Hampi

Hampi is the site of the once-magnificent capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area is stunning with millions of boulders, lush palm and banana trees, and rice paddies. It's a great place to spend a few days wandering and discovering vibrant history.

Hampi was the capital of the South Indian Vijayanagara Empire from the 14th to 17th centuries. It attracts many visitors, and hiring a guide is recommended to understand its history. The area includes the ruined capital with temples, markets, and royal enclosures. The annual Hampi Utsav festival takes place in the first week of November.

The real pleasure in exploring Hampi comes from cycling or walking. Virtually every rock has a story to tell. However, weather can be a factor with dust and strong winds. Sunblock, hats, wet towels, and water are essential. Many monument areas have no shade.

Avoid visiting during April and May when temperatures can reach 43°C. The best time is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. The annual Hampi Utsav festival takes place in the first week of November, with monuments lit and cultural performances.

Hampi has many sites of interest. Must-visit include Hemakuta Hill temples, Virupaksha Temple (still sacred), Monolith Bull, Matanga Hill for sunsets, Achyutaraya Temple, Vithala Temple (with Stone Chariot and Musical Pillars, entry ₹600 for foreigners including Lotus Mahal and museum), Badavilinga Temple, Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Zanana Enclosure, Elephant Stables, Hazara Rama Temple, and Royal Enclosures. Most sites are free, but Vithala temple and Zanana enclosure have a combined ticket. A local map costs ₹15, or auto-rickshaw sightseeing around ₹400-500.

Stone carvings by local artists are good souvenirs, much cheaper than in Bangalore. Hand-stitched blankets are also a good choice. Shops near Virupaksha temple sell jewellery, bags, clothes, shawls; bargaining is expected. Hoova Craft Shop & Café offers local goods and handicrafts.

Hampi Bazaar has many inexpensive restaurants, though waits can be long. Recommended: Durga Roof Top (north Indian), Chillout Restaurant (Nargis Kofta, pizza), Laughing Buddha (continental, Punjabi), The Goan Corner (idyllic cafe across river), and Sagar Hotel (idli, dosa, gunta pongal). Hampi is a religious center, so alcohol is not available in local restaurants, but Hotel Mayura Bhuvaneshwari in Kamalapur has a bar. Across the river, Shanti and Kishkinda serve beer and liquor. Soft drinks and lassi are widely available.

There are two clusters of guest houses: Janata Plot near Virupaksha Temple and opposite the bus stand. Accommodation is basic, often village huts with attached bathroom. Power cuts are frequent; some have generators. Prices range from ₹300 for a basic room to ₹1500 for a cottage. Recommended: Kiran Guest House (₹600-800, solar power), Mayuram Home Stay (₹400-500, generator), Wanderlust (₹1500 per cottage), Hampi River View (~₹1000), Sun Rise Guest House (tent ₹550, cottage ₹1500), and Hotel Mayura Bhuvaneshwari in Kamalapur (dorm ₹400, room from ₹2400). Avoid Lonely Planet recommended places as they raise rates.

Watch out for monkeys that snatch belongings. Use mosquito repellent. Be careful when climbing over boulders. Avoid travelling in April and May due to extreme heat (up to 43°C). Carry sufficient water. Bottled drinking water is easily available, but chilled bottles may not be due to power cuts.

Do not consume drugs or alcohol in the area out of deference to the sacred site. When visiting temples or ruins, cover up and do not show too much skin. Do not scribble, climb, or sit on monuments; they have stood for centuries.

Nearby destinations include Lakkundi, Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal, Kakkabe (peaceful, Padi Igutappa temple), and Goa accessible by train from Hospet via the Amaravathi express.