places to visit in hampi in 1 day

Perfect One Day In Hampi Itinerary

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Jan 27, 2023 | Asia , India , latest luxury , Travel Tips

Here’s my quick Hampi travel guide to help you plan your time in one of the most fabulous cities in India. From which places to visit in Hampi in one day (or more) to where to stay, you’ll also find general information on how to get there and what to expect followed by the cool excursions to do around Hampi in one day. Obviously, you should travel Hampi while you’re in India!

How to Get to Hampi from Bangalore

We took a bus from Bangalore to Hampi, which we booked via RedBus . There are many options, but all of them are overnight buses. We took the cheapest option which was with Suvarnamukhi Travels. The fare for this journey was INR 449 and you will reach your destination in approximately 7 hours. Kindly note that the final destination is Hospet, not Hampi.

How to Get f rom Hospet to Hampi

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When you arrive in Hospet you can take a tuk-tuk which takes between 30 and 45 minutes to reach Hampi or you could also try to get an Uber. We personally arrived just in time for sunrise, which was absolutely fantastic. We enjoyed it from our comfortable tuk-tuk (and it was bloody cold by the way!)

Best Place to Stay in Hampi | Hampi Resorts

Photo by Journey Wonders

During our Hampi trip, we had the privilege to stay at Evolve Back Hampi , which was absolutely amazing! As soon as we reached the main gate we were already amazed by the place. We arrived pretty early and the staff made us feel very welcome even though we were way too early to check-in.

We made a tour of the property including all categories of rooms and let me tell you that this place is simply incredible. It’s literally a massive palace that will make you feel like a prince or a princess. If your budget isn’t tight, it’s the perfect place where to stay when it comes to planning your Hampi itinerary.

Room Categories | Evolve Back Hampi

Planning your upcoming adventures? Travel by bus! (It's cheap!)

During our stay at Evolve Back we had a tour to visit the different room categories. Our first night was a Nilaya Suite and our second night was in a Jal Mahal Suite, which is their most popular option!

They also offer Zenana Suite, which is the most luxurious experience of them all – it’s basically a whole apartment located in the main palace.

To be fair, even the Nivasa room is absolutely gorgeous!  So, this means that whatever you prefer, you’ll likely be pleased by what you’re about to experience!

My favorite of them all was Jal Mahal Suite, a whole private villa-style suite, including an outdoor jacuzzi and a private pool. With a bathtub, an indoor shower, an outdoor shower, and a massive bedroom as well as a huge living room, I had the impression I was living in a castle!

Restaurants | Evolve Back Hampi

There are two different restaurants at the resort. One which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with different kinds of cuisines, and another one that serves Indian specialties for dinner. The food was absolutely amazing with many options to pick from!

Spa Therapies | Evolve Back Hampi

I experienced a rejuvenation therapy while I was there. They have many options to pick from as well as beauty therapies. I personally picked the one called “Abhyanga” which was a 60 minutes full body massage with medicated oils performed by two therapists. The main goals of this therapy are to stimulate your energy centers, make you relax and revive you!

It was such a cool/different/unique experience. First, the fact that you have 4 hands massaging your body makes you lose focus so you can truly enjoy the experience. It was my very first “full body massage”. Don’t get me wrong, I had full-body massages before but they were never performed this way. The two ladies made me feel super comfortable and I would definitely recommend it to anyone.

Also, this was pretty unusual to me, but they spent around 10 minutes massaging my head/hair and yes, my hair was covered in oil. It felt so good though!

At the end of the massage, I sat in what I would call a steam box for a few minutes and then I hopped in the shower. The mission was accomplished; I felt super relaxed and alive!

Excursions around Hampi | Best Places to Visit in Hampi in One Day

Hampi must-visit places | Photo by Journey Wonders

There are many incredible places to see in Hampi. These places to visit in Hampi can be done in one day or more!

During our Hampi trip, we did three different excursions featuring the famous Hampi must see with Evolve Back Hampi: The Raya Trail, Vitthalapura Walk and Tungabhadra Trek.

We visited amazing places such as the Lotus Mahal, the Royal complex, the Virupaksha Temple, the Stone Chariot Temple and the Vittahala Temple.

My favorite moment was definitely the sunset in front of Virpasksha Temple (the gold temple) as I was hanging out with the monkeys and admiring the best views out there.

I really enjoyed the little towns surrounding Hampi where you can see the ”real India” with many animals hanging around. I’ve seen pretty much everything around there from pigs to goats, cows to chickens, sheep to dogs, it was definitely interesting to see!

Hampi’s nature was truly beautiful. The colorful contrasts were totally my cup of tea! It reminded me of Australia with a hint of green (hello palm trees!).

Hampi Itinerary

Celebrating Holi in Hampi, India

If you’re around for Holi, Hampi is one of the best places where you should celebrate! You can read more about my first Holi experience here where I share my insights and tips after celebrating in Mumbai .

Disclaimer: I had a complimentary stay at Evolve Back. 

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1 Day Hampi Itinerary

How to see Hampi in a One Day Trip.

View of Anegondi Area from Anjenaya Hill top in Hampi.

View of Anegondi Area from Anjenaya Hill top.

Even in the best scenario, you would have walked almost 3-5 hours of the day.

You're going to see two possible itinerary options (variants) below to see Hampi in a day's time.

Look at these and pick the one that interests you. You can even go bit creative with both, based on your interest, stamina(!) and the mode of transport (bike vs bicycle vs auto-rickshaw vs on foot!).

For the sake of convenience, the main attractions attractions in Hampi are listed here based on their relative closeness.

Main Attractions in Hampi

Group 1 Hemakuta Hill - Sasivekalu Ganesha , Kadalekalu Ganesh -   Virupaksha Temple - Hampi Bazaar Group 2 Achyutaraya Temple - Courtesan's Street - Kodanda Rama Temple - Chakratheertha (Riverside Trek) - Sugriva's Cave - Narasimha Temple Group 3 Purandara Mantapa - Ruined Bridge - King's Balance - Vittal Temple - Vittala Bazaar Group 4 Laxminarasimha- Badavi Linga - Krishna Temple - Chandikeshwara - Uddana Veerabhadra Temple Group 5 Underground Temple - Noble Men's Quarter - Muhammadan Watchtower - Palace of Krishnadevaraya - Hazara Rama Temple - Pan Supari Bazaar. Group 6 Queens Bath -  Mahanavami Dibba -  Pushkarni - Secret Chamber -  King Audience Hall - Zenena Enclosure - Lotus Mahal - Elephant Stable - Guards Quarters Group 7 Bhima's Gate - Ganagegitti Jain Temple - Malyavanta Hill - TalariGhata Gate - Vitthala Temple Group 8 Pattabhirama Temple - Archeology Museum.

Start the itinerary with Group 1.  This is located very close to the Hampi bus station area. You'll do the whole of Group 1 on foot. All of these are walkable to one another.

Though you can explore Group 1 in any order, start from the slops of Hemakuta Hills. The main highlights of this hill are the two massive images of Ganesha, the Sasivekalu Ganesha, Kadalekalu Ganesh. Further up in the hill are a large number or old temples .

Once the Hemakuta attractions are done, head to Virupaksha Temple. From there you can go ahead and explore the Hampi Bazaar, starting from Virupaksha Temple and Monolithic Bull pavilion at the far end of the Hampi Bazaar.

Once Group 1 is done, you've two options:

Option 1: Trek along the riverside till Vittala Temple (You'll see Group 2 & 3). Option 2: Ride bicycle/Bike/Auto Rickshaw towards the Royal Center (You'll continue with Group 4,5...)

You can either go for Group 2 or Group 4. So you'll need to decide based on you interest . Group 2 is essentially a trek along the riverside till Vittala Temple. If you are on a moped, you can not take it along in Group 2 route. Leave it at Hampi bus station area.

Let's Option 1 first, start from the Monolithic Bull (Nandi) at the far end of the Hampi Bazaar area. A short trek across the Matunga Hill will bring you to the middle of the Courtesans' Street . On your right in the Achyuta Raya's Temple . Once this temple is visited , trek along the Courtesans' street till the river side. You'll pass the Rangatha Temple with a beautiful reclining Vishnu image in it and the Varaha Temple .

You'll cover the Kodandarama Temple with its courtyard facing the whirlpool called Chakratheertha, formed by the river in front of it. There are quite a few attractions - mainly large carvings on the boulder faces - to be discovered in this locale ( see Riverside Ruins). You'll need to scramble through the unmarked boulder strewn riverside to find these.

Sugriva's Cave, the Narasimha Temple overlooking it from the hilltop appears on either sides of the trail.

A little ahead the trail passes through a crumbling two storied gateway. And the King's Balance before ending at the backyard Vittala Temple complex. This is the end of the Riverside Trek.

You can trace back to Hampi Bazaar (to pick your bike, Scooter, if that's the case) by the same trail. Or take an auto autorickshaw from near Vittala Temple to the Royal Center (to cover Group 5 & 6)

Let's go back to Option 2, that's you chose to continue on the road route to Royal Center, covering Group 4,5 & 6.

The first stop in Group 4 is the large Krishna Temple complex, through which the main road wiggle past.

Next is a pair of attractions adjacent to each other , the Lakshminarasimha & Badavi Linga. Both are largest icons in Hampi. You'll need to make 2 minutes detour walk off the mainroad, after heading ¼km south of Krishna Temple.

Chandikeshwara and Uddana Veerabhadra Temples (living temple in active worship) are ½km further south on the mainroad. Chandikeshwara Temple has its Yali pillar porch facing the main road. The Lamppost by the roadside has a sati stone beneath it.

About 1 km further south, you'll pass a natural gateway formed by two giant leaning boulders, called Sister Stones (Akka-Tangi Gundu). This completes Group 4 trail.

Now you have two routes to explore the Royal Center area (Group 5 & 6).

The first will take you through numerous unmarked trails to Royal Enclosure, the epicenter of the erstwhile Vijayanagara Empire's capital. For the second, continue on the main road till you see the direction to the the Queen's Bath. This too will eventually leads to the Royal Enclosure.

If you are on a exploratory mode, you'll like the former route through dirt trails.

You can take bicycle/moped near to many attractions in Group 5. For Group 6, you'll walk from one site to another. You would have walked about 3 to 5km cover the main sites scattered in this area.

After Group 5 & 6, head to Vittala Temple, the prime attraction in Hampi. You need to get back to the main road near Kamalapura. Route 7 starts from Kamalapura and ends at Vittala Temple.

If you've already covered Vittala Temple by Option 1 (trek along the riverside to Vittala Temple from Hampi Bazar) can do Route 7 in reverse. Note, Route 7 is the longest (road) route of all (about 5km). If you are on foot , hire an autorickshaw for this stretch.

Bhima's Gateway (a ) and Ganagegitti Jain Temple and by the road side. The road passes through TalariGhata Gate.

Malyavanta Hill is a detour. Car/Bike can go all the way to the hilltop (only motorable hill top in Hampi!).

Route 8 is around Kamalapura. The ASI Museum has a good perspective of Hampi and Vijayanagara. Pattabhirama Temple complex is about 1km from the museum on the road that leads to Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary (...that's for another day!).

As you've guessed by now a single day sightseeing is not the best recommendation for Hampi.

You can do it on foot, rent a bicycle or moped, hire a auto-rickshaw/tonga/taxi. All has its advantages and limitations. Mopeds and Scooters (available for rent near Virupaksha Temple and Virupapur Gadde area) are popular since your local commute is efficient.

Nevertheless if you you are in a situation where you have only a day available, see how to get the maximum out of it.

See here a more practical,  3 Day Hampi trip plan. Also a whirlwind 3 hour Hampi Tour idea, if that's what your situation is!

Hampi's attractions grouped for easy sightseeing planning.

You may want to see the One Day Hampi Itinerary and the Three Day Hampi Itinerary .

Sacred Center Map, Hampi

The Sacred Center part of Hampi. Most of the temples and other religiously significant sites are located in this locality, hence the name.

Hampi Itinerary Map

Sacred Center Map

Hotels, Lodges and Guesthouses in Hampi

How to pick a suitable area for accommodation in Hampi ?

Photography

Hampi is photogenic. Bring your camera along and you won’t regret the trouble. The green wet planes, the small steep boulder hills, the extravaganza of stone architecture, the life around it all are rich in content for photography.

At the first sight, you may mistake Hampi for an unsafe place. The relative calm and the abandoned look underline your doubt.

Bicycle and Moped Rentals

Rent a bicycle or moped or scooter at Hampi. This is one of the best means to explore Hampi ruins scattered over 26sq.km.

Areas of Hampi

Hampi's attractions are clustered across many zones and villages. Typically a few miles apart, all of them are connected by road and at places by the local ferries.

Hampi Heritage & Wilderness Resort

Leo wooden resort, 3 day hampi itinerary, hampi on a shoestring, hampi in a nutshell, hampi tour cost and budget.

1-Day Hampi Itinerary

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• Hampi in 1 day
• 2-Day Hampi Itinerary
• 3-Day Hampi Itinerary
• 4-Day Hampi Itinerary
• 5-Day Hampi Itinerary

Table of contents

1-day itinerary, shree vijaya vitthala temple.

Queen's Bathhouse

Elephant Stables

Lotus mahal, underground shiva temple, virupaksha temple, hampi, shri lakshmi narasimha temple, where to eat, hampi roof restaurant, mango tree restaurant, old chill out ganesh restaurant.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Popular road trips from Hampi

What's the weather like in hampi.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Hampi for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Hampi in January
• Weather in Hampi in February
• Weather in Hampi in March
• Weather in Hampi in April
• Weather in Hampi in May
• Weather in Hampi in June
• Weather in Hampi in July
• Weather in Hampi in August
• Weather in Hampi in September
• Weather in Hampi in October
• Weather in Hampi in November
• Weather in Hampi in December

All road trips from Hampi

• Hampi to Bengaluru drive
• Hampi to Mumbai drive
• Hampi to Hyderabad drive
• Hampi to Mysuru (Mysore) drive
• Hampi to New Delhi drive
• Hampi to Chennai (Madras) drive
• Hampi to Jaipur drive
• Hampi to Pune drive
• Hampi to Ooty (Udhagamandalam) drive
• Hampi to Panjim drive
• Hampi to Kochi (Cochin) drive
• Hampi to Agra drive
• Hampi to Munnar drive
• Hampi to Udaipur drive
• Hampi to Pondicherry drive
• Hampi to Kathmandu drive
• Hampi to Kolkata (Calcutta) drive
• Hampi to Ahmedabad drive
• Hampi to Mahabaleshwar drive
• Hampi to Mahabalipuram drive
• Hampi to Kalpetta drive
• Hampi to Madikeri drive
• Hampi to Kodaikanal drive
• Hampi to Chikmagalur drive
• Hampi to Lonavala drive
• Hampi to Varanasi drive
• Hampi to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) drive
• Hampi to Tirupati drive
• Hampi to Jodhpur drive

Explore nearby places

• Hoovina Hadagalli Taluk
• Chitradurga
• Mantralayam
• Chikka Madhure
• Mahadevapura
• Hubli-Dharwad
• Dharmavaram

All related maps of Hampi

• Map of Hampi
• Map of Kamalapur
• Map of Hospet
• Map of Sandur
• Map of Koppal
• Map of Bellary
• Map of Hoovina Hadagalli Taluk
• Map of Bhairapur
• Map of Lakkundi
• Map of Gadag
• Map of Adoni
• Map of Pattadakal
• Map of Badami
• Map of Davanagere
• Map of Davangere
• Map of Harihar
• Map of Chitradurga
• Map of Mantralayam
• Map of Chikka Madhure
• Map of Devanhalli
• Map of Bagalkot
• Map of Haveri
• Map of Raichur
• Map of Shiggaon
• Map of Mahadevapura
• Map of Anantapur
• Map of Hubli-Dharwad
• Map of Saundatti
• Map of Astakatti
• Map of Dharmavaram
• Map of Hosadurga

Hampi throughout the year

• Hampi in January
• Hampi in February
• Hampi in March
• Hampi in April
• Hampi in May
• Hampi in June
• Hampi in July
• Hampi in August
• Hampi in September
• Hampi in October
• Hampi in November
• Hampi in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Hampi?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

• 1-Day Badami Itinerary

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

Hampi Itinerary – How To Spend 1 Day In Hampi

Posted on Last updated: 25 April 2024

Categories India , Itineraries

Hampi is a small town located in the southern state of Karnataka in India and was once the capital of the medieval Vijayanagara Empire.

With its rich cultural heritage, this ancient city is in fact listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some amazing things to see and do.

From ancient monuments and beautiful temples to bustling street markets, the town of Hampi has it all.

Building a one day in Hampi itinerary is tough, with so much to see and do, we’ve narrowed down the best parts, into how to do Hampi in a day.

Table of Contents

How To Get Around Hampi

Hampi is a sprawling city which you could walk around, but as you only have 1 day you could choose from the following.

Bike/Scooter

A popular and cheap way to get around Hampi, there are plenty of places to rent a bicycle or scooter, along with a helmet and lock.

We found renting a bicycle an excellent way to get around to where we wanted at our own pace.

Jumping in a rickshaw (tuk tuk) is a great option if you don’t fancy a bike or scooter.

Quick trips are usually cheap and shouldn’t cost more than 50 rupees, but be sure to negotiate a price before getting in the vehicle.

For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.

If you are based in Goa there is a great Hampi 2-Day Sightseeing Tour from Goa available to book in advance.

The tour includes round-trip transfer from Goa in an air-conditioned car, plus accommodation in twin shared room including breakfast.

This option will allow you to explore the holy city by walking along the river, enjoying the local market, and spending a day visiting the various temple complexes in Hampi.

Best Time To Visit Hampi

During the winter season, from October to February, is probably the best time to visit Hampi.

The temperatures during this time are warm but not usually unbearably hot. Ideal for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The temples are generally free to visit. They are closed each day between 12.30pm and 2.00pm.

Also please be aware when visiting the temples that there are certain dress codes that you need to respect, like covering your shoulders and knees.

Remember, this is just a guide, so you may want to mix it up and add/subtract different attractions. However, Hampi is a hidden gem that most people miss off their India itinerary .

What To Pack

Photography Camera

Reusable Water Bottle

Lightweight Rain Jacket

Hampi Itinerary Day 1

Visit the temples.

The first thing you’ll want to do on your one day in Hampi itinerary is explore the temples.

Hampi is a very religious old temple town, overlooked by the famous Virupaksha Temple. The number one tourist attraction in town!

As well as Virupaksha Temple, there are many more in the area, including Vittala Temple. Well recognised around India for its iconic stone chariot!

Our favourite temple in Hampi though was the Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple. It’s less of a temple and more of a statue.

However if you’re as big a fan of Ganesh as we are, then it’s an awesome sculpture and Hindu God to visit and snap some photos.

Either way visiting the temples is the perfect place to start when visiting Hampi in a day.

Rent Bicycles & Explore The Ancient Village

After visiting a temple or two, we recommend grabbing bicycles on your one day in Hampi itinerary.

All things to do in Hampi are within cycle distance, plus renting bikes will save you a lot of money on tuk tuks, and taking an easy ride around the ancient village of Hampi town is a great way to see it.

We spent a full day exploring Hampi and the surrouding areas on bicycle, and it was not only a great work out, but a great way to tour the town.

So if you’re up for a bit of exercise, then we definitely recommend exploring the town on pushbikes. We really enjoyed it and would say this is one of the best things to do in India .

Some of the top spots to visit by bicycle are Hampi Archeological Ruins, Hampi Bazaar Street and Matanga Hill.

If you really fancy a mission, you can head out to Sanapur Lake, a 5km one way trip where you’ll likely be the only ones there.

Take A Taxi Boat Across The River

In the evening, if you have time before dinner and you’re not too tired, we recommend hopping over the river for a quick sunset stroll.

The main town of Hampi and the northern section is separated by the Tungabhadra River.

If you search ‘Ferry Point’ on google maps you will find the river crossing, and can choose to either wade across to the other side in knee deep waters, or take a boat for 20 Rupees.

The boat ride literally takes 30 seconds, but allows access to a much quieter area of town.

Surrounded by rice fields in every direction, and with beautiful dirt roads to explore down, you can take in the views for hours.

There’s not a lot to do on the northern side. Although it’s definitely worth adding to your one day in Hampi itinerary to see the incredible rice terraces.

Shop The Market & Eat Local

Once the sun has gone down there’s only one thing to do on your one day in Hampi itinerary – walk the market streets!

If you’re looking to buy something a little different on your travels, then Hampi is your place.

Known for being the laid back land of hippies, the market that runs through the town centre is only small but can be walked 10 times over.

We spent ages searching for that ‘standout’ item that nobody else would have in their backpacks.

After the market, if you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy dinner in Hampi, then we can highly recommend Mango Tree.

Everyone we spoke to seemed to point us in the same direction, and the Mango Tree Restaurant didn’t disappoint.

It’s cheap, centrally located and tasted so fresh! Rated #1 on TripAdvisor for a reason it’s the perfect way to finish your one day in Hampi itinerary!

Where To Stay In Hampi

Heritage Resort Hampi

Featuring an outdoor swimming pool and a spa and wellness centre, Heritage Resort Hampi offers accommodation in Hampi.

Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Every room has a cable TV.

Enjoy a cup of coffee while looking out at the pool or garden.

The rooms have a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hair dryer.

There is a 24-hour front desk at the property. Free private parking is available on site.

You can play table tennis and billiards at the resort. Services like laundry and dry cleaning are provided.

Vijayshree Resort & Heritage Village

Placed in the popular district of Goa-Bangalore, Vijayshree Resort & Heritage Village welcomes guests with well appointed rooms and a spacious outdoor swimming pool.

The Nirvana Spa, located at the pool side offers Ayurveda & Hamam spa inspired treatments to help guests relax, refresh and rejuvenate.

Spread over lush greenies guests at Vijayshree can go swimming or enjoy a relaxing spa. The property also offers indoor games and meeting facilities.

A 24-hour front desk can assist with laundry services and room service. Airport shuttle services are also available at a surcharge.

Netra Guest House

Situated in Hampi, Netra Guest House features accommodation with free WiFi and a restaurant.

There is a private bathroom with shower and free toiletries.

A continental breakfast is available each morning at the bed and breakfast.

For more places to stay in Hampi, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com .

Planning Your Trip

Book your flight.

Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight.

They search websites and airlines around the globe to find you the best possible routes and prices.

Book Your Accommodation

Use Booking.com to find the best accommodation deals.

They consistently return the cheapest rates on everything from guesthouses to hotels for all of your budget needs.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Use SafetyWing to find the best travel insurance for you.

They provide travel and medical incident insurance built specifically for digital nomads.

Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations.

Book Your Tours & Activities

Use GetYourGuide to book your activities in advance.

They sell the best tours, excursions and activities to attractions around the world.

Conveniently book, download and access your tickets on the move all from your mobile.

Book Your Rental Car

Use RentalCars.com to find the best deals on rental cars in the area.

They compare all major car rental companies and allow you to easily book the perfect vehicle for your trip.

Buy Those Last Minute Bits

Use Amazon to buy everything you need for your adventure.

They offer next day delivery and you can use my travel packing checklist to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything.

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MUST VISIT PLACES OF HAMPI (FROM HOSPET)

ITINERARY SUMMARY

Trip starts from: hampi, mode of travel: rental bike, trip ends at: hampi, total places visited: 13, trip starting point: hampi bus station, total distance (round trip):, travel time (round trip):, trip duration: 1 day, ideal start time: 9 am, sightseeing time: %%itinerary_sightseeing_time%%.

DAY 1 : HAMPI

Travel from to, 1 virupaksha temple.

At a distance of 400 m from Hampi Bus Stand, Sri Virupaksha temple is a Hindu temple located at the western end of Hampi Bazaar in Hampi. It is the most famous and important temples in Hampi, and among the must include places in Hampi Packages . Virupaksha Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is renowned as one of the most sacred pilgrimage in Karnataka . Virupaksha is an incarnation of Lord Shiva, and among all the surrounding ruins, this temple is intact and is still in use. This temple is also called the Pampapathi temple and is one of the most places to visit in Hampi . Situated on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra River, it is a part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to history, this temple has been functioning uninterruptedly ever since .....

2 Hampi Bazaar

Hampi Bazaar is located beside the Hampi Bus Stand and located in front of the Virupaksha temple. It is also known as Virupaksha Bazaar. About a kilometer long, the eastern side of the bazaar ends at the foothill of Matanga Hill. Hampi Bazaar is a unique attraction of Hampi. Both sides of the street have a series of very old pavilions, some single storied and others two storied. These buildings were once the part of a booming market and houses of the upper class merchants. The arcades are open structures with no doors. It was once a place where merchants used to sell precious stones, jewellery, silk clothes, etc. during Vijayanagara rule. It was also a market where cows and horses were traded. The Hampi Bazaar still functions as a market place, though it is no longer as attractive as it was. The western end of the street has been encroached by a number of shop owners and small restaurants. These shops that sell items like ethnic clothes, bags and pooja artifacts. A huge Nandi, .....

3 Sri Krishna Temple / Bala Krishna Temple

At a distance of 500 m from Hampi Bus Stand, Sri Krishna temple is situated on the Hampi main road. Krishna temple is one of the important places to visit in Hampi , and among the Group of Monuments which is currently listed as a part of the World Heritage Monuments by UNESCO. The temple is situated close to the Virupaksha Temple . According to the history, Bala Krishna Temple was built by Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire in 1513 AD. He built this temple to commemorate his victory over Prataparudra Gajapati, the ruler of the eastern kingdom of Udayagiri (now Orissa) which is mentioned in the inscriptions on the slab. The main idol installed in the temple was the figure of Bala Krishna and now it is preserved in the State Museum at Chennai. This temple was built in Panchayathana style with two enclosures. Built-in the center of .....

4 Ugra Narasimha / Lakshmi Narasimha Statue

At a distance of 800 m from Hampi Bus Stand, Ugra Narasimha Temple is located south of Sri Krishna Temple in Hampi. The Lakshmi Narasimha statue is one of the most imposing sculptures found in Hampi . The specialty of the sculpture is that it is the largest monolith statue in Hampi with a height of 6.7 m. It was carved in 1528 AD during the rule of Krishnadevaraya. The protruding eyes and the facial expression are the basis for this name. This is considered to be among the most important monuments found in Hampi and is visited by a large number of people throughout the year. Lord Narasimha is sitting on the coil of a giant seven-headed Adisesha (guardian snake of Lord Vishnu) and the lions guard the sides of the idol. The heads of the snake act as the hood above his head. The Lord in this temple is in cross-legged yoga position with the belt supporting the knees. The original statue contained the image of goddess Lakshmi, consort .....

5 Mahanavami Dibba / Dasara Dibba

At a distance of 3.5 km from Hampi Bus Stand, Mahanavami Dibba or The House of Victory is a beautiful stone platform situated inside the Royal Enclosure in Hampi. It is also known as Dasara Dibba and is one of the most impressive structures to be visited during your Hampi Trip . Mahanavami Dibba was built by King Krishnadevaraya in 1513 AD after his conquest over the kingdom of Udayagiri, present-day Orissa. The grand platform was used as a stage by the kings to watch the army march past, the war games, and the royal procession that were held during the Mahanavami festival, also known as the Dasara festival, hence the name Mahanavami Dibba. It is one of the most fascinating Hampi tourist places . Dasara Dibba represents the typical Vijayanagara style of architecture. The stone platform is about 12 m in height. The huge structure is a square platform with .....

6 Stepped Tank

At a distance of 100m from Mahanavami Dibba and 3.5 km from Hampi Bus Stand, The Stepped tank is located in Durbar Area in Royal enclosure of Hampi. This famous Stepped Tank was excavated by Archeological Survey of India during 1980-1983. This tank is very ornate and one of the most beautiful monuments of Hampi. The Stepped Tank is constructed using finely finished blocks of black stones. This Tank was probably used by the royals for religious purpose. The beautiful tank is about 22 square meters and about 7 meters deep. It has five distinct tiers, each fitted with steps set in a pleasing pattern. The marks on the tank and individual blocks indicate the direction of flow of water. The water to this tank was drawn through the intelligently designed stone channels which are well preserved till date. Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

7 Royal Enclosure

At a distance of 3.5 km from Hampi Bus Stand and 2 km from Kamalapur Bus Stand, The Royal Enclosure in Hampi is a huge fortified area that was once the heart of the Vijayanagara Empire. This was the place where the royal family of the Vijayanagara Empire used to reside and the durbar used to be performed. Spread over an area of 59,000 square meters, it is believed to have once housed over 45 buildings, all used by the royal family. This center was separated from the main Hampi center by an irrigation canal. The sprawling area was protected by double walls. It had three entrances, two on the northern side and one on the western side. The Royal Enclosure contains the ruins of several palace bases, water tanks, temples, ornate platform and canals and many other structures. Unlike the temples, which were constructed with stone, many of the palaces were built out of wood. The most impressive structure in the Royal Enclosure is the Mahanavami .....

8 Hazara Rama Temple

At a distance of 3 km from Hampi Bus Stand, Hazara Rama Temple is a beautiful temple located at the center of Royal Enclosure. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. Hazara Rama Temple was built in the early part of the 15th century by Devaraya II. The term Hazara Rama literally means a thousand Rama and refers to the large number of Ramayana panels depicted on the walls. This temple is believed to be the private temple of the kings and the royal family of Vijayanagara.. It was originally built as a simple structure within a rectangular complex. It consisted of only a sanctum, a pillared hall and an ardha-mandapa. Later the temple structure was renovated to add an open porch and beautiful pillars. The pillared hall has unique black stone pillars which are raised on a stone platform at the center of the hall. The interior of the temple has richly ornately columns. An empty pedestal with three holes signifies that the temple once had idols of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. Hazara .....

9 Lotus Mahal

At a distance of 500 m from Hazara Rama Temple, 3.5 km from Hampi Bus Stand and 2 km from Kamalapur Bus Stand, Lotus Mahal is situated within Zenana Enclosure, a secluded area reserved for the royal ladies of the Vijayanagara Empire. This is also known as Chitragani Mahal and Kamal Mahal. Lotus Mahal is the primary attraction of the Zenana Enclosure. Shaped like a lotus flower from the top, the archways of the structure resemble petals of a lotus and provide the whole structure the shape of a half-open lotus. The central dome is carved in the shape of a lotus bud. Lotus Mahal is built in Indo-Islamic style. The two storied structure is symmetrically laid out, with equal projections on four sides. The base of the structure resembles Hindu temple style while the upper superstructure is Islamic in architecture with pyramidal towers. The upper floor of the Mahal has balconies with arched windows. The arches of the ground floor are recessed and ornate. The walls are protected .....

10 Zenana Enclosure

At a distance of 500 m from Hazara Rama Temple, 3.5 km from Hampi Bus Stand and 2 km from Kamalapur Bus Stand, The Zenana enclosure is located near the Royal Enclosure at Hampi. This was a fortified and secluded area reserved for the royal ladies of the Vijayanagara Empire. The structures of the Zenana Enclosure are designed in the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. Zenana Enclosure has several structures such as the Lotus Mahal, Basement of the Queen's Palace, Water Pavilion, Treasury Building and the Watch Towers. The major attraction inside the enclosure is the Lotus Mahal. Apart from this, there are remains of water pavilion with a decorated platform in the center and Elephant Stables. The Queen's Palace is located at the middle of this area. This is the largest palace base excavated in the Hampi ruins so far. The Royal Treasury Building is a rectangular structure that is located in the north-western corner of the enclosure. The enclosure is surrounded by a fortifying .....

11 Elephant Stables

At a distance of 500 m from Hazara Rama Temple, 3.5 km from Hampi Bus Stand and 2 km from Kamalapur Bus Stand, Elephant Stable is an ancient monument located just outside the Zenana Enclosure in Hampi. The Elephant Stable is an impressive structure that was used to provide shelter for the royal elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is one of the very few structures not suffered the damage during Deccan Sultanate attack on Hampi and is a major attraction among the tourists. This is a beautiful example of Indo-Islamic architecture. There are 11 domed tall chambers. The whole building looks symmetric with respect to this central hall. The center chamber is specially decorated and big. The other 10 domes represent the Islamic style of architecture. Each of the domes was decorated with ornate plaster on the interior as well as the exterior. Metal hooks on the inside roof can be seen. The elephants were tied to these hooks from the center of the ceiling. At the rear of .....

12 Archeological Museum

At a distance of 300 m from Kamalapur Bus Stand and 4 km from Hampi Bus Stand, The Archaeological Museum at Kamalapur is dedicated to the ruins of Hampi and surrounding places. The sculptures from various locations of the Hampi ruins were collected by British officers and housed earlier at elephant stables. The first museum of Archaeological Survey of India was established here in 1972. The antiquities were shifted to a modern building at Kamalapur. This museum exhibits elegant replicas of Krishnadevaraya and his queens greeting the visitors at the entrance. The Museum houses a large collection of sculptures and artifacts spread across four galleries. The first gallery of the museum contains two scaled models of Hampi along with all historical monuments. The larger model presents a complete topography of the region along with the monuments and temples located on it. It also displays the hills and rivers in Hampi. It provides an excellent idea about the various attractions .....

13 Vittala Temple / Vijaya Vittala Temple

At a distance of 9 km (or 2.3 km by walk) from Hampi Bus Stand and 5.5 km from Kamalapura Bus Stand, Vittala Temple is an ancient monument located on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra River in Hampi. It is one of the largest and the most famous structures to visit as part of Hampi tour packages . The Vijaya Vittala or Vittala Temple is the most famous and popular tourist places to visit in Hampi . This temple is famous for its Stone Chariot and Musical Pillars. It was built around the 15th century AD during the reign of King Devaraya II (1422 - 1446 AD). Several portions of the temple were expanded and enhanced during the reign of Krishnadevaraya (1509 - 1529 AD). This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Vittala. The temple is well-known for its exceptional architecture and unmatched craftsmanship. This predominant monument of Hampi is a major .....

END OF THE TOUR

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Places To Visit In Hampi

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Virupaksha Temple, Hampi

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1. Virupaksha Temple, Hampi

1 km from city center 1 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

Also known as the Pampapathi temple, it is the most famous temple in Hampi and dates back to the 7th century. It is said that this temple has had a continuous run since then, making it one of the oldest functioning temples in India.

2. Vithala Temple

1 km from city center 2 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

The most impressive structure in Hampi, the Vithala Temple dates back to the 16th century and is a truly splendid example of rich architecture.

3. Lotus Palace

2 km from city center 3 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

Close to the Zenana Enclosure, is a monument that stands out in its design and style from most of the structures of Hampi. Another complex, for royal women, this one gets its name from the lotus-like dome

4. Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple

4 km from city center 4 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

Atop the Anjenaya Hill, this temple is dedicated to Hanumana. 570 steps must be climbed by devotees to visit this temple. The view from atop the hillock beside this temple is a feast for the eyes.

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5. Hampi Bazaar

0 km from city center 5 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

This bazaar is facing the Virupaksha temple and hence is also known as the Virupaksha Bazaar.

6. Hippie Island

1 km from city center 6 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

Virapapur Gadde or Hippie Island is a small island situated across the Tungabhadra river. It takes 5 minutes to travel to the island via coracle or boat. The island is an epitome of scenic beauty and is known for laidback ambient and lodges.

7. Coracle Ride

7 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

When in Hampi, you absolutely have to get hold of a coracle and ride in one. It is one of the few places in the country where you can get such an experience and we guarantee that it is going to be a lot of fun. You can rent a coracle at really economic rates and cross the rates in the ferry that looks exactly like the one in olden days. Coracle rides can be arranged for Rs. 50 or around that price and this is one of the most definitive experiences amongst things to do in Hampi. Coracle rides can be arranged at Tungabhadra River boating area, Sanapur Lake, or at Sanapur waterfalls.

8. Queen's Bath

2 km from city center 8 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

A part of the Royal Enclosure, this aquatic enclosure was the Royal bath during the times of the Vijayanagra Empire. It was built in such a way that no outsiders could enter the bath, and has lost much to ruins at the date.

9. Matanga Hill

0 km from city center 9 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

This hill is described as the location of the hermiatge of the Saint Matanga during the Ramayana, hence is appropriately named.

10. Elephant Stables

1 km from city center 10 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

The Elephant Stables served as an enclosure for royal elephants back in the day of the Vijayanagra Empire.

11. Monolith Bull

1 km from city center 11 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

The ride of Lord Shiva, the bull is represented here as a sculpture placed on a high platform. It is partially ruined, but is a major attraction owing to its huge size.

12. Big Shivlinga

1 km from city center 12 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

Carved out of a single boulder, this Shivlinga stands at a height 3m amidst water. It is a major attraction in Hampi.

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13. Zenana Enclosure

1 km from city center 13 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

The Zenana Enclosure was primarily the Women's Quarters. A part of the Royal Enclosure, this was a place especially for the Royal women i.e. the Queen and her friends and companions.

14. Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

1 km from city center 14 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

This temple features the biggest effigy in Hampi, of Narasimha sitting on SeshaNaag i.e. the seven headed snake acting as a shelter to him. The idol of Goddess Lakshmi is placed along with that of Narasimha.

15. Daroji Bear Sanctuary

17 km from city center 15 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

Established in 1994, this sanctuary was converted from a thorny forest to a lush green area which is now inhabited by Sloth Bears.

16. Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex

1 km from city center 16 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

The Hemakunta Hill houses a temple complex, many of them dedicated to Lord Shiva. These are all protected by a fort, providing a secluded atmosphere.

17. Old Palace

58 km from city center 17 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

The Old Palace, surrounded by a fort, and is in ruins as of today. It is located in Anegondi, for which kingdom this palace served as the center.

18. Mahanavami Dibba

2 km from city center 18 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

This structure served as a focal point from where the Vijayanagara kings ruled their Kingdom. Various aspects of courtly life are depicted on this huge structure, including a gem studded throne.

19. Achyutraya Temple

0 km from city center 19 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

This temple is also known as the Tiruvengalanatha Temple, after the main deity, a form of Lord Shiva.

20. Hazara Rama Temple

2 km from city center 20 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

At the middle of the Royal Centre, this was a place of worship for the royals. The walls and pillars are beautifully adorned with fascinating carvings, including the outside walls of the compound. This temple is smaller in size compared to the others in Hampi.

21. Archaeological Museum

3 km from city center 21 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

A government museum in the area houses a number of artifacts, remains, and other exhibits found during excavation.

22. Rock Climbing

1 km from city center 22 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

Hampi is always full of rock climbers who are climbing up the boulders with their crash pads around. The landscape is ideal for rock climbing and bouldering since there are granite craigs and boulders all around. Bolting is limited, so carry a crash pad along.

23. Anegundi Village

3 km from city center 23 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

Located on the banks of River Tungabhadra, Anegundi village is famous for the Aramane Palace Ruins, the Kamal Mahal, the Huchappayana Matha Temple, the Ranganatha temple and the Nava Brindavan. The village is older than Hampi and is considered a World Heritage Site. The rich culture and the beautiful architecture of the important monuments make it a major attraction for tourists.

24. Kadalekalu Ganesh

1 km from city center 24 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

Kadalekalu Ganesh is an important religious attraction in Hampi. The temple has traditional stone architecture and is located on Hemakuta Hill and has a huge 15 feet monolithic statue of Lord Ganesha which is a believed to be one of the largest in the world. The reason why the attraction is called Kadalekalu is because the belly of the deity is chiselled to look like Kadalekalu (Bengal gram).

25. King's Balance

1 km from city center 25 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

Situated close to the Vittala Temple, King's Balance is an ancient 15th-century weighing scaled which was used to weigh the king with the royal jewels every year on special occasions. The jewels were then donated to the temple priests. The structure has intricately carved pillars. It is made of granite and the pillars support a stone beam that has hoops which were used to suspend the balance. Interestingly, the king was made to eat rich and fatty food and encouraged to not move too much so that the few extra kilos would reflect on the scale and ensure that more jewels could be donated to the priests.

26. Riverside Ruins

1 km from city center 26 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

The Riverside Ruins are a splendid cluster of Shivalings carved on a flat rocky surface, in addition to several shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu and other Hindu deities, some of which are partially submerged. These ruins are in a row of 108 lingas and a sqaurish 1008 lingas and can be spotted all across the gorge.

27. Sasivekalu Ganesh

1 km from city center 27 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

Sasivekalu Ganesh has a gigantic monolithic statue of Lord Ganesha. The statue is over 8 feet tall and was created in the memory of a Vijayanagara King - King Narasimha II. It is often associated with the legend of Ganesha when he tied a snake around his belly when his stomach was about to burst after he had consumed a lot of food. The snake can be clearly seen around Lord Ganesha's belly.

28. Hampi Utsav

28 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

Hampi Utsav, Hampi festival also known as the Vijaya Utsav is one of the largest celebrations of the ancient Vijayanagar empire now Hampi. The festivities take place every year at the Virupaksha Temple, commemorating the culture, traditions of the bygone era. With the beautifully carved ruins of Hampi serving as the backdrop, the rich culture of this region is shown through folk song and dance performances. The Janapada Kalavahini, a concert of folk songs, and the light and sound shows are unique attractions which you can't afford to miss.

29. Shopping in Hampi

0 km from city center 29 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

The stone carvings by local artists are a good piece of memorabilia to take back from Hampi.

30. Cliff Jumping

30 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

Apart from wandering through several ruins, Cliff Diving is one of the prime activities and things to do in Hampi. Especially popular among adventure buffs, the activity is enough to give you a divine adrenaline rush. You will find signs warning you of crocodiles in the Tungabhadra river below but there are little to no reports of crocodiles ever found at the diving sites. Sanapur Lake and Hampi Lake are also very popular sites for cliff diving in Hampi.

31. Bike Riding

31 out of 31 Places To Visit in Hampi

Riding a bike across town is a whole new way to experience the local life, green fields and local culture. This is one of the most popular activities and things to do in Hampi, among tourists. Other than being a fun activity, it allows you to explore the town on your own. You can relax by the meadows or try delicious food at the local markets. Be sure to capture all these memorable moments in your camera. Bicycles can be rented from many places in Hampi and bike tours of the World Heritage Site are very commonly conducted.

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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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One Day Hampi Sightseeing Trip by Cab

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty and rich cultural heritage of Hampi – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will leave you spellbound. Join us on our One Day Hampi Sightseeing Tour by private car and let us take you on a journey through time. You’ll be transported back to the days of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire.…

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty and rich cultural heritage of Hampi – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will leave you spellbound. Join us on our One Day Hampi Sightseeing Tour by private car and let us take you on a journey through time.

You’ll be transported back to the days of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire. Marvel at the intricate carvings and architectural wonders that have stood the test of time. Our expert driver-cum-guides will provide you with fascinating insights into the history and culture of this magnificent place.

Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to discover the beauty of Hampi. Book your Hampi Local Sightseeing Tour today!

Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, Hampi is a sprawling landscape of natural rock formations. The massive boulders and monuments are a treat for the eyes. Once a fortified city and the capital of the Vijaynagara Empire in the 14th century, it is now in ruins. It now houses remnants of its prosperous and glorious past in the form of temples, palaces, shrines, pillared halls, memorial structures, royal complexes, and sacred shrines.

Divided into two by the Tungabhadra River, Hampi offers an unmissable experience for every traveler. You can witness jaw-dropping vistas of sunrise and sunset over the ruins. Visit the several temples scattered all over. By hiring a tour guide you can learn about the ancient culture, history, and architecture of Hampi. You can trek, aimlessly roam around, relish a South Indian thali, and shop at the local bazaars.

On your one-day Hampi local sightseeing tour by private cab , you can spend plenty of time exploring the abandoned city of Hampi. You can take your children and parents with you on a spiritual tour and enjoy a refreshing break from the bustling city for a day.

• Book this Tour
• What to Expect
• Places to Visit

Terms & Conditions

Highlights of hampi sightseeing tour by cab.

• Full-day Hampi local sightseeing tour
• Duration: 8 to 10 hours
• Tour by Private Cab (not shared with others)
• Pickup & Drop: Hampi Hotel / Home
• Places Covered: Virupaksha Temple, Balakrishna Temple, Mahanavami Dibba, Hazara Rama Temple, Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stable, Vittala Complex, Stone Chariot, Musical Pillars, 100 Pillar Mandapam, and Vittala Temple.

Package Price for 1 Day Hampi Sightseeing by Cab

Amaze / Etios / Dzire

4 seater / sedan.

Maruti Ertiga

6 – 7 seater / suv.

Toyota Innova

Toyota Innova Crysta

Tempo/ Force Traveller

12 seater / lcv.

21 Seater / LCV

Price on request, book your 1 day hampi sightseeing tour package.

Following are the car rental companies that are organizing this private tour, select your preferred vendor from the list, check availability and book your tour!

Are you a Cab vendor? List your company on Oneday.travel

Good to know

What’s included.

• Pick and drop from Hotel / Home in Hampi
• Cab for Hampi sightseeing as per the above Itinerary
• Vehicle Parking Charges
• Toll-gate Charges if any
• Driver Allowance

What’s not included

• Entry Ticket Fee at tourist places in Hampi
• Breakfast, Lunch or any meal
• Lodging / Accommodation at Hampi
• Vehicle beyond the mentioned time duration
• Vehicle beyond the designated tour route

What to Expect on your Chikmagalur Sightseeing Trip

We will pick you up from your accommodation early in the morning so that you get the best views of Hampi. We will start the journey from the popular Virupaksha Temple and head to the Balakrishna Temple. You can also witness the Mahanavami Dibba and the ruins of Hazara Rama Temple. You can also explore the Lotus Mahal and Elephant Stable. 

Next, we will head to Vittala Complex where you can explore the complex, the Stone Chariot, Musical Pillar, and 100 Pillar Mandapam. We will wind up the trip with a visit to the Vittala Temple before dropping you off at your place of stay.

Itinerary of One Day Hampi Sightseeing Trip

Pickup from your Hotel in Hampi at 8:00 AM

Drop back at your Hotel in Hampi by 8:30 PM

PLEASE NOTE: Guests can visit all the tourism places near Hampi listed above or remove any of the places that they don’t want to visit. In order to include any other sightseeing place, guests can check with their cab provider while booking this Hampi city tour by private car.

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Places to visit in Hampi in one day by private car

Some of the best places to visit in Hampi in one day on your sightseeing tour include:

1. Virupaksha Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Virupaksha Temple is the oldest temple in Hampi and the oldest functioning temple in the country. It consists of a series of small temples, a community kitchen, a water tank, and a 750 m long ruined stone market. On this one day trip, you can marvel at the regularly repainted 160 feet high gopuram and several other monuments around the temple. 

The temple is believed to date back to the 7th century AD. It has 3 towers, out of which the main one on the east is an imposing structure built in the 15th century. The Eastern gopura is the main entrance. It has carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses on its floors. Its inverted shadow falls on one of the walls inside the temple. You will be amazed by the beauty of the stucco figures and paintings.

• Must See / Things to Do: Offer prayer to Lord Shiva at the country’s oldest temple. 
• Timings: Open on all days of the week from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Entry Fee: Free

2. Balakrishna Temple

Next on your one day Hampi sightseeing tour is Balakrishna Temple.  Also called the Krishna Temple, it is a 16th-century temple now in ruins. You can witness its elaborately carved stone pillars and towers, and a sacred water tank. 

The temple was built by Krishnadevaraya of the Vijaynagara Empire in the Panchayathana style. The main shrine is in the center which has a sanctum, maha mandapa, Ardha Mandapa, a pillared pavilion, a Devi shrine, and many sub-shrines.

Southeast of the main shrine is the temple kitchen. Yalis are carved on the pillars while figurines of the elephant riders embellish the entrances to the temple hall. The eastern main tower highlights the Vijaynagara architecture and epic stories carved on its walls.

• Must See / Things to Do: Marvel at the stunning architecture of the temple.
• Timings: Open on all days of the week from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

3. Mahanavami Dibba

Marvel at the splendor of Mahanavami Dibba, a breathtaking attraction on your Hampi local sightseeing tour by private car. The House of Victory, Mahanavami Dibba, or Dasara Dibba is an exquisite stone platform within the royal enclosure.

It is the tallest square structure in the area with three layers. The largest monument with a wooden mandapa on top was burnt down during Hampi’s destruction. The two lower levels are made of granite. 

Mahanavami Dibba was used as a stage to watch the army march past, the war games, and processions during the Mahanavami festival. It has two stairways to reach the top. While the top provides marvelous views of the surrounding areas, the lower one has ornate carvings of elephants, horses, soldiers, and processions.

• Must See / Things to Do: Enjoy the majestic views of the surroundings.
• Timings: Open on all days of the week from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

4. Hazara Rama Temple

Inscriptions regard it as Ramachandra Temple. Hazara Rama Temple is a small yet dominant shrine in Hampi. The once ceremonial temple of the royal family was dedicated to Lord Rama. Constructed in the early 15th century, it is famous for the lovely relics and panels portraying the Ramayana story. 

The former simple structure had one sanctum, a pillared hall, and Ardha Mandapa. Later, an open porch and beautifully carved pillars were added. It is the only temple in Hampi to have carvings on the compound wall. The sprawling lawn on the northern side leads to Pan Supari Street further down.

• Must See / Things to Do: Witness the ruins of the ceremonial shrine of the royal family.

5. Lotus Mahal

Lotus Mahal is also called the Chitrangini Mahal. It is a significantly secular structure and historical landmark of Hampi. The 2-story building is finely plastered and has built-in Rubble masonry. Carvings of sea creatures and birds adorn the walls and the pillars. Lying within the Zenana enclosure its lotus-like structure is a treat for the eyes. 

The central dome appears like a lotus bud. The passages and the balcony resemble an open lotus bud. While the multi-layered roof depicts Indian architectural style, the curves of the palace indicate Islamic style. It was a segregated zone used by the royal women of the Vijayanagara dynasty.

Learn something new at Lotus Mahal, an educational tourist attraction on your one day Hampi local sightseeing trip.

• Must See / Things to Do: Spend time marveling at the beautiful royal enclosure dedicated to women.
• Timings: Open on all days of the week from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
• Entry Fee: INR 10 per person for Indians and INR 250 for foreigner

6. Elephant Stable

Constructed 600 years ago, it is an impressive structure providing shelter to the royal elephants of the Vijaynagara Empire. Gajashala lies to the east of the royal center. It features 11 square chambers, aligned north and south. There are arched openings and alternate flat and fluted domes. 

The central dome is the largest and the most decorated out of the 11 domes. You can reach the roof through the stairs in the middle of the stable. It was one of the few which suffered the least damage during Hampi destruction. You can spend 1 hour on this sightseeing tour exploring the amazing craftsmanship and Indo-Islamic architecture.

• Must See / Things to Do: Visit the royal elephant stable and be amazed by its beauty.
• Timings: Open on all days of the week from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

7. Vittala Complex

Located northeast of the Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Complex is situated near the Tungabhadra River. It is an artistically designed temple and market complex. One of the largest and most famous structures in Hampi, it entices tourists with its exceptional craftsmanship and wonderful architecture. It houses the Vittal Temple, dedicated to a form of Krishna called Vithoba. 

You can also witness the brilliantly sculpted moving Stone Chariot or Ratha standing in the temple premises along with the musical pillars. You can record videos and click photos of this astounding place on this sightseeing tour.

• Must See / Things to Do: Imagine life in the era gone by.
• Timings: Open on all days of the week from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
• Entry Fee: INR 30 per person

8. Stone Chariot

Situated on the grounds of the Vijaya Vittala Temple, it is a lavish carving of a divine Hindu vehicle. Devaraya II, one of the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire, built it in the 15th century. Although it appears as a monolithic structure, it was made of massive granite blocks. 

It is an iconic shrine dedicated to Garuda, Lord Vishnu’s Vahana. It is also believed that the chariot’s wheels moved in the past. Renowned as the Jewel of Hampi, it is one of the three most popular stone chariots in India. Earlier the huge statue of Garuda was seated atop the chariot but now it is empty.

• Must See / Things to Do: Witness the magnificence of the stone sculpture.
• Timings: Open on all days of the week from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM

9. Musical Pillars

Get lost in the wonders of Musical Pillars, a captivating stop on a one day Hampi sightseeing by cab. The 56 Musical Pillars are also known as SaReGaMaPa Pillars. The main pillars have been designed as musical instruments. Each main pillar is covered by 7 minor pillars which create such musical sounds. When struck with a thumb they produce musical notes sounding like bells ringing. 

When they are also hit with sandalwood sticks, they produce rhythmic sounds. Housed in the large Ranga Mandapa in the Vittal Temple Complex, it is a pleasing site. The mysterious architecture is a source of pride for India. Geologists believe it is because of a large amount of silica and metallic ore present in the rocks.

• Must See / Things to Do: Listen to the sweet music and see the awe-inspiring architecture.

10. 100 Pillar Mandapam

It is a notable attraction inside the Vittal Temple complex. Around the Pradakshin path for walking around the sanctum, you will come across the 100-pillared Mandapam in the southwest direction. It was formerly used for ceremonial wedding functions by the royal family. 

You can notice the brilliant carvings on the pillars and the walls with human figurines. Sculpted friezes of horses, elephants, and swans are worth watching. The roof and vimana are completely in ruins. You can find pillared cloisters all around the enclosed wall.

• Must See / Things to Do: Explore the beautiful ruins.

11. Vittala Temple

The 3-km long Vijaya Vittala Temple is an architectural extravaganza and the last place to visit on your Hampi sightseeing trip. Constructed by the Vijayanagara kings during the early to mid-16th century, it is dedicated to Vittala, a form of Sri Krishna. Later on, several sections were renovated and added to enhance the beauty of the shrine. It is situated in the northeastern part of Hampi on the Tungabhadra riverbank. 

You can notice its unmatched grandeur and features of classic South Indian temples. Built in Dravidian architectural style, it stands in a large rectangular enclosure. Every hall, pavilion, tower, shrine, and the building is made of stone and reflects the sheer brilliance of craftsmen.

• Must See / Things to Do: See the architectural brilliance of those times.

Things to Do on your Hampi Sightseeing Tour

The ancient city of Hampi is a popular tourist destination in India . There are many things to see and do in Hampi beyond spiritual sightseeing.

What to Shop during your Full Day Chikmagalur Sightseeing Tour by Car?

Hampi is a colorful place, also known for its ample scope for shopping. There are historic market stalls lining up the streets in front of the Virupaksha Temple. Handcrafted stone artifacts like replicas of deities, oil lamps, and figurines of Nandi, Ganesh, and Shiva Linga are quite popular as trinket items.

Get bags, jewelry, belts, patches, and souvenirs depicting Lambani crafts. The brightly colored fabric used for making such stuff is often hand embroidered and infused with metal balls, mirror work, and antique coin lookalikes. 

Handmade leather puppets, bags, footwear, and accessories are pretty common. If you are a music lover or you know someone, you can acquire wind and string musical instruments like flute, Djembe, and Ektara. Banana fiber crafts include bags, pen stands, baskets, and cushion covers. Cheap Hippie clothes like Kurtis, pants, and dresses are widely available on the streets. 

You can also purchase Hampi souvenir t-shirts on your day trip. Handmade home décor and traditional jewelry sets make interesting gift items. You can also find foreign and Indian books. You have to walk more through the narrow and crowded lanes to best explore the vibrant flea markets of Hampi.

What to Eat during your One Day Chikmagalur Sightseeing Trip by Taxi?

You can try a wide variety of delicious local dishes in Hampi. The typical South Indian platter is awesome. Sit back and relax in the myriad cafés and decent hotels and restaurants. You can also get western options on the menu. Savor crispy fried momos, North Indian cuisine, pastries, pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and herbal teas at prominent restaurants. 

You can have terrific veg options but non-veg is difficult to get since Hampi is a temple town. Don’t forget to try a Kannada meal with a variety of food items included in the thali. You have to take a ferry ride and cross the river for non-veg food. Big fine-dine restaurants and hotels serve Italian, Japanese, Chinese, and Continental dishes. There are countless street food stalls where you can grab a quick bite while shopping or sightseeing.

Travelers are requested to follow the given itinerary for 1 day Hampi city tour package. Ideally this full day tour package cannot be customized, however if guests prefer to visit different set of places during this Hampi sightseeing tour by private car, they can check the possibility of the same with the above listed car rental companies and request for a custom quote.

We recommend our guests to stick to the time spent at each tourist attraction in Hampi as per the Itinerary schedule. In case of any delays or additional time spent at a particular place, driver or car rental company will not be responsible to cover all the places mentioned in the itinerary.

Please also note that if a particular sightseeing place is closed on the scheduled day of the tour, it may not be covered from the list of sightseeing places. Please check the possibility of visiting an alternate place with listed cab vendor before you book the tour.

Ideally, no. However guests can check if it’s possible to customize the tour with the above listed Hampi cab vendors before booking the trip. Additional charges might apply.

Exploring the ruined city of Hampi will strain your legs, so it will be a wise decision to hire a private cab. Since Hampi is well-accessible by road, you will find the car ride relaxing and enjoyable. You can halt at several points, refresh yourself and soak in the natural abundance along the route.

It is a great option to load your car with numerous souvenirs while returning. For an unplanned de-stressing from the hustle and bustle of the city, one day Hampi local sightseeing by a private rental car is a great and smart choice.

25 Unforgettable Places to Visit in Hampi

There are so many places to visit in Hampi that you could spend months here exploring them all. However, since most of us don’t have that much time on our hands, here’s bringing you the best places to see and things to do in Hampi that you can easily shortlist for a 3-4 days trip. In that duration, you’ll probably be able to see most of these sites at a fast pace. If you want to take it slower, just choose the ones you like the most based on the images of Hampi’s attractions and their history.

If you’re planning a trip to Hampi, you might also like to check out our detailed Hampi travel guide that not only has a solid itinerary covering the majority of the below mentioned Hampi tourist places but also tells you about how to get there, when to visit, where to stay and other tips.

Can’t travel there? Well, then just enjoy these photos of Hampi. Travelling virtually is all the rage in these times anyway.

The Best Temples in Hampi

There are a plethora of temples in Hampi of which 11 are mentioned overall in this blog post in different sections. In this particular section we are covering the major or unique temple complexes.

Vitthala Temple

Vitthala Temple is the grandest temple in Hampi and a must add to your list even if you’re visiting for just a day. Built in the 15th century, it is dedicated to Vittala, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple exemplifies the creativity and architectural excellence of the artisans and sculptors of the Vijayanagara empire. The highlights of this temple are The Stone Chariot (details below) and the musical pillars that when tapped produce musical notes. It’s a marvel that these single blocks of stone can emit perfect notes!

Pro-Tip: Visit the temple first thing in the morning (8:30 AM) to avoid the crowd. Also, hire a guide.

The Stone Chariot of Hampi

The stone chariot of Hampi is very popular not only because of its visual charm but also because it is featured on the INR 50 currency note. Swipe the Instagram post below to see what we are talking about.

That said, there is much to know about this iconic structure and slightly deceptive chariot.

• It is not a chariot but actually a shrine in the shape of one. The shrine is dedicated to Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu to whose incarnation the temple is dedicated.
• The chariot shrine might look like a carved monolith but it is actually built of large blocks of granite. The joints are smartly hidden in the carvings.
• It is inspired by the chariot shaped Konark Sun Temple in Orissa – a magnificent structure that the king of the empire was greatly impressed by. And so was I!

Fun Fact: There is a third famous chariot located in Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu!

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Hazara Rama Temple

Constructed in the 15th century, the Hazara Rama temple is the only temple located in the royal centre of Hampi. The temple, as the name suggests, is dedicated to Rama – an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The walls of this small temple have carved on them the story of the Hindu epic Ramayana in a comic strip form. These relics are among the most extensive ones to be found anywhere in India. Another highlight of the temple are the black marble pillars that are unlike any others in Hampi.

Virupaksha Temple

Located in the main Hampi area, Virupaksha temple is the most popular temple in Hampi. Why so? Well firstly, it is the only working temple in Hampi. Secondly, it is a 7th-century temple so it is the oldest known temple in Hampi. And lastly, it is also home to a cute elephant called Lakshmi that gives blessings (pictured below).

The main things to see in the temple are the 11 storeyed golden gopuram, the inner courtyard, vegetable paint paintings on the roof of the main temple, a hole in a chamber that works like a pinhole camera casting the shadow of the gopuram on a wall, the serene well (or kund), and also monkeys and squirrels.

Pro-Tip : To see Lakshmi being bathed you can visit the Tungabhadra river at 8 AM. Also, Lakshmi is taken away from the temple at about 5:30 AM-6:00 AM so ensure you meet her before that.

Achyutaraya Temple

Located next to Matanga hill, Achyutaraya Temple is in a somewhat hidden location and hence seldom visited. Most temples in Hampi you see today were built in the 15th century. Since this was constructed by a high officer in King Achyuta Raya’s court in the 16th century, it is one of the last temples constructed before the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The temple is dedicated to Tiruvengalanatha – an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The pillars, towers and walls have exquisite carvings. Despite major parts of the temple being in ruins, it does not fail in grandiosity.

Pro Tip : Visit this temple around midday as leopards have been spotted here in the evening even at 5 PM.

Underground Shiva Temple

The Prasanna Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his avatar as Virupaksha, is located underground. It is one of the older temples in Hampi having been built in the 14th century but interestingly it was discovered only in the 1980s. Because of its location close to the nobleman’s quarters, it is believed that the temple was used for private ceremonies by the royals. After visiting so many temples with exquisite carvings, it is almost refreshing to visit one that is so simple and yet so unique. The area surrounding the temple has a beautiful lawn you can relax on or picnic.

Pro-Tip: Since the temple is underground, it is often submerged in water. The temple, therefore, cannot be visited in the monsoon months from June to September. In other months, you may still find a bit of water in the temple.

Another famous temple in Hampi is the Krishna Temple. You can include it in your itinerary if you have time. We will be covering notable statue temples and others below so read on!

Amazing Royal Monuments in Hampi

These monuments in Hampi are located in the Royal Centre that houses the palaces, durbars, tanks, residences, and baths used by the royals of the empire.

Lotus Mahal

The Lotus Mahal (also known as Kamal Mahal or Chitragani Mahal) is located inside a walled space called the Zenana Enclosure which was used by the women of the royal family. There is nothing to be seen of other buildings in the enclosure as they are heavily damaged. However, the Lotus Mahal is an absolute charmer with its unique lotus bud domes. It is built in Indo Islamic style – the arches of the palace are build in Islamic style and the multi-layered roof design is Indo style.

It is worth noting that all the structures built in Indo-Muslim or Muslim style are in better condition than those that were built in pure Hindu style. This is because when the combined armies of the Muslim rulers of the Deccan attacked Hampi, they only damaged Hindu style structures. So most temples were burnt but such royal structures left intact. However, the structures have anyway deteriorated due to improper maintenance and the wrath of time.

Elephant Stables

These stables located right behind Zenana Enclosure (route pictured above on the right) is a beautiful one built in Indo-Islamic style! It used to house the elephants of the royals back in the day. The structure tells us two things. Firstly, a lot of importance was given to elephants in the Vijaynagara Empire; such a beautiful structure was built to shelter them. Secondly, the building shows the secularism of the Empire since the domes of the stable are built in Hindu, Islamic and Jain styles.

We personally enjoyed our visit here immensely. It is great for photography and also for chilling by the shade of the tree and inside the stables.

Stepped Tank

There are many tanks, kunds or pushkarnis in Hampi. These were built mainly near temples for ritual cleansing before prayers, cleansing of idols and/or to store water during dry months.

This tank located in the royal enclosure is totally different from other tanks of Hampi as it is constructed using finely finished blocks of black schist stones. Built for the royals for religious purposes, it is about 22 square meters in size and 7 meters deep with 5 tiers. The symmetry, colour and design of the structure are simply mesmerizing.

Mahanavami Dibba

Also known as The Great Platform, it is a 3-tiered 8-meter high platform used by the king to watch Dussehra/Maha Navami celebrations. The bottom tier of the platform has interesting war carvings etched on its surface. Since the Dibba is the only structure that stands as is in the Royal Enclosure, you can see a vast expanse of empty land in front of it.

Queen’s Bath

The Queen’s Bath, as the name suggests, was a bath for the queen and other royal women. However, due to its location away from buildings in royal enclosure, it is also often believed to have been a pleasure palace. This 14th-century building doesn’t look like much from the outside as the building is flat and architecture simple. But on the inside, it is super picturesque. The interior is surrounded by consecutive archways and ornate balconies with a sunken 1.8 meters deep empty bath in the centre. You will often find an owl or owlets in the bath – a visual cherry on the cake!

Magnificient Monolith Statue Temples in Hampi

Hampi has grand monolithic statue temples that are simply mind-blowing. Imagine people of that time, moving such large blocks of stone and sculpting it.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

This temple is dedicated to Narasimha, a lion-faced avatar of Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi as well who was his consort. It is the largest monolith statue in Hampi at 6.7 metres– an imposing sight! And definitely our favourite monolith in Hampi!

Kadalekalu Ganesh

Located on Hemakuta Hills, the Kadalekalu Ganesha is a 4.6-meter statue, the belly of which resembles a Bengal gram (Kadalekalu in local language). The statue is in a sanctum inside a beautiful stone structured temple decorated with tall and ornate granite pillars in the front. This Ganesha statue was built for and frequented by the royal family.

The temple is located on high ground so you can get an amazing view of the Hampi Bazaar and the foothills of Matanga Hill. The entire setting is very serene and you may even find a cool breeze flowing through the temple.

Monolithic Bull

Also known as Yeduru Basavanna or Nandi, this monolithic bull is located at one end of the Virupaksha Bazaar. This statue of the mount of Lord Shiva symbolically faces the Virupaksha Temple also dedicated to Shiva. Though the statue is carved in a coarse style and is also partially mutilated, this Nandi attracts tourists owing to its giant size (also because it’s in the vicinity of other attractions). The surroundings of the bull statue are quite pleasing to the eye. See for yourself in the pictures below.

Pro-Tip: No need to make a seperate visit to this statue. Visit is on the way to Achutaraya Temple or the Tungabhadra River (coracle ride).

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Sasivekalu Ganesha

Sasivekalu Ganesha is a 2.4-metre high statue of Ganesha that was built for the common people of the kingdom. The statue of Ganesha depicts a snake tied around the waist. Per Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha once ate a lot of food and had to tie a snake around his stomach to prevent it from bursting. The statue is also called Mustard Ganesha as the Ganesha’s belly is shaped like a mustard seed. Unlike the Kadalekalu Ganesha, this statue is placed in an open pavilion.

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. The Linga sanctum is always filled with water as a water canal flows through it. It is believed that the statue was commissioned by a peasant woman and hence the name (The word Badva means poor in the local language).

Pro Tip: No need to plan a visit this statue on a seperate visit since it is located beside the Narasimha statue!

Places to Visit in Hampi for Sunrise and Sunset

Sunrises and sunsets in Hampi are spectacular due to the incredible surrounding landscape. Sure sunrises are more effort, but they’re so worth it in Hampi. Do not miss seeing at least one!

Hemakuta Hills

The Hemakuta hill temple complex is our favourite place to visit in Hampi. Why? You could just loiter here without any aim but still immensely enjoy the ruins, the huge boulders, the views from this vantage point, and not to mention the incredible sunset. Located beside the Virupaksha temple, these hills are easy to access and walk around. The most famous temples to visit here (besides the two Ganesha statues mentioned above) are the Hanuman Temple and the Moola Virupaksha temple which are within walking distance from the Virupaksha Temple. To watch the sunset, sit on either the benches at sunset point or anywhere else you like. We watched it while sitting on the stone railings of a temple! The sunset was breath-taking.

Pro Tip: The sun sets much above the horizon in Hampi because of the haze in the area. Do settle down much before sunset time to not be surprised when you find no sun in the sky!

Matanga Hill

Climb the highest point of Hampi, Matanga Hill, for 360-degree surreal sunrise views. You’ll see multiple hues in the sky, boulder scattered terrain, Hemakuta Hills with all its temples, Virupaksha Temple, Achutaraya Temple, paddy fields till the eyes can see, and mountains in the distance. You might also be shown a cave on your way up – it is believed that Sugriva, ruler of Kishkinda, used to hide here. Yes, the hill is referenced in the Ramayana. There is also a small temple at the top which is dedicated to Veerbhadra – a form of Lord Shiva. The hike is a 40-minute steep one but awesome enough to not be missed. An alternate and easier route is taken to come down which takes you through short steps.

Pro-Tip: Firstly, hire a guide since the path is not defined, steep, and exposed in some areas. Secondly, don’t do this hike at sunset as bears have been spotted at the easy route after dark. You do not want to take the tougher route to come down as you’re more likely to injure yourself.

Tungabhadra River

Hampi is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra river. You can sit on the stones at the bank during sunset. You might not get a clear view of the sun but the evening time here has such a special vibe. But before that, go for a coracle ride in the river. This isn’t your typical boring boat ride, no! It is a ride on a round boat through the canyon of sorts. You’ll have stacked boulders hills on both sides that are dotted with temples (some are even half-submerged). It is an unforgettable sight! Definitely one of the best things to do in Hampi.

Pro-Tip: You may not be able to visit here and do the coracle ride in the monsoon months from June- September as the water levels rise greatly and the current is strong. To do a coracle ride in the monsoons, try Sanapur Lake. Also, it is better to do the coracle ride in the evening as this area is shaded from the sun at the time.

Kamalapur Lake

This was a chance find on a drive from Hampi to our hotel in Kamalapur. Most people including local guides don’t mention it. I don’t know why not – maybe it’s because of a bit of plastic waste you see discarded on the banks.

However, the sunset here is worth an evening. There are benches too for you to sit on and gaze at the sun in comfort and peace. We opened a packet of snacks and some beverages while watching the sun dip into the horizon. It was perfect!

Anjaneya Hill

Anjaneya hill is a bouldered one located on the other side of the Tungabhadra river at Hanumanahalli. This 1-2 hour climb is a pilgrimage for most as this hill is the place where Lord Hanuman was born. As a result, the path is very well defined and shaded to make it easier for devotees to offer their prayers at the hilltop Hanuman temple. 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!

Places to Visit Near Hampi

Sandur is a small mining town located about 40 kilometres from Hampi. It has a beautiful landscape characterized by rugged blue-black mountains and narrow lanes through lush fields (also gorgeous sunflower fields). The WelcomHertitage Shivavilas Palace Hotel located here used to be the residence of the King of Sandur. Now it is a 5-star hotel that is a museum in itself the common rooms have been left as-is from the time that the royal family lived here. The library, billiards rooms, vintage cars and living rooms – all take you back in time. This is definitely one of the best places to visit near Hampi.

Paddy Fields on the other side of the Tungabhadra River

When you’re in Hampi, people will refer to the area on the opposite bank of the Tungabhadra river as exactly that – the other side. This area covers villages like Hanumanahalli, Hippie Island (now bulldozed), Anegundi (where apparently most of Hippie Island has relocated after the bulldozing), and Sanapur. The drive around this area has the most picturesque paddy fields. Take a stroll around them or hire a bike (may be available during season time between October-February) and explore the area.

Temples and Sites Beyond the River

These are temples and attractions on the other side of the Tungabhadra river. This area was known as Kishkinda – the mythical kingdom of monkey kings Bali and Sugriva, mentioned in the epic Ramayana. Hence, most of these sites have religious importance!

• Anjaneya Hill: Birthplace of Hanuman. Mentioned above.
• Chinthamani Temple in Anegundi: Chintamani Temple is a Shiva Temple. It is the spot from where Ram aimed and shot his arrow to kill Baali during his fight with Sugriva. The temple is worth a visit by all due to its epic location beside the Tungabhadra.
• Pampa Sarovar Temple: The temple is constructed where Pampa (a form of Parvati) punishes herself to show her dedication to Shiva. Also, Pampa Sarovar is a sacred lake for Hindus – one of the 5 sacred lakes (Panch Sarovar) in Hindu mythology. 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 fort with its many gates, tombs and temples (Ganesha Cave Temple and Durga Temple) is a sprawling fort that once used to guard the region.
• Gagan Mahal: Gagan Mahal, once the abode of rulers in the Vijayanagar Empire, is now a local administrative building that is not properly maintained. You can still check it out from the outside if you’re in the area.

Pro-Tip: Eat lunch at Baba Cafe. This café is reminiscent of the Hippie Island days as it has a similar vibe. Due to its awesome location in nature, the cafe makes for a great place to have some beer and international fare.

Tungabhadra Dam

The Tungabhadra Dam, 18 km from Hampi, is a nice short stopover on your route to or back from Hampi. The sheer volume of water it handles is a sight to see.

The dam has a well-maintained Japanese garden located beside it which is great for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. You might also like to visit when the dam’s gates are lit in rainbow colours in the evening between 7:15 to 8:30 PM.

Sanapur Lake

Sanapur Lake located beyond Anegundi on the ‘other side of the river’, is an irrigation reservoir. It is less frequented due to its distance from Hampi and as per us, the lack of much to do here. It used to be THE spot for cliff climbing but as per locals, this has been banned as people have died after jumping in the lake. If you’re interested in cliff jumping, ask the locals if you actually can do that when you get there. Besides that, you can enjoy a coracle ride here (for much less money than at the Tungabhadra river) but overall the ride pales in comparison to the Tungabhadra one – no cliffs, no ancient temples, nothing. The best reason to visit here is the peace, since you’ll hardly find tourists in the area.

Points to Note

Opening and Closing Time : Most attractions open at 8:30 AM-9 AM. We suggest starting your day at the opening time to make the most of it. You can always return to your hotel in the afternoon from 1 PM-4 PM to rest as it gets too hot to explore. Also, it is better to exit most of Hampi’s attractions at or before sunset, to be safe from wild animals like bears and leopards.

Entrance Fees : Only a few attractions have entrance fees – Virupaksha temple with a cost of Rs.25 and Vitthala Temple at Rs. 40. The prices mentioned are for Indian nationals, BIMSTEC and SAARC country nationals. For other foreign nationals, it is Rs. 500 at Virupaksha and Rs. 600 at Vitthala. These prices change often, however. You may be charged extra for DSLRs, though we weren’t. Tripods, video cameras and drones are not allowed inside the attractions.

Guide Cost : The cost for a guide at specific sites are usually Rs. 200-300. This may vary by guide and site. You will definitely need a guide for Vitthala Temple, Virupaksha Temple and to climb Hemakuta Hills. For other sites, use your discretion. If you’d like to have a guide with you all day then the cost is Rs. 1500- Rs. 2000 per day. It is a good investment to really understand the architecture and history of the locations and also make the most of your time. However, they do rush the monument visits.

Not interested in hiring a daily guide or want all possible details about a Hampi visit? Read the detailed Hampi itinerary we have drawn up covering the best places to visit and things to do in Hampi along with where to stay, when to go, how to get around, and travel tips.

Have questions? Do drop it in the comments below, we would love to help out! Also, do let us know if you enjoyed the photos of Hampi and its monuments.

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This blog post on ‘The Best Places to Visit in Hampi’ has affiliate links that enable us to earn a small commission when you make a purchase, with no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and activities we like and those that might interest you. If you like any suggested product, do buy from the given links.

3 thoughts on “25 Unforgettable Places to Visit in Hampi”

Really it’s a fantastic blog, I’ll definitely visit those places one day. Good work, Keep going.

Thank you. Hope you do 🙂

A very interesting blog about the Hampi places, very impressive. We are offering the eco-friendly tented accommodations and attentive yet discreet service allows guests to truly unwind in comfort amidst the serenity of the Evolveback Hampi Resort.

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5 places to visit in hampi in one day

Suppose you only have one day in Hampi, you can still see the best parts of the city. However, I suggest hiring a car or biking since the places are spread out. This blog will tell you about the best places to visit in Hampi in just one day.

These things to do will give you a taste of what Hampi is all about. 

This schedule tells you all the best places to see in a day and helps you plan your trip to Hampi if you want to travel by bag. Note, though, that you will have to move around a lot because you will have to do so much in one day. 

Also, you’ll see many temples, so that you may get tired of them after a while. But Hampi is known for its old churches, so you can’t escape them.

Here is a list of everything you can do in Hampi in one day. Follow the Hampi itinerary for one day below to make the most of your trip.

Places To Visit In Hampi In One Day

1. virupaksha temple, hampi.

The beautiful Virupaksha temple is the highlight of a one-day trip to Hampi. The most visited Hampi temple is the Virupaksha temple.

The Sri Virupaksha temple is about 300 m from the Hampi Bus Stand. It is dedicated to Shiva. 

Behind it runs the beautiful Tungabhadra River, and the shrine is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The average stay lasts an hour. 

The Virupaksha temple doesn’t charge a fee to get in, and it’s open from 6 AM to 9 PM.

2. Hampi Bazaar

The old Hampi Bazaar is right next to the bus station in Hampi. Hampi Bazaar is easy to add to your 1 Day Hampi Trip because it is close to other sights. 

This one-kilometer-long strip is in ruins now. But you could walk from one end to the other in the dark. 

Virupaksha Bazaar is another name for Hampi Bazaar. The average stay lasts 30 minutes. The Hampi Bazaar is free to visit and is open all day.

3. Vittala Temple – Places To Visit In Hampi In One Day

The famous Vittala temple is one of the best things to do in Hampi and a must-see site. The stone chariot at the temple is well-known.

Hampi’s daily plan must include a trip to the Vittala temple. A regular meeting will take about an hour and a half. 

Indian citizens have to pay 10 INR to get into the Vittala temple. The temple is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

4. Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex

Hemakuta hill temple complex should be the next stop on your one-day trip to Hampi. The Virupaksha temple is next to Hemakuta, which means “golden hill.” 

Come here to see a golden sunset over Hampi’s boulder-topped mountains. There are also great views of Virupaksha temple and Hampi Bazaar. 

The average stay lasts a couple of hours. There is no entry fee to get into the temple building, and it is open until 5:30 in the evening.

5. Achyutharaya Temple

The Achyutharaya Temple stands tall and tells the story of when Hampi was at its best. A beautiful temple was built when King Achyuta Deva Raya was in charge. 

About 1 km from the Hampi Bus Stand is where the temple. Add it to your Hampi itinerary for one day if you have time. 

The average stay lasts 30 minutes. The Achyutharaya temple doesn’t charge money to get in, and it’s open until 5:30 in the evening.

In conclusion, Hampi is an excellent destination for those who want to experience India’s cultural and architectural wonders in just one day. This city has something to offer everyone, from ancient temples to vibrant markets. 

The city is also easy to explore on foot, making it ideal for those who need more time. Whether you’re looking for a spiritual experience or simply some sightseeing, a visit to Hampi will leave you with lasting memories that will stay with you for years to come.

Nayana is passionate about discovering the most magnificent places to visit in India ! She also loves to uncover the most incredible sights and capture her experiences in her writing through  TouristPanda.com .

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10 Best Things To Do in Hampi In 2024

Hampi, a captivating historical site located in the Karnataka state of India, is a place where time stands still and ancient ruins come to life. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the glorious capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, showcasing the rich history, culture, and architecture of South India.

From exploring ancient temples to climbing panoramic hills, Hampi offers an array of experiences that will leave visitors in awe. Step back in time as you wander through the ruins of the Virupaksha Temple, marvel at the stone chariot in the Vijaya Vittala Temple, and discover the architectural marvels of the Achyutaraya Temple.

Delve into the natural beauty of Hampi as you witness mesmerizing sunsets from Hemakuta Hill, take a coracle ride along the Tungabhadra River, and enjoy the serenity of Kamalapur Lake. Experience these things to do in Hampi during your India tour and explore the offbeat places in India .

Unmissable Temples of Hampi

As you step foot in the ancient city of Hampi, you will be greeted by an array of magnificent temples that stand as a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage. These temples, dedicated to various deities, showcase intricate carvings, stunning architecture, and captivating tales from ancient times.

Let us take you on a spiritual journey through the best things to do in Hampi, where history comes alive in every stone. Hampi is one of the best summer vacation places for families , offering a blend of history and spirituality for all ages to enjoy.

1. Virupaksha Temple: A Historic Pilgrimage

At the heart of Hampi lies the iconic Virupaksha Temple, an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and the most important pilgrimage site in the region. With its towering gopuram (gateway tower), intricately carved pillars, and sacred rituals, the temple is a symbol of Hampi’s spiritual identity.

The Virupaksha Temple holds great historic significance, dating back to the 7th century and is one of the best things to do in Hampi. Over the centuries, it has been renovated and expanded by different rulers, resulting in the mix of architectural styles seen today. As you explore the temple, you will come across intricate carvings depicting stories from Hindu mythology, including the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, making it one of the best things to do in Hampi.

In recognition of its cultural importance, the temple, along with the Hampi ruins, has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing visitors from all corners of the globe who are looking for travel destinations for introverts .

2. Vijaya Vittala Temple: Architectural Marvel

One of the most captivating temples in Hampi, the Vijaya Vittala Temple, stands as an architectural marvel that showcases the grandeur and artistic finesse of the Vijayanagara Empire. As you enter the temple complex, you will be greeted by the magnificent stone chariot, a symbol of the temple’s grandeur and the epitome of Hampi’s architectural splendor.

The stone chariot, also known as the “Garuda Mandapa,” is an intricately carved structure that resembles a chariot, complete with wheels, horses, and mythical creatures. Inside the temple, you will find the famous musical pillars, another highlight of the Vijaya Vittala Temple.

Each pillar emits a different musical tone, ranging from the sound of various instruments to the chirping of birds, adding to the temple’s unique charm. The Vijaya Vittala Temple is a must-visit for anyone exploring the top things to do in Hampi. Don’t miss out on experiencing one of the best sunsets in the world from this historical site.

3. Achyutaraya Temple: The Forgotten Shrine

Tucked away amidst the historical remnants of Hampi, Achyutaraya Temple exudes a mystical allure as a hidden gem waiting to be explored. This 15th-century shrine offers visitors a serene atmosphere to delve into the architectural intricacies echoing tales of ancient times. Stepping into Achyutaraya Temple unveils lesser-known narratives, adding depth to the rich history of the place.

From the banks of the Tungabhadra River, this temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu stands as an epitome of Hampi’s cultural heritage, making it a must-visit spot for those seeking a glimpse into South India’s past. Hampi is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, making it one of the best historical places in the world to explore.

4. Hazara Rama Temple: Depicting Epic Tales

Within the ancient walls of Hazara Rama Temple lies a tapestry of epic sagas etched in stone, making it one of the best things to do in Hampi. Every carving whispers tales of gods and heroes, inviting visitors to delve into the rich mythological lore of Hampi, one of the best places to visit in India in June .

The intricate craftsmanship adorning the temple walls is a testament to the skilled artisans of the 15th century, preserving stories for generations to come. As you wander through the temple corridors, you are transported to a time when legends walked the earth, and deities roamed the lands.

Hazara Rama Temple stands as a sacred repository of Hampi’s cultural heritage, inviting exploration and discovery, making it one of the best things to do in Hampi.

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Royal Monuments and Structures

Best things to do in Hampi include exploring the Royal Monuments and Structures, which showcase a blend of architectural brilliance and historical significance. The Lotus Mahal, an exquisite example of combined Hindu and Islamic architectural styles, and the Elephant Stables, once housing the majestic elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire, offer a glimpse into the royal lifestyle.

Another must-visit is the Queen’s Bath, a testament to royal luxury with its ornate balconies and aqueduct system that supplied water. These structures stand as a tribute to the grandeur of the bygone era, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the opulence and history of Hampi, one of the best places to visit in India in July .

5. Lotus Mahal: A Blend of Architectures

Nestled in Hampi, Lotus Mahal is an architectural masterpiece blending styles seamlessly. Its elegant design showcases intricate craftsmanship, mesmerizing onlookers. This wonder combines aesthetics, offering a tranquil retreat within the royal enclosure. With a unique fusion of styles, Lotus Mahal is a must-visit destination for admiring ancient architectural marvels amidst Hampi’s historical grandeur.

6. Elephant Stables: Home to Royal Elephants

Nestled in the heart of Hampi, the Elephant Stables stand as a testament to the regal heritage of the past. Admire the intricate architecture and design that reflect a bygone era’s artistic grandeur, making it one of the best things to do in Hampi.

Step into the Elephant Stables to catch a glimpse of the lavish lifestyle enjoyed by the noble elephants of Hampi, another must-do activity in Hampi. These stables symbolize utmost reverence towards the magnificent creatures that graced the royal court with their presence.

7. Queen’s Bath: Royal Luxury Redefined

Queen’s Bath in Hampi showcases the opulence and grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire. The architectural beauty and sophistication of this royal bathing place are unparalleled. It symbolizes the remarkable luxury enjoyed by the royals of that era. The intricate design and water system of Queen’s Bath offer a glimpse into the regal bathing rituals of ancient times, adding to its allure as a must-visit historical site.

Monolithic Wonders in Hampi

Monolithic wonders in Hampi display ancient architectural brilliance. Each monolith, from the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple to the Sasivekalu Ganesha statue, tells a unique story of Hampi’s past. The Monolithic Bull symbolizes strength, while the delicate Kadalekalu Ganesha showcases fine craftsmanship. Explore these majestic structures along the riverbank to immerse yourself in Hampi’s royal heritage.

8. Lakshmi Narasimha Temple: The Fierce God

Looming majestically in Hampi, the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple showcases the grandeur of Lord Narasimha, the fierce form of Lord Vishnu. Standing tall as the largest monolith statue in the area, this 15th-century marvel mesmerizes visitors with its powerful presence and intricate stone carvings that narrate tales of ancient times.

A must-visit for those keen on exploring ancient Indian art and culture, the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple offers a glimpse into the rich heritage of South India. For those looking for things to do in Hampi, a visit to this temple is a must.

The temple’s architecture, situated by the banks of the Tungabhadra River, epitomizes historical significance and the devotion to this deity. It is also a perfect spot for couples on their honeymoon in India .

9. Kadalekalu Ganesha: The Grain God

In Hampi, the Kadalekalu Ganesha statue stands tall, carved from a single rock, showcasing ancient India’s architectural splendor. Intricate details captivate visitors, highlighting exceptional craftsmanship. This majestic sculpture symbolizes artistic excellence and offers insight into religious practices of the bygone era, a testament to artisans’ skill and devotion in the 15th century. Tourists are drawn to its historical and spiritual significance.

10. Monolithic Bull: A Symbol of Strength

Standing tall in Hampi, the Monolithic Bull embodies unparalleled strength and fortitude, making it one of the best things to do in Hampi. Its sheer magnitude captivates visitors, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of ancient artisans.

This monumental sculpture not only symbolizes resilience but also offers a profound insight into the cultural significance of bulls in Indian mythology, making it a must-see attraction for those seeking a glimpse into the intricate artistry and symbolic representations of ancient times and the best things to do in Hampi.

What Makes Hampi a Must-Visit Destination?

Experience Hampi’s allure as a must-visit destination through its UNESCO heritage status, vibrant Hampi Bazaar, intricate temples honoring deities, Riverside Ruins merging history with nature, and insights at the archaeological museum. Delve into culture and history in this captivating destination.

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• 35 Places to Visit in Hampi

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.

Best of South Goa

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.

Best of Dandeli

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.

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11 Awesome Things to Do In Hampi + Places to Visit + Video (India)

by Drifter Planet | Oct 25, 2015 | India , Most Popular Blog Posts

Here’s our travel guide for Hampi in Karnataka, India. This post has information about how to reach Hampi, how to travel internally, where to stay and top places to visit in Hampi.

A unique destination which is a pilgrim’s delight, a backpacker’s haven, a historian’s riddle and a geologist’s venture – Hampi in Karnataka has it all! Except for one thing . We did not see a single resort and we hope it remains this way.

Hampi is a small town in Karnataka, India. We arrived here by catching a train from Goa to Hospet. From Hospet, we rented a tuk tuk from to Hampi. None of the guidebooks or pictures had prepared us for the strange beauty of this place.

Hampi is known for its ruins, temples and many spectacular viewpoints but there’s so much more than that. For us, the best thing about Hampi was its natural beauty.

There are many amazing places to visit in Hampi but most of the people just come here for a day or two, visit the temples and then head to their next destination. Yes, Hampi has amazing temples but please don’t miss so many other things it has to offer.

If you’re visiting Hampi for the first time, then I’d recommend you stay here for at least four days or even longer. Don’t stay in the main Hampi town next to the temples but stay on the other side of the river on Hippie Island . Yes, there is a river island that you can reach very easily within minutes on a public boat.

The real name of this Hippie Island is actually Virupapur Gaddi. The public boat doesn’t run at night, which is ok because there is nothing to do in the main Hampi town at night. However there’s always something fun to do on the Hippie Island.

Hampi Travel Video

Want to join San and I on a virtual trip to Hampi? If you don’t want to read the whole post about things to do in Hampi, then you can just watch this video that was filmed there. It starts with our train journey with Indian Railways, our entry into Hampi’s Hippie Island, sunset point, many viewpoints, heritage landmarks and cliff jumping.

Things to do and Places to Visit in Hampi

01) visit hampi’s temples and ruins.

Hampi’s Ruins – things to do in Hampi

A walk around Hampi’s main town will leave you awestruck. Every turn has a monument and every single one of them has a story to tell. Heard of the Hindu epic Ramayana? Well, Hampi is believed to be the setting for various parts of it.

The ruins are a UNESCO world heritage site . Hampi was the ancient capital of Vijayanagara, also known as “A Forgotten Empire”. It was one of the richest and largest cities in the world during its prime. What’s more, the first historical settlement in Hampi dates back to 1 CE!

Hampi’s Mysterious History

If you’re looking for places to visit in Hampi in one day, then your first stop should be these temples and ruins.

02) Climb Hampi’s Giant Boulders and Try Bouldering

Hampi’s Giant Boulders

Most who know about Hampi, know it because of its ruins and the mythology associated with this picturesque village.  However, not many know about Hampi’s fascinating geology.

Those that have visited have been charmed by numerous boulders which form hills, valleys, riverbeds… practically everything here.

Hampi’s AWESOME Boulders

Nature has placed Hampi’s boulders in such a way that they appear to be arranged in different structures. It is said that these rocks have one of the oldest surfaces on the planet.

The ancient city of Vijayanagara had a distinctive style of architecture by utilizing and cutting the boulders. For us, this was the most interesting aspect of this place.

Read: 7 Colorful Flea Markets of Goa

03) Visit the Hippie Island in Hampi (+ Stay in a Hut)

Our Hut in Top Secret River View on Hippie Island Hampi stay

Hippie Island – wow, doesn’t the name sound awesome? This is the nickname of the tiny island which is across the river, also known as Virupapur Gaddi.

While the pilgrims stay in the main Hampi town, the backpackers generally choose this little river island. Let’s get one thing right – this is NOT the place for you if you like luxury. You can enhance the experience of your visit tremendously if you’re open to staying in a simple hut here.

Our cute little hut with a hammock was in a place called Top Secret River View , which we could only reach by walking through a trail that started from the ferry drop point. Too bad this place doesn’t exist anymore but you can try try  Hema Guest House  or   Murali Homestay, Hampi .  Both of them are in the same area.

04) Climb Matanga Hill – Hampi’s Best Viewpoint

Matanga Hill Viewpoint – San admiring the view

Hampi has many different hills that you can climb for some stunning views of the entire area! Many of these viewpoints are well known and some even have a story to tell!

Our favorite was Matanga Hill which is at the center of Hampi and is the highest point. On top of the hill is an ancient Veerabhadra Temple and there are steps that lead to the roof of that temple.

At the time we visited, we were the only ones on top and got to enjoy a few hours in savoring in the breathtaking view. Do not carry a lot of things with you because at several points, you will need to use your hands and legs to climb like a monkey.

There is a massive monolith Nandi statue at the entry point of the hike that goes on top of Matangal Hill. Nandi is a bull that is associated with Hindu God Shiva.

Apart from Matanga hill, there are many other viewpoints that you can access by climbing on the hills. They are easy to spot because you will see some people around. Out of everything, this was one of my favorite things to do in Hampi.

View from Sunset Point, Hippie Island in Hampi

05) Visit Anjaneya Hill – the birthplace of Lord Hanuman a.k.a. Monkey Temple

Monkey Temple on Anjaneya Hill in Hampi by Drifter Planet

Although not technically Hampi, this place is in the nearby village Anegondi which is easy to reach from Hippie Island. It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. Unlike the Matanga hill, this place is easy to climb because of the presence of proper steps.

Steps Leading to Anjaneya Hill (Monkey Temple) – things to do in Hampi

There is a Hanuman mandir on the top of the hill – temple hat is dedicated to the monkey warrior God. Be sure to keep your belongings in your pockets or bags because this hill is full of monkeys who like “borrowing” things from humans. The view from the top is breathtaking with several paddy farms, banana trees and Hampi’s ruins.

Stunning View from Anjaneya Hill, Hampi by Drifter Planet – places to visit in Hampi

06) Join the Sunset Jam Session at Sunset Point on Hippie Island

Sunset Jamming on the Rocks in Hampi

When in Hampi, you can catch a stunning sunset view from almost everywhere. Whether you’re sitting by the ghat next to the river, or climb on one of the hills, or visit Jain Temple near Hemkuta hill – it’s beautiful to see how the rocks emit a reddish hue when the sun sets.

When we visited Hampi, our best sunset experience was from a little hill on Hippie Island known as “Sunset Point”. It is away from the main area. An hour before the sunset, it’s usually buzzing with the sounds of percussion, strings and a few other hand held musical instruments. There are usually no parties in Hampi but the sunset jam session will satisfy your “party” craving.

Sunset Point, Hippie Island in Hampi – places to visit in Hampi

Read: 11 Hippie Destinations in the Himalayas

07) Cliff jumping in Hampi – Jump off a cliff to swim with a crocodile

Cliff Jumping in Hampi, Karnataka – fun things to do in Hampi

Wait, what? Cliff jumping in Hampi? We did not believe when we heard it. We rode around the hippie island and came across many water bodies – river, reservoir and a lake! We saw many painted signs that said it’s unsafe to swim in the water because of a crocodile. We did not want to be a crocodile’s meal. We spoke to a lot of locals and they mentioned that they have never seen a crocodile all these years while living there.

However, we reached Sanapur Lake and asked around for the cliff jumping point just out of curiosity. Upon reaching the jumping point, we couldn’t hold back and JUMPED.

Cliff Jump Hampi, Karnataka

The water was in an enclosed area so it didn’t make sense for a crocodile to hang around that area.

Hampi cliff jumping

Two jumps and a few hours later, we felt revitalized because the water appeared to be clean. Do this at your own risk!

A little chat with a few locals revealed that there probably isn’t really a crocodile in the reservoir but the signs were put after many visitors often made this area their “party spot”. The weather in Hampi is extremely hot, even during the winter months so most likely you will want to swim here to cool off.

08) Ride a Scooter Around Hampi and See Rice Paddies

San Trying his best to look scared while I rode a scooter in Hampi

What better way to enjoy sprawling lush landscapes than riding a moped (or bike) through them? This was the highlight of our trip.

Believe it or not, I’m terrible with motorized two wheelers but riding a rented moped on Hampi’s empty roads was simpler I thought! A moped is easier to ride as compared to a scooter.

San feeling possessive about his little moped after I rode it around

You have to experience it understand how amazing it feels. The roads in Hampi and around are narrow. If you stay on Hippie Island, you can drive to the other areas such as Sanapur Lake (where we cliff jumped), Anjaneya Hill (monkey temple), the nearby village Anegundi and around. The best part is that the road is usually empty and there is natural beauty on both side of the road. You will see lush green paddy fields (see my video), forgotten temples and little children playing with no care in the world.

This is exactly why I noticed everyone riding a moped had an ear to ear smile on their faces! This is a must! Also, we discovered some places to see around Hampi which were not mentioned in many guidebooks while riding around aimlessly.

Stunning Pond in Hampi – We discovered this while riding around aimlessly on the scooter

09) Ride a ferry on Tungabhadra River  –  Hampi’s RED river with statutes on the rocks

Hampi’s Red Tungabhadra River and Statues peeking out from the rocks

Yes, the river does have red water! What’s more, every rock peeking out of the river had some statue or the other. This is the same river that you cross to reach Hippie Island from Hampi by ferry. This ride lasts for only 5 minutes. Please keep in mind that the ferry schedule keeps changing. On our visit, we were informed that the ferry only runs from 6 am to 6 pm. 

Talking about the ferry ride, you should read this travelers bad experience in Hampi – specially the second point.

10) Hampi Has Cute Cafes – Make the Most of Them

Top Secret River View in Hampi (Shhhh! Don’t tell anyone about it 😉 )

With the abundance of colorful cafes, we never got to eat at the same place twice. The best cafes were on the Hippie Island. We loved our meals in Top Secret River View, Laughing Buddha and Hema’s café.

Most of them have board games that can keep you occupied for hours. We ended up meeting a bunch of interesting travelers in these places. Hampi’s main area has only a few of them out of which Chill Out Café and Mango Tree stood out.

Chill Out Cafe in Hampi

11) Meet Hampi’s Lovely locals

Cute Local Kids in Hampi

The locals of Hampi charmed us with their hospitality and warmth. After living in a city, the friendliness of the simple minded residents here was a refreshing experience. The grownups appeared to be shy but the children approached us many times to introduce themselves. Strangely, the teenage boys were notoriously flirtatious! Most of them spoke excellent English.

Hampi’s cute locals

BONUS: See some crazy sights!

We can’t predict what you will see but we can assure you will witness some crazy sights like we did.

We saw this cheeky monkey who was totally in love with its own reflection!

This monkey was totally checking himself out!

We saw a few locals riding a round boat in Hampi that resembled a basket. It is a coracle and we later found out that these boats are very common in Karnataka. You should totally try to ride one in Hampi if you’re there.

Basket Boat in Hampi, Karnataka – Places to visit in Hampi

Hampi’s unique round boats – don’t they look like baskets? These boats are a common sight all over Karnataka.

We saw this shiny green bug on our walk from the ferry point to our hut! Does anyone know what it’s called?

Shiny Green Bug in Hampi

Places to Stay in Hampi and Hippie Island:

The pilgrims stay in the main town where as the backpackers head to the Hippie island . I highly recommend  Hema Guest House , where you can stay in a cute hut for around INR 500 per day with hammocks in the balcony. I love the food and the garden area at  Hema Guest House . You can also try Murali Homestay, Hampi  on Hostelworld – where a room costs around INR 800 per night for two.   Or, you can try looking for deals for both Hema guest house and Murali homestay on Agoda.

Book Now (DEALS): Agoda.com or Booking.com for Hema Guest House Book Now (DEALS): Agoda.com or Booking.com for Murali Homestay

If you want to treat yourself to a fancy place, you can check out Shiva Vilas by Welcome Heritage  on Agoda. A lavish room here costs just about $100 and can go up to $250 depending on your choice. I usually end up finding the cheapest prices on Agoda but I prefer booking.com because they offer free cancellation on most of the bookings, while Agoda offers it only on some of them. This has saved my life (and money) many times.

Check deals for Shiva Vilas: Agoda.com   for Shiva Vilas

How to Reach Hampi

I’m going to give you information about how to reach Hampi from the below two major destinations in India. In case you’re traveling from Delhi , then the easiest way to reach Hampi is to fly to Bangalore and then do the remaining journey by train.

Bangalore to Hampi

If you’re traveling from Bangalore to Hampi, then you can do most of this journey on a train to either Hospet or Toranagallu. From any of these train stations, you need to take a tuk tuk to Hampi. The name of the station in Bangalore from where you can take the train is Yelahanka Junction and the station code is YNK.

The fastest train for this journey is Mysore Sainagar Express, train number 16217 that goes from many stations in Bangalore including Bangalore city junction (SBC), Bangalore Cant (BNC) and Yelahanka (YNK). It leaves Yelahanka at 8:56 am and reaches Hospet at 4:55 pm.

The best option for Bangalore to Hampi train journey is Hampi Express , which takes just 35 minutes longer than the fastest train but you will end up saving so much time because it is an overnight journey. It leaves Bangalore’s main train station (SBC) at 10 pm and reaches Hospet at 7:10 am the next day.

Goa to Hampi

We did our journey to Hampi from Goa, once by train and once by bus. I will give you both the options.

For train, you first have to do the journey from Goa to Hospet and then reach Hampi on a tuk tuk from Hospet. If you’re searching for a train ticket, you need to look from Madgaon, station code MAO (one of the train stations in Goa) to Hosapete Junction, station code HPT.

The fastest train is VSG Howrah Express, train code 18048 that leaves Madgaon at 7:50 am and reaches Hospet at 2:48 pm on the same day. Alternatively, you can also try train number 17420 and 17022 – WSG Tirupati express and WSG Hyderabad express. Both these trains leave Madgaon at 9:35 am and reach Hospet at 5:50 pm. If possible, please take the earlier train because you will end up wasting your entire day in the journey if you take the second one.

From Hospet, the easiest way to reach Hampi is on a tuk tuk (or auto rickshaw as they’re called in India). I have traveled a lot on Indian trains but it was the first time that the tuk tuk driver was inside the train 2 stations before Hospet to negotiate with us. He first came to us and said he can drop us to Hampi for 500, then after a few minutes he said 300 but at the station when he saw I was going to ask the price from the other tuk tuk drivers, he said 250 and drove us there. (You can see him in the video).

The bus journey from Goa to Hampi or Hampi to Goa was really good because it was an overnight journey. This service is run by Paulo Coaches and you will have to visit a local travel agent to book it.

Places to visit near Hampi

Goa is unlike any other place in India because it was isolated by rest of the India for many years. It was under the Portuguese rule while most of the India was under Mughal and British rule, hence Goa is very liberal. I consider myself a Goa expert because I have visited more than 20 times and even lived here with San. You can find all our blog posts about Goa on this page.

Gokarna is in Karnataka and is just below Goa. While Goa is facing over-tourism, most of the Goa afficianados are now heading to Gokarna. It is famous for its Om Beach, yup a beach that’s shaped like ॐ Om.

I have never been to Mysore but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. It is one of the biggest cities in Karnataka and is along the Chamundi Hills. It is supposed to be one of India’s cleanest and best planned cities. Growing up in India, we often heard stories about Tipu Sultan’s bravery. He was Mysore’s beloved ruler who fought and lost a battle with the British in 1799.

Bangalore is Karnataka’s capital and the most prominent city of this state. As per me, it is also India’s beer capital because United Breweries Group’s is headquartered here. India’s most famous beer – Kingfisher is brewed by the United Breweries Group. The affluent Vijay Mallya (India’s Richard Branson) once had his empire here.  Bangalore has a lot of gardens, lovely locals, an amazing coffee culture and mindblowing food but the traffic situation is hideous.

Have you been to this land of mystery already? If so, let me know what are YOUR places to visit in Hampi and top things to do. I would love to hear what you think about this beautiful village! If you liked this article, please share!

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16 Comments

You can also bicycle through Hampi, which already people have been doing for so many years.

That’s amazing! Do you have any pictures to share?

I loved Hampi, but since I like my comforts, we stayed at the Hyatt just outside the town. That large basket like vessel is called a coracle. We took a ride in one of those with a local.

Awesome. Is Hyatt in Hospet? 🙂 Good to know that you did a boat ride.

Hello there! You people are going great! Cheers to you. I’m planning Hampi this month. I just wanted to know if we have to pre-book those small huts or they are available on the spot? as I’m planning a budget travel, I don’t want to book any resorts or hotels. Please revert Thanks in advance Happy travels!

Hey there, those huts were a part of a place called “Top Secret” and it sadly doesn’t exist anymore. You can prebook Hema’s – the link is in “Where to stay in Hampi” section at the bottom of this post. 😉 Have fun while you’re there.

HI…I was planning to go to Hampi for 2 days. Can you suggest the best possible itinerary?

Hey Aditya, there are many places to visit in Hampi and you may not be able to do everything. Just pick a few things that we have mentioned on our post here – you don’t really need a specific itinerary for visiting Hampi. Hope you have fun there.

What kind of itinerary would you recommend for a solo female traveller?

Hey, that was an amazing read above. Could you tell me if there is anything to do after it gets dark in Hampi, most probably in the main town? Actually, my bus is at 10pm and I am not sure how and where to kill those 4hours. Any suggestion is welcome 🙂

Thank you drifter planet for this awesome post. Just came back to hampi after jumping in sanapur lake. Awwwwesome experience!!!!. Biking on the route in a superbike made it more….

Glad you enjoyed your time in Hampi. Yes the cliff jumping near Hampi is amazing – seriously, it is the one of the most amazing places to visit in Hampi. Also the bike rides are fun. 🙂

Hampi is awesome and you just described the way it is… Keep it up..

Yes, it is awesome and there are so many amazing things to do in Hampi. We’d love to go back and revisit. 🙂

I just stumbled upon this post while researching for a tentative trip to Hampi. How beautifully articulated with stunning pictures. Another convenient way to reach Hampi by road is to rent a self-driving car from Zoomcar and drive down to enjoy the journey as well.

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Hello Travelers!

Namaste, Guten Tag! I'm Sonal from India, living in Germany and exploring Europe. I've been writing about my travels since 2015. I often travel alone (and sometimes with family of 3).

I love European city breaks, nature, adventure, hiking to viewpoints, Yoga, and road trips. I have a knack for creating the most amazing travel itineraries and in-depth destination guides which will help you make the most of your trip.

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Last Updated on September 21, 2023 by Drifter Planet

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• 29 Most Riveting Places To Visit In Hampi That Are A Must In 2024!

23 Mar 2023

Located on the banks of the River Tungabhadra, Hampi is a small yet enchanting temple town bounded by the intriguing historical ruins of Vijayanagara city in the state of Karnataka. With a host of tourist places to see in Hampi, this dreamworld made of boulders, monoliths, and ruins of ancient edifices is a delight for tourists and thus is considered among best places to visit in Karnataka . The various engrossing places to visit in Hampi see a perennial influx of history-buffs, families, and photography enthusiasts. The status of the UNESCO World Heritage Site further accentuates the eminence of Hampi as one of the most popular historical and religious tourist places in India.

29 Best Places To Visit In Hampi

While visiting this heritage land, make sure to not miss out on these places and witness the architectural beauty of Hampi.

1. Vijaya Vittala Temple

Image Source Vijaya Vittala Temple is a 15th-century structure that is also considered the largest of all historical structures in Hampi. This humungous temple is dedicated to Lord Vittala- an incarnation of Lord Vishnu- and is a must-visit amongst all Hampi tourist places. The extraordinary stone chariot , arrays of huge pillars in the temple halls, and intricate sculptures are the true embodiments of the bewitching architecture of the centuries-old Vijaya Vittala Temple. Timings: 08:30 am to 5:30 pm (all days) Entry fee:

• INR 10 for Indian nationals and US $5 for foreign nationals
• Video camera fee- INR 25
• Still camera fee- Nil

Visit duration: Approximately 2 hours Tip: Visit as early as possible to avoid crowds and to witness the best views of the temple.

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2. Sri Virupaksha Temple

Image Source Believed to be the oldest functioning temple in India, Sri Virupaksha Temple is a 7th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is also considered one of the most significant religious places to visit in Hampi and attracts a huge number of pilgrims from all over India. The sprawling campus of the Virupaksha temple houses a huge courtyard, huge gateway towers, and other old-style structures that will leave you in an awe of its immense grandeur. Timings: 06:00 am to 6:00 pm (all days) Entry fee:

• INR 5 for Indian nationals and US $5 for foreign nationals
• Video camera fee- INR 500
• Still camera fee- 50
• Local guide fee- INR 50
• Shoe safekeeping- INR 10

Visit duration: Approximately 1.5 hours Tip: Hire a guide to show you around the major attractions of this temple including the underwater Shiva Temple within the Sri Virupaksha Temple complex.

3. Hanuman Temple

Image Source Hanuman Temple is another famous religious site located on the top of the Anjaneya Hill which is considered as the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. About 4 km from Hampi village, one has to cross a river using a small boat with paddles and then climb up the stairs to reach the Temple. The serene and picturesque ambience of this temple offers mesmerizing views of sunrise and sunset, making it one of the perfect places to see in Hampi and around. Timings: Open all days dawn till dusk Entry fee: None Visit duration: Approximately 30 – 45 minutes Tip: Beware of the monkeys in the temple premise and do not tease the animals.

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4. Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex

Image Source Hemakuta Hill is a wonderful place lined by a number of Hindu temples, ruins of fortified walls, and broken pathways. Mula Virupaksha Temple in Hemakuta Hill Temple complex is one of the most prominent places to visit in Hampi. Timings: Open all days from sunrise till sunset Entry fee: Nil Visit duration: Approximately 3-4 hours Tip: Don’t miss the sunset view from Hemakuta Hill.

5. Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple

Image Source Located on the south side of Hemakuta Hill, the Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple derives its name from the resemblance between Ganesha’s belly and mustard seed which is locally known as Sasivekalu. It houses a 2.4-meter statue of Ganesha spectacularly carved out of a boulder stone depicting a snake around Lord Ganesha’s stomach. The history of the magnificent pavilion that surrounds the statue of Ganesha dates back to 1506 A.D. making this temple a famous tourist attraction in Hampi. Timings: 06:00 am to 6:00 pm (all days) Entry fee: Nil Visit duration: Approximately 45 minutes Tip: Visit Kadalekalu Ganesha located on the northern slope of Hemakuta Hill.

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6. Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

Image Source Within the ruins of Hampi, the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple- also known as the Statue of Ugra Narsimha- is the largest monolith statue in Hampi. This 6.7-meter high statue was built in 1528 A.D. which was vandalized in 1565 during a Mughal raid over the Vijayanagara Kingdom. The statue of Lord Narasimha- an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and a half-man, half-lion- depicts the deity sitting in a cross-legged position in its fierce form. Timings: 06:00 am to 6:00 pm (all days) Entry fee: Nil Visit duration: Approximately 1 hour Tip: Carry battery backup for your camera as the place is quite photogenic.

7. Queen’s Bath

Image Source Probably, a royal bathing complex for the erstwhile king and his wives, this majestic and enormous ancient building sets the clock back and is one of the major places to see in Hampi. The beauty of the ruins of Queen’s Bath gets to you the moment you lay your eyes on the unbelievable architectural style of this ancient royal pool. A huge courtyard in the front with a dome-shaped roof, balconies with small windows, and a rectangular pool made of bricks in the middle with open blue sky greet you at the Queen’s Bath in Hampi. Timings: 06:00 am to 6:00 pm (all days) Entry fee: Nil Visit duration: Approximately 30-45 minutes Tips: Carry adequate cash with yourself. Purchase stone carvings and sculptures made by local artists here.

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8. Riverside Ruins

Image Source An array of 108 Shiva Lingas carved on the flat rocky surface and a finely rock-carved sculpture of Lord Vishnu in a reclining position make Riverside Ruins one of the most enticing places to visit in and around Hampi. A number of small shrines, statues, pavilions, and carved artefacts within this cluster of ruins make it a perfect place for photographers and historians. Exploring historical ruins is one of the best things to do in Hampi  and while visiting this spot, you can surely treat the history buff in you. Timings: 06:00 am to 6:00 pm (all days) Entry fee: INR 30 Visit duration: Approximately 30-45 minutes Tip: Hire a local guide to help you explore the Riverside Ruins

9. Hampi Bazaar

Image Source

Located in the foothill of Matanga Hill, Hampi Bazaar is one of the popular Hampi sightseeing places. It is an ancient street stretching over a kilometer and lined with ruins of pavilions. Hampi Bazaar once used to have bustling shops, restaurants, and residences on both sides of it. At one end of the Hampi Bazaar, you can find a huge Nandi bull with a photo gallery on the other side. The lavish pavilion in front of the Nandi bull statue plays host to the famous annual Hampi Bazaar. Shopping at local stores and eating at restaurants are the best things to do in Hampi at night.

Timings: 06:00 am to 11:00 pm (all days) Entry fee: Nil Visit duration: Approximately 1-2 hours Tip: Explore the tourist spots of Hampi Bazaar on a rented bicycle.

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10. Archaeological Museum

Image Source The Archaeological Museum in Hampi is one of the most noteworthy Hampi tourist places having four different art galleries that house a wide variety of artefacts. Ancient coins, statues, paintings, metal plates, armoury, and sculptures of various Hindu deities can be found here. All four sections of this museum are worth exploring and a treat for history buffs and kids. Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (all days, except Friday) Entry fee: INR 5/per person (Free entry for children under the age of 15 years) Visit duration: Approximately 1.5- 2 hours Tip: Do not click pictures outside the museum as photography is allowed only in the open lawn outside the art galleries.

11. Matanga Hill

Image Source Matanga Hill offers panoramic views of the historical ruins of Hampi and its surroundings. After trekking up the hill for around 30 minutes, you will find Veerabhadra Temple sitting right at the top of Matanga Hill. This temple has a rooftop, which is unarguably the best place to witness sunrise and sunset over the lovely landscape of this historical Hampi town. Timings: Dawn to dusk (all days) Entry fee: Nil Visit duration: Approximately 3 hours Tip: Carry a mini torch/flashlight as Matanga Hill and the paths leading up to the hilltop aren’t well lit.

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12. Daroji Bear Sanctuary

Image Source Daroji Bear Sanctuary is a protected forest area where you can witness lovely Indian Sloth bears strolling around or climbing up the trees or playing around with each other. Established in 1994, this sanctuary also houses leopards, hyenas, jackals, spotted deers and various other species of animals and plants making it one of the most favourable places to see in Hampi for nature and wildlife lovers. Timings: 06:00 am to 6:00 pm (all days) Entry fee:

• INR 50 per person for Indian national
• INR 300 per person for foreign national
• Parking fee-INR 500 per car

Visit duration: Approximately 3 hours Tips: Wear good sports/hiking shoes. Also, carry adequate drinking water with you. You can see bears marching down from nearby hillocks in the evening.

13. Tungabhadra Dam

Image Source Among famous attractions in Hampi and surrounding places to visit, the Tungabhadra Dam pure natural bliss. With lovely flamingos playing around the beautiful garden on one side of Tungabhadra Dam, it’s the best place to take out your camera for some great shots. Timings: 08:30 am to 6:30 pm (all days) Entry fee: Nil Visit duration: Approximately 1.5 – 2 hours Tip: Watch out for the beautiful music fountain that starts around 7:00 in the evening.

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14. Hippie Island

Hippie Island is one of the sightseeing places in Hampi, known for its astounding beauty. As the island is named after a vibrant culture, you can enjoy vacationing here in the lively ambiance of this island. Located across the Tungabhadra River, the initial name of the island was Virapapur Gadde.

Timings: Daily 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Entry fee: NA Visit duration: 4-5 hours  Tip: Don’t miss mesmerizing views of sunsets along with the live jam sessions conducted on the beach

15. Gagan Mahal

Gagan Mahal is a magnificent architecture that dates back to the 16th century. However, the significant areas of this palace are currently ruined but the palace is worth visiting. You can also head to the nearby popular attractions including Sabari Caves, Nava Brindavana, Sarovar Laxmi Temple, Durga Temple, etc.  Timings: 24 hours Entry fee: NA Visit duration: 1 hour  Tip: The place is like a paradise for history lovers.

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16. Krishna Temple

17. Sanapur Lake

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18. Hazara Rama Temple

19. Elephant Stables

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20. Stepped Tank

21. Monolithic Bull

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22. Kamal Mahal

23. Zanana Enclosure

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24. Kadalekalu Ganesh

Kadalekalu Ganesh is a crucial religious attraction in Hampi. Visitors will experience traditional stone architecture in this temple. There is a 15 ft long monolithic stone statue of Lord Ganesha which is believed as the largest in the world. Add this sacred spot to your list of places to visit in Hampi in one day to seek the blessings of the ‘Vighnaharta.’

Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm Entry Fee: NIL Visit Duration: 1-2 hours Tip or places to visit: Lotus palace, Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Bazaar, and Hippie island are a few attractions that tourists can plan to visit while on a trip to Kadalekalu Ganesh.

25. Tiruvengalanatha Temple

Image Credits: Ms Sarah Welch for Wikimedia Commons Also known as Achyuta Raya Temple, it is one of the popular and stunning places to visit in Hampi . This temple was built in 1534 AD and was named after the main deity who is a form of Lord Shiva. This temple was a few of those last temples built during the Vijayanagara Empire. Sitting between Gandhamadana and Matanga hills, the temple, however, lies majorly in ruins that were as a result of attacks on it by the Bahmani Kingdom. Timings: Daily 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Entry fee: None Visit duration: 1-2 hours Tip: Make sure you wear modest clothes that are not at all revealing as a token of respect to the religion.

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26. Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex

Image Credits: Dineshkannambadi for Wikimedia Commons Hemakunta Hill Temple Complex is home to many temples that are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in the southern region of Hampi, these temples are amongst the most ancient ones that can still be visited in Hampi. This is what makes the complex amongst the top places to visit in Hampi . A lot of these temples were constructed between the 9th and 14th centuries, even before the famous Vijayanagara Empire that ruled Hampi. Timings: Daily 6:00 am to 6:30 pm Entry fee: NA Visit duration: 2-3 hours Tip: Do not forget to carry your cameras to capture the beauty of these places

27. Krishna Pushkarani

Image Source One of the most sacred places in Hampi, Krishna Pushkaranis takes you back to ancient times. This famous tourist spot allows one to get a glimpse of the architectural style of the Vijayanagara era. You will find many such Pushkarnis all around the city. Located near Krishna Bazaar, this remarkable water tank is one of the best places to visit in Hampi. Timings: Open throughout the day Entry fee: None Visit duration: Approximately 20-30 minutes Tip: While visiting here, don’t forget to explore nearby Krishna Bazaar

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28. Prasanna Virupaksha Temple

Image Source One of the most famous temples in Hampi , Prasanna Virupaksha Temple was built during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple is dedicated to Prasanna Virupaksha, who was an avatar of Lord Shiva. Surrounded by lush greenery, this striking temple boasts an alluring architecture that intrigue visitors. Besides this, the central part of the shrine is always immersed in water that makes the temple all the more special. Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm Entry fee: None Visit duration: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour Tip: Spend some time on the lush green lawn of the temple

29. Laughing Buddha Cafe

Image Source Hampi boasts numerous cafes where vacationers can spend some cosy time and among the best ones is the Laughing Buddha Cafe. While offering spectacular views of the Tungabhadra River, this lively cafe serves some mouth-watering meals along with refreshing drinks. You can savour your meal while enjoying light music in the background. The cafe impresses visitors with its menu that includes a wide range of sizzlers, curries, and pizzas, and Israeli cuisine as well. Timings: 8:30 am to 10:00 pm Entry fee: NA Meal for two: INR 1,000 approximately Tip: To treat your tastebuds, try some Israeli delicacies

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Best Time To Visit Hampi

Hampi tourism is at its peak, from October to February, as the weather is pleasant and great for sightseeing.

The month of January/February also is an ideal time to visit Hampi, owing to the cultural extravaganza that takes place in Hampi Utsav .

How To Get Around In Hampi

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How To Reach Hampi

By Air- Hubli Airport and Belgaum Airport are two major domestic airports located at distances of 144 km and 215 km from Hampi, respectively. Bangalore Airport is the nearest international airport which is about 350 km from Hampi. By Road- Hampi is among beloved weekend getaways from Bangalore and is well connected to Hospet, Hassan, Mysore and other nearby cities by road as buses ply regularly. Tourists travelling to Hampi by road can also avail taxis that are available from nearby towns and cities. By Train- Hospet Junction- the nearest railway station to Hampi, is about 13 km away.

The aforementioned places to visit in and around Hampi, give you every reason to skip mountains and beaches. Especially if you are an architecture and history buff, these places will surely intrigue you and allow you to have a memorable vacation. Plan your vacation to Hampi with TravelTriangle and enjoy your enthralling vacation! For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here .

Frequently Asked Questions About Places to Visit in Hampi

What is Hampi famous for?

If you are a history buff who likes to explore the heritage relics, then Hampi should definitely be on your list. The scenery of Hampi feels right out of a history book. It is a place for free souls and hippies. Enjoy the nature scenes of the place, camping under the stars, and take a boat ride on the river. Hampi can be so much fun for adults as well as for kids.

What is there do in Hampi?

There are so many things to do in Hampi . For starters, visit each and every temple and ruins Hampi is famous for. All those relics that you see on Indian rupee notes are from Hampi. The charming town is located by the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Taking a coracle ride on the river is a one-of-a-kind experience. You will feel free-spirited in Hampi. Such is the nature of this place. You should also attend the Hampi Utsav that is a celebration of colour and culture.

How do I cover Hampi in 2 days?

You can easily cover Hampi in 2 days. Just get a scooter or a bike on rent and roan around Hampi at your leisure. Start with Virupaksha Temple, Vijay Vittala Temple, and hill temple Complex on day 1, visit the Hampi bazaar to buy some souvenirs from your vacation. On day 2, you can cover Queen’s Bath, Hazara Rama Temple, Stepped Bank. If you have time, you may cover a few more attractions in Hampi before you leave.

How many days are sufficient for Hampi?

Two days are sufficient to visit this World Heritage Site. The place is full of historic monuments and to visit the places nearby two days are sufficient.

When is the best time to visit Hampi?

October to February is the best time to visit Hampi as the temperature is pleasant to explore the city. One can also visit during the monsoon season but should be careful as it gets quite slippery.

Is Hampi safe to travel alone?

Hampi is quite a safe place for solo travellers. As far as the safety of female solo travellers are concerned, one should be cautious in any part of the world.

Where should I stay in Hampi?

Some of the best Hampi hotels are Kishkinda Heritage Resort, Clarks Inn Hampi, Hotel Gowri and Thilak Home Stay to enjoy a luxurious stay.

What are the best places to visit in Hampi?

The best places to visit in Hampi include Hanuman Temple, Hampi Bazaar, Tungabhadra Dam, Stepped Tank, Kamal Mahal, Daroji Bear Sanctuary, and more.

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Ultimate Hampi Itinerary: 3 Days in Hampi

Last Updated on December 5, 2023

This Hampi itinerary covers what to do and see on a 2, or 3 day visit of this beautiful region of Karnataka.

Hampi is a small town that sits on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Although it covers just 25 square kilometers, Hampi is filled with history and culture, and is known for its group of beautiful Unesco World Heritage monuments. 

My partner and I spent a week exploring Hampi and the surrounding area. This 3 day Hampi itinerary covers all the highlights of the area. If you only have 2 days in Hampi, simply cut day 3 from the below Hampi itinerary.  

Disclosure: This article includes affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through one of those links, I earn a small commission. Affiliate links cost you nothing to use, and keep Pina Travels reader-supported. Thank you!

A Bit of Hampi’s History 

Intro to your hampi itinerary, how to get to hampi by train., how to get to hampi by bus. , where to stay in hampi town: , where to stay on hippie island: , how to get around hampi, virupaksha temple, hampi bazaar, krishna temple, lakshmi narasimha temple, walk the riverside trek path (kampa bhupa’s path), vittala temple & the stone chariot, watch the sunset from hemakuta hill , archaeological museum, elephant stables, lotus mahal, royal palace, queen’s bath, watch the sunset from mantaga hill, climb anjaneya hill , sanapur lake and reservoir, take out cash before arriving in hampi., book in advance during the high season. , respect local culture and customs in hampi. , final thoughts on hampi.

Hampi has a fascinating history because it was once the capital of the ancient Hindu kingdom, the Vijayanagara Empire . 

The empire emerged in the middle of the 13th century, and lasted more than 200 years. During this time, Vijayanagara rulers decorated Hampi with ornate temples, palaces, markets, streets and monuments. But the Vijayanagara Empire didn’t last.  

In 1565, Hampi’s history took a brutal turn. The Vijayanagara capital was attacked by an alliance of Deccan Sultanates who ruled five late medieval Indian kingdoms. 

The battle, now known as the Battle of Talikota, was lost by the Vijayanagara Empire, and as a result Hampi was ongoingly looted and pillaged for six months. This led to the slow decline and eventual collapse of the state of Vijayanagara.

Hampi did continue to function as a city, but it no longer had strategic importance, and so the city lost relevance. It wasn’t until 1800 that the ruins in Hampi were rediscovered and surveyed by an engineer and antiquarian named Colonel Colin Mackenzie, an employee of the English East India Company.

Despite the pillaging following the Battle of Talikota, many of Hampi’s temples, gateways, and monuments still stand, and have been deemed a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Hampi’s plentiful ancient temples basically make Hampi an open air museum that tells the story of Hampi’s history. 

But Hampi is also an important pilgrimage site, drawing Hindus and Jains from around India. Pilgrims come because Hampi is believed to be the place known as ‘Kishkindha’ (stated in Ramayana), where Lord Hanuman was born.

This is just a bit of the fascinating history of Hampi – but it’s a good starting point to inform the way you see and understand various places in Hampi, and this history explains exactly why there are so many notable places to see in Hampi.  

Before diving into the detailed 3 day Hampi itinerary, let’s cover some basic Hampi FAQs. 

Is Hampi worth visiting?

It’s worth visiting Hampi because the town and surrounding area is filled with history and culture, and is known for its group of beautiful Unesco World Heritage monuments. The landscape surrounding Hampi is equally beautiful to see, because it’s dotted with rolling hills, granite rocks, and boulders. 

When is the best time to visit Hampi, Karnataka?

The best time to visit Hampi is during the months of October to March. During this time the climate is moderate and cool, which makes it more comfortable for exploring Hampi’s temples and outdoor sites. 

Hampi becomes very hot during India’s summer months, from late March to May. During these months, the town is much quieter. Just be sure to book accommodation that has AC if you visit during the hot season. 

How many days do you need in Hampi?

To really get to know Hampi, stay at least 3 days. This is enough time to see Hampi’s highlights like Virupaksha temple, the Hampi Bazaar, and Sanapur Lake. If you have more than 3 days, you can use that extra time to see Hampi and the surrounding area in more detail. 

How To Get To Hampi, Karnataka 

Most of India is well connected by the Indian railway system, so for those without a car, traveling to Hampi by train makes the most sense. 

Hospet Railway Station is the nearest station from Hampi, about 12 km away. This station is directly connected to major cities of Karnataka including neighboring state Goa. 

Major cities which are directly connected to Hospet Station are Bangalore, Bijapur, Kolkata, Goa, Hyderabad, and more. If you are traveling from northern India then your best option is to reach Bangalore first, and connect to Hospet from there. 

If you prefer to get to Hampi by bus, there is a bus terminal at Hospet Town where you can grab buses that directly connect to Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa and Hubli. 

Whether you arrive in Hospet by train or by bus, you will need to then connect from Hospet to Hampi. You can take either a bus or a rickshaw from the station to Hampi. The trip takes about 30 minutes. 

Where To Stay In Hampi 

You can choose one of 2 areas to stay in for your Hampi itinerary, Hampi town, or Hippie Island: 

Staying in Hampi town is the most convenient for exploring Hampi and the surrounding area. Staying in town means you’re close to restaurants, as well as all the main sites to see. There are plenty of hotels to choose from ranging from budget hotels (no AC) to higher end hotels with more amenities. 

We stayed at Thilak Home Stay . This hotel is right in the centre of town. It’s got hot water, comfy beds, good wifi, and it’s very clean. The staff and owner are all incredibly friendly and welcoming, and they’ll help you organize activities as well as onward travel.

Hampi’s Hippie Island

Virapapur Gadde or Hampi Island, also known as Hippie Island in Hampi, is directly across from Hampi on the opposite side of the Tungabhadra River. The river separates the historical part of Hampi from Hippie Island, which is another area that you can stay in for your Hampi itinerary. This area tends to be popular with backpackers.

Although Hampi’s Hippie Island is on the other side of the river, it’s easily accessible. We were in Hampi during the dry season, which meant that we could hop from rock to rock to get from one side of the river to the other. 

It’s a bit tenuous to do, especially with our big packs, but luckily the local kids are happy to give you a hand if you need it.

The rest of the year, the river is flowing, and so you’ll need to use the coracle crossing to reach the other side. This ride in a traditional round boat takes less than 5 minutes and costs just a few rupees. The boats run from about 9AM to 5PM daily. If you miss the boats, be prepared for a 1 hour rickshaw drive to reach the other side of the river. 

Hampi’s Hippie Island is a backpacker haven. That side has several hostels and guest houses. You can also opt to stay in a private mud hut! There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can chill out all day long, and unlike in Hampi Town, it’s possible to have beer on Hippie Island. 

Shanti Guest House is the most popular place to stay on the island. It’s a quiet, relaxing property that had double rooms with balconies and bathrooms. Plus, you’ll find hammocks around the property that you can make use of.

The village of Hampi is easy to explore on foot, but many of the sites you’ll want to visit are outside of the town. For at least one day of your Hampi itinerary, you’ll need to hire transport or rent a motorbike. 

Renting a motorbike is easily arranged by your accommodation in Hampi town. If you aren’t comfortable self-driving, you can hire an auto-rickshaw driver to take you around for the day. This can also be arranged by your hotel. 

Hampi Itinerary: Day 1 in Hampi

On your first day in Hampi, you’ll explore on foot. You can walk to all of these famous sites, which include temples, UNESCO World Heritage sites, natural sites, and a gorgeous spot to watch the sunset from. 

All of the sites you’ll visit are open typically between 9:00am and 5:00pm, so be sure to plan your day around those hours. 

Here’s what to see on day 1 of your Hampi itinerary:

Virupaksha Temple is dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shiva. It is believed to be one of the oldest temples in India, in fact, it’s believed that Virupaksha Temple has been functioning uninterrupted since the 7th century AD. 

You can go to watch  the daily temple rituals and ceremonies in the mornings and evenings – Virupaksha Temple opens at sunrise and closes at sundown.

The Hampi Bazaar used to be a thriving market during the days of the Vijayanagara Empire. Today, it’s still a market, but one geared more toward tourists. 

This daily market sells all sorts of locally made goods. It’s fun to wander through the Hampi Bazaar to browse gifts, textiles, figurines, and jewelry. 

Krishna Temple was constructed by the Krishnadevaraya in 1513 to honor Lord Krishna. The temple ground is decorated with several stunning pillars that feature Yali – a mythical creature (part lion, part horse, part elephant) that is often depicted in temples in South India.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple houses the stone idol of Lord Narasimha, one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu. The temple was constructed in 1528 AD during the reign of King Krishnadevaraya. 

The temple originally had an idol of Goddess Lakshmi who was seated on Lord Narasimha’s lap, but during the raids of 1565, Lakshmi’s idol was vandalized and removed.

Riverside Trek Path or Kampa Bhupa’s Path is a 2 kilometer walking route that starts at the Hampi Bazaar, and ends near the famous Vittala Temple. It’s a great walk to include in your Hampi itinerary, because it takes you along the river for beautiful views.  

On this historic trek you’ll encounter fascinating rocky terrain, hidden caves, and riverside ruins. You might also get the chance to see some swimming monkeys!

The trek takes about 45 minutes depending on your pace, and it isn’t too strenuous. Some travelers even opt to cycle it because the terrain is flat, smooth rock. Kampa Bhupa’s Path is not always clear, sometimes the path might be hard to follow among the heaps of boulders, but it can be traced out. 

Just remember that the trail runs almost parallel to the bank of the Tungabhadra River. To find Hampi’s Riverside Trek Path, head to the east end of the Hampi Bazaar and look for the path on the shore of the Tungabhadra River. 

Vittala Temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Vittala, who is a form of Lord Vishnu. This temple is known as one of the most ornate of the Vijayanagara temples. 

At the entrance of the temple you’ll see a chariot made of stone. It’s one of the 3 most famous stone chariots in India – The other two are in Konark (Odisha) and Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu). The Stone Chariot at Vittala temple is a shrine dedicated to Garuda, the official vehicle of Lord Vishnu. Since you’ve been on foot, and just walked Kampa Bhupa’s Path to reach Vittala temple, you can consider taking a tuk tuk back to Hampi town for dinner and the sunset. Especially on a hot day, this day 1 itinerary can be a lot of walking!

The landscape surrounding Hampi, speckled with temples and rocky hills, is a surreal view. And so of course, watching the sunset in Hampi from a viewpoint is one of the best things to do while there.

Hemakuta Hill is on the outskirts of Hampi and is easy to climb thanks to its gentle, smooth rock slopes. From Hampi Town and Hippie Island, Hemakuta Hill is within walking distance, making it the perfect spot to watch the sun go down if you’re feeling like having a relaxed evening. 

Hemakuta Hill is sprinkled with temples, archways and pavilions. The whole of the hill was fortified with tall wide stonewalls, the ruined remains of which can still be seen. 

Head to Hemakuta Hill an hour or so before sunset so you can explore the ruins, before finding a spot to watch the sun go down. There are plenty of comfy spots where you can sit to watch the magic of a Hampi sunset.

Hampi Itinerary: Day 2 in Hampi

On day 2 of your Hampi itinerary, you’ll be venturing further outside of Hampi town to see some famous archaeological sites from the Vijayanagara Empire. 

All of these sites are clustered around one area. So, you can take a rickshaw to the first stop and walk from there, grabbing a rickshaw back to town once you’ve visited all the sites. Or, you can hire a rickshaw driver for the day to take you from site to site.  

Another option is to rent a motorbike to self-drive to all the sites, which is what we did. Our hotel arranged our rental for us.

Here’s what to see on day 2 of your Hampi itinerary:

The Archaeological Museum at Kamalapura is a small, but fantastic museum. It’s dedicated to preserving the relics and artifacts of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The museum itself is a little bit outside of Hampi, located within the ruins of the old city of Vijayanagara.

The Elephant Stables are exactly what you think they are! These ancient stables are where the royal elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire would have been housed.

The Lotus Mahal was a part of an area where royal families of Vijayanagara Empire lived. It’s a beautiful, ornate building that was designed to be a spot for royal ladies to mingle and hang out together. 

This is another one of Hampi’s historic sites. Here, you’ll explore the  remnants of the royal complex where the king of the Vijayanagara empire lived.

In its prime, these palace grounds housed up to 45 buildings. This would have included durbar halls, underground chambers, and temples. While exploring the grounds, be sure to check out the Stepped Tank, and the Stone Doors. 

Not too far from the Royal Palace is the Queen’s bath. This historic site is where you’ll see the ruins of an ornate, historic bathing chamber. The indoor chambers and outdoor pool would have been used by the King, and his wives. 

The last stop on day 2 of your Hampi itinerary is Mantaga Hill! This is another spot known for serving up the best views of a sunset in Hampi because it’s apparently one of the highest points in the area. 

There are a couple paths that lead to the top of the Mantaga Hill. After about 30 minutes of climbing, you’ll reach the top and find the Veerabhadra Temple.

Climb a couple steps more to the roof of the temple for the best views. Keep in mind it’s a 25 minute walk or 5 minute drive from Hampi Town to reach the bottom of Mantaga Hill – so be sure to set out well before the sun starts to go down.

Hampi Itinerary: Day 3 in Hampi

For the 3rd day of your Hampi itinerary, you’re heading to the opposite side of the Tungabhadra River to climb Anjaneya Hill, and relax at Sanapur Lake. 

You can reach both these spots either by motorbike or hiring a rickshaw. It takes about 30 – 45 minutes from Hampi. Alternatively, you can cross the Tungabhadra River by short ferry ride, and then take a rickshaw from Virupapura Gadde (Hippie Island) on the other side to your two stops. 

Anjaneya Hill Top is a religious site near Hampi, thought to be the birthplace of monkey-god Hanuman. 

Anjaneya Hill is exactly that – a very steep hill. It doesn’t slope gently like other hills in Hampi, it actually shoots straight up. 

To reach the top you’ll climb 575 stone steps. It’s a tough climb up, so bring lots of water! On your way up you’ll notice lots of monkeys, which makes sense since Anjaneya is the birthplace of the monkey god, Hanuman. 

Once you’ve conquered Anjaneya’s 575 steps, you’ll reach the temple at the top, which has a huge adjoining courtyard from where you can see river Tungabhadra stretching out into the distance. 

The door of Anjaneya’s temple is usually closed (have to keep the cheeky monkeys out!), but everyone is welcome. If you enter the temple, be respectful of Hindu practices: Remove your shoes, cover up, and put your camera away. 

Sanapur Lake is a quiet and serene lake that is worth visiting if you have time during your Hampi itinerary. It’s on the opposite side of the Tungabhadra River from Hampi. 

The lake is actually a man made reservoir, but this doesn’t detract from how beautiful it is. After a couple days of exploring Hampi’s ruins, it’s the perfect spot to chill out for the day, enjoy the sun, watch the fishermen in their coracles, and go for a swim. 

There are also some spots around the lake where you can cliff jump! To find the cliff jumping spot, drive around the lake until you spot other swimming backpackers, or ask some locals – they will know where it is. It isn’t advised to assume where the safe jumping spot is. 

Tips For Your Hampi Itinerary 

Make sure you carry enough cash with you for your Hampi itinerary, because there are no ATM’s in both Virupapur Gadde (Hippie Island) and Hampi. The closest ATMS are in Hospet, which is about 30kms away.

If you plan your Hampi itinerary for a weekend, or during the high season (October – February), make sure you book a room in advance. Hampi is a popular destination for both local residents of India and foreigners, so at times, the town is very busy. 

It’s important to be a responsible tourist throughout your Hampi itinerary! Hampi is a holy site of temples, and so it has deep religious significance for Hindus. 

As a visitor, it’s important to be aware of local religious customs and follow them. For example, dress modestly, and show respect when visiting temples and other holy sites. 

We had a fantastic time in Hampi, in fact, it ended up being one of our favourite spots in India. 

Some of my favourite memories from our time there are riding around on a motorbike, driving along the Tungabhadra River, waving to fishermen in their coracles. 

We spent 2 nights in the village of Sanapur, where we became friends with the homestay owner’s dog, named Puppy. Whenever my partner and I left to go exploring, Puppy followed us, our temporary sidekick.

On one particular day, we went to Hampi’s Sanapur Lake to watch the fishermen. They had laid out their fish to dry in the sun. Well, Puppy went bounding down to the men and rolled around in the fish. Lucas and I laughed in unison with the fishermen. 

That is, until Puppy came back to us smelling like fish. We returned to the homestay and then had a second round of laughs as our homestay host tied Puppy up so that he and his wife could scrub and hose him down. 

The extreme heat became too much in our budget hotel room (no AC!), so one evening we ditched our room, climbed to the roof of the hotel, and slept there instead. The next morning we woke up at the crack of dawn to see other Hampi residents had opted to sleep on their rooftops too! 

And then there was the evening that my partner and I were pulled out of the street by a local man, just in the nick of time. Moments later, a small stampede of cows came galloping down the narrow street. To this day, we’ll never know why the cows were running. 

We loved every minute of our Hampi itinerary, and can’t recommend it enough. This town of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Karnataka definitely belongs on your bucket list!

Do you want to read more about India? I’ve got you covered:

• An Overnight Desert Safari in Jaisalmer, India

A Chronicle of Culture Shock in India

• Your Guide to Traveling India For the First Time

Be sure to pin this post for later!

Erin has been traveling for over a decade, both solo, and with her partner. She’s now traveled to countries across 6 continents, and has lived in 2 countries abroad. Erin also hosts the travel podcast, Curious Tourism , where she interviews travel industry thought leaders and experts about responsible tourism. Learn more about Erin, and get in touch with her, here .

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India is on my bucket list. Those temples look amazing!

I did not know that place existed! If traveling to India for 2 weeks, would you put it as a must see? I know India is large and 2 weeks is not enough to cover, but as part of your first time, would you?

I’ve never heard of this place but it looks cool!

Wow, I’ve never read much about Hampi before and it looks like an awesome place to visit in India. The temples look incredible. Renting a motorbike to ride around and see each one would be at the top of my to do list!

Hampi definitely looks like one of the most interesting places in India, I’d love to visit one day

What a great town! Those temples look stunning! What a beautiful place, thanks for the great guide!

Hannah | https://getlost.blog/

Super cool guide to Hampi! Honestly had never even heard of this place but it sounds really interesting. We are always looking for low budget places to travel to that still feel safe and that there is plenty to explore. This feels like one of those places! p.s Can’t believe you spent a night sleeping on the roof! What a memory haha.

Beautiful! I love the architecture! The Virupaksha Temple looks like it would be so interesting to visit. I had never heard about this place before, but I may just have to add it to my bucket list!

Yet another blog post that makes me want to visit India! Those temples look stunning, and riding one of the traditional boats must be a really fun experience! Beautiful photos.

Those temples are crazy beautiful! I loved the pup that adopted you while you were there – I would’ve had to take him with me 😉

I didn’t really know about Hampi until this post but it looks amazing. Your photos are beautiful. Sounds like some unique memories too.

I’ve been to India so many times but I’ve never heard of Hampi! It looks so beautiful and now I definitely need to add it to the list! 😂 🤣

A great read and I love all your pics!! Inspired !

Something new to add to the list. So much history to this place and I love that you found a great homestay

What a beautiful and historical place HAMPI, Architecture of Temples is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing the historical places in your travel blog. ( https://worldineyes.com )

Hey Jerry – I’m actually not sure why. The river looked red the entire time we were last in Hampi. I think that it may have looked that way because the water levels were very low. But I can’t say for certain.

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1 day private tour of Hampi world heritage site in car with professional guide

• Private transportation
• Entrance charges
• Entry/Admission - Vijaya Vittala Temple
• Entry/Admission - Hampi
• Entry/Admission - Virupaksha Temple
• Entry/Admission - Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple
• Entry/Admission - Statue of Ugra Narsimha
• Entry/Admission - Royal Enclosures
• Entry/Admission - Zanana Enclosure
• Entry/Admission - Hazara Rama Temple
• All hotels in Hospet and Hampi
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for pregnant travellers
• Most travellers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Virupaksha Temple
• Zanana Enclosure
• Statue of Ugra Narsimha
• Royal Enclosures
• Hazara Rama Temple

Similar experiences

• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Vijaya Vittala Temple Stop: 30 minutes - Admission included See details
• 2 King’s Balance Stop: 15 minutes - Admission included See details
• 3 Virupaksha Temple Stop: 30 minutes - Admission included See details
• 4 Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple Stop: 15 minutes - Admission included See details
• 5 Statue of Ugra Narsimha Stop: 15 minutes - Admission included See details
• 6 Zanana Enclosure Stop: 20 minutes - Admission included See details
• 7 Hazara Rama Temple Stop: 20 minutes - Admission included See details
• 8 Shiva Temple Stop: 20 minutes - Admission included See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• Tadeh K 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Thoroughly enjoyable and informative A thoroughly enjoyable tour of all the main sites around Hampi. The transport, entrance tickets and lunch were all included. Our guide, Pampapathi, was very knowledgeable and explained all the stories, history and even engineering of the sites. He was considerate and took many great photos of us. Read more Written 3 December 2023
• Lil L 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour through beautiful Hampi We had a very nice tour through Hampi with our Guide Manju. We covered all the important sights and learned a lot. If we had questions they were answered sufficiently. The tour ist mostly a walking tour. The driver was basically just needed for pickup and drop off and to get to lunch. We enjoyed the walking, but be prepared. Manju also voluntarily took a lot of photos of us and knew very good photo spots. Overall would definitely recommend even though it is a bit pricey. Read more Written 13 October 2023

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

1 day private tour of Hampi world heritage site in car with professional guide provided by 5 Senses Tours, Hampi

Hampi Itinerary: how to spend 3 days in Hampi

This post is a travel guide with a 3 day Hampi itinerary. Hampi is located in the state of Karnataka in South India. It was the capital of the Vijayanagara empire and is still home to hundreds of ancient temples. The ruins cover a large area and it is easy to be overwhelmed as a first time visitor.

Most backpackers stay much longer than planned, because of the relaxed atmosphere, the slow pace of life and the range of activities available. It would take months to see all the ruins in Hampi and once you get tired of history you could enjoy the outdoors and go hiking or boulder climbing. The rocky landscapes in the area are just as impressive. 

I made this Hampi itinerary after my own trip. I loved Hampi so much that I stayed there for almost a week. For those with less time, I would say 3 days in Hampi is the minimum you need. This way you can see the most important places without rushing things.

Hampi history

It’s hot in the fierce sun and sweat is dripping from my back. In front of me, the rocky landscape of Hampi absorbs the heat and provides little respite from the sun.

It’s the second day of my Hampi itinerary and I am on my way to the Vittala temple. Everywhere I look I see remnants of the old Vijayanagara empire. One of the largest and most powerful empires in medieval India In the 14th century, Hampi was the capital of this vast Hindu kingdom and it was described as a prosperous and wealthy city untill it was defeated by Muslim armies in 1565.

Hampi was a major center of political, economic, and cultural activity during the Vijayanagara Empire and was known for its grand architecture, rich cultural heritage, and impressive monuments. The town was home to many important religious structures, such as the Virupaksha Temple, the Hampi Bazaar, and the Royal Enclosure, which served as the residence of the Vijayanagara kings.

Hampi’s history goes back even further though and people identified the area around Hampi to be the monkey kingdom of Kishkinda as described in the Ramayana. Before the Vijayanagara empire, the Hoysala kings, famous for the Somnathpur temple near Mysore and the Belur and Halebid temples , already built the first religious buildings in Hampi

Nowadays Hampi is a small town catering to backpackers and religious pilgrims that visit the still functioning Virupaksha temple and monkey temple. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage site and there are over 1600 remains of temples, palaces, horse stables, ganesh statues and other structures.

A 3 day Hampi itinerary

Hampi itinerary day 1: virupapur gaddi & anegundi.

When making a 3 day Hampi itinerary with the best places to visit in Hampi it is good to realize that the area is dividided by the Tunghabadra river and that the sights are clustered around three centers.

Most places to visit in Hampi are at the side of the bazaar with one cluster around the Virupaksha temple and another cluster around the Royal enclosure. The other side of the river called Virupapur Gaddi also has some interesting ruins and offers a more quiet and peaceful experience.

To cross the river you can take a boat that leaves frequently once full. Virupapur Gaddi also has some nice homestays, good restaurants and plenty of places to rent a bike.And that is exactly what I would recommend you to do on your first day. Driving your motorbike with the wind through your hair among green rice fields is a highlight in itself.

Anegundi village

The first day of our Hampi itinerary we explored Virupapur Gadi. Our first stop was the small village of Anegundi. The Kishkinda Trust is running several projects here to promote rural tourism and to empower the community. The sleepy town remains an off the beaten path destination which is part of its charm and so are it’s green rice paddy’s and palmtrees. On top of that Anegundi has some temples as well.

Durga & Monkey temple

On our wayt back from Anegundi we stopped at the Durga and monkey temple. The temples are still used and a favourite stop for religious pilgrims. The monkey temple is of great importance to Hindus because some believe that the Hindu monkey god Hanuman was born here.

Both temples require an effort to climb endless steps to the top of a hill that offers a magnificient view over Hampi. The Durga temple is less high and less crowded, but the monkey temple offers a better view.

Sanapur Lake

The sanapur lake is a nice spot to end the first day of your Hampi itinerary and watch the sunset. The blue lake surrounded by rocks gets few visitors, but is a great place to visit. Read more in this guide from Our Taste for life about Sanapur lake . 

Hampi itinerary day 2: Hampi by Tuk Tuk

The second day of our Hampi itinerary we were contemplating whether we wanted to hire a motorbike and drive around ourselves or go with a tuk tuk to see the places to visit in Hampi on the Virupaksha side of the river.

We decided that the weather was too hot and treat ourselves on a tuk tuk for the day. This turned out a great decision, because the roads were much dustier and rockier than in Virupapur gaddi. On top of that our tuk tuk driver showed us some temples that were not in our guidebook such as an underground shiva temple and a large statue of Narasimha, the incarnation of Vishnu.

Vittala Temple and stone chariot

The famous stone chariot that is on most pictures of Hampi is in the beautiful Vittala temple. The Vittala Temple is built in the mid-16th century during the rule of King Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is one of the well-preserved monuments in Hampi, known for its intricate carvings, rich history, and architectural beauty.

Insider tip : The temple is a long 2 kilometer walk through rocks and boulders, but it is worth every step you take. If you want to escape the heat I would advise you to do this early in the morning or the afternoon. Tuk tuks are not allowed to reach the Vittala temple, but if you really don’t want to walk there is a crowded white tourist van going up and down.

Laxmi Narasimha

Narasimha is a Hindu deity and one of the avatars (incarnations) of Lord Vishnu. He is depicted as a half-man, half-lion being and is considered a fierce and powerful form of the deity. The name “Narasimha” literally means “man-lion,” and the deity is revered for his ability to provide protection and support to his devotees.

The large statue of Narasimha in Hampi is among the largest in Karnataka. Next to the statue is a small temple with a big Shiva lingam inside.

Elephant stables & Lotus Mahal

The former royal palace grounds offer some interesting sights. Not to be missed are the elephant stables and the lotus mahal. These well preserved buildings are known for their unique architecture, which features a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles, including domes and arches, and its intricately carved walls and pillars.

The Lotus mahal was used by the royal women and is believed to have served as a place for relaxation, entertainment, and possibly for holding meetings.

Queens bath and stepped baths

Hampi is a dry landscape and the baths must have involved some advanced engineering. Access to clean drinking water remains a struggle for people in the area, even now. The queens bath is a beauty inside, but the stepped baths used by the citizens of the kingdom are no less impressive.

Hazara Rama temple

Last, but not least of our tour was the Hazara Rama temple. When our tuk tuk driver stopped we almost felt we had seen enough for the day. We were wondering whether to drag our tired bodies into the sun again for one more temple.

But this was not just another temple. This was like a book with the detailed carvings on the walls telling endless stories. Elephants marching forward, women dancing, warriors fighting and horses getting ready for battle.

Tip: The Vittala temple requires a ticket that is also valid for the royal enclosure (lotus mahal and elephant stables) and the archeological museum in Hospet. We visited the museum as part of our tuk tuk tour. My advice is that if you have enough time on the second day of your Hampi itinerary, it is worth having a quick look, but not a must see.

Hampi itinerary day 3: Hampi on foot

Our tuk tuk tour left us in awe, but also tired and overwhelmed. The Virupaksha temple and some Ganesh statues are just accross the river from virupapur gadi and we decided to leave them for the next day. The third day of our Hampi itinerary we explored the area on foot.

Laxmi: the temple elephant

I always have mixed feelings of tourist activities involving elephants. In South India many temples have a temple elephant that hands out blessings to people in exchange for a few rupees.

Laxmi is Virupaksha’s temple elephant and every morning around 8 AM she goes to the river to get a bath. Her caretaker gently washes her and she seems to be enjoying this daily ritual. Still, I feel that a crowded temple is not the place for an elephant.

Virupaksha temple

The Virupaksha Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as Virupaksha. The temple is considered one of the oldest and most sacred shrines that dates back to the 7th century. It was a major center of Hindu worship during the Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1565) and continues to be an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus.

Virupaksha temple is thus still functioning and of great importance for Hindus. It is therefore the most crowded of all temples with both people and monkeys. The monkeys are fun to watch, but you should take care if you carry any food items or even just a water bottle.

The monolithic ganesh statues

Behind the Virupaksha temple are two impressive monolithic statues of Ganesh. The hindu god with an elephant head who loves sweets and removes obstacles. Sasivekalu and Kadalekalu Ganesha are an easy walk up the boulders behind the Virupaksha temple and should not be missed.

Hampi itinerary travel tips

The best places to stay in hampi.

There are three places where you can stay in Hampi. First of all there is Hospet which has the nearest railway connection. The town is a transport hub and not very scenic, but offers some decent hotels. It is also convenient if you need to catch an early morning train.

The second option is Hampi bazaar . Here you will find yourself right in the centre of Hampi. However, there is a constant struggle between the hotel owners and the authorities that rather see the hotels go to preserve the archeological heritage.

The third option is Virupapur gadi . You will have to cross the river with a small boat that runs between 7 am and 5 pm, but this is the most scenic and peaceful location. Homestays with good reviews in this area include  Srinivasa homestay , Arjun homestay and Vinayaka homestay

The best places to eat in Hampi

Hampi has no shortage of vegetarian friendly restaurants. Most of them have a laid back atmosphere catering to backpackers on a budget. Again there is a cluster of restaurants around Hampi bazaar and Virupapur gadi.

Hampi bazaar : Mango tree in the middle of a banana plantation is a big favourite among travellers and I understand why. Their thali’s are excellent. For good homemade pasta head to nearby Suresh restaurant.

Virupapur gadi : The food at um cafe was ok, but my main reason for coming back was the relaxed atmosphere and the great view from their rooftop terrace.

When to visit Hampi

Hampi is best visited during the cooler months of October till March. It is also the peak tourist season, so it’s advisable to make advance bookings.

From March onwards it can get unbearingly hot in Hampi and July will bring monsoon rains till September. The area experiences heavy rainfall and many monuments and ruins may be inaccessible.

What to pack for Hampi

Even in the cooler months the sun is strong and there is little shadow among the rocks. Always bring a sun hat and sunscreen to Hampi. Sturdy shoes or sandals are another must for hiking the rocky terrain.

At last bring mosquito repellent . Locally you can buy Odomos that is great against mosquitoes.

Safety in Hampi

During the day hampi is a very safe place. However, the rocky landscape is also the home of snakes and sloth bears. Therefore it is better not to walk around the ruins at night. If you want to see sloth bears you can visit the Daroji sloth bear sanctuary not far from Hampi.

Solo female travel in Hampi

Hampi is not more or less safe for solo female travellers than other touristic places in India. There is no reason not to go to Hampi as a solo female traveler, but it helps to dress conservatively and use your instinct. If it doesn’t feel good it probably isn’t.

Romance and other scams are not unheard of and it is better not to get too friendly with local men that are eager to talk with you or guide you around. Remember, nothing is for free. It is also better not to walk around alone at night in quiet areas. 

How to get to Hampi

Hampi is in the north of Karnataka . The nearest city is Hospet. Hospet is a transport hub with frequent buses and trains to places in Karnataka and beyond. 

If people visit Hampi it is often the only place they visit in Karnataka, but Karnataka has so much more to see. Don’t miss beautiful Mysore with its palaces and great food or the temple beach town of Gokarna . 

Hospet to Hampi : From Hospet you should take a riksha to Hampi (15-20 minutes). If you stay in virupapur gadi take the boat to the other side of the river. The boat runs from 7 AM till 5 PM.

Train to and from Hampi : Hospet has a train station. You can check time tables and book your tickets online directly through the  Indian railways  (IRCTC). Unfortunately this is not always a straightforward process. For a small extra fee you can use  12goAsia  or  Makemytrip . There is a daily nighttrain from Bangalore to Hospet.

Bus to and from Hampi : There are also daily nightbuses From Hospet to Goa or Bangalore. Be aware that some offer a pick up from virupapur gadi included in your ticket. However, this means that you will be stuffed with 6 people in a rickshaw for a one hour journey to a bridge crossing the river to reach Hospet from where the actual bus departs.

It might be more comfortable and quicker to take the last boat (around 5 pm) to the other side of the river and take a rickshaw from there to Hospet on your own cost.

Sustainable travel to Hampi

Hampi is one of the top tourist sites in Karnataka. Karnataka is a beautiful state, but to preserve its culture, it is important to be aware of the possible negative impacts mass tourism can have.

Support the local community:  You can support the community by purchasing goods and services from local vendors, artisans, markets and restaurants. It is better to try South Indian cuisine that uses local ingredients rather than imported foreign foods. South Indian food is very vegetarian friendly and it is easy to follow a vegan diet.

Stay in small scale sustainable hotels : It is also better to stay in locally-owned guesthouses or homestays to support the local economy directly. These accommodations often have a more positive impact on the environment compared to large hotels.

Where possible, I can recommend staying in a homestay for an authentic cultural experience. You might want to bring a small book with pictures of your family to break the ice.

You can also try to look for guesthouses or homestays that prioritizes sustainable practices. That said, environmental awareness is still low. It’s up to you to use water sparsely, turn off lights, air conditioning, and heating when leaving your accommodation.

Use public transport : Karnataka has a well-developed public transportation system. It is easy to reach Hampi by train or bus. Opt for public transport, whenever possible, instead of private cars to reduce carbon emissions.

Leave no trace principle : I encourage you to take all your trash back with you when you visit the temples in Hampi and don’t leave any trash behind. In other words, leave no trace of your visit. Even better is when you bring something to pick up any of the trash that other people left behind.

Respect the culture : Besides environmental concerns it is also important to respect the culture. People will appreciate it, if you dress modestly. Learning a few basic phrases in Kannada, can go a long way in building meaningful connections and to learn more about the local culture. Not everybody is happy to have their picture taken. When in doubt, ask permission.

Disclaimer : This post about the best places to visit in Hampi with a 3 day Hampi itinerary contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support!

20 thoughts on “Hampi Itinerary: how to spend 3 days in Hampi”

Hampi is like a treasure trove. There are just so many things to see that one visit is not enough. Glad to see that you explored the other side of the river too. Cheers

Wow Ellis you are a rockstar! You seem to have seen more of India than most Indians I know. Hampi is in my bucket list for a long time but I keep waiting for a long weekend to explore it for 3 days atleast, and somehow end up with another plan when that weekend comes 🙁 This is a fantastic guide. I went to Talakad though in Karnataka which is very close to Bangalore. Did you check out the hippie island in Hampi?

woow this is just beautifully curated post.I am visiting Hampi in upcoming months and this would be so helpful for my travel.I would love to explore anegudi village

Beautiful! I went several years ago but didn’t take many photos and I regret it so much. Love the elephant stables! It was so hot when I went, I remember being drenched in sweat. Love India!

Lovely photos! So many monkeys! We had a great time in Hampi too, we celebrated Holi there and it was great to experience it in a smaller place with some locals. We also went to the swimming hole further up the river because it was soooo hot when we were there!

I’ve never heard of Hampi before but this looks wonderful. I think the relaxed atmosphere would be super appealing.

Hey Ellis you have studied well before describe the place in blog.. and you have taken care every single aspect which need to be cover while visiting this place..

Wonderful Image!! Thank you for sharing valuable information. I enjoyed reading this post. The whole blog is very nice found some good stuff and good information here Thanks for sharing…

Amazing blog! Interesting post, beautiful pictures, A very detailed, inspiring and informative post.

Please note Virupapur Gaddi demolished by government. No homestay and restaurants now. This is for your information

I had the best lassi ever from the Mango Tree restaurant.

Informative and well-written post on Hampi. Ancient temples and monuments of Hampi are worth seeing. We hired a local guide to understand the history behind each of the sites, we visited.

I have been lucky enough to do several trips to Hampi, even if they have all been for short durations. I still have SO much to see there! Your blog takes me back to beautiful memories of this special place

Amazing blog! Interesting post, beautiful pictures.

beautiful picture and nice blog post

Great content! Super high-quality!

nice articles ! keep it up !

Interesting post, beautiful pictures

I am planning to visit Hampi, Badawi n Aihole. Found your blog post useful and good.👍 A local guide would be useful at such historical sites. Keep writing on your journeys. Good luck.

Hampi is famous for its beauty, it’s a upcoming tourist spot in India. 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. Hazara Ram temple is a must watch place here.

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My 3-Day Budget Trip Itinerary To Hampi With Friends Under ₹15000 Per Head

Although on my wishlist since about 3 years, when I declared my vacation spot to be Hampi, I was surprised to know not many people are aware of this paradise! Here’s a glimpse into my budget trip to Hampi vacation if you’re wondering where and what is Hampi. Once you know, there’s no turning back.

Also Read: 5 Things To Do At Hippie Island In Hampi

How It Happened? Sitting in Grandmama’s Cafe one fine day, my friends and I got to discussing our vacay goals and plans ahead. And the next minute I knew, we were all planning a trip together! Although met with much scepticism, we agreed to lock in Hampi as the destination and boy, are we glad.

Pro Tip: Those balancing a dense work schedule but still wish to travel a lot, here’s what I do. Marry long weekends with smart planning and voila! Your work will never be affected and neither will you have to compromise on travel goals. My Hampi trip was a Republic Day long weekend!

How To Get To Hampi?

We flew to Bengaluru right after office hours and from there booked an Ola Outstation service for 3 days. From here it was an overnight journey to Hampi. This proved to be rather expensive though and I would suggest you book a luxury bus instead from Mumbai to Hospet which takes 14-15 hours.

What’s Hampi? Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the central part of the Indian state of Karnataka, a paradise nesting carefully in ruins, taking you back to a long forgotten time of the Hindu Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th-century.

‘Hampe’ in Kannada, Hampi was formerly known as Pampa, one of the many names of the Tungabhadra river (Where Hampi is situated). Pampa Devi was the goddess of the river and the daughter of Lord Brahma.

Hampi has two sides. Completely opposite to each other in nature. One is Temple side/Hampi side/Hampi Bazar and other is Hippie side also known as Hippie Island which is situated in small Virupapura Gadde village which lets you discover your hippie soul. One is filled with historical relevance and other is super laid back.

Lush green paddy fields, supercool cafes, bakeries and guest houses where you will find backpackers from across the world living like a nomad here.

Where To Stay Shanti Guest House, Gothami Guest House, Bobby One Love, Murali Guest House, Mowgli Guest House, Sunny Guest House, Chill out Café and Guest House, Laughing Buddha, Goan Corer, Hema Guest House etc.

Pro Tip: Don’t look for the deals on hotel booking sites. Just call up the direct number (take it from Google) and book it directly. Yes, you can negotiate as well. We stayed at Bobby ‘One Love’ Guesthouse (Contact: Raghu, 8970076805). Don’t expect luxury! Only basic amenities will be provided.

Where To Eat And What To Do Hippi Island is the place to be for a vast variety of cuisines and tasty dishes. From authentic South Indian food to Spanish, Greek, Israeli, Italian, Singaporean, Indonesian, American & Mexican cuisine, there’s something for everything here!

Note: The only alcohol you’ll find here is cold Beers. Also, non-veg paradise.

I would recommend Hema Café (German Bakery) preferably for breakfast (Multi Cuisine), Mango Tree restaurant for Lunch (They serve delicious Thali and their lemon mint cooler is to die for) and Laughing Buddha for Dinner.

Shopping Scenes Bunch of souvenirs like shawls and cloths, traditional costumes, jewellery, stone figurines, antique coins, replicas of Hampi ruins etc. are what you will find here.

Pro Tip: The best way to move around here is to rent scooters which is usually cheap but expect higher rates in peak season.

Places to Visit

1. Monkey Temple on Anjaneya Hill Awaken the adventurer in you for to get to the top, 520 steps await. But the sun setting over a view of ENTIRE Hampi? Worth the climb. The Temple is the supposed birthplace of Lord Hanuman and hence, the name.

2. Sanapura Lake One of the lesser known locations in Hampi, it is worth visiting. The lake is the backwaters of Tungabhadra river and the ride to get here (10km from Hippie Island) is heavenly. You can also indulge in Coracle rides in these calm waters and hire assistance for cliff jumping. Although many signboards warn of crocodiles, our coracle owner assured us of safety.

3. Virupaksha Temple This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Virupaksha, as the consort of the local goddess Pampa who is associated with the Tungabhadra River. It is believed to be one of the oldest temples in India where people have been performing continuous worship to God for the last 7 centuries till today.

4. Hemakuta Group Of Temples A rocky hill especially famous for several temples situated on the top of it. This hilltop offers you a lovely scenic view of Hampi and gives a great opportunity to show your photography skills. A lot to explore, a lot to click, a lot to frame!

5. Badavilinga Temple  This is yet another ancient temple featuring a shrine & pedestal with a Hindu linga, surrounded by a pool of water.

6. Statue of Ugra Narasimha The biggest statue in Hampi, this is a fantastic big statue of Lord Narasimha (Nara – man and Simha – lion, a lord combined with a man and lion’s figure) who was the 10th avatar of Lord Vishnu.

7. Sasivekalu Ganesha An enormous statue about 14 ft high of Lord Ganesha. Some big slender stone pillars with many mythological themes carved decorated the front hall of this Statue. Instagram worthy people.

8. Krishna Temple Constructed by the Krishnadevaraya in 1513 to honour lord, Krishna. This temple is one of the best attractions in Hampi. The temple ground is decorated with several stunning Yali designed pillars and impressive carvings of elephant balustrades.

Also, don’t forget to explore the ruins of Krishna bazaar which is right opposite to the temple.

9. Shiva Temple From Krishna Temple head to this unique underground Shiva Temple. For some curious reasons, this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was built many meters below the ground level. For this reason, almost all the time the sanctum and the core parts of the temple are under water, restricting entry to the inner areas!

10. Vijaya Vittala Temple The architectural marvel, The Vittala Temple or Vitthala Temple in Hampi is an ancient monument that is well-known for its exceptional architecture and unmatched craftsmanship. A must visit for all when in Hampi!

11. Hazara Rama Temple It is one of the important shrines in Hampi dedicated to Lord Ram. It was once the private temple of the kings and the royal family of Vijayanagara. The temple is famous for the lovely bas relics and panels depicting the story of the epic Ramayana.

12. Lotus Mahal Also known as Kamal Mahal or Chitragani Mahal, it is one of the only handful and a few astonishing building in Hampi that had not been damaged or destroyed amid the attack on the city.

13. Stepped Tank Also known as Pushkarani, this is a sacred water tank that is attached to the temples. Most of the major temples in Hampi have a Pushkarani built near them.

14. Elephant Stables The Elephant Stables is a wonderful structure that provided shelter to the royal elephants of the grand Vijayanagara Empire.

15. Zanana Enclosure The Zenana Enclosure was a fortified and secluded area reserved for the royal ladies of the Vijayanagara Empire.

16. Queen’s Bath The luxurious bath which includes a big verandah with a rectangular pool surrounded by extended balconies and carved domes where Vijayanagara Kings and Queens used to take bath. Although called Queen’s bath, the pool was used by both Kings and Queens.

What We Missed But You Shouldn’t

1. Sunset at Matanga Hill If you are staying on the Temple side, this is the best place to get a mesmerizing view of Sunset or Sunrise and a panoramic view of Hampi. It is a moderate hike up the hills for 45mins to 1 hour, depending on one’s capability.

2. Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary Located about 15km from Hampi, Dorji Sloth Bear Sanctuary was created exclusively for the preservation of the Indian Sloth Bear. Visit this between 2 PM – 5 PM as they slather the honey on the rocks to attract the bears so that tourist can get a good spotting.

Also Read:  6 Places To Go To In India For A Hippie Getaway

Now all you need is a long weekend for a Happy, Hippie, Hampi!

This article was contributed to Curly tales by our reader Prasad Baliram Nakhawa. If you would like to write your story, drop us an email on [email protected]

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2 days Day out in mysore by local cab - Karnataka Forum

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We are a family of 2 adults and 2 kids will stay for 2days 1 night in mysore please suggest places to visit and local transport

3 replies to this topic

For a trip outside of Mysore, I would recommend Namdroling Monastery in the Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe - you may not have time for this, however.

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From Lamayuru to Murudeshwar, here are some budget-friendly destinations to visit in India

India has a reputation for its budget-friendly tourist destinations

India has a reputation for its budget-friendly tourist destinations. There are many places to travel to in India without spending a huge sum of money. Here are some budget-friendly places to visit in India.

Lamayuru aka the Moonscape, Ladakh

Lamayuru, which is popularly known as the Moonscape due to its lunar-like terrain, is a village located in Leh. It is a quiet and peaceful place with wonderful sites to go on a vacation for two to three days. It may approximately cost up to Rs 15,000 Rs 20,000. The best time to visit Lamayuru is during the summer between April and June as the climate is pleasant and is usually between 25 degrees Celsius and 15 degrees Celsius. 

You would find quite a lot of monasteries in Ladakh that are usually located at the peaks of mountains. Lamayuru's Yuru Monastery, the oldest in Ladakh, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. The monastery originally had five buildings but currently only one of those buildings remain. Hiring a cab or driving a private vehicle would be the best way to explore Lamayuru. Buses are available for travelling from Leh to Kargil.

Hampi, Karnataka

Known for its rich cultural heritage, Hampi is a apt destination for tourists to spend their weekend. It's known for its ancient temples and architectural ruins and tourists find the workmanship of these temples attractive. Hampi can be reached by road or by air. The nearest airport is Vidhyanagar Airport and the nearest railway station is Hosapete. Hampi has a pleasant climate during October- March, which would be the perfect time to visit. An ideal trip would last up to two to three days and this may cost Rs 9,000 to Rs 10,000. 

Virupaksha Temple is a seventh-century Shiva temple located in Hampi and is a UNESCO world heritage site. The Virupaksha Temple is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, a form of Shiva. The main tower in the east is a nine-story building and is 50 metres tall. Each of the floors in the temple features hundreds of gods and goddesses. Lotus Mahal stands out for its lotus-like architecture. It has 24 pillars for support and long corridors with no walls. Shree Vijaya Vitthala Temple is dedicated to Vittala, who is also said to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Ranga Mantapa, one of the main attractions of the Vittala Temple, is known for its 54 SaReGaMa pillars, named so because of the musical notes coming out of them. 

A city in Uttrakhand, Rishikesh is known for being rich in yoga and spiritual heritage and hence flaunts the title, ‘Yoga capital of the world’. It is a holy land and hence it is a vegetarian and alcohol-free place. The ideal time to visit Rishikesh is from September to March. A one-or-two-day would be enough to explore the beauty of Rishikesh, which may cost around Rs 6,000.

Triveni Ghat, the most popular bathing ghat in Rishikesh, is where the three most sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswathi meet. Triveni Ghat is used by devotees to perform rituals for their departed ones.

Outdoor activities to try in Rishikesh include bungee jumping, rafting, hiking and camping. India’s highest bungee jumping spot is in Rishikesh, which is 83 m. It has the perfect balance of adventurous activities and spirituality for the visitors. 

McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh

McLeodganj, a sanctuary of the Dalai Lama, is located in Himachal Pradesh. It is famous for its greenery, ancient temples, monasteries and Tibetan culture. It would be ideal for visitors to visit from April to June and from September to November. A two-day trip would cost up to Rs 2,000. Visitors usually travel to McLeodganj by air and the Kangra Airport in Dharamshala is about 20 km away from the place. The nearest railway station is Pathankot Railway Station, situated approximately 90 km away.

The 30-foot Bhagsu Falls and its serene beauty is quite a stunning view to watch. The St John In The Wilderness Church built in the woods is one of the oldest structures in Dharamsala. Though mostly in ruins, the church remains and is an example of early New Zealand church design. This church has a considerable amount of significance in terms of architecture and history. Mata Chintpurni Temple in McLeodganj is one of the most important among the 51 Shaktipeethas.

Pushkar, Rajasthan

Pushkar, one of the oldest cities in India, is located in Ajmer, Rajasthan, and woos thousands of tourists every day to explore its history and timeless architecture. The tourist season in Pushkar begins in October and the temperature during this period does not usually exceed 15 degree Celsius. A day trip to Pushkar may cost Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500.

The famous Pushkar Mela is a five-day camel and livestock fair that is held annually in the city during October-November. It is one of the world's largest camel fairs. The Brahma temple, the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, is another main attraction in the city. It is located close to the sacred Pushkar Lake. You can reach Pushkar by buses as it is well-connected to the National Highways of Rajasthan and Pushkar Railway Station is located at a distance of 11km.

Murudeshwar, Karnataka

Murudeshwar, located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, is known for its beautiful temples and beaches. It is just the right place to take a sweet vacation to put an ease to your mind. The picturesque and spiritual beauty of Murudeshwar is captivating. Trains and bus services are available but direct flights are not available. The nearest airport is Mangaluru, which is 137 km away. The best time to visit Murudeshwar is from October to May. A three-day trip in Murudeshwar may cost up to Rs 9,000.

One of the main attractions in this place is the Shri Murudeshwar Temple, where the 123-foot Shiva statue, the tallest in India, is located. Being surrounded by the waters of the Arabian Sea on three sides and built on Kanduka Hill, the view from the temple is a sight that no one should miss.

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