited all round the year. but given that you have to roam around a lot around Hampi, the winter season are the preferable time. Also, the Hampi Festival is held during the month of November.

What is the best way to travel around Hampi?

Hampi is a place that should be explored and discovered by yourself.  At Hampi, you will get bicycles at rent at very cheap rate. You will get bicycles without gear at Rs.100/- per day and with gear at Rs.150/- per day.

You can also get moped for rent at Rs.200/- per day. You will not get scooty and bikes for rent at the temple side of Hampi.

At the Anegundi site, you will get scooty and bikes for rent at Rs.250-400/- per day depending upon your vehicle.

The rate of the vehicles may also vary with seasons.

There are also autorickshaws that you can take to see the various places in Hampi.

Why should you visit Hampi?

If heritage and history is your thing, if you get intrigued by the stories of the past, then Hampi is a place that you must visit. Each stone in Hampi tells a story, be it stories about the Vijaynagar kingdom or the mythological stories that are so good to listen.

If you like the architecture of the past, visit Hampi. The Virupaksha Temple and the Vittala Temple are the finest examples of architectures. You will simply get awed by the intricate designs and craftsmanship of these structures.

If you like adventure, then you must visit Hampi. You will get wonderful opportunity to do bouldering. The coracle ride at the Tungabhadra river is also a beauty.

If you love nature, visit Hampi. A small temple town beside the Tungabhadra river dotted with numerous boulders seems a playground for nature’s architecture.

Simply visit Hampi. Unless you visit the place, you will definitely not know why you should visit Hampi.

Some important tips:

• Ideally, it would take around 3 days to visit Hampi. But you can see most of the important places in two days. We did a two days trip to Hampi and covered almost all the places. Unfortunately, we had to miss the Matunga Hills as it was raining heavily in the evening on both the days.
• Most of the places are opened from sunrise to sunset.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes as you have to roam around a lot in Hampi. That is why shoes are very important.
• Reserve one day for the Anegondi side of Hampi. Believe me, this also a wonderful place. The views from the Anjaneya Hills and the top of the Durga Temple is simply breathtaking.
• While at Hampi, do not forget to take a coracle ride at the Tungabhadra River. This is going to be an experience of a lifetime.
• Do not forget to meet Lakhsmi, the elephant of the Virupaksha temple. Lakshmi goes for a bath every morning at the Tungabhadra River. try not to miss the scene.
• You can cross the Tungabhadra River near the Virupaksha temple to go towards the other side. There are motor boats that take Rs.25/- per head. And if you want, you can also get a coracle to cross the river to the other side.

Did you like the post? Please share your views by commenting below. We would love to hear from you. Also, contact us if you need any help in planning your trip to Hampi.

Agni Amrita

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39 comments.

Well written!!!

Interesting Blog. I am planning to go with all senior citizen. Are there climbing up on hills or is it simply walking. Do we get rental cars?

Hello Rashmi, thanks for stopping by our blog. Most of the attractions can be done by simply walking. There are a few points where you have to climb. It is advisable to hire an auto rickshaw or e-rickshaw for going from one point to another. Have a wonderful trip.

Will covering all these spots in Hampi & around be physically strenuous?

Covering all the spots in a single day will be a bit strenuous. You can hire a scooty or bike to move around. Or you can also take an auto to move from one place to another.

Thanks for this Information

Hi thanks for the info. Would u know any professional guide who would explain in more details.

Thank you Abhimanyu! We do not know of any professional guides at Hampi, but I am sure you will find them there.

Wow! What a great and awesome blog.I am truly grateful for you providing us more information.

Thank you so much!

Fantastic Travel Guide. I appreciate your blog site..keep going with it.

How many days does it take to cover Hampi ? How about Badami ?

Would end Feb be a good time to visit Hampi/badami ?

2-3 days are good enough for Hampi. We had spent 2 days there. Badami also requires one full day. February is definitely a good time.

Thanks for the share of the post and content

Just read your blog and You covered a great deal of points there. Impressive! Just visited Hampi and posted my video vlog of the place. I’d be glad if you check it out!

Thanks Sam. Your video is equally great!

I love nature especially I like adventure places. Therefore, mostly I travel towards different places. In this way, I spend my most time near to nature.

thank you for such beautiful write up and mentioning each information in detail. it will be helpful for travel lovers around the world.

Thank you so much. Glad that you liked it.

Wonderful read. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I would be going there in a couple of days time and this was really helpful.

Beautifully written 🙂

Thank You “AA”, the experience you share help a lot, I always love historical places, and found Hampi one of the best, as of its statue and other, I am sure to visit in nest year and going to share with you My experience, thank you again.

Thank you so much. Hope you enjoy Hampi and do let us know how your trip went.

as i plan bangalore, Mysore Ooty, how do I connect Hampi?

You will get overnight buses from Bangalore to Hampi. Check the KSRTC website for online booking.

iam planning a trip to hampi this november. while searching about hampi i came to see ur post. it covered all the aspects of hampi a traveller wants to know with super narrations and awesome fotos. stay blessed

Very well described.. i recently visited this awesome place and it give very rich experience of backpacking travel..

Thank you so much! Glad that you liked it.

Great travelogue, guys! Loved reading it!

Thank you Priyanka!

amazing photographs . I had visited this place 11 years back with family . Te area is radically changed over the years. Please inform me on my email whether you had used any kindly of photographic filter .

Thank you Arun. 11 years is a long time! 🙂 We had not used any filters for the photograph. The sky in itself was dramatic that day with clouds and everything!

I visited Hampi in 2015 from Mumbai. It was just awesome. Thanks for posting. The world needs to know about this place.

Great. I hope you enjoyed

Hampi is amazing. The history and natural beauty make it a great visit from Goa, Hyderabad and other places in South India. Thanks for sharing this article.

Wow.. Love reading about Hampi and the stories behind it… Hampi does look like an open museum with all the temples and incredible structures. Would love to see the panoramic view as well. It sounds magical!

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Things to Do in Hampi, India - Hampi Attractions

Things to do in hampi.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

31. Lakshmi the Elephant

32. Yantrodharak Hanuman Temple

33. Kodanda Rama Temple

34. Pampa Sarovar

35. Anegundi Fort

36. Rock Painting 1500 BC

37. Hampi Coracle Ride

38. Ganagitti Jain Temple

39. Octagonal Bath

40. Badavi Linga

41. Gejjala Mantapa

42. Durga Temple

43. Sri Krishna Temple

44. Old Palace (Gagan Mahal)

45. Singarada Hebbagrilu

46. Akka Tangi Gudda

47. Kannada University

48. Bhojana Shala

49. Kampa Bhupa's Path

50. Sugriva's Cave

51. Secret Room

52. Ranganatha Temple

53. Kadalekalu Ganesha

54. Ahmed Khan's Mosque and Tomb

55. Department Of Archaeology

56. Nava Vrindavan

57. Bheema's Gate

58. Shree Varaha Swami Temple

59. Sree Kodandarama Temple

60. Saasivekaalu Ganesha

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Home » Asia » India » Hampi

Backpacking Hampi Travel Guide

Hampi, perhaps the most amazing place in all of India…

Packed to bursting with rock-cut temples, towering piles of boulders, buzzing backpacker enclaves and fascinating history, non-pushy Hampi has everything you need to have a truly fantastic time.

I first visited this place nearly ten years ago, when I was nineteen, and I’ve been coming back ever since. Throughout my two years of travel in India, Hampi has always been my favourite place to rest up, recharge and get blazed in Southern India.

Conveniently, it’s easily accessible from both Goa and Bangalore and every year more and more backpackers come to place to soak in the chilled vibes, explore the rock-cut temples, hit up the world-class bouldering and partying under the stars.

Backpacking in Hampi has well and truly caught on. When I first travelled there, there was hardly anybody there. Hampi had just about made it into the Lonely Planet and was still a couple of years of being fully developed. it was, in short, a backpackers paradise.

These days, Hampi has experienced wave after wave of development and the entire backpacker scene has been pushed to the far side of the river. Hampi’s fate has been uncertain for years as greedy Indian politicians attempt to steal land and cash in on the influx of tourists but luckily the backpacker scene has remained somewhat untouched, simply retreating further and further from developments on the ‘not so cool’ side of the river.

Historically, Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, a vastly powerful Hindu empire bought suddenly to its knees by a confederation of Muslim Kings. Hampi was ransacked following the Empire’s defeat and the many extravagant temples, carved from the huge piles of gargantuan boulders littering the land, were abandoned to the forces of nature.

Hampi has an air of lost glory and yet many of the temples and rock carvings, depicting beauties and beasts, gods and demons, are still in excellent condition.

Even if you have only the faintest interest in Indian history, travelling to this village offers a fantastic opportunity to soak in a sight of real historical importance.

Related:  Epic, In-depth India Travel Guide

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Top Things to Do in Hampi

Where to stay in hampi, hampi travel tips, what to pack for hampi, hampi travel guide to getting around.

Hampi is jam-packed with truly incredible sites and you could easily spend a week or more travelling around this village and only manage to see half of them. Hire a moped (150RS a day) and explore away. A few of my favourite places to visit are…

1. Visit the Virupaksha Temple

This is the oldest temple in Hampi. Virupaksha means ‘the one with the oblique eye’. Lord Shiva who is said to have three eyes is the principle deity of this temple.

This temple also has the iconic broken rock chariot. I would suggest wake up early and visit the temple so you can walk or cycle back through the Hampi village and soak in the early morning rural feel of the place. You could also sit in on one of the ceremonies at the temple.

2. Explore the Anjaneya Temple/ Monkey Temple

Hampi has special importance for the worshippers of Hanuman (the monkey God), as mythical Kishkinda (the monkey kingdom) in the Indian epic Ramayana , was located here. You can see plenty of colourful carvings of Hanuman all around the site. The vibe of the temple is crazy!

3. Chill at the Lotus Mahal

This is a pleasant deviation from the typical architecture you see in Hampi. Shaped like a lotus, this was where the women folk of the royal family chilled.

4. Swim at the Dam

Though there are signs hung all around the Hampi dam warning tourists of the crocodiles in the water, there are actually none. But just to be safe it’s better to ask the locals before you dive in.

You can go for a nice peaceful swim in the dam, the water is beautiful and clear. You could also go for a coracle ride. Coracles are flimsy, round boats found in river-dwelling communities across India. Make sure to ask the coracle guy to point out nice spots for a swim and for cliff jumping.

5. Check out the Elephant stables

This is one of the few well preserved structures in Hampi . The Elephant Stable is a major tourist attraction so expect a ton of camera-happy tourists to be milling around.

The row of chambers was used to house the royal elephants that were used for royal processions back in the day. The stables are huge and well worth exploring…

6. Watch the sunset at the hilltop

It’s impossible NOT to catch an epic sunset when you are in Hampi. Every day on the top of the ‘Sunset Hill’, backpackers get together to catch the sunset and play some chill tunes on their guitars and didgeridoos. More often than not local children who sell tea at the spot join them and sing along.

It’s a really beautiful experience. If you want something a bit more peaceful, simply stake out a spot on one of Hampi’s many boulders and enjoy the sunset by yourself.

Find out where to stay in Hampi using our comprehensive insider’s guide!

Between Airbnb, Couchsurfing, and hostels, there are plenty of accommodation options in Hampi!

Actually, finding hostels in Hampi is a bit challenging, but this is India! With how dirt cheap everything is, this is a great opportunity to avoid hostels and get a nice comfy bed and room to yourself!

Best Places to Stay in Hampi

If you want to see this gorgeous area without having to break the bank, the best place to stay is Sanagpur! On the north wide of the Tungabhadra River, you can relax in the rural landscape whilst still being close to the main area of Hampi.

This is the nest neighbourhood near Hampi if you’re travelling with the family- big or small! whether you’re into wildlife or just fancy getting out and seeing the sights, there’s so much on offer here.

Alternatives to Backpacker Hostels in Hampi

Most of the budget friendly accommodation is on the far side of the river, it costs 20RS to cross the river by boat (boats run till 6pm), and a few of my favourites on either side of the river are in the table below.

Camping in Hampi

Hampi has plenty of great accommodation options but if you’re feeling adventurous, it is also a great place to camp at. One great spot, among plenty of others, is Matunga hill.

Here you can set up shop with absolutely no problem. It is a great spot for sunset but an even better spot for sunrise! Do check around with the locals before you camp in other places since there are a few sites that are off limits on account of being temple property.

If you’d rather hang your hammock over pitching a tent, invest in a good camping hammock for your travels!

Below I have highlighted a few Hampi travel tips, like how to get to Hampi, and a bit about the bouldering scene in Hampi!

Books to read on Hampi

Hampi: Discover the Splendours of Vijayanagar  – As you know, Hampi is one of the greatest heritage sites in India. There is an exquisite collection of monuments that lie scattered across this alluring place. This book is a great insight into the history of this village.

Golden Boulders – A great climbing guidebook for Hampi. Bouldering enthusiasts might find this book helpful.

Love and Death in the Middle Kingdom – The story of forbidden love between a sixteenth-century Vijayanagara courtier and a Persian traveller, this book is an intriguing insight into the taboos and beliefs of ancient India.

Berlitz: India Pocket Guide – Discover the ancient sites of Hampi and other heritage sites in India through this great guide.

Here are some more amazing books to read during your Hampi backpacking trip.

Top Budget Tips for Broke Backpackers in Hampi

To keep your spending to an absolute minimum whilst traveling in Hampi and India I recommend sticking to these basic rules of budget adventuring….

Camp: With plenty of gorgeous natural places to camp, India is an excellent place to take a tent. Check out this post for a breakdown of the best tents to take backpacking.

Cook your own food: I took a small gas cooker with me to India and cooked a lot of my own meals whilst hitching and camping, I saved a fortune (even though the food is already super cheap!) – check out this post for info on the best backpacking stoves.

Haggle: Haggle as much as you can. You can always get a better price for things especially while in local markets.

Volunteer: If done properly, volunteering is an excellent way to cut down your costs on the road. I strongly recommend Workaway – you pay just $29 for the year and then have access to literally thousands of projects all around the world where you can help out in exchange for food and board.

Pack a travel water bottle : save money (and the planet) every day! Stop buying bottled water!

Why You Should Travel to Hampi with a Water Bottle

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

STOP USING SINGLE-USE PLASTIC!

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Get insured

Traveling without insurance would be risky (especially if you are going to be bouldering in Hampi) so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

On every adventure, there are six things I never go traveling without:

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full  backpacking packing list.

Hospet is the nearest railhead and there are trains from both Goa and Bangalore. From Hospet, it’s a mere thirty minute tuk tuk journey to get here, you then need to cross the river and find a backpacker friendly place to crash. You can catch a bus from Gokarna all the way to Hampi itself.

Stay in Hampi for Free

Are you a native English speaker looking to earn cash whilst traveling the world? Teaching English online is a great way to earn a consistent income—from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection. Depending on your qualifications (or your motivation to obtain qualifications like a TEFL certificate) you can teach English remotely from your laptop, save some cash for your next adventure, and make a positive impact on the world by improving another person’s language skills! It’s a win-win! Check out this detailed article for everything you need to know to  start teaching English online .

In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online,  TEFL courses  open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read my in-depth report on  teaching English abroad .

Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount on TEFL courses with  MyTEFL  (simply enter the code PACK50), to find out more, please read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad.

Whether you are keen to teach English online or looking to take your teaching game a step further by finding a job teaching English in a foreign country, getting your TEFL certificate is absolutely a step in the right direction.

Bouldering in Hampi

Hampi used to be a bouldering mecca only for those in the know but not anymore. Hampi has exploded in popularity amongst climbers and many travel to India specifically to check out Hampi. Make sure to take an experienced climber with you if you are new to this since Hampi rocks can be pretty tricky.

November and December is the best time of the year for bouldering in Hampi. It’s better to avoid the rainy season. Make sure you have the right gear before you venture out. You can usually hire bouldering mats from your guesthouse and go climbing on the amazing piles of rocks littering the area.

Marijuana in Hampi

Hampi is pretty famous for its  blazed backpackers enjoying the cheap and plentiful weed that seems to be pretty much everywhere in Hampi. It’s easy to find, just avoid smoking in the main town or you may find yourself having to pay a bribe.

So there you have it, folks, my Hampi Travel Guide! Let me know in the comments if I missed anything or if you have any questions! Cheers!

Being a Responsible Backpacker in India

Reduce your plastic footprint:  Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in landfill or in the ocean. Instead, pack a  tough travel water bottle .

Go and watch A Plastic Ocean on Netflix – it’ll change how you view the plastic problem in the world; you need to understand what we are up against. If you think it doesn’t matter, get off my fucking site.

Don’t pick up single use plastic bags, you’re a backpacker – take your daypack if you need to go to the shop or run errands.

Bear in mind, that many animal products in countries you travel through will not be ethically farmed and won’t be of the highest quality. I’m a carnivore but when I’m on the road, I only eat chicken. Mass-farming of cows etc leads to the rainforest being cut down – which is obviously a huge problem.

Need more guidance? – Check out our post on  how to be a responsible backpacker.

Backpacking Hampi and India at large can be one hell of a crazy party at times. Take it from me, it can be easy to get carried away. It is important to keep in mind that you are an ambassador for your country, which is awesome. We can make a positive impact on people when we travel and get rid of any ugly stereotypes that may be associated with your country.

If you visit indigenous villages or small communities in the rural areas always ask before taking photos. The people who live in these villages are not exhibits in a museum. They are normal folks just living their lives.  Always show them the complete respect that they deserve.

When buying a local craft, do not haggle so low that the price is unfair to the person who spent countless hours crafting it. Pay people what they are worth and contribute to the local economies as much as possible.

I know it can be hard, but do your best to use the least amount of plastic water bottles that you can. Refill the ones that you do buy! Use a Grayl Geopress . Refill at your hostel! There are plenty of ways to reduce plastic!!!

Backpacking India or any region for that matter often illuminates some of the great socio-economic inequalities of the world. Never take it for granted that you are healthy and financially able to go traveling. Show the world around you some gratitude and help to make a positive impact on it. Most of all have the time of your life and spread the love!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Will Hatton

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17 Comments

A well detailed post, thanks for sharing your views. The sunset at the hilltop is worth watching.

Hi! I am planning for a trip to Hampi for about 3-4 days. Could you suggest some hippie cafes in and around?

Hi Pranshu, There are quite a few on the “other side” of the river, once you cross over the river and walk up past the Cheeky monkey guesthouse, turn left and follow the road down.

Hey, I am so glad to read your thoughts because I really enjoyed reading this. The way you explain your travel experience is truly awesome.

Its an amazing place!

Very descriptive and detailed information about Hampi. I am planning to visit in Feb end. Hope it will be great weather.

Very Well Written

Hello Will, I visited Hampi just last week. This was a good read. I also found quite a few good cafes to chill overlooking the lush green rice fields, especially in the early morning hours. The food, however, was disappointing for me at most of the places. Also, the boat guys charged me 50 rupees :p But, every time I have visited this place (this was my 3rd time), I have fallen in love with it even more… 🙂

A comprehensive guide to the place. Nice! Like you, I keep going back to Hampi. It is an overnight drive for me from Bangalore 🙂

Do check out my illustrated travel journal of Hampi: http://lonelycanopy.com/2017/12/14/hampiness-beyond-the-ruins/

Seema – Artist & Writer Lonely Canopy

Informative..

I had never heard of Hampo before, but it sounds nice. Ivr written it down in case I ever go to India to consider. x

hi thanks for the good reviews , i wanted to know how n wer to find marijuana in hampi….. plz guide me in this ….. coz i want to have it there itself not carry it with me …. by and finish it off in hampi itself .

Hey Will am planning a drive to hampi in couple of weeks, I just wanted to make double sure should we take some bud on our own as precautionary measure or is it available for sure in the destination

I would say there is a 97% chance you will find it with no problems 🙂

Beautiful article and a well described experience of the trip. I am planning a trip to hampi in the coming month. I would like to know one thing in particular. Is it safe to camp in tents on any of the hill tops? Probably for one night? Just to cut down on the expenditure further??

Definitely safe, just watch out for scorpions 🙂

Nice info Will, and 2 of my favourite places in Goa, Patnem and Palolem. Been there 3 times over the last 12 months, and on the last visit, we found a place just behind Palolem at the southern end, Ourem. It’s like a small village and quiet part of Palolem away from the hassle. Also love Colomb Bay in between Patnem and Palolem.

Take it easy and happy travels dude.

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Hampi Tourism: Plan A Visit In November & You'll Find A Buggy Train Waiting To Take You Around

Home to some of the most magnificent ruins and an otherworldly landscape, hampi tourism will soon introduce buggy trains for tourists..

By: Priyanka Chakrabarti Published: Oct 09, 2020 04:32 PM IST

Hampi tourism: home to some of the most magnificent ruins and an otherworldly landscape, the UNESCO World Heritage Site will soon add another charm to its already enriched vista, with the introduction of buggy trains for tourists from November onwards. By Kumar Shree

If you’ve been planning a visit to Hampi , be prepared for some pleasant surprise. The UNESCO World Heritage Site will soon introduce diesel-powered buggy trains to take you around to all the popular tourist spots .

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by hampi (@hampi_royal) on Mar 3, 2020 at 10:17pm PST

These 42-seater trackless diesel trains are already under installation, and a Bengaluru -based company is working on the project. Hampi is gradually picking up on the number of travellers after being shut down for nearly six months because of the pandemic. Hence, the authorities have come up with these new measures to attract more visitors by introducing better amenities. The Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority (HWAMA) and Ballari district administration are taking care of the process.

The trains will begin operation either in the first or the second week of November and will be equipped with all the necessary precautionary measures related to the Coronavirus  pandemic to make sure no cases of outbreak occur at the destination.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Hampi (@incredible_hampi) on Oct 7, 2020 at 4:31pm PDT

As reported by The Times of India , HWAMA commissioner PN Lokesh said, “Nearly 150 to 200 tourists are visiting Hampi daily. More than 800 tourists flock to the world heritage site during weekends. We have already introduced battery-operated vehicles for the convenience of the tourists and many plans are afoot to improve the facilities in Hampi.”

Divulging more details about the project, he also added, “We will charge a nominal fee of INR 300 per person. Once tourists board this train, they can see all important monuments which come in the seven-kilometre stretch from Kamalapur Mayur Bhuvaneshwari temple to Veerupaksha temple. There will be five stops on the route including at the Queen’s bath, Kamal Mahal and Krishna temple.”

Related: Take A Cycle Trail Exploring Hampi To Find A Testimony Lost In Time

• Hampi tourism
• Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority
• Kamal Mahal
• Kamalapur Mayur Bhuvaneshwari temple
• Krishna temple
• Queen’s bath
• Veerupaksha temple

Priyanka Chakrabarti

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Hampi Travel Essentials

Ideal duration: 2-4 days

Best Time: October to March Read More

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"The abode of bygone ruins, rusty colors and fascinating landscape"

Hampi tourism.

Hampi, the city of ruins, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in the shadowed depth of hills and valleys in the state of Karnataka, this place is a historical delight for travellers. Surrounded by 500 ancient monuments, beautiful temples, bustling street markets, bastions, treasury building and captivating remains of Vijayanagar Empire, Hampi is a backpacker's delight. Hampi is an open museum with 100+ locations to explore and a favourite way to see the city from the perspective of its history.

Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagar empire around 1500 AD, and by some accounts, the second largest city in the world at that time. Over the next centuries it fell out of importance, and now you can explore the ruins of a lot of temples and other structures spread out over a vast area. The terrain around Hampi is as mysterious as the ruins itself - the city is surrounded by boulders of different sizes, and you can climb to the top of them with a little effort to get a stunning view of the entire city and the geography. It is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Famous for its massive, beautifully carved temples, especially the Virupaksha Temple , dedicated to the patron deity of the empire. You can also find remains of the old aqueducts, canals and military barracks and stables here. Hampi was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986 and many efforts have been taken to restore the lost glory of the place - very limited (if any) modern establishments are allowed in the main area, which gives an authentic feel to the ruins.

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Hampi Tourism: Complete Travel Guide

Tourism in Hampi is famous for its ruins belonging to the erstwhile medieval Hindu kingdom of Vijayanagara, and it is declared a World Heritage site . The temples, monolithic sculptures, and monuments are a major part of Hampi tourism and attract travelers because of their excellent workmanship. The Hindu style of architecture found at Hampi reflects the splendor of the Vijayanagara Empire. The rugged landscape adds to the historic ambiance of this site. Go through the Hampi Karnataka tourism guide to plan your tour efficiently.

Hampi is located in the central part of Karnataka in the southern part of India. It is 353 km from Bangalore, and 13 km from Hospet. It is located on top of the rugged terrain and is 467 m above sea level. The Tungabhadra River flows through Hampi.

History of Hampi

The first settlement in Hampi dates back to the 1st century AD, and several Buddhist sites belonging to that time have been found nearby. Hampi was the capital of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire.

Vijayanagara was one of the largest Hindu empires in India. Two brothers, Harihar and Bukka, founded it in 1336. Krishnadevaraya (1509-1529) was the greatest ruler and controlled almost all peninsular India south of the Tungabhadra River. The town of Hampi in the 14th century had a population of half a million people. Seven concentric lines of fortifications protected the city. It maintained a massive army to defend it from other kingdoms.

Vijayanagara Empire flourished as it controlled both cotton and spice trade routes of southern India. Medieval historians refer to Hampi as an important center of trade. However, the glory of Vijayanagara was short-lived. With the death of Krishnadevaraya, the combined armies of the five Muslim kingdoms-Bidar, Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmednagar, and Berar-destroyed this mighty empire in 1565.

Fairs & Festivals of Hampi

Hampi in Karnataka is famous for the Purandara Festival . This annual festival is held in January-February in the Vittal temple to celebrate the birth anniversary of the medieval poet-composer, Purandar.

Best Time to Visit Hampi

The best time to visit Hampi is from October to March. The city has a tropical climate with hot summers (April-June) and cool winters (October-February). It experiences the southwestern monsoon rains from June to August. Book customizable Hampi tour packages with TOI during the winter months for a pleasant sightseeing tour.

How to Reach Hampi

Tourist attractions in hampi.

Hampi's main tourist spots can be divided into two broad areas: the Hampi Bazaar area and the Royal center near Kamalapuram. Book private guided tours with TOI for a comfortable and memorable sightseeing tour in Hampi.

Hampi Bazaar area 

• Virupaksha Temple - The 15th-century Virupaksha Temple is located in the Hampi Bazaar area. It is one of the oldest monuments in the town. The top of the temple rises about 50 m from the ground, and the main shrine is dedicated to Virupaksha, a form of Lord Shiva. 
• Hemakuta Hill - It is located south of the Virupaksha temple and contains ancient ruins, Jain temples, and a monolithic sculpture of Lord Narasimha, a look of Lord Vishnu. Hemakuta Hill offers an excellent view of Hampi Bazaar. 
• Vittal Temple - Two kilometers east of Hampi Bazaar, you will find the World Heritage Vittal temple, built in the 16th century. The carvings on this temple give an insight into the architectural splendor of the Vijayanagara Empire's artisans. The outer pillars of this temple are said to produce music when tapped. Hence, they are also known as musical pillars. 
• Achyutaraya Temple - Between Hampi Bazaar and Vittal temple, the deserted Sule Bazaar and the Achyutaraya temple can be seen.

The Monolithic statue of Lord Ganesh, Nandi, the Kodandarama temple, and the Krishna temple are other places to visit in the Hampi Bazaar area.

The Royal Center

The royal center is located between the Hampi Bazaar area and Kamalapuram. One can take a 2-km walk down to this area from the Hampi Bazaar. There are several tourist attractions within the walled area of the royal center. 

• Lotus Mahal - This palace is an intricately designed pavilion within a walled compound, known as the Zenana Enclosure. It displays a blend of Indo-Islamic architecture and gets its name from the lotus bud carved on its domed and vaulted ceiling. 
• The Elephant Quarter - It is adjacent to the Zenana Enclosure. It is a domed building that housed the royal elephants. 
• Archeological Museum - This museum at Kamalapuram has a good collection of sculptures belonging to the Vijayanagara Empire.

With its unique Islamic architecture, the Queen's Bath and the Underground Virupaksha temple are other important places to visit within the royal center with its unique Islamic architecture. 

Apart from the Hampi Bazaar and the Royal center, Anegundi is another tourist area to be visited. It is a fortified area north of Hampi Bazaar across the Tungabhadra River. It has many temples in and around it.

Recommended Hampi Tour Packages

Sightseeing & things to do in hampi, more tourist destinations in karnataka, faqs about hampi tourism.

Ans: Hampi is famous for its ruins which belong to the Vijayanagar Empire. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also renowned for its group of monuments. Surrounded by 500 ancient monuments, temples, buildings, and captivating ruins, Hampi is a historical delight for history buffs. For those who wish to learn about ancient architecture, Hampi is a paradise. This town is the testament to the glorious past.

Ans: Yes, Hampi is safe for couples. It is a popular tourist place and there are no safety issues in Hampi.

Ans: There are a plethora of hotels, guest houses, and heritage resorts in Hampi where you can stay during the tour.

Ans: The ideal duration for the Hampi tour is 2 days. It is sufficient time for the sightseeing tour of the city.

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Hampi: The Perfect Itinerary For An Epic Trip

The mere mention of Hampi evokes thousands of feelings in our hearts. Once the capital of the esteemed Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi has now enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to her architectural and sculptural remains.

Table of Contents

Know before you go: all about Hampi:

Hampi was originally known as Pampakshetra. It was named after Pampa, a reincarnation of Sati. Pampa had fallen in love with Shiva, who was then meditating at Hemkuta Hill. Eventually, Shiva was impressed by Pampa’s dedication and married her. In fact, Shiva is known as Pampapati in Hampi. Also, Hampi is a contorted term derived from the word ‘Pampa’.

In Ramayana, Hampi was called Kishkindha. It was the kingdom of monkeys. It was from here that Rama embarked on his mission to rescue Sita from Lanka.

Historically, Hampi was the capital of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire. It was the second largest city of the Medieval Age. It was also the richest city in the contemporary world. Foreign visitors from Persia, Italy, Portugal, and Russia have left chronicles of a prosperous city, which was conquered by the Deccan Sultanate troops in 1565 CE, ravaged for six months, and then abandoned.

Know more about Hampi from our previous blog post here .

Where is Hampi located:

Hampi is located in central Karnataka, near the state border with Andhra Pradesh. It is situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. It is 376 km from Bengaluru and 165 km from Hubli.

How to reach Hampi:

• By air: The nearest airport is at Torangallu (32 km from Hampi), which, in turn, is well–connected with Bengaluru by air.
• By rail: Hospet (13 km from Hampi) is the nearest rail station.
• By bus: Overnight bus services are available from Bengaluru.

As for us, we reached Bengaluru from Kolkata by flight. Then, we boarded the train from KSR Bengaluru station. We reached Hospet at 7 AM after an overnight journey. From Hospet, we took an auto to Hampi. The auto charged INR 250.

What is the best time to visit Hampi:

Given its rocky terrain, Hampi remains excruciatingly hot during most part of the year making it extremely difficult to explore the ruins. Hence, it is best to visit Hampi from October to February. The temperature remains moderate and the chances of rainfall are almost nil during this time.

How to travel within Hampi:

The most convenient way to travel in and around Hampi is by auto. The daily fare of an auto is around INR 1000. Don’t forget to bargain a bit.

You can rent a scooter and bike at INR 200 – 300 per day depending on the type of vehicle.

You can also rent bicycles at INR 100 – 150 per day.

Where to stay in Hampi:

We stayed at KSTDC Mayura Bhuvaneshwari at Kamalapura. The room was decent and provided with all amenities. We also loved the food here. The staff are cordial too. You can check the current room rent and book rooms from here .

The Clark’s Inn Hampi is another good option for accommodation. This hotel is located just opposite the Archaeological Museum.

Books on Hampi:

We will suggest reading about the Vijayanagara Empire before travelling there. It will help you to understand the history of Hampi and thereby feel this amazing place. Read “A Forgotten Empire” by Sewell and “Hampi Vijayanagara” by Fritz & Michell.

What are the things to do in Hampi:

1. The best and most important thing to do here is obviously to explore the countless ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire.

2. Sunset in Hampi is regarded as one of the best in Asia. Watch beautiful sunsets from Hemkuta, Matanga, and Anjanadri Hills.

3. Take a coracle ride on the Tungabhadra River, especially during the sunset.

4. Don’t forget to visit the Archaeological Museum. True, Hampi is often considered an open museum. Yet, its museum houses some spectacular and important relics of Vijayanagara.

5. Explore the rural side of Hampi. The paddy fields, coconut groves, and banana plantations add to its idyllic beauty.

6. If you are up for an adventure, you can go rock climbing in Hampi.

7. Hampi is also known for birding.

8. You can also visit the Daroji Bear Sanctuary to see sloth bears.

How many days are enough for Hampi:

No matter how many days you stay at Hampi, you will end up wishing to spend a few more days there. Alas! If only, our bosses at work understood!

Ideally, 3 days will be sufficient to explore Hampi. We spent 3 days and covered even some of the off-beat places here.

In this blog, we will share our very own itinerary. Along with that, we will also chalk out itineraries for 2 days and 1 day. You can modify them at your convenience.

On our first day, we started our exploration by visiting the following places in and around Kamalapura:

1. Vijaya Vittala Temple:

This is one of the most important temple ruins of Hampi. It is considered a masterpiece of Vijayanagara temple architecture. Since it remains crowded for a good part of the day, we visited around 7 in the morning.

On entering through the eastern ‘gopuram’, the magnificent stone chariot grabs all the attention. The stone chariot believed to be inspired by Konark’s Sun Temple, is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist attractions here.

Later, we took the dirt road on the left of the Vittala Temple and reached the King’s Balance . The Vijayanagara emperors are believed to have had themselves weighed on this balance against gold and precious stones, which were later distributed among temple priests.

2. Malyavanta Hill:

This place is laced with tales from Ramayana. Rama is believed to have spent four months here while looking out for Sita. The relief carvings of Shiva lingams and Nandis found on the hill were worshipped by him. We were also captivated by the panoramic view of Hampi from above Malyavanta Hill.

The summit of Malyavanta has the beautiful Raghunatha Temple. It is only in this temple that Rama can be found worshipped in a seated position.

3. Bhima’s Gate:

Next came Bhima’s Gate. A slab carved with Bhima, Mahabharata’s hero, was found here, hence the name.

4. Ganagitti Jain Temple:

An inscription of 1385 CE on the ‘dipa-stambha’ mentions that this Jain temple was built by Irugappa, a general of Harihara II. The structure of this temple is quite simple and austere in style with plain outer walls.

5. Pattabhirama Temple:

Our next stop was Pattabhirama Temple, which is one of the largest temple complexes in Hampi.

The temple was dedicated to Lord Rama. It was probably built by Achyutaraya of the Tuluva dynasty. It once formed the nucleus of an urban cluster called Varadevi Ammana Pattana, named after one of the queens of Achyutaraya.

A short walk from the temple brought us to its ‘pushkarini’. We also visited the Domed Gateway nearby, which once served as an entrance to the urban cluster from the southeast.

Post-lunch, we decided to explore the Sacred Cluster of Hampi.

6. Narasimha Monolith:

This colossal statue, standing at 6.7 meters high, is extremely popular among tourists. It was commissioned by Krishnadevaraya in 1528 CE. The Narasimha is seated cross-legged beneath the Sheshanaga.

Originally, there was a statue of Lakshmi seated on the lap of Narasimha. Sadly, nothing is left of the figure of the goddess.

7. Badavi Linga:

Right next to the Narasimha statue, there is a monolithic Shiva linga, which is about 3 meters tall.

8. Krishna Temple:

This is another significant temple ruin of Hampi. It once formed the epicentre of the Krishnapura urban cluster.

The temple was commissioned by Krishnadevaraya in 1515 CE to celebrate his victory over the Gajapati rulers of the then Orissa. During its heyday, this temple housed a granite icon of infant Krishna, which was brought from Udaygiri.

9. Virupaksha Temple:

It is one of the few intact and active temples in Hampi, which remained unscathed from the destruction caused by the Sultanate. During the Vijayanagara Empire, it was the main temple and principal centre of pilgrimage. Even today, throngs of pilgrims visit this temple every day.

The temple is dedicated to Shiva, who is venerated as Virupaksha and Pampapathi here. Along with him, his two consorts – Pampa and Bhuwaneshwari – are also worshipped here.

10. Kadalekalu Ganesha:

After Virupaksha Temple, we went to the Hemkuta Hill. Here, we first visited Kadalekalu (roughly translated to gram seed) Ganesha.

The 4.5-meter-high statue has been carved out of a massive single boulder.

11. Sasivekalu Ganesha:

This is another prominent monolithic statue of Ganesha, rising at 2.4 meters. The word ‘sasivekalu’ locally means mustard seed.

An inscription nearby informs that a merchant engaged in the business of mustard seed had commissioned this temple.

• The first day of exploring Hampi ended with catching the sunset at Hemkuta Hill.

The first half of the second day was reserved for exploring the Royal Enclosure area.

1. Queen’s Bath:

One of the most attractive structures of the Royal Enclosure, the building is influenced by Indo-Islamic architecture.

The name, however, seems to be a misnomer. It was probably used by male courtiers and their female companions.

2. Mahanabami Dibba:

This raised platform was used by the Vijayanagara emperors for receiving honourable guests, watching army processions, games, and cultural performances, and most importantly celebrating the Navaratri festival.

Nothing exists in the upper portion of the platform. Only the base has survived the trial of time. It has countless carvings, which depict the day-to-day lives of the Empire.

From the top of the platform, the entire Royal Enclosure and palace area can be clearly seen. You can also check out the remains of various structures that have been excavated over the years.

3. Hazara Rama Temple:

This temple is another excellent specimen of Vijayanagara temple architecture. As it is located right in the middle of the Royal Enclosure, it is believed that the temple was exclusively used by the King.

This temple was built by Devaraya I of the Sangama dynasty in the early 15th CE. It was dedicated to Rama. The outer walls of the main temple have three tiers of carving, featuring 108 scenes from the Ramayana.

4. Zenana Enclosure:

This is a high-walled compound, which has two excavated palace structures and watchtowers. Contrary to popular belief, historians believe that the women of the Vijayanagara court did not live there. Since it is located in the vicinity of elephant stables and parade ground, the kings and their commanders most likely used it.

5. Lotus Mahal:

The Lotus Mahal is the most attractive structure inside the Zenana Enclosure.

It is characterized by a cluster of nine pyramidal towers and lobed arches.

6. Elephant Stable:

This is another specimen of Indo-Islamic architecture in Hampi. It comprises eleven chambers, each of which could accommodate two elephants.

After having our lunch and a bit of rest, we started the second phase of our exploration.

7. Coracle ride on Tungabhadra:

The coracle ride on Tungabhadra is one of the pleasant experiences in Hampi.

8. Kodandarama Temple and riverside sculptures:

The Kodandarama Temple is another active temple of Hampi. It is dedicated to Rama and his consort, Sita.

The surrounding area has many sculptures, notable among them are countless miniature lingas and a set of carvings portraying the avatars of Vishnu.

We also visited a cave temple, which remains submerged during the monsoon. It has interesting carvings of Shiva, Veerbhadra, a half-man and half-bull form of Nandi, etc.

9. Achyutaraya Temple:

It is also known as Tiruvengalanatha Temple. It was built in 1534 CE, not by Achyutaraya as the name suggests, but by his brother-in-law.

The temple is in a dilapidated state, although its grand scale and magnificence can still be asserted.

10. Matanga Hill:

We ended our day with another glorious sunset, watching it from the top of Matanga Hill.

We started our third day by visiting the Archaeological Museum in Kamalpura. It has a fascinating collection of artefacts excavated from various sites of Hampi. The museum is divided into three galleries: the Shaiva Gallery, notable for life-size sculptures of Virbhadra and Bhairava; the Vishnu Gallery, showcasing statues of Garuda, Hanumana, Vishnu, and so on; and the General Gallery, displaying coins, weapons, copper plate inscriptions and such other artefacts of Vijayanagara Empire.

Afterward, we went to Anegundi, which was the first capital of Vijayanagara rulers. Anegundi is located on the northern bank of Tungabhadra. It is also believed to be the monkey kingdom of Kishkindha, as mentioned in the Ramayana.

The places of interest in Anegundi are as follows:

1. Anjanadri Hill:

It is believed to be the birthplace of Hanuman, the monkey god. You need to climb 575 steps to reach the top, which has a temple dedicated to Hanuman.

The Anjanadri Hill is also one of the best places to enjoy the sunset in Hampi. We were also amazed by the panoramic view of Hampi that this hill provided.

2. Anegundi Fort:

This was a fortified citadel, which housed a Durga temple and a Ganesha temple.

3. Pampa Sarovar:

This is a holy lake, where Pampa performed penance to show her devotion to Shiva.

4. Sanapur Lake:

It is one of the most scenic places in Anegundi. This natural lake is surrounded by stunning boulders and rocks, which further add to the charm of this place.

We loved this place as it was far less crowded than the rest of Hampi. We found it perfect for enjoying a bit of tranquillity. Also, coracle rides are available here.

Anegundi is also known for its picturesque rural beauty. It is dotted with paddy fields, banana plantations, and coconut groves.

2-days itinerary for Hampi:

If you are visiting Hampi for two days, you can opt for our plan for the first two days, following it to the T. You will have to give Anegundi a miss in that case.

1-day itinerary for Hampi:

In case you have only one day to explore Hampi, we suggest visiting only the most important places. It will be impossible to cover all the places in a go.

Start early with Vijaya Vittala Temple. Then proceed to the Royal Enclosure and visit the Queen’s Bath, Mahanabami Platform, Hazara Rama Temple, Lotus Mahal, and Elephant Stable.

Grab a quick lunch and start exploring the Sacred Cluster. Start with the Narasimha monolith and continue with the Krishna Temple, Virupaksha Temple, Kadalekalu Ganesha, and Sasivekalu Ganesha. Finish your day’s trip by watching the sunset from Hemkuta Hill.

Things to remember:

1. The monuments in Hampi remain open from 6 AM to 6 PM.

2. The Archaeological Museum remains open from 10 AM to 5 PM. It is closed on Fridays.

3. Entry fees are required for visiting Virupaksha Temple, Vijaya Vittala Temple, and Zenana Enclosure. For the rest of the monuments, entry is free.

4. Drones and tripods are not allowed in Hampi.

5. The weather in Hampi is quite hot even at the end of October. Hence, we suggest starting as early as possible. Explore until lunch and take a break afterwards as the sun remains harshest between 12 PM to 3 PM. Start travelling again after 3 in the afternoon.

6. Though Hampi is known for mesmerizing sunsets, you can catch the sunrise from Matanaga Hill. However, the climb is a bit difficult as there is no paved way. It will be tricky to climb the precarious stairway before sunrise.

7. It is unsafe to travel around Hampi after sundown. Bears and leopards lurk around the hills and caves in the darkness.

8. Though the ambience of Hampi is quite chilled out, we suggest dressing modestly as most of the monuments in Hampi are religious in nature.

9. Carry an umbrella, wear hats and sunglasses, and drink plenty of water. Keep yourself hydrated with coconut water, which is easily available in Hampi.

10. Carry sufficient cash as ATMs in Hampi are mostly non-functional.

11. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food options are available in Hampi. The restaurants around Hampi Bazar however serve only veg. Some of the best eateries in Hampi are Mango Tree, Gopi Roof Restaurant, Ganesh Old Chillout, Funky Monkey, The Bridge, and Laughing Buddha.

12. We would suggest taking a guided tour of Hampi. It will make your tour more organized and you will get to know countless titbits about Hampi. We hired Mr. Bhanu. He was an excellent guide. He charged us INR 2000 per day. His contact number is 09449409070.

For reading about the Great Living Chola Temples of Thanjavur, visit our latest blog here .

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