Overview
Home to the UNESCO world heritage site ‘Hampi’ and Virupaksha Temple, the city of Hampi is on every foreign and domestic
tourist’s travel list.
On the map of Karnataka, Hampi can be found on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in the eastern districts of central
Karnataka. Situated just 376 kilometers from Bengaluru and 165 kilometers from Hubli, Hampi is one of the few historic ancient
lands that are easily accessible to the urban population.
What makes Hampi a must visit on a tourist’s itinerary is its inclusion in one of the most beautiful UNESCO world heritage sites. A
gateway to ancient civilization, Hampi is a beautiful union of historic architecture and culture. In this comprehensive Hampi travel
course, we’ll talk about Hampi’s great history, climate, most visited attractions and much more.
Itinerary
• Arrive in Hampi and check into your accommodation.
• Visit the iconic Virupaksha Temple.
• Have lunch at Mango Tree, enjoying riverside views.
• Relax by the Tungabhadra River and savor the sunset.
• Explore the Vittala Temple with its stone chariot and musical pillars.
• Enjoy lunch at Ravi's Rooftop Restaurant.
• Visit the Achyutaraya Temple for panoramic views of Hampi.
• Have dinner at Ravi's Rooftop Restaurant.
• Visit the Hemakuta Hill Temples in the morning.
• Experience a breathtaking sunrise or sunset at Matanga Hill.
• Enjoy a coracle ride on the Tungabhadra River.
• Explore local villages and rural life in the area.
• Embark on a trekking expedition to explore the surrounding hills and natural beauty.
• Have a picnic lunch amidst nature.
• Go shopping in Hampi Bazaar for souvenirs and local crafts.
• Attend some traditional dance and music performances in the evening.
• Start your day with breakfast at your accommodation.
• Explore the historic sites like the Elephant Stables and click photographs of the stunning architecture.
• Visit the Queen's Bath, showcasing Indo-Islamic architecture.
• Head to the Virupaksha Car Festival if it coincides with your visit or spend some time souvenir shopping in Hampi Bazaar.
• Enjoy a final dinner at one of the local restaurants.
• Prepare for your departure from Hampi.
Hampi was known as Vijaynagar in the 12th century. The Vijayanagar empire came into existence in 1336 and its foundation was
laid down by Harihara and Bukka Raya I.
During the years between 1509-1529, the Vijayanagar empire became one of the most prosperous Hindu empires in South India.
Unfortunately, the Zenith of the empire was crushed by getting defeated in 1565 against the Deccan Sultanates. The destruction
caused by the Deccan Sultanates can still be witnessed as ruins.
Between the period of 16th to 19th century, Hampi completely lost its political significance and the city of Hampi also was reduced
to an obscure land with stranded structures and buildings.
After remaining ignored by the world till the mid 19th century, the Hampi ruins were rediscovered by British photographer
Alexander Greenlaw. Greenlaw photographed the site in 1856 and curated an archive of 60 photographs.
The photographs weren’t published until 1980 and finally in 1986, Hampi was recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site.
Hampi is situated in the eastern central part of Karnataka, which usually offers a pleasant climate all year. However, we’ve
segregated the best time to visit Hampi as a tourist in three different seasons:
Peak Season (October to March)
Visit Hampi during these months for cool breezes and a pleasant climate. With temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees, these
months are usually considered to be the ideal for travel. Keep in mind that during these months, you can experience a crowd as
these are the peak months of Hampi.
Mid-Season (July to September)
These months offer relatively pleasant climatic conditions. The climate might be humid, but the heat waves are at a complete rest.
The mid-season might not experience the same volume of crowds as the peak season but is still a very good time to explore the
ruins of Hampi. The cherry on top is that hotels and other accommodations are not heavily booked and also offer discounted
rates.
April to June (Off Season)
Due to the searing heat, intermittent rain, and extreme humidity, this is the least popular time for tourists. Due to the weather,
outdoor activities and trekking are restricted. Off-season pricing for lodging and local attractions may be available, making it a
cost-effective time to visit for those who can withstand the weather.
By Air: If you’re traveling by air, the nearest airport to Hampi is Jindal Vijaynagar Airport, which is located approximately 40
kilometers away. It offers limited connectivity, primarily catering to domestic flights. From the airport, you can easily hire a taxi or
use local transport to reach Hampi, enjoying the scenic drive through the picturesque landscapes.
By Water: While not a primary mode of transportation, you can experience the unique beauty of Hampi by taking a coracle ride
on the Tungabhadra River. These round boats are a traditional way to traverse the river and provide a tranquil and peaceful
voyage, allowing you to take in the breathtaking scenery from a different angle. It’s a lovely approach to admire the region’s
natural splendor.
By Road: Hampi is well-connected by road to major cities in the region. You can reach Hampi by taking a road trip, either by
personal vehicle or through various bus services. Well-maintained highways connect the city to places like as Bangalore and
Hyderabad. The road route is not only convenient, but it also provides picturesque views of the countryside, making it a delightful
drive for travelers.
By Rail: For those who prefer traveling by train, the closest railway station to Hampi is Hospet Junction, located just 13
kilometers away. Hospet Junction is well-connected to major cities across India, making it a convenient entry point. From Hospet,
you can easily reach Hampi via local transport, taxis, or auto-rickshaws, ensuring a smooth transition from the railway station to
the historical and natural wonders that Hampi has to offer.
Hampi is replete with historical, architectural, and natural wonders. In this comprehensive Hampi tourism guide, we’ll discuss
some of the best places to visit in Hampi:
Virupaksha Temple: One of the most prominent historical sites in Hampi, the Virupaksha Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
When you step inside the temple, you will be welcomed by a statue of a three headed Nandi.
• Opening & Closing time: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Vijaya Vittala Temple: Known for its iconic stone chariot, this temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. Don’t miss the
musical pillars that emit different sounds when struck.
• Timings: 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
Achyutaraya Temple: This temple, also known as the Tiruvengalanatha Temple, offers stunning views of Hampi from its
elevated location.
• Timings: 05:30 am to 01:00 pm, 05:30 pm to 09:00 pm.
Queen’s Bath: Explore the ornate bathing pavilion used by the royal women during the Vijayanagara Empire, showcasing
exquisite Indo-Islamic architecture.
• Timings: 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
Elephant Stables: These grand domed chambers once housed the royal elephants. They exhibit a blend of Indian and Islamic
architectural styles.
• Timings: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Hemakuta Hill Temples: A trek up Hemakuta Hill offers panoramic views of the Hampi ruins and a collection of charming small
temples and boulders.
• Timings: No fixed timings
Matanga Hill: For a breathtaking sunrise or sunset view, hike to the top of Matanga Hill. The climb is rewarding, and you’ll get a
sweeping view of the entire site.
• Timings: No fixed timings
Hampi Bazaar: The main market street in Hampi offers a glimpse of local life, with shops and eateries.
• Timings: 6:00 am to 11:00 pm
Hampi has a wide range of dining alternatives, from traditional South Indian cuisine to foreign cuisine. Here are some of the
greatest restaurants in Hampi:
Mango Tree: This iconic restaurant is situated in a beautiful garden setting and serves delicious South Indian and international
dishes. It’s known for its relaxed ambiance and riverside views.
Laughing Buddha: A popular backpacker hangout, Laughing Buddha has a wide menu of Indian, Chinese, and Israeli dishes. It’s
an excellent place to meet other travelers.
Ravi’s Rooftop Restaurant: This rooftop restaurant, located near Virupaksha Temple, offers spectacular views of the temple
and serves a variety of Indian and international foods.
The Goan Corner: Known for its authentic Goan and continental cuisine, The Goan Corner is a cozy restaurant with a relaxed
vibe.
Gouthami Restaurant: Situated near the Hampi Bazaar, this restaurant offers a variety of South Indian dishes, including dosas,
thalis, and filter coffee.
Chillout Bamboo Restaurant: This budget-friendly restaurant is popular for its laid-back atmosphere and serves a range of
Indian and international dishes, including wood-fired pizzas.
