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"Step into the timeless wonder of Hampi, where ancient ruins rise amidst lush rice paddies and rugged boulders by the Tungabhadra River. Explore 14th-century temples alive with monkeys and history, watch breathtaking sunsets from Sunset Point, and unwind with refreshing ginger-mint lemonade in cozy, mattress-lined cafes. Whether you’re bouldering with fellow backpackers, cruising on a coracle, or cycling through monument-studded streets, Hampi offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and tranquility. Ideal for backpackers, couples, and families alike, this magical destination promises an unforgettable journey. Let us help you craft your perfect Hampi experience!" said Vaibhavi Jadhav, Hampi Specialist, India Someday Travels.

India Someday is here to give you great advice on what things to do in Hampi, an archaic city that exists outside of time. Plan your trip with us and we can organise an itinerary for you and answer any questions you have on how to reach Hampi.

Hampi is a miracle! Carpets of rice paddy and endless banana groves rise up out of dust and boulders, fed by the swollen Tungabhadra River. 14th-century temples populated by monkeys and dusty sunshine look down on a game of twilight cricket. Ornately carved pagodas attract worshipers from the country, though the local population is shadowed by the tourist community.

Sprawling, cheap cottage-style hostels, with great pizza and Tibetan thukpa, make it a haven for backpackers and families looking to spend quality time together. Come for the knowledge, stay for the peace.

hampir ruins The ancient ruins you can see in Hampi are practically unaffected by change (Photo Credit – Balaji Srinivasan)

Top experiences and things to do in Hampi

We have included the best activities and things to do in Hampi to help you plan your trip, such as:

– Exploring the ancient city.

– Actually watching the sunset at Sunset Point.

– Leaning back in one of the mattress-lined restaurants and sipping a much-needed ginger-mint lemonade.

Discover More: Unearthing Things to Do in India

Stone Chariot Hampi, Getting to Hampi, Backpacking in Hampi Stone Chariot in Hampi (Photo Credit – A J Patil from Pixabay)

Activities

– Take an evening coracle ride on the lake for stunning, spinning views.

– Boulder climbing. It’s an exciting sport, and you’re sure to find fellow backpackers who’ll show you the ropes.

– Hire a rickety moped or a bicycle and sail through the streets, monument hopping.

Recommended for:

Backpackers ****

Couples ***

Families **** (since there are so many activities available in the countryside)

Recommended period of stay: 4-5 days

Adventure activities in Hampi, UNESCO world heritage sites to visit in India Bouldering Activity (Photo Credit – Aleksandr Zykov)

How to reach Hampi

Asking yourself how to reach Hampi? The easiest routes are to go from Goa or Bangalore.

If travelling from Goa to Hampi then catch a train or a bus, there are no flights that reach here. For train, we recommend the Howrah Express from Vasco De Gama Station at 07:20 hrs to arrive in Hospet. If you are taking a bus then this will take about 7 to 8 hours. Our favourite to use is Paulo Travels. For more information on this route click here.

How to reach Hampi from Bangalore? You should take a bus for the cheapest option and this will take roughly 8 hours. Or you can take a train from Bangalore railway station to Hospet. The Hampi Express goes every day at 21:10 hrs.

If you need our assistance in planning your trip to this beautiful region, do get in touch with us. We would be happy to help you plan a customized trip according to your need!

Frequently Asked Questions

Being one of the most beautiful historical sites, Hampi is worth exploring. This site is surrounded by the hills- Matanga, Malyavanta, and Anjaneya Hills, and on the other side flows the Tungabhadra River.

October to February are the best months to visit Hampi, as it experiences winter, making it easy to venture out.

Several aspects create this distinctive atmosphere: The Ruins: The vast and intricate network of temples, palaces, marketplaces, and other structures that whisper tales of a powerful empire. The Boulders: The striking and unusual granite boulders that dominate the landscape, creating a unique and almost otherworldly scenery. The History: The palpable sense of the Vijayanagara Empire’s rise and fall, evident in every stone. The Serenity: Despite its historical significance, Hampi possesses a tranquil and laid-back vibe, especially outside the main temple areas.

One day in Hampi is enough to see major attractions such as Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, and the iconic Stone Chariot, but it can be hectic. Ideally, 2 to 3 days are preferred for a better experience, so that you can explore many ruins and take in the history of the region at a leisurely pace.

Hampi has ruins and temples that are always open to the public from sunrise to sunset. However, a few ticketed places can have specific times for visiting. The Archaeological Museum at Kamalapura is closed on Fridays.

No, Hampi is considered to be a budget-friendly destination and is not generally costly. A 3-day budget trip to Hampi can cost around INR 4000 to 6000 per person.

Yes, Hampi is absolutely worth visiting, especially for travelers interested in history, architecture, and spirituality. Hampi has beautiful landscapes, many UNESCO heritage sites and ruins, as well as ancient temples making it an amazing cultural trip.

You can wear loose, breathable, but modest clothes in Hampi. Because of all the religious temples and ruins, you will need clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Also wear easy-to remove footwear, since you will need to remove your footwear before entering temples.

Hampi is often called the Lost City because after the mighty Vijayanagara Empire fell into decline in 1565, the capital city was looted and destroyed, after which it was left abandoned for centuries before it was rediscovered by archaeologists in the 19th century.

Hampi is around 340 to 370 km, or 6 to 8 hours away by road from Bangalore.

Harsh Sonawala

About Harsh Sonawala

Harsh Sonawala is the co founder of India Someday and since his childhood, he has travelled to different parts of India and the world. The thrill of travelling and sharing his experiences with others was the reason behind starting India Someday. Other than the office where he is conjuring up marketing ideas, he can be found scuba diving in the Andamans or relaxing in a chalet in the Himalayas.

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