Hampi
Karnataka · 338 km from Bangalore
- Distance
- 338 km
- Ideal duration
- 2–3 days
- Best season
- Nov–Feb
- Avg cost
- ₹5,200
About Hampi
Hampi is a landscape that looks invented: granite boulders stacked to the horizon, banana plantations in between, and the ruins of what was once one of the largest cities in the world scattered across 40 square kilometres. The Virupaksha temple is still in daily use; the stone chariot at Vittala is on the ₹50 note. Groups usually do the royal enclosure and Vittala complex on foot and by cycle, cross the Tungabhadra by coracle to the Hippie Island side, and climb Matanga Hill for sunrise or Hemakuta for sunset. **Getting there.** Overnight bus or the Hampi Express train from Bengaluru to Hosapete (6–8 hours), then 13 km to the ruins. It is also an easy overnight run from Hyderabad. **Where to stay.** Guesthouses in Hampi Bazaar and Kamalapur, or bamboo huts across the river on Virupapur Gaddi.
Things to do
- • Virupaksha temple and Hemakuta hill
- • Vittala complex and the stone chariot
- • Sunrise from Matanga Hill
- • Coracle ride across the Tungabhadra
- • Cycle the royal enclosure and Lotus Mahal
- • Bouldering at Hippie Island
Best time to visit
November to February. March onwards the rocks radiate heat and midday sightseeing becomes punishing.
How to reach
Overnight bus or the Hampi Express train from Bengaluru to Hosapete (6–8 hours), then 13 km to the ruins. It is also an easy overnight run from Hyderabad.
Where to stay
Guesthouses in Hampi Bazaar and Kamalapur, or bamboo huts across the river on Virupapur Gaddi.