Hampi is one of the strangest, most beautiful landscapes in India. Cycle between temples, bazaars and royal enclosures, climb Matanga Hill for sunrise and watch sunset from Hemakuta Hill.
Highlights
- Virupaksha Temple
- Vittala Temple and the stone chariot
- Sunrise from Matanga Hill
- Royal Enclosure and Lotus Mahal
- Coracle ride on the Tungabhadra
What to eat
- South Indian thalis
- Banana-leaf meals
Where to stay
Guesthouses in Hampi Bazaar or Kamalapur; boutique resorts nearby.
Getting there
Hosapete (Hospet) station is 15 minutes away; overnight trains from Bengaluru.
Tips
- Rent a bicycle or e-bike to cover the site.
- It gets very hot after mid-morning: start early.
- Hampi Utsav is held in winter some years.
Best time to visit
Oct-Feb. See what else is good in October and our best time to visit India guide.
Places to see in and around Hampi
11 places within 40 km. Tap I’ve been to add them to your India passport.
- Vijayanagara Ancient site, 2 km
- Virupaksha Temple Temple, 1 km
- Pampa Sarovar Lake, 2 km
- Tungabhadra Dam Landmark, 16 km
- Ananthasayana temple Temple, 9 km
- Lotus Mahal Pavilion Palace, 2 km
- Hirebenkal Ancient site, 11 km
- Kanakachalapathi Temple, Kanakagiri Temple, 24 km
- Gudekote Wildlife Sanctuary Wildlife sanctuary, 13 km
- Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary Wildlife sanctuary, 13 km
- Tungabhadra Otter Conservation Reserve Wildlife sanctuary, 6 km
Food to try in and around Hampi
Karnataka favourites to look out for.
- Mysore masala dosa
- Bisi bele bath
- Ragi mudde
- Neer dosa
- Benne dose
- Akki rotti
- Jolada rotti
- Holige
- Chiroti
- Kesari bath
- Dharwad Pedha GI: sweet
- Coorg Orange GI: fruit
The full food passport, state by state.
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