The city of ruins, Hampi is the place where history comes alive through its monuments and ruins. The stone here whispers the tales of historical events when Hampi was known as the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire – The Richest City in the World.
This Hampi itinerary will take you on a whirlwind adventure, exploring the remnants of the Vijayanagara Empire, experiencing the spiritual essence of the temples, and immersing yourself in the unique culture of the region. Discover the awe-inspiring architecture, witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, wander through the vibrant bazaars, and indulge in delicious local cuisine. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or a nature lover, this Hampi itinerary promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of this enchanting destination.
Best Time To Visit Hampi
The weather in Hampi remains hot for most part of the year. Therefore, winter & monsoon are the best seasons to visit Hampi. However, October to March is the best time to visit Hampi when the weather becomes pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing. Also, this is the time when Hampi celebrated its two major festivals – Hampi Utsava in November and Purandaradasa Aradhana in Jan and Feb.
If you want to skip the crowd and love the rain then monsoon is the second best time to visit Hampi. In July monsoon hits the Hampi which last till September. Hampi gets moderate to heavy rain. And sometimes due to excessive rainfall, the Tungabhadra River gets overflowed. So, always prepare and check the weather forecast and news before planning.
How To Reach Hampi
Being a top tourists attractions of Karnataka and a UNESCO world heritage site Hampi has good connectivity with its nearby cities and states. So, here are the best possible ways to reach Hampi –
- By Air: The nearest airport to Hampi is the Hubli Airport, located approximately 144 kilometers away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Hampi.
- By Train: Hospet Junction is the nearest railway station to Hampi, situated just 13 kilometers away. Hospet is well-connected to major cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. From Hospet, you can easily find auto-rickshaws, taxis, or buses to reach Hampi.
- By Road: Hampi has good road connectivity, making it accessible by bus or car. Several state-run and private buses operate regular services to Hampi from major cities in Karnataka and neighboring states. You can also opt to drive to Hampi by taking the National Highway 48 (NH48) or State Highway 49 (SH49).
How To Get Around Hampi
The weather in Hampi mostly stays hot & humid throughout the year. And most of the tourist attractions are situated in a circle of 20 to 30 KM. So, hiring a scooter, bike, bicycle, or tuk-tuk for sightseeing is good. The cost of renting a motorcycle or bicycle is minimal and within budget. Also, it gives you the freedom to move around the town.
How many days would be enough to explore Hampi?
Hampi is a historical destination where you’ll get to explore ancient temples, museums, ruins, monuments and lots of adventurous activities. And to enjoy all of them you would need a minimum of 3 days.
Hampi Itinerary For 3 Days
Day 1 – Explore Ancient Temples and Monuments
- Virupaksha Temple
- Vijaya Vitthala Temple & Stone Chariot
- King Balance
- Krishna Temple Complex
- Achyuta Raya temple Complex
- Kodanda Rama Temple
- Sunset From Hemkuta Hill
Day 2 – Explore the ruins and archaeological sites of the Vijayanagara Empire
- Sunrise at Malyavanta Hill
- Elephant Stables
- Lotus Mahal Complex
- Royal Palace
- Queens Bath
- Octagonal Bath
- Sunset From Matanga Hill
Day 3 – Explore Hippie Island
- Cliff jumping and Coracle ride at Sanapur Lake
- Hampi Waterfall
- Onake Kindi Cave Paintings
- Sunset at Anjaneya Hill
Day 1 In Hampi
Virupaksha Temple
Start your first day in Hampi early in the morning around 6 AM as the day progresses sun starts getting hot. Virupaskha temple is the first thing we’re going to visit in Hampi. Situated just 450 meters or 2-minutes walking distance away from the Hampi Bazaar, Virupaksha temple is the most important pilgrimage site for the devotees of Lord Shiva.
Virupaksha temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Also, it is one of the oldest functioning temples in India as it is believed that the temple has been functioning since the 7th century AD.
- Timing – 6 AM to 7 PM
Vijaya Vitthala Temple & Stone Chariot
Situated in the northeastern part of Hampi on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, Vijaya Vitthala temple is one of the grandest, largest and most photographed structures in Hampi. It showcases the architectural marvel of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Built in the 15th Century, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vitthala an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The main highlights of this temple is – the Stone Chariot and the Musical pillars of Ranga Mantapa.
The stone Chariot is part of one of the famous 3 chariots of India – one is located in Konark and another is in Mahabalipuram. The chariot of Vitthala temple is dedicated to Garuda who is the vehicle of Lord Vishnu.
The musical pillars of Ranga Mantapa also known as SAREGAMA pillars another major attraction of Vitthala temple. There are a total of 56 musical pillars. When struck these pillars gently with a thumb then they emit musical notes, creating a mesmerizing symphony. This unique architectural marvel has baffled visitors and researchers for centuries.
- Timing – 8:30 AM to 5 PM
King Balance
Located on the southwest of Vitthala temple, King Balance is an ancient and balance scale. According to one story, this scale was used by the King of Vijayanagar on the occasion of New Year, Solar and Lunar Eclipse. The king weighs himself against gold, silver, stones and other jewelry.
It symbolizes the importance of maintaining balance and harmony in society, emphasizing the ideals of justice and fairness. It is a good spot for capturing some instagrammble shots in Hampi.
Krishna Temple Complex
Dedicated to Lord Balakrishna (the infant form of Lord Krishna), Krishna Temple is a UNESCO world heritage site. The temple was built by King Krishnadevaraya in 1513 A.D. It is one of the rare temples in India where pillars depict the history itself in the form of sculpture and ancient writings.
Achyuta Raya Temple Complex
If you’re someone who loves quiet places then Achyuta Raya temple is the perfect place to visit in Hampi. Built-in 1534 AD, this temple is dedicated to Lord Tiruvengalanatha – the incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Unfortunately in modern times, this temple is in the forms of ruins but still, it holds its charm and beauty.
The temple’s spacious courtyard hosts various festivals and cultural events, providing visitors with a glimpse into the vibrant traditions and rituals of the region. If you happen to visit during a festival, witness the vibrant processions, musical performances, and fervor of devotees who gather to celebrate their faith.
Kodanda Rama Temple
Situated near the Tungabhadra River on the eastern side of the town, Kodanda Rama Temple is one of the most religious places in Hampi. As the name suggests the temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. Unlike other attractions of Hampi, this temple is more towards the religious structure as compared to architectural beauty.
According to mythology, this is the place where Lord Rama had crowned the monkey King Sugriva.
Sunset From Hemkuta Hill
If you’re like me who love watching the sunset then Hemkuta Hill is the perfect sunset spot in Hampi. Situated just behind the Virupaksha temple, Hemkuta Hill provides amazing views of the setting sun along with the Tungabhadra river and the Virupaksha temple.
The hike to reach the top of the temple starts from the Sasivekalu Ganesha. And it takes around 10 minutes to reach the top.
Day 2 In Hampi
Sunrise at Malyavanta Hill
Starts your day in Hampi with an amazing view of sunrise from Malyavanta Hill. Situated 6 KM from Hampi, Malyavanta Hill is famous for Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy Temple. According to the legends, this is the place where Lord Rama and Lakshman stayed during the Chaturmas.
Just beside the temple, there is a trail of 10 to 15 minutes that takes you to the Malyavanta Hill sunrise point. Watching the rising sun from the middle of the boulders will be an amazing experience.
Elephant Stables
As the name implies Elephant stables were used to house the royal elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire. As compared to other structures of Hampi this place has the least effect of extensive damage from the Mughal attack.
It is one of the best places in India where you admire the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. It was built in dome type of structure. Each dome is large enough to accommodate at least 2 elephants.
Lotus Mahal Complex
The Lotus Mahal Complex in Hampi is a true architectural marvel that showcases the exquisite craftsmanship and elegance of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is part of the Zenana enclosure, the place which was used by the royal women of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Its unique and intricate design resembles a blooming lotus flower, hence the name. The delicate arches, ornate domes, and graceful columns adorned with intricate carvings will leave you mesmerized.
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire where the kings lived. Spread over an area of 59000 square meters, it housed around 45 royal buildings including durbar halls, underground chambers, temples, mahal, platforms and tanks.
The whole region is like an open-air museum where you can admire the architectural excellence of the Vijayanagara Empire. And visualize how there were lived in ancient times.
Queens Bath
Situated next to Royal Palace, Queens Bath is another architectural wonder of Hampi. As you can guess with the name this place was used for bathing by royal women of Vijayanagara Empire. This unique enclosed shaped structure was built in the Indo-Islamic style of architecture.
Octagonal Bath
As the name implies it is a huge bathing area made in an Octagonal shape. Unlike other places in Hampi, it is an isolated place where you can sit and enjoy some time with your loved ones. It is a great place to capture some memorable pictures.
Sunset From Matanga Hill
The highest point of Hampi, Matanga Hill is a famous sunset and sunrise point in Hampi. To reach up there you need to hike through the boulders which takes around 40 minutes. The trail starts from the Achyutaraya temple.
From the top, you can enjoy the scenic views of Hampi. Apart from sunset, this place holds a religious value among people. As per Ramayana, this is the place where the great Saint Matanga lived.
Day 3 In Hampi
So today you’re going to explore the other side of Hampi which is located on another side of the Tungabhadra River known as Hippie Island. This side of Hampi is famous among backpackers and hippies. There you can relax and enjoy goan kind of vibes. To reach up there you need to take the ferry which takes just 5 minutes to cross the river.
Cliff jumping and Coracle ride at Sanapur Lake
Sanapur is a secluded and beautiful lake surrounded by lots of boulders and cliffs. It is the perfect place to try out your water skills. Climbing one of the boulders and jumping into the water is one of the best things you can do here. You can also take a coracle ride to explore every corner of the lake. You can also spin the coracle in the middle of the lake.
Hampi Waterfall
Hampi Waterfall is the perfect spot for relaxation and taking a natural spa massage. Trust there you’ll get the best massage of Hampi. It is a hidden spot so you need to make some effort to reach there.
Hampi waterfall is located 2 KM from Virupaksha temple. Take a rickshaw or tuk tuk which leaves you at banana plantations and from there you need to hike for around half an hour to reach the waterfall. But this part of the hike is tricky as you you can easily get lost in the path. So, it’s recommended to hire a local guide which can cost you around 100 to 150 INR. You can find the locals around the banana field who will guide you to the waterfall.
After reaching the fall take a refreshing bath and enjoy swimming. There are various spots where you can also enjoy cliff jumping.
Note: Bring lots of water, snacks or anything you need as there are no shops.
Onake Kindi Cave Paintings
It is the most isolated place to visit in Hampi. Situated 10 KM from Hampi near Anekundi village, Onake Kind Cave Paintings are ancient writings. It is one of the oldest man-made attractions in Hampi. People in ancient times use these paintings for communication.
It is not easy to locate here. Also, it is private property. So, it is recommended to hire a local guide.
Sunset at Anjaneya Hill
End your trip to Hampi with the blessing of Lord Hanuman at Anjaneya Hill – The birthplace of Lord Hanuman. Apart from religious significance, it is a great place to catch the stunning views of the sunset. To reach the top you need to climb around 575 steps. To conquer the hike you need to make a lot of effort and drink a lot of water. So, keep yourself hydrated.
After reaching the top you’ll be blessed by the breathtaking views of the town. Also, there are lots of monkeys as this is the birthplace of Lord Hauman.
Things You Need To Know While Visiting Hampi
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes as you have to roam around a lot to explore the places. So, comfortable shoes are important.
- Carry enough water and stay hydrated as the weather in Hampi mostly stays hot, especially in summer.
- Don’t forget to meet Lakhsmi – the elephant of Virupaksha temple.
- Rental bike or bicycle is the best way to roam around Hampi.
- Carry enough cash as the network connections at some of the places are weak so it’s hard to access online transactions.
As your Hampi adventure comes to a close, you’ll carry with you cherished memories of an extraordinary journey.
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