Sharing the bits of my recent journey where I got lost in the masterfully carved temples and awesome rocky landscapes. I am talking about one of the most popular destinations among backpackers in India; it is none other than Hampi!
Hampi is one of the best places to visit in South India. It is a blend of mythology, architecture, and history. If you want to explore the destination to the core, even months are not enough. My week-long journey to this place feels like a fleeting moment.
I got to explore different locations, and really enjoyed the distinct activities that this place offers. Let’s take a detailed look at the things to do in Hampi!
Did you know?
Hampi spans approximately 41 to 250 sq. km. Before the decline, it was the second-largest city in the world.
In Hampi, Karnataka, every wall has a story to tell! Walking through Hampi is like walking through a living history book.
The place was absolutely brimming with potential, whether it be swimming in the gentle Tungbhadra river, visiting Hippie Island, climbing hills for sunrises and sunsets, or simply talking to the villagers; every moment offered something special.
Let’s see the top 13 things to do in Hampi, the best Hampi tourist places and some practical tips according to my personal experience:
Hampi has left behind a plethora of rich spots with its storied past. I had a memorable time exploring the ancient ruins, including the magnificent temples and monuments. This way, I understood the significance of Hampi history.
I took a slow-paced bicycle tour, which is the best way to get a view of the city. I paid ₹500 for the bicycle tour, and the cherry on top was that lunch was included in it.
The guide took me through the most sought-after Hampi Karnataka temples and monuments, including Virupaksha Temple, Queen’s Bath, Hazara Rama Temple, and Jamia Mosque.
Another way to reach the sacred sites of Hampi is to take a tuk-tuk. However, due to increased competition among the tuk-tuk drivers, you may end up paying too much.
Climb the hills to experience glorious sunrises and sunsets. There are three popular hills in Hampi: Matanga Hill, Anjanadri Hill, and Hemakuta Hill.
I began with Matanga Hill, the highest spot in the region. This is the best place to witness the sunrise. I started climbing at 5:15 AM and reached the top around 6:00 AM.
Though it required navigating through the rocky terrain, I got to see the larger-than-life view of Virupaksha Temple, the Tungabhadra River, and the ruins in the golden, heartwarming sunlight.
Timings: Accessible 24/7
Entry Fees: Free
Important Advice
Wear sturdy shoes and be cautious, especially if coming down in the dark after sunset. The hike includes large and sometimes slippery boulders with no handrails.
The next viewpoint is Anjanadri Hill, which is located in the north of Hampi. When I reached the top of the hill, after trekking for 45 minutes, I found a small Hindu temple, Anjaneya Janmasthal. It is considered the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. The place was surrounded by monkeys, which is why it’s also called a “monkey temple”.
You can hike up here at both sunrise and sunset to catch the view described as “divine painting.” I would recommend hiking in the morning, as the place is less crowded and the weather is favourable too.
Location: Anjanadri Betta, Hanumanahalli, near Hampi, Karnataka
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Important Advice
Travellers should be careful of the monkeys. It’s better to take a bag with you to keep the phone, food and personal belongings to save them from getting snatched.
Hemakuta Hill offers a short and easy hike to explore 35+ ancient shrines and sculptures.
At the summit, I witnessed the bird’s-eye view of the Virupaksha temple and Hampi Bazaar. Though the journey took around 1-2 hours, I spent some more time relaxing at the rocks.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Did you know?
Hemakuta Hill is believed to be the spot where Lord Shiva performed penance before marrying Parvati and burned Kamadeva to ashes.
The famous stone chariot that captures most tourists’ attention is located in the Vittala temple. The iconic Hampi Karnataka temple was built in the reign of King Krishnadevaraya. It encompasses marvelous architecture and detailed stone carvings.
I went to the temple on foot, as tuk-tuks were not allowed to reach the Vittala temple.
In the complex, I got to see the highly sought-after Hampi chariot. The chariot is dedicated to Garuda and masterfully crafted. It is supported by the 56 musical pillars. The temple’s beautiful architecture and sculpture signify the glory of the Vijayanagar era.
It is recommended to visit this temple at night when the ruins are transformed into a golden-hued magical space.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fees: ₹30 (Indians), ₹500 (Foreigners)
Did you know?
56 musical pillars of the Ranga Mandapa are well known for producing 7 different sounds when tapped gently. During British rule, officials cut two pillars to investigate the secret behind the sounds, but they couldn’t find anything, leaving the mystery unresolved.
Go swimming in the Tungabhadra River! In the northern region, there are many safe swimming spots where the locals can guide tourists. My favorite one was near White Sand Hampi. Diving into the Tungabhadra River, surrounded by boulders, offers a scenic and refreshing experience.
The other must-do on the list is coracle rides around Hampi beach. It’s a peaceful break from exploring the monuments and temples. They float gently on the water, offering you close-ups of ancient ghats and the rocky scenic landscape.
Time: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Duration: 15 minutes to 1 hour
Cost: Approx. ₹150 to ₹500 per person for short rides (15 to 30 mins), ₹800 to ₹1000 per boat (60 mins).
Did you know?
Coracle rides have been used for centuries for fishing and transportation in both India and Britain.
Hippie Island (formerly known as Virupapura Gadde) is the modern side of Hampi India. Here, I got to see many chilled-out guesthouses and cafes. It’s the ideal escape from the traditional hectic temple trips of the whole day.
The island is located on the other side of the river from the main town. I took a motorboat to get there. After reaching there, I had endless places to stay and eat – cool houses, rustic cafes, narrow trails, and huts.
I took a night stay and enjoyed live music, yoga classes, and jewelry making. The place also offers many activities like cliff jumping and bouldering. All in all, Hippie Island adds a modern touch to your classic Hampi tour.
Hampi, known as the mecca for bouldering, features thousands of orange granite boulders that captivate the attention of rock climbers all over the world. Besides the traditional climbing, the area offers many bouldering activities that are suitable for both beginners and experts.
The Hippie Island side area is most popular for bouldering. Most climbers stay in the guest houses of Hanumanhalli and Sanapur village. Pads and gear are essential for climbing. I brought my own, but if anyone needs them, they can be rented from the nearby shops.
Cost & Duration:
Lakshmi Narsimha Temple is a tourist-favourite place that houses the largest, awe-inspiring monolithic statue of Lord Narsimha. The 6.7-meter-tall statue is portrayed as fierce and proud, sitting under the seven-hooded serpent Adishesha.
I was awestruck at the bulging eyes and powerful posture of the statue of “Ugra Narsimha.” Though partially damaged, it remains a testament to Vijayanagar history and architecture.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Queen’s Bath offers a glimpse into the lives of Vijayanagar club royals. This place features a large central pool surrounded by charming domed corridors. The massive two-storey building from the outside hides an elegant and decorated interior, encompassing balconies (jharokhas) and unique carvings.
I really admired the ingenious water supply engineering and Indo-Islamic architecture of the 500-year-old building. However, the best part was the vivid photographs that I took there.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Made with the Indo-Islamic architectural style. It features a two-story, lotus-shaped pavilion adjoining elephant stables.
The Lotus Mahal looks like a lotus flower with a central dome that is designed as a lotus bud with well-preserved stucco work. Located nearby, Elephant Stables features 11 domed chambers that once housed royal elephants.
These sites are the highlights of the Zenana enclosure. It took me around 2 hours to explore them fully. After this visit, I went to Hampi Bazaar. It’s a bustling, tourist-friendly area where I got glimpses of vibrant, local life.
Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: Included in Vittala ticket
Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the oldest functioning temple here. When I visited this Hampi Karnataka temple, it was a transformative experience, as if I had travelled straight to the 7th century. As soon as I entered through the towering gopuram (gateway tower), there were the sounds of prayers and bells all over.
The temple offers a blend of spiritual peace and historic charm. I was mesmerised to see the intricate carvings, the inverted shadow optical illusion of the gopuram, and the profoundly serene atmosphere.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fees: Free (with camera ₹50)
Hampi Bazaar offers a blend of ancient architecture and bohemian shopping. It was a short walk from Matanga Hill, making it a place for me to explore, shop, and relax.
Hampi Bazaar never disappoints when it comes to diversity. There was so much to explore, from handmade crafts to pottery to bohemian clothing. As a jewellery enthusiast, I was profoundly captivated by temple jewellery, antique coins, and precious gemstones.
Talking about food, it gave me the “hippie” vibe while being surrounded by ruins. There were so many beautiful, laid-back cafes that gave a relaxed atmosphere.
Explore the small villages and bump into the locals. Through this, you will get to see the real side of Hampi and its culture. The best way to do this is to hire a scooter from Hippie Island.
Go on a ride to explore the roads and villages. Try the local famous food like idlis and dosa from the street vendors. Understand the living and routine of the people.
I personally loved the route from Sanapur to Anjanhalli, to Chickrampur and then the main road to Hanumanhalli. If you want to have a more comprehensive experience, you can take the left from Chickrampur towards Rampur and Mallapur and then reach the main road to Sanapur.
Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple features the 2.4-meter-tall monolithic statue of Lord Ganesha that inspired a sense of awe within me. The Ganesha idol was carved from a single boulder on Hemakuta Hill, which portrays the architectural brilliance of the Vijayanagar Empire.
The four arms of the idol symbolise the four directions, and the trunk signifies the spiritual power. Being situated on the slope of Hemakuta Hill provided a very serene and breezy atmosphere to my senses. I was also fascinated to know about the naming of the temple. “Sasivekalu” means “mustard seed” in Kannada, as the stomach of the deity looks like a mustard seed pod.
Read next: 25+ Things to do in Rishikesh: Sightseeing, Adventure, and Religious Guide
Hampi has been well known for being a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986. Many tourists, pilgrims, and curious minds are drawn to the grandeur and the otherworldly landscape of Hampi, India and look forward to a trip here. The place is a juxtaposition of ancient architecture and bohemian, relaxed modernity, which appeals to both the history buffs and modern-day explorers.
Now you must be wondering, where is Hampi? It is located in Karnataka, the hub of heritage and biodiversity. In the 14th century, this evocative city was the capital of the Vijayanagar empire. Under King Krishnadevaraya, Hampi reached its zenith, becoming the richest and second-largest city in the world during its peak in the 15th and 16th centuries.
If someone is awaiting a trip to this place, I would suggest planning at least a 3 day trip. This way, you will get a slow and reflective travel experience.
You may also read: Mettupalayam Tamil Nadu – Location, Significance & Overview
After getting enlightened on the amazing things to do in Hampi, you must be curious to know how to get there. The destination is easily accessible via road, rail and air.
I reached here through a wholesome train journey. The nearest railhead is Hospet Junction, which is around 13 km away from Hampi.
Check out the different modes:
Travelling by road to the city is very easy. The route via Bangalore through NH48 and NH50 takes around 6.5 to 7 hours.
Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and many private luxurious buses offer a reliable commute from neighbouring cities, Bangalore, Goa, and Hyderabad. With them, you can reach Hospet or go directly to Hampi, India.
You can also drive or take a cab from surrounding cities for a comfortable ride.
Travelling by train is the most convenient way to reach here. The nearest railway station is Hospet Junction (HPT), which is about 13-15 km away from the city.
Through Bangalore, Hampi Express is the most popular choice. From Mumbai, Pune, and Goa, too, trains are often connected to Hospet, but it may require a transfer in places like Hubli and Solapur.
After reaching the railhead, take an e-rickshaw, a cab or a local bus to get to Hampi.
Quick Tip
Booking in advance is recommended, as the demand is very high during the peak season of October to March.
To travel by air, the closest airports are:
Whenever I travel, I prefer to plan things beforehand to enjoy a pocket-friendly and smooth experience. Hampi requires proper planning as it is a remote UNESCO site with harsh weather conditions. Here are some tips for awaiting travelers:
Quick Tips for the Backpackers
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Backpack Essentials for Travellers
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Hampi does not deserve rushed travel! Devote your time to talking to the ruins, architecture, cuisine, and history, and understand them. I personally did that and experienced something unique that I am going to cherish all my life.
If you are planning your trip to Hampi for the first time, make sure to create a list of things to do in Hampi that are mentioned above, such as swimming in the Tungabhadra River, exploring the villages, staying at Hippie Island, climbing the hills and much more.
Try South Indian cuisine and interact with the people to understand the true essence of Hampi. Follow the tips and backpack essential advice for the hassle free experience!
The ideal time to visit Hampi is from March to October. The weather is pleasant; the temperature ranges from 15°C to 30°C. It is the perfect time to explore the temples, monuments, and villages, even in the daytime.
Make your Hampi tour fun and go beyond the temple visits! Add activities like cliff jumping, coracle rides, swimming, and cycling to your bucket list. These activities will spice up your journey and add thrill to it.
Some of the best resorts in Hampi are Heritage Resort Hampi, Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace, and Hampi’s Boulder Resort. Make your selection according to your budget and the facilities that they offer.
It is recommended that you start your journey in the early morning, around 5:00 AM, to experience the sunrise from the hills like Anjanadri Hill, Matanga Hill, and Hemakuta Hill. After that, move on to the temples and monuments. Most of the places are open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Beginning early will get you visiting more places.
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