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Best Budget Places to Stay in Hampi India : Travellers Picks
Hampi he southern Indian state of Karnataka is a favourite for everyone – backpackers, flashpackers, and even vacationers.
You can plan your Hampi trip on a budget or splurge on luxury – it all depends on what you choose to stay: budget places or fancy resorts.
While many prefer budget places to stay in Hampi, some worry about hygiene and safety. I understand those concerns.
I’ve been to Hampi five times (yes, five!), and I can’t wait to go again. I’ve stayed in all kinds of places – hippie island hostels, budget hotels in Kamalapur, guesthouses near Virupaksha temple. I was even invited by a friend to one of Hampi’s expensive resorts.
So, I know how to help you find the best accommodations in Hampi.
In this travel guide, I’ll show you various types of stays, the best areas, and who they suit best. Once you read this, you’ll easily pick the perfect place to stay in Hampi – whether it’s a hotel, hostel, or homestay.
Tips on Hampi accommodation options
Set a Budget: Decide how much you want to spend on your stay. Hampi has everything from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels and luxury resorts.
Book in Advance: Hampi is popular, especially from October to February. Booking early can get you better rates and your preferred place.
Finding Best Deals: Hampi hotel prices are lowest during June to August, which is the monsoon season. You can save a lot of money if you travel to Hampi during this time. However, you might have to compromise on outdoor activities and sightseeing due to the rains.
Heritage Luxury Resorts : Unlike Kochi, where historical buildings are converted into heritage hotels, Hampi doesn’t have such historical heritage hotels. The luxury resorts in Hampi are newly built and lack historical significance, and they do not reflect the Vijayanagara culture.
Consider Amenities: List your must-haves like Wi-Fi, hot water, and air conditioning. Some places, especially cheap homestays in Hampi might not have all the modern amenities, so check first.
Location Matters: Pick a spot based on your plans, with whom you are travelling and how you are getting around either with rented bike, own car or auto rickshaws. Choose areas accordingly
Where to stay in Hampi?
In Hampi, you can choose to stay in either Southern Hampi, where you’ll find plenty of homestays and budget hotels suitable for families and flashpacking couples, or Northern Hampi (Hippie Island), perfect for backpackers and long-term budget travellers.
Northern Hampi
Who is it suitable for? Northern Hampi, also known as Hippie Island, is perfect for solo backpackers and couples looking for a laid-back vibe with affordable places to stay in Hampi. It attracts more of foreigners and a few Indians who enjoy a relaxed, rural experience.
What are the nearby attractions? You’ll find lakes like Sanapur and Pampa Sarovar here, along with the small town of Anegundi known for banana fibre products.
What type of accommodations do you find? Accommodation mainly includes huts and cottages with or without AC. Many cottages don’t have official permits, so huts are a budget-friendly option.
Advantages of staying here:
- Cool hippie vibe with cafes and eateries even in rural parts.
- Long-term travellers love Northern Hampi for its laid-back atmosphere.
- It’s the cheapest area for budget travellers to stay in Hampi and offers a unique rural experience.
- Ideal for those looking to stay more than a week without spending much.
Disadvantages of staying here:
- You’ll need to rent a bike to visit the monuments on the southern bank.
- Most cottages might not have AC.
- You are away from Hampi group of Monuments like Virupaksha temple and Vijaya Vittala.
Click here to book the best budget Cottage to in Northern Hampi – Sunrise Guest House
Southern Hampi
Who is it suitable for? Southern Hampi is perfect for flashpackers and families. It’s often chosen by Indian tourists and a few foreigners on short visits. Surely this goes on the top of Best areas to stay in Hampi.
What are the nearby attractions? Southern Hampi includes famous attractions such as the Stone Chariot, Virupaksha Temple, and the Stepped Well. It’s surrounded by easy hiking trails and numerous stone structures.
What type of accommodations do you find? You’ll find a variety of accommodations in Southern Hampi, from budget hotels and homestays to dormitory hostels.
Advantages of staying here:
- Closer to most of the famous monuments.
- Plenty of food joints, bazaars, eateries, and cafes.
- Options to rent a bike or use autorickshaws to get around.
- Hampi Homestays often have terrace views of the impressive Virupaksha Temple tower.
- Further, southern Hampi can be divided into Kamalapur where you find hotel options , Virupaksha known for homestays and guesthouses, and Malapanagudi for luxury resorts.
Disadvantages of staying here:
- Accommodation prices are higher compared to Northern Hampi.
- Not ideal for personal cars, as most guesthouses lack parking; you’d need to park in a paid public area, approximately 200-500m from the guesthouses.
Hospet
Who is it suitable for? Hospet is suitable for tourists who prefer staying in a well-developed town with more modern amenities. It’s ideal for travellers who don’t mind being a bit further from the main attractions of Hampi and appreciate conveniences like better transport links and a wider range of services.
What are the nearby attractions? Apart from the Tungabhadra Dam, which only a few tourists are interested in seeing during the rainy season when the dam is filled, there is nothing in Hospet that tourists want to enjoy.
What type of accommodations do you find? In Hospet, you’ll find a variety of accommodations including budget hotels, mid-range hotels, and a few upscale business hotels.
Advantages of staying here:
- Hospet has more modern amenities compared to Hampi, including better transport links.
- There are more restaurants, shops, and services available in Hospet.
- Being closer to the railway station and bus stations makes Hospet a convenient base for travellers.
Disadvantages of staying here:
- Staying in Hospet means you are 20 km away from the Hampi monuments, requiring additional travel time.
- Hospet does not offer the same historical charm and scenic beauty as staying closer to the Hampi monuments.
- You might miss out on the immersive experience of staying within Hampi’s historical areas.
Best places to stay in Hampi hippie island
Sunrise Guest House and Restaurant
Location: Sanapur, North Hampi
Closer to: 1km walking distance from Sanapur lake
Average price per night per room: ?500 – ?1000 (tent), ?1,500 – ?2,500 (cottage)
Amenities : Shared bathrooms, fan only, no AC
Suitable for: Budget backpackers, backers with kids, group of friends.
One of the best and most budget-friendly places to stay in Hampi is Sunrise Guest House. What makes it stand out is the friendly host and the beautiful view of paddy fields and rocky hills right from the windows.
We were a group of five friends looking for an inexpensive escape and eager to climb all the hills in Hampi post-COVID. We booked a tent at Sunrise Guest House, and it was the best decision we ever made.
They provide a tent with a mattress and blankets. When you’re not using the tent, there’s plenty of space around to chill and relax.
Another surprising fact about Sunrise Guest House in Sanapur is that it is kid-friendly! Not many budget stays in Hampi are, but this one is.
You can also book a room by paying a little extra, where you get to sleep in a cottage with a solid floor and thatched roof and walls.
The only drawback I would say is the shared toilets and showers. However, you can’t really see it as a disadvantage for the price you pay. If you want to travel on a budget, you have to deal with this.
Island Vibes
Location: Sanapur, North Hampi
Closer to: 1.2 km walking distance from Sanapur lake
Average price per night per room: ?1,000 – ?2,500 for cottages in the garden
Amenities : Private bathrooms, fan only, no AC
Suitable for: Budget travellers and backping couples.
If you want to stay in sophisticated cottages while still experiencing rural charm and keeping the budget under control, pick Island Vibes in Sanapur village.
They have private bathrooms and a colourfully lit restaurant area in the garden. The way they decorate their room exteriors with lights makes it feel like Christmas.
A friend who recently visited Hampi recommends Islands vibe for its vibe, affordability, and the secluded feeling it provides despite being close to the main road.
The only drawback would be not having AC – Yet again, all the cottages and huts in Hippie Island are meant for budget travellers. And you can’t expect as for paying less money.
Budget Guest houses in Hampi South
Padma Guesthouse (Padmaa Hampi Villa)
Location: Near Virupaksha Temple
Closer to: Hemakuta Hill, Hampi Bazaar.
Average price per night per room: ?1000 – ?2500
Amenities: All rooms with private bathrooms; some have AC options.
Suitable for: Couples, families, and budget travellers
One of the best guesthouses near Virupaksha Temple is Padma Guesthouse AKA Padmaa Hampi Villa. I stayed here during my first trip to Hampi in 2006 and have been hooked on this place ever since.
Couples, families, and flashpackers who don’t want to spend too much on convenience but want more comfort than the cottages can easily choose Padma Hampi Villa.
Host Sagar is extremely friendly, and his mother makes delicious pancakes. With Sagar’s help, I spent a week cycling around Hampi in the scorching summer and enjoyed every bit of it.
It is so close to one of the most stunning sunset viewpoints of Hampi, Hemakuta Hill, that you can almost jump from the balcony to Hemakuta hills (just don’t do it).
Another major advantage of staying at Padma Hampi Villa is its proximity to Hampi’s main bus stand. If you want to catch the last sunset on the evening you leave and then quickly catch the bus back home, staying at Padma Hampi Villa is really convenient.
Gopi Guest house
Location: Near Virupaksha Temple
Closer to: Hampi Bazaar, temples, stunning view of Virupaksha gopuram from balcony.
Average price per night per room: ?2200 – ?3,500
Amenities: All rooms with private bathrooms; some have AC options.
Suitable for: Budget travellers,
There is nobody who doesn’t admire the enchanting view of Virupaksha Temple Gopuram. If you want to savour the Gopuram view as much as possible, even from your room balcony, pick Gopi Guesthouse.
This is where Sahana stayed during her second Hampi trip. Of course, a group of architects exploring Hampi got to see the Virupaksha Temple Gopuram always.
Gopi Guest house even have a restaurant that overlooks Hampi Bazaar and the temples, serving basic food. Sahana says the food isn’t out of this world, but definitely good enough to devour, especially after cycling or hiking in the Hampi trails.
Rooms in Gopi Guesthouse give you two options. All the rooms come with an attached bathroom, and a few of them have AC. I would say, pay an extra 1000 Rs and have a cooler stay.
Temple View Guest House
Location: Beside Virupaksha Temple
Closer to: Temple and river, aerial view of both from the terrace
Average price per night per room: ?2,500 – ?3,000
Amenities: All rooms with private bathrooms; some have AC options.
Suitable for: Budget travellers, those who want a local experience
If you want to stay close to Virupaksha Temple and live with the local community, choose Temple View Guest House. Located beside the temple in a side lane, the view from the terrace showcases the temple and the river.
Temple View Guest House is part of the legendary “Shambhu Dosa Corner.” Staying here ensures you get a fantastic breakfast?the dosa and vada served at Shambhu Dosa Centre are among the best in Hampi.
It offers both AC and non-AC options, like many guesthouses in Hampi. Additionally, “Shambhu Travels” is located on the ground floor, providing a helpful travel kiosk for guests.
They assist with taxi bookings to Hospet railway station, pick and drop services, and bike and cycle rentals.
When booking rooms here check if your room has a western commode or Indian squat toilet, depending on your preference.
Cheap and Best Hotels in South Hampi
Clarks Inn Kamalapur
Location: Kamalapur, Opp archeological Museum
Closer to: Royal Enclosure (1.2km) Malyavanta Raghunatha Hill (5 km)
Average price per night per room: ?4000 – ?6000
Amenities : Underground car parking, all rooms with AC, Restaurant and buffet breakfast, common pool.
Suitable for: Families, foreign travellers, and those arriving by car
If you want to stay close to Hampi monuments but can’t handle the buzz of the Virupaksha Temple area, Clarks Inn Kamalapur is the best choice and is one of the Top hotels in Hampi
It’s perfect for those arriving by car, families, and foreign travellers who need convenience and prefer to avoid the bustling neighbourhoods of Virupaksha.
Their breakfast buffet, which includes a variety of Indian cuisines and some continental options, is also good if you’re ready to spend a bit more than you would at a local Hampi food joint.
Clarks Inn Kamalapur is near the Royal Enclosure, where the Lotus Mahal and Elephant Stables are located, and just 5 km from Malyavanta Raghunatha Hill, a stunning sunrise point.
The famous Khanavali hotel “Aunty Hotel,” known for affordable, local, and delicious lunch and dinner, is just a few steps away. The breakfast spot SAGAR and the popular yet expensive Mango Tree restaurant are also nearby.
During our latest trip to Hampi in 2024, my spouse Sahana and I stayed for six nights. The car park was convenient, the rooms were comfortable, the wifi worked well, and the restaurant and room service were affordable. We particularly appreciated the efficient AC in February.
KSTDC Hotel Mayura Bhuvaneshwari
Location: Kamalapur
Closer to: Royal Enclosure (within 1.5 km)
Average price per night per room: ?2,500 – ?3,500
Amenities : Free Parking, AC, Bar, Breakfast
Suitable for: Indian families and foreign travellers with families
Out of the limited choices of hotels in southern Hampi, Mayura Bhuvaneshwari in Kamalapur, run by the Karnataka State Tourism Department, is my second choice. It is one of the Family-friendly hotels in Hampi.
Mayura Bhuvaneshwari is suitable for Indian families spending a weekend and foreign travellers with families.
It also has ample safe parking space.
The best part of Mayura Bhuvaneshwari is its location?it is surrounded by lush forests and fields and is within 1.5 km of the Royal Enclosure, where Mahanavami Dibba and other major Hampi monuments are located.
Guests love this hotel for its locality and spacious rooms with AC. However, many mention that the restaurant has very limited options.
Luxury Resorts in Hampi
Evolve Back Hampi, Kamalapur (?????)
Location: Kamalapur
Closer to: Beside Daroji Bear Sanctuary, Royal Enclosure (6 km), Virupaksha Temple (12 km)
Average price per night per room: ?32000 – ?40000
Suitable for: Luxury travellers
Evolve Back is the priciest place to stay in Hampi, offering a Maharaja-like experience. Almost every room has a private pool, providing a luxurious retreat.
The hotel is very close to Daroji Bear Sanctuary and just 6 km from the Royal Enclosure and 12 km from Virupaksha Temple.
Note that Evolve Back Hampi is a newer hotel built in historical architecture style, not an ancient palace converted into a luxury hotel.
Heritage Resort Hampi (????)
Location: Hosa Malapanagudi
Closer to: 8km from Virupaksha temple and Royal Enclosure
Average price per night per room: ?9,000 – ?25,000
Suitable for: Luxury travellers, families, and foreign travellers
When you want a luxurious resort experience with amenities like a spa but not at a high cost, choose Heritage Resort in Hosa Malapanagudi, Hampi.
All rooms come with AC and luxury bathrooms with Jacuzzis. There is a large common pool, and some rooms offer private pools at a higher cost.
Many foreign travellers adore Heritage Resort Hampi pool villas for the privacy they provide, especially in the hot summers. The resort’s restaurant is also praised by guests for offering both Indian and continental options.
Vijayshree Resort, Hampi ???
Location: Malapanagudi
Closer to: 11km from Virupaksha temple and Royal Enclosure
Average price per night per room: ?5500 to ?9000
Suitable for: Semi-luxury travellers, cultural enthusiasts
Vijayshree Resort is a semi-luxury resort with a touch of Rajasthan. Guests are welcomed with Rajasthani dance, which is quite impressive.
The resort is popular for its Rajasthani buffet meals for lunch and dinner, attracting local Hampi residents.
I stayed here for a night in 2015 and loved the ambiance, spacious rooms with luxurious bathrooms, and vast courtyards. The only drawback is that it is neither close to Hampi nor Hospet, so private transport is necessary to get around. None of the historical places are nearby.
FAQ
Where to stay in Hampi with family
Stay in Southern Hampi, particularly Kamalapur, for a quieter area with more hotel options. Clarks Inn Kamalapur is recommended for families.
Where to stay near Hampi temples
Stay at Temple View Guesthouse near Virupaksha Temple for a budget-friendly option with good vegetarian breakfast, ideal for budget travellers and pilgrims.
Which are the interesting places to stay in Hampi
Hampi's Boulders Resort, 30 km from Hampi’s temple ruins, is interesting for its unique water-eroded boulders and eco-friendly cottages. Located by the Tungabhadra River in Yamini Hills, it offers a nature-centric experience with 16 rooms, perfect for those who love nature.
What are some Cool Places to stay in Hampi
Hampi's Feathers Resort, 6 km from Hampi, is a cool place to stay. You can enjoy rustic charm amid Yamini Hills, rugged wilderness, and birdwatching near the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
