Karnataka, India · Travel guide
Hampi travel guide
The ruined capital of the Vijayanagara empire, scattered across a landscape of giant boulders.
- Best time
- Oct - Feb
- A day, mid-range
- ₹4,000-7,000 per person
- Getting there
- Train · Air
- Ready-made trips
- 1 itinerary
In the 1500s Hampi was one of the largest cities in the world, the capital of the Vijayanagara empire. Today its 1,600 surviving monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lie spread across a surreal landscape of granite boulders and banana plantations along the Tungabhadra river.
The area divides into the Sacred Centre around the still-active Virupaksha Temple and Hampi Bazaar, the Royal Centre with its palaces and stepwells, and the riverside path to the Vittala Temple. Across the river, Anegundi and Sanapur offer villages, lakes and climbing boulders.
When to go
Best time to visit Hampi
October to February, with daytime highs of 25-30°C. March to May is extremely hot; the June-September monsoon turns everything green.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Avoid
- Apr: Avoid
- May: Avoid
- Jun: Good
- Jul: Good
- Aug: Good
- Sep: Good
- Oct: Best
- Nov: Best
- Dec: Best
- Oct - FebDry, warm days and cool evenings; peak season
- Mar - MayVery hot (often 38°C+); explore only early and late
- Jun - SepMonsoon greenery, fewer visitors, some boat rides stop
Getting there
How to reach Hampi
- Train
- Hosapete (Hospet) Junction is 13 km away, with overnight trains from Bengaluru (about 8-9 hours).
- Air
- The nearest airport with regular flights is Hubballi (about 165 km); JSW's Vidyanagar airport (40 km) has limited flights.
- Getting around
- Hire an auto for the day (₹1,000-1,500), or rent a bicycle or scooter. Electric buggies run to Vittala from the ticket point.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Hampi
Hampi Bazaar area
Simple guesthouses walking distance from Virupaksha and Hemakuta Hill.
Kamalapura
Larger hotels and resorts near the Royal Centre, including heritage-style stays.
Anegundi
Village homestays across the river, close to Sanapur Lake and Anjanadri Hill.
Hosapete
City hotels near the railway station, best if you arrive late.
What to see
Top things to do in Hampi
- 01
Virupaksha Temple
A 7th-century Shiva temple still in daily worship, with a 50-m gopuram over the bazaar.
Come for the morning puja; the temple elephant gives blessings.
Open in Maps - 02
Vittala Temple and Stone Chariot
Hampi's finest carving, with the stone chariot that appears on the ₹50 note.
Arrive at opening; the combined ticket also covers Lotus Mahal.
Open in Maps - 03
Hemakuta Hill
A granite hill of early temples and the most popular sunset viewpoint.
An easy climb from the bazaar; leave before dark.
Open in Maps - 04
Lotus Mahal and Elephant Stables
An Indo-Islamic pavilion and eleven domed stables in the royal women's enclosure.
Same ticket as Vittala.
Open in Maps - 05
Hazara Rama Temple
The royal chapel, its walls carved with the Ramayana and festival processions.
Look for the panels of horses and dancers on the outer wall.
Open in Maps - 06
Queen's Bath
A plain exterior hiding an ornate arcaded pool.
Five minutes from the Royal Enclosure; combine them.
Open in Maps - 07
Matanga Hill
The highest point in Hampi and the best sunrise view over the ruins.
Start the climb in the dark with a torch and a guide or group.
Open in Maps - 08
Sanapur Lake
A boulder-ringed reservoir across the river, popular for coracle rides at sunset.
Take the ferry or drive via the bridge near Kamalapura.
Open in Maps
What to eat
What to eat in Hampi
Banana-leaf thali
Unlimited rice, sambar, rasam and vegetables, the best-value meal in Hampi.
Masala dosa
Crisp and served with coconut chutney at breakfast stalls in the bazaar.
Jolada rotti
North-Karnataka sorghum flatbread with spicy brinjal ennegai.
What it costs
Hampi trip cost per day
Backpacker
₹1,500-2,500
per person, per day
Guesthouse, bicycle, thalis
Mid-range
₹4,000-7,000
per person, per day
Resort, daily auto, guide
Comfort
₹20,000+
per person, per day
Luxury palace resort and private car
- Hampi Bazaar is a temple town: alcohol isn't served and meat is rare.
- Hire an ASI-licensed guide at least once; the stories transform the ruins.
- Carry water and a hat; there's little shade between sites.
Good questions
Hampi travel FAQs
How many days are enough for Hampi?
Two days covers the main ruins; three lets you add Sanapur, Anegundi and sunrise on Matanga Hill without rushing.
How do I reach Hampi from Bengaluru?
Take an overnight train or bus to Hosapete (about 340 km), then an auto or bus 13 km to Hampi.
What is the entry fee for Hampi?
Most monuments are free; the combined ASI ticket for Vittala, Lotus Mahal and the Elephant Stables is about ₹40 for Indians and ₹600 for foreigners.
Is Hampi good for couples?
Very. Sunsets on the boulders, coracle rides and quiet resorts make it one of South India's most romantic trips.