A Travel Guide for Hampi – Everything You Need to Know

This travel guide for Hampi is perfectly designed for first timers. It almost looks unreal, I screamed in my mind almost a million times! The picturesque and dreamy landscape of UNESCO heritage acclaimed Hampi transported me back to mythological era, into the stories of Ramayana we grew up listening to. As I opened my eyes, the spectacular landscape so perfectly canvassed with the medieval ruins startled me.

“Don’t worry, be Hampi” – I never really understood the state of mind of the person who first said this but now I know. Hampi is not plainly just any green panther, pot smoking destination whose life seemed to have been hit by a intangible hurricane but there is a corner for everyone, there is a slice of cake for everyone in this wonderland.

PIN THE POST TO READ LATER

While writing this blog stitching memories from the place where time stopped, the flashes of the whimsical ruins stare me from a distance more than a thousand miles away.  Let me tell you what I see!

The sorcery of the ruins of Vijayangara Kingdom stretches far with boulders precariously topped on each other. The fresh green paddy fields (read almost illuminating) peppered with coconut trees are interspersed along the mammoth of boulders surrounding the town. The marvels of the ancient ruins, the phenomenal rock architecture and the reminiscence of the erstwhile capital of Vijayanagara are sliced into two halves by the sleek, shallow Tungabhadra River. The sunrise and sunset in Hampi is pure labor of nature love bestowed on the planet.

Profound History of Hampi – UNESCO Heritage Site

Hampi is located within Bellary district of Karnatak. Hampi is the erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagara Empire that sprawled and ruled in the 14^th century. The city now stands true to its once bustling wealthy and grand status on the banks of the Tungabhadra River with numerous temples, architectural ruins, stone bridges, trading, green paddy fields and the bustling market. In 1500 CE, the city for its profound wealth, attracted traders from Persia and Portugal, it continued to grow till the massive empire was gutted down in defeat by Muslim sultanate.

The rocky terrain of Hampi and the sight of boulders frivolously balancing on each other journeys back to stories from Hindu Mythology. According to mythology, Hampi echoes the love story of Hindu God Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Traditionally known as Pampa-kshetra named after Hindu Goddess Parvati, Pampa was she other name. She set out to marry the celibate and ascetic Hindu God Shiva meditating on the mountains and seek help from other Gods to awaken Shiva from his meditation. Hindu God of desire and erotic love Kama shot an arrow of desire to wake up Shiva, Kama is burnt to ashes as Shiva opens his third eye.

The story continues and Goddess Parvati does not give hope but retorts to meditation, asceticism and yogic lifestyle to gain his attention. At the end love wins and both get married. Hemakuta Hill in Hampi is where she pursued her yogini lifestyle according to mythology.

The magnificence of the Vijayanagara Empire still stands strong with the marvelous architectures, temples and monuments. The carvings on the boulders and stucco framework on the monuments beckon historians from across the world. The rich cultural heritage of the place and its stories of prosperity armed with its spectacular landscape and warm, welcoming people make Hampi a truly deserved UNESCO heritage site.  Infact, the bright turquoise Rs 50 note has the stone chariot printed on it!

Hampi is a Feeling of Happiness

Honestly, how many places have you been to and felt channeling into a zone that carries you physically, anatomically and physiologically into freedom? This place – I swear, will crush your beast to bits and teach you to live, live free, live happy and live respecting the present, the moments, the relationships and to hold on to yourself.

Hampi is a contrast, a side that dates back to 14^th century and beyond with the ruins, temples and the architectures expanded and built by Vijayanagare Empire. The boulder strewn landscape dotted with paddy fields and the hills bestowing gorgeous sunset and sunrise is apart from the other side by a coracle or a motor boat ride crossing the Tungabhadra River. The other side – the rise of Hippie culture in 1990s in India, stretched from Goa to Hampi, naming the other side Hippie Island. The other side is where all the cool things are – rock climbing, meditation, yoga, sound healing, tons of café.

Experiences and a Travel Guide for Hampi

There is so much to experience and do beyond mapping the temples, decoding the carvings on the architecture and jumping off the boulders admiring the rock elements. It is a spiritual journey and an awakening call experienced in the charm of the old city.

Yoga and Spirituality

Hampi is a place that let you embrace the spirituality and dig deeper into the world of yoga. Set amidst the vast expanse of paddy fields, it is a great place to get that body working and learn some yoga. There are many yoga centers and yoga classes organized in Hampi, the information about it can be found easily.

Sound Healing Meditation

This is pretty therapeutic and leads your brain to secrete more serotonin and dopamine, calming and relaxing your mind. This technique uses musical instrument in different beat and tempo to release anxiety, stress, improve blood circulation and increase concentration. What better a set up than the amazing boulder strewn, paddy field dotted landscape?

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing and bouldering is something that invites hundreds of people to the historical place from across the world. There are many professional bouldering courses and institutes where one can take up bouldering course for a month or more as well as one day course. Hampi even witness bouldering festival everywhere. I recommend Sunny’s Bouldering for learning best tricks and tactic.

Ayurveda and Therapeutic Massage

I remember going off to sleep, slipping into my dreams, as the strong aromatic of essential oil massaged my head. Such is the power of massage that relax every nerve and vein of the body with touch of ancient Ayurvedic techniques and ingredients. A head massage roughly cost Rs 300 for half an hour and a full body massage cost around Rs 1000 for 1 hour.

Bustling Hippie Markets

The colorful and glittering market of Hampi will walk you through Hippie land, surrounded by myriad of colors; glass work based decorative pieces and bohemian trinkets and goods. Be it boho-hippie clothes or colorful bed sheets or wall decors, the markets are definitely something not to miss. The rate depends on your bargaining skills.

Coracle Ride

Hampi and the coracle boat goes hand in hand, a must do thing while crossing the Tungabhadra river connecting the temple side of Hampi with Hippie Island. The round, light weight, wooden boat accommodates nearly 8 people at once.

Café Hopping

The assortment of café in Hampi offers wide range of healthy food taking your taste buds to a orgasmic gastronomical experience. From mouth watering smoothies to delicious vegan sandwiches to some great desserts, the cafes overlooking the boulders and the paddy fields is a great place to chill with amazing positive vibe.

Places to Visit in Hampi

Explore the Ruins – Temples & Monuments

Amidst the ruins of Hampi, echoes the voice of bygone era guarding the reflection of the mighty kingdom. The temples, monuments, stone bridges and everything medieval witnessed a majestic empire crushed by the Sultanates, and yet immortalized the celebrated Vijayanagara Kingdom. The UNESCO heritage site of Hampi has a number of temples and monuments. This travel guide for Hampi covers all the important monuments of the city.

Virupaksha Temple

This temple cannot be missed and is a place that is almost visible from every corner of main town. It is the oldest temple that was built in 7^th century AD. The temple is nine storied tower tapering from bottom to top architecture painted in pastel. The stone carvings and the stucco figures on the temple outer wall even include some erotic figures. The pillars of the main temple complex are carved delicately with intricate designs. The use of mathematical symmetry to architect the temple makes it pretty interesting. There are shrines, pillared halls and courtyards within the sprawling temple campus. The murals on the central pillared hall dates back to art form from Vijayanagara era. The sanctum consists of an idol of Lord Vishnu.

Vittala Temple

The ancient Vittala Temple is an example of unmatched architecture and is one of the largest groups of monuments in Hampi. The iconic monumental structures in the complex of the temple are a delight for history lovers and photographers. The Stone Chariot as seen on the Rs 50/- note and musical pillars are on the grounds of the Vittala temple. The temple complex was built in the 15^th century by King Krishnadeveraya and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

 The vast complex of temples and marvelous monuments has three gopuram surrounded by many shrines and pillared halls with elaborate stone carvings. The stone chariot is the quintessential reflection of stunning architecture and craftsmanship that existed during the rule of the empire. The stone chariot is a shrine dedicated to Garuda – the chariot that carried Lord Vishnu. The Ranga Mantapa has 56 musical pillars which are known to play musical notes when tapped gently. They resonate the sound played on instruments.

Hanuman Temple

The white washed temple carved out of a rock is perched on the Anjaneya Hill, known as the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. Putting behind the flat lands of Hampi, zigzagging all the way up climbing 500+ steps, brings to you the small shrine of Rama and Site inside the rock carved Hanuman temple. There is a icon of Hanuman carved meticulously on the rock. The best time to visit the temple is for sunset when the sky is a enticing phenomenon – shades of orange and yellow paints the canvas adding a splash of magic to the rectangular blocks of paddy field. The glimpse of Tungabhandra river amidst the boulder strewn landscape is stunning. But, the monkeys are always on hunt for something to snatch away, be careful.  

Hemakuta Hill Monuments

The Hemakuta hill is behind the Virupaksha Temple bestowing with spectacular view of the far stretched horizon. The hill adorns the ruins further with cluster of temples, small and big, archways and is home to a number of shrines built by Vijayanagara Empire. The boulders balance perfectly against each other across the spread of the hill. Hemakuta translates into “Hill of Gold” that got its name from mythology weaved to it. According to folklore, Lord Shiva consented to marrying Pampa impressed by her dedication and yogini lifestyle, which led to raining of gold on the hill. It gives an elaborate sunset experience with view of Virupaksha Temple on one side and the magic landscape of Hampi on the other.

Elephant Stables and Zenana Enclosure

The Zenana Enclosure is a walled compound influenced by Indo Islamic style of architecture and was the royal women’s quarter. The area was built secluded only for the royal women of Vijayanagara women. The enclosure had four watch towers and well guarded during the reign of the Kingdom which protected the ladies including the Queen. The only male who had the right to visit the place was the king to meet his queen. The Lotus Mahal is the main attraction with domed structure that resembles lotus bud and archway resemble lotus petals.

The Elephant Enclosure is located close to Zenana Enclosure and is a long 11 dome shaped chambers stretched at length. It was the place to keep the royal elephants and the domes have alternating pattern of designs. Each of the halls had small manhole for the mahout to enter the compartments to park the elephant.

Achyutaraya Temple

The magnificent temple was built in the year 1534 AD and is located between Matanga Hills and Gandhamadana. The majority part of the temple is now in ruins subjected to attacks by Bahamani Kingdom. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and ruined market place of the temple complex sit secluded amidst the valley tucked between two hills.

Take a Trip to Anegundi

Anegundi was the first capital of Vijayanagara Kingdom and has a lot of historical significance. The quaint village is surrounded by hills on three sides and one side blessed with the Tungabhadra River. The village adds to the nuances of mythological stories passing on from one generation to another. It was called as Kishkindha (story straight from Ramayana era), rule by evil brother of Sugriva, Bali. The medieval city was brought to justice after goodness won over evil as Sugriva defeated Bali with help of Lord Rama.  There are many temples and historical monuments well preserved in the village. Travel back in time as you witness the world from one of the oldest plateaus of the planet or follow the trails of traditional art reflected by Anegundi fort.

Don’t miss the stall selling Chicken Pakora and Eggs at the entrance of the medieval gate leading to the village.

Enjoy a coracle ride at Sanapur Lake

Sanapur Lake is around 7 to 8 km from Hippie Island and can be reached easily by a scooter ride or by renting a auto or Tuk Tuk. The drive through the lush green paddy fields is full of amazement drooling at the boulders topped on each other. It almost reminds of a childhood game “Pitthu” where one team tried to break the piles of stones placed on each other and the other team put it back together. This almost looks like giants have put the boulders on top of each other and returned without completing the game. Sanapur Lake is a good for a coracle ride, some even swim, in fact the road to the lake is pretty picturesque.

Climb the hills – Sunset & Sunrise

Hampi is instrumental to delighting your soul with some of the most prolific sorcery of nature. There are many hills in and around Hampi that you can climb to enjoy the surreal landscape of Hampi. Matunga Hill is one of the best places to witness the sunrise. I would say for sunset visit the Hemakuta hills and transcend into wonderland as you witness the phenomenon of sun drowning amidst the clouds, slowly to vanish, leaving behind a trail of colors on the blue canvas of sky. The colors perfectly blend with the coconut tree dotted paddy fields of Hampi.

How to reach Hampi

Assuming Bangalore or Hyderabad or Goa as your base, there are trains and buses that leaves for Hospet at night every day. The trains are pretty convenient and can easily book using the official website. Hospete is around 12 To 13 km from Hampi, either you can take a local bus from outside the railway station for Rs 20/- or hire an auto for Rs 200/-. This travel guide for Hampi is aimed at helping with all information about how to travel to Hampi.

Hampi Accommodation and Food

There is plenty of accommodation in Hampi on both sides of the river. The temple side has slightly cheaper accommodation than Hampi Hippie Island. I would recommend you stay in Hippie Island, to be close to nature and the boulders. As you cross the river and walk inside Hippie Island, there are a number of guest houses and hut styled accommodation available. The price generally starts from Rs 600/- to Rs 1500/- depending on the type of place.

Do not book your hotel beforehand because you will find plenty of accommodation in Hampi. I highly recommend Goan Corner if you want to stay a little away from the crowd.

Food is not very cheap in Hampi as compared to many places but an assortment of delicious food is available in all cafes. A fruit bowl would cost around Rs 150 to 200/-, pizza costs around Rs 450 and above, breakfast plate starts from Rs 150/- and beyond. Most of the food in a café generally are priced above Rs 150/-. The cost of a beer is around Rs 200 to 250/- and other hard liquor starts from Rs 150/. However, the road side stalls are cheaper and prepares tasty South Indian food.

How to Explore Places Around Hampi

There are three ways you can explore in and around Hampi.

1. There are rental bikes available for Rs 350 to 400/- in the hippie Island side. However, you cannot drive the bikes in the Temple side. You are free to go to Hanuman Temple, Anegundi, SanapurLake etc. using the bike.
2. On the other side, you can explore the temples either by booking a bicycle tour for Rs 600/ – or beyond or by hiring a auto (Tuk-Tuk). An auto guy will charge around Rs 2000/- for a full day tour.  You can contact Orange (Name of the driver) for a day tour at – 8277266756, good, reliable and funny guy.

Important Things to Know Before Visiting Hampi

• Try to carry cash because the cafes usually do not accept cards. There is no ATM in Hippie Island and the nearest one is in Anegundi. However, you can withdraw cash by swiping card in one of the shops in Hippie Island for a chargeable amount.
• The last timing for the motor boats is around 5.30 pm and anything later than that means paying off extra money to cross the river. The boats charge Rs 50/- per person for every boat crossing. The coracle charge around Rs 80 to 100/-.
• The markets are really colorful and are a gateway to shopping many bohemian decors but make sure you bargain right.
• Hippie Island side does not have really good internet connectivity especially towards the guesthouses on the further end. Wi-Fi connection is good in some of the cafes though.
• The best time to visit Hampi is from October to March when the weather mellows down a little.

Planning a Trip? Pin the post for a complete travel guide for Hampi

• 

• 

Hampi is a feeling that I have carried with me, I feel the breeze softly patting my face and close my eyes to surround myself with paddy fields and boulders. This exhaustive travel guide for Hampi will answer all your questions about this gorgeous place.

First Name

Email address:

Leave this field empty if you’re human:

Also you can read my complete guide to Thailand here.