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How to Plan an Awesome Trip to Hampi: Local Expert Tips
A trip to Hampi is a must for many Indians, and it’s easy to see why. Hampi’s rich history dates back to the 14th century, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a staple in almost every foreign traveller’s itinerary in India.
Planning a trip to Hampi isn’t complicated but needs some preparation. There are countless temples and monuments to explore. The question is, what to see and how to make the most of your visit?
I love Hampi so much that I’ve been there five times. One of my longest holidays was seven weeks, cycling around the area. My spouse, Sahana, an architect, finds Hampi enchanting and has visited three times.
In our Hampi Travel guide, we give you all the practical information you need, tips on budgeting, getting there and around. Plus, the best time to visit Hampi is crucial?it’s one of the hottest areas I’ve ever been to.
Let’s dive in and craft the perfect Hampi travel plan for you.
Planning a trip to India for the first time? Check out our “Complete Travel guide to India for the first timers” to learn everything you must know before travelling to India.
1. Why Visit Hampi?
You visit Hampi to witness a 14th-century town full of unbelievably beautiful stone architecture, including temples and stepwells, climb rocky mountains to see kaleidoscopic sunsets, sunbathe on the lakes, cycle around green paddy fields, taste delicious food, and experience the hippie culture!
If you’re a fan of hiking amidst ancient ruins and devour local food at cheap prices on the go, Hampi is the ideal destination for you.
But when you hear the word ‘ruins,’ don’t imagine “lifeless “inactive” structures like those in Athens. Many of Hampi temples like Virupaksha are still revered as sacred and attract worshippers.
You’ll encounter Indian pilgrims often walking barefoot as they visit these temples. Next to them hippies in free spirited clothing hiking to the same temple!
What is special in Hampi?
Hampi’s charm lies in its vast grandeur of temples, rocky mountains with sunset spots and meet local artists who make Banana fibre handicrafts in Anegundi.
Back in its 15th-century heyday, it was the epitome of Indian architecture. The magnificence of that era isn’t confined to just one temple or palace; it spans across approximately 41 square kilometers along the banks of the River Tungabhadra.
Sure, we could talk endlessly about how intense the sun can be in Hampi. But let’s not forget about the breathtaking Hampi sunsets and sunrises that are truly exceptional – something you definitely shouldn’t miss.
The sky might not put on a Meteora-style light show, but Hampi’s sunset behind a 600-year-old temple is hands down one of the best in the world.
Banana Fibre Crafts near Hampi
Hampi is full of banana farms. So Anegundi, near Hampi, makes use of these banana stems to create hundreds of banana fiber products. You can meet artisans, see how they do it, and buy some super cool eco-friendly things from them.
2. How many days do you need in Hampi?
Plan a trip to Hampi for at least three full days so that you get to see places beyond the usual tourist attractions – the list of things to do in Hampi is extensive.
If you can stay here for a week like we did twice to soak in all the vibes, it is best! When you stay for a week you can even visit beautiful places near Hampi like the Unique Hirebenkal Dolmens.
Some nomads even stay for 3 to 6 months in Hampi.
I have been to Hampi five times, and only when I stayed there and explored it for a week did I feel, “I have truly experienced Hampi.
Hampi day trips or overnight stays are popular among tourists. Those who spend a day here end up saying have , “Hampi is overrated.” WIth only one is is difficult to grasp Hampi;s “glorious” reputation.
Many people from nearby cities like Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Mysore often spend weekends in Hampi. In two days, you can see famous Hampi like the stone chariot at Vijaya Vittala temple, step well, lotus mahal, and catch a sunset at Hemakuta hills. However, you’ll miss out on many other attractions.
It’s best to plan a trip to Hampi at least a 3-day trip to fully enjoy the place
3. Which time is best to visit Hampi?
The ideal time to visit Hampi is during winter, from October to January. When I talk about winter in Hampi, it’s not about a breezy, chilly riverside vibe – it means the place is less hot. So it is also the peak tourist season of Hampi.
Hampi pretty much deals with two weather types all year – heat and extreme heat.
So, even in winter, you’ll face some heat. The temperature in peak winter ranges from 22°C at night to around 29°C during the day. During my visit in late February, it even reached 37°C by 11 AM.
When is Hampi Utsav?
Every year in winter, a three-day cultural festival known as “Hampi Utsav” takes place. It is a gorgeous festival celebrated to remind people of the glory of the Vijayanagara kingdom through various celebrations, including a grand procession on elephants, various dance forms in both Western and classical styles, puppet shows, fireworks, a food fair, and a handicraft gala.
There is no fixed calendar date for when Hampi Utsav is celebrated. It can range from the second week of December to the first week of February. So, check the Hampi Utsav official website for the exact dates and plan your trip accordingly if you want to witness the festival.
Can you plan a trip to Hampi during the monsoon?
Yes, you can plan a trip to Hampi during the monsoon if you don’t mind walking in the rains. July to September marks the rainy season in Hampi. The climate gets cooler, and the fields turn greener during this time.
However, catching sunsets or sunrises might be tricky due to cloudy weather. You might spend at least 20% of the time taking shelter from the rain if you visit Hampi between June and August.
During my Hampi trip in August 2013, which was the peak rainy season, everything was greener. Some of the stone ruins get partly covered in green creepers and weeds. It is a spectacular sight to see the 500-year-old stone structures of Hampi with greenery all over them.
4. Top Attractions in Hampi
Places to see in Hampi include a variety of monuments like temples, unique landmarks like the ancient dining place, Queen’s Bath, and parts of palaces. Then there is the unique landscape and nature?lakes, rivers, mountains, sunset viewpoints, hiking trails, and a bear sanctuary.
Of course, don’t miss the handicraft villages. So when you plan a trip to Hampi, make sure you add a bit of everything. If you only visit temples or stay in the mountains, you will miss out on the variety.
Best Places to visit in Hampi in 3 days
Day 1 :
- Queens Bath
- Mahanavami Dibba
- Stepped Tank
- Underground Chamber
- Lotus Mahal
- Elephant Stable
- Sringarada Hebbagilu
- Hazara Rama temple
- Lunch at Kamalapur “Aunty Hotel”
- Talarigatta gate
- Kudure Gombe Mantapa
- Vittala Raya Kola
- Vijaya Vittala temple for Stone Chariot
- Watch Sunset at Malyavanta Raghunatha Hill
Day 2 :
- Mathanga Hill for sunrise
- Back to room and get ready
- breakfast at Taste of Brahmins
- Virupaksha Temple
- Head to Hippie island
- Lunch at Wanderlust Hampi
- Cliff jumping and coracle ride at Sanapur Lake
- Head to Hippie Island sunset Point
Day 3 :
- Breakfast at Mango tree cafe in Kamalpur or Sagar Hotel
- Leave to Anegundi for a half day trip by rented bike
- Ride Back to Hampi
- Lakshmi Narasimha and Badavi Linga
- Sasivekalu and Kadalekalu Ganesha,
- Spend time at Krishna Sante Street and Shri Krishna Temple
- Watch Sunset at Hemakuta Hills
5. How to Reach Hampi?
Getting to Hampi is quite straightforward due to its excellent connectivity, a result of its popularity among both foreign and Indian travellers. Plus Hampi is closer to to bustling business hubs like Sandur, Hospet, and Bellary.
So there are plenty of trains from various parts of India, buses and well maintain roads connecting to Hampi.
By Air
Vidyanagar Airport (VDY) is the nearest airport to Hampi, located only 38 km away. As VDY is operational since 2006, its connectivity is limited. Direct flights are only available from Bengaluru and Hyderabad. So flying isn’t the best option to travel to Hampi
By Train
Trains are a great way to get to Hampi if you are coming from faraway cities in Northern India like Agra and Delhi, or southern cities like Chennai and Cochin.
The nearest railway station to Hampi is Hosapete (Hospet), just 13 km away. Upon arrival, you can easily catch an auto-rickshaw or taxi that waits outside the train station to reach your accommodation.
When booking train tickets, look for Hosapete Junction (HPT).
Before you go ahead and book your train tickets, read the detailed guide on Train Travel in India. So that you know which class and type of tickets are suitable for you.
By Bus
Taking an overnight AC Sleeper coach is the simplest and best way to reach Hampi from cities that are 300-400 km away. Places like Bangalore, Mysore, Goa, and Bijapur have plenty of AC sleeper coach buses arriving at Hampi every day.
The roads leading to Hampi, primarily national highways, are in excellent condition, even for journeys lasting 12-14 hours.
Most buses travel directly to Hampi, eliminating the need to book tickets to Hospet. Before boarding, double-check your accommodation address and the nearest bus stop.
Confirm with your driver where to disembark. For instance, your room might be in Kamalapur, while buses may stop at Virupaksha. From there, you can easily catch an auto-rickshaw.
For easy booking experience, consider booking buses through 12Go Asia like we do.
By Car
For domestic travellers from nearby cities like Bangalore and Bijapur, driving in a private car to Hampi is the most comfortable option.
We took the Bangalore to Hampi route via Chitradurga, a charming fort town. The roads are well-maintained, mostly four-lane, ensuring a smooth journey.
6. How to travel within Hampi?
There are a few options to get around Hampi: cycling, renting bikes, hiring auto rickshaws?all combined with walking.
Having explored Hampi using all these methods, including driving around in a car, we confidently say the best ways to get around Hampi is combination of renting bikes plus walking.
It’s only when you walk that you come across a big stone ruin hidden behind the shrubs and trees. This moment kind of makes you feel like Indiana Jones!
Do we need to walk a lot in Hampi?
Yes, walking is essential in Hampi. Even if you have a bike or car, vehicle entry is restricted inside the archaeological site entrances. So, even if you plan to visit only major places like the Virupaksha Temple and Vijaya Vittala, you’ll still have to walk a lot.
The only downside to exploring Hampi on foot is the heat. After 11 in the morning, walking becomes tough. You’ll come across many inactive temples with Mantapas while walking.
Unless you enjoy the scorching heat, you’ll find yourself seeking shelter. You’ll appreciate electric vehicle services, especially at a few places during the noon.
Do you need a guide in Hampi?
If it’s your first time in Hampi, it’s better to hire a guide for an hour or two. This way, you get an overall picture of Hampi and its historical significance.
Without knowing the basic historical and mythological stories related to Hampi, it is difficult to understand why Hampi is important.
How to hire a guide in Hampi?
You can find certified guides near the Stone Chariot temple and Virupaksha temple. Hire guides for just a monument and explore the rest of your days by yourself. It is wise to hire guides at Virupaksha and Vijaya Vittala temple
They charge about 200 Rs/ monument/ per group. You might even find French speaking guides!
However, make sure not to plan your entire Hampi trip with a guide.
Being handheld and organised by a guide is the worst way to experience Hampi. These guides often rush you through spots and say some places aren’t worth visiting just to finish your tour quickly.
When Sahana travelled to Hampi with her parents long ago, the guide told her that there was nothing in Hampi except the Stone Chariot and Virupaksha.
Cycle tour in Hampi
There is nothing better than exploring Hampi’s group of monuments by cycling. There are plenty of cycling tours organised by locals. Or if you want to explore Hampi on bicycles on your own, just rent one and go.
The internet connection is decent everywhere, so the chances of getting lost in the middle of rocky mountains are slim. Plus, Hampi is a lot safer than before, so it is perfectly fine to cycle in and around Hampi on your own.
I spent a week cycling in Hampi during the summer. As much as I loved it, the heat during the daytime was brutal. So, I recommend cycling tours of Hampi only during October to December.
How to rent a bike in Hampi
- Indian citizens renting a bike in Hampi must provide the original DL and another National ID like Aadhar or PAN. The rental service may request an ID deposit, so having the original ID is essential.
- Foreign travelers should carry their passport and DL (in English) along with a passport photocopy for the bike rental, and they need to deposit the DL with a passport photocopy.
- Complete a form with your name, contact number, email ID, accommodation address in Hampi (including the room number), and an alternate contact number.
- A minimum per-day rental price applies, even for shorter durations.
- Renting a Honda Activa costs Rs 400/day. For an overnight rental returned the next day, the charge is Rs 600/day.
- Your host is the best person to connect you with the nearest bike rental service.
Whether you stay in the south or north of Hampi, renting a bike to explore is a great idea. If you are staying in northern Hampi, a rental motorbike is a must because most monuments are in the south.
You can’t rely on auto rickshaws every time in the north as they are sparse.
7. Finding Accommodations in Hampi
As one of India’s top destinations, Hampi offers a variety of accommodations. Guesthouses and homestays are the most popular choices. Huts or cottages amidst paddy fields or banana farms are particularly favoured by foreign visitors.
If you’ve explored historical places like Udaipur or Ahmedabad, you might have come across ancient Havelis transformed into heritage hotels. Unlike Fort Kochi in Kerala, where heritage structures are converted into hotels, there is nothing of the sort in Hampi.
There are luxury resorts in Hampi, but nothing historic about them. Unless you are a luxury traveller, it is best to go for homestays, guesthouses, hostels, or mid-range budget hotels in Hampi.
Where you stay in Hampi also depends on your travel style, budget, and how long you are staying in Hampi.
I have created a detailed post on how and where to find good accommodation in Hampi.
8. Hampi Trip Cost Overview
Your Hampi trip cost depends on your travel preferences – budget, midrange, or luxury. Additionally, the trip cost varies based on your nationality.
Hampi monument fees:
Hampi travel costs may differ based on nationality. Foreign nationals need to pay nearly 20 times more for entrance fees than Indians.
For instance, an Indian national pays 35Rs for entrance to the Vijaya Vittala temple, while a foreigners in Hampi with a non-Indian passport must pay 650Rs. Not every monument requires a ticket, though.
Accommodation Cost
Accommodations price in Hampi range from 800Rs/day/room in North Hampi for tents to luxury heritage resorts like Evolve Back at 30k/day/room. Mid-range hotel options for flashpackers like us can be around 4000Rs/night/room.
Food and Meal Expenses
While the allure of cafes with low seating and a hippie vibe is tempting, it’s wise to consider your budget.
Opting for local Khanavalis over such cafes can be cost-effective.
For example, lunch for two at cafes costs around 1000Rs, while jowar roti meals in a local khanavali cost 300Rs for two.
How much will a trip to Hampi cost?
For a midrange budget, a trip to Hampi will cost 3000 Rs/person/day for Indians. This includes three meals a day in local restaurants, bike rental, stay at a guesthouse, water bottles, and monument entrance fees. Non-Indian travellers should budget an additional 500 Rs/day due to higher monument fees.
9. Practical Tips for Visiting Hampi
Although you can consider Hampi a rural part of India, it isn’t alien to new cultures. From Portuguese and Arabian traders in the 16th century to modern-day backpackers from all over the world, Hampi knows how to accept and deal with various cultures.
However, as a responsible traveller, it is important for you to respect the local customs and traditions of rural Hampi
Local Language
Kannada and Telugu are the main languages spoken in Hampi. Café and homestay owners know decent English and sometimes Hindi to communicate with travellers. You might even find French and German-speaking tour guides!
The road signboards and notice boards outside monuments are in both English and Kannada. So, if you know English, travelling around Hampi isn’t tough.
If you are cycling in rural areas outside the main tourist places in Hampi also, you will find decent internet connectivity to use Google Translate for English to Kannada to converse with locals.
Dining Etiquettes
Like the rest of India, not using spoons and forks to eat is common in Hampi. While hotels and local food joints provide spoons for guests, not everyone uses them.
This is how we Indians eat?using our fingers. There is nothing unhygienic about it as we thoroughly wash our hands before and after eating.
What clothes to wear in Hampi?
When planning your travel outfits for Hampi, remember that it isn’t a beach destination. Just because Hampi is popular with hippie travellers, it doesn’t mean you should dress as you would in the beach towns of Goa.
Regardless of your religious beliefs or being a non-Hindu traveller, exploring the active temples is a significant part of the experience. Dressing modestly yet comfortably is crucial for your travels in Hampi.
While keeping it modest, consider the hot and dry weather; opt for light cotton clothing to stay cool.
Is there any dress code in Hampi?
While an unspoken dress code existed for active temples in Hampi, the Vijayanagara district administration enforced a specific dress code for Virupaksha Temple in 2024.
The dress code for Hampi temples prohibits shorts, jeans, Bermuda shorts, mini-skirts, middies, sleeveless tops, or low-waist jeans.
Visitors wearing these items will be turned away at the entrance and requested to wear a panche or dhoti instead.
Currently, if tourists wear clothes that don’t meet the dress code at active temples in Hampi, they’re given a fabric Panche for free at the entrance.
They have to return it later. Plans are underway to switch to a system like renting clothes, as seen in Bangkok Buddhist temples. Remember, this dress code is only for active temples. No dress code applies to hiking trails, sunset points, or other inactive temple ruins.
What to pack for Hampi Trip
For your Hampi trip, pack light and cotton clothing. Shorts and below knee skirts are suitable for trekking, but carry a sarong to cover your knees when entering worship places.
While it’s rare to see Indian travelers in bathing suits at Hampi lakes, foreign travelers often wear swimwear at Sanapur lakes. Bring your swimsuit, but don’t use them near pilgrim sites.
It is common to see foreign visitors near Anjanahalli and Sanapur lake in western clothing.
Women in bralettes and shorts. And men wandering shirtless. So it is upto you how you dress in these areas where local village folks wear sarees and conservative clothing, men in dhoti. While foreign visitors dress free spirited.
Don’t forget the must-haves: sunscreen, a hat, and goggles. Since you’ll be doing a lot of walking in Hampi, ditch the heels and fancy shoes. Go for comfy thick sole sandals or walking shoes for a carefree exploration.
10. Is Hampi Safe to Visit?
Hampi is safe for all types of travelers, whether solo females or groups.
If you had asked me the same question 20 years ago, the answer would have been different. Back in 2005, we stuck to the main areas and avoided hikes based on local advice.
The tables have turned?Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) assigns two guards to every temple, whether it’s a ruin or well-preserved.
Additional guards are always vigilant. Every time we sought shelter under the roof of Hampi’s 400-year-old architectural marvels, we encountered a guard.
Workers continuously clean, remove unwanted plants, and pick up litter?Hampi is not just safe but also clean.
Locals have taken on greater civic responsibility. The owner of a motorbike rental proudly mentioned how the people of Hampi are now committed to preserving their heritage.
They’ve learned from past mistakes and have a strong sense of community to ensure Hampi remains safe for everyone. So, unless you plan on getting too intoxicated to know what’s happening, exploring Hampi beyond the usual spots is pretty darn safe for all types of travelers.
Safety tips for Hampi Travels.
Heat: Summer temperatures can reach 40°C. Wear protective, light cotton clothing and stay hydrated. Carry enough water and drink coconut water often.
Monkeys: Hampi monkeys are notorious! Even as an Indian, I find them intimidating. They can range from frowning at you to grabbing your handbag, even if you don’t have food. Do not feed or tease them, and guard your belongings.
Scams: Beware of pickpockets and shady deals. Avoid fake silver/sandalwood artefacts, overpriced antiques, fake guides, and unworthy tours.
Marijuana: Some travellers visit Hampi for illegal marijuana, but it’s a punishable offense. The drug racket is under control, but crooks still sell it. Avoid buying or selling weed, and beware of adulterated drinks that can be dangerous.
Hill Climbing: Climbing boulders can be risky, especially during the rainy season. Use caution and avoid thorny paths. Go rock climbing only with registered and experienced instructors.
River Safety: The Tungabhadra River is unpredictable. Coracle rides are a must-do, but listen to locals when they say no. Avoid swimming as depths and currents vary, especially during the rainy season.
Night Safety: Avoid roaming ruins at night, especially alone. Guards will send you back after sunset, and no one is allowed to stay in any heritage monument complex post-sunset.
Found our tips useful to plan a trip to Hampi? Let us know in the comment section below.
