Last Updated on December 5, 2023
This Hampi itinerary covers what to do and see on a 2, or 3 day visit of this beautiful region of Karnataka.
Hampi is a small town that sits on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Although it covers just 25 square kilometers, Hampi is filled with history and culture, and is known for its group of beautiful Unesco World Heritage monuments.
My partner and I spent a week exploring Hampi and the surrounding area. This 3 day Hampi itinerary covers all the highlights of the area. If you only have 2 days in Hampi, simply cut day 3 from the below Hampi itinerary.
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A Bit of Hampi’s History
Hampi has a fascinating history because it was once the capital of the ancient Hindu kingdom, the Vijayanagara Empire.
The empire emerged in the middle of the 13th century, and lasted more than 200 years. During this time, Vijayanagara rulers decorated Hampi with ornate temples, palaces, markets, streets and monuments. But the Vijayanagara Empire didn’t last.
In 1565, Hampi’s history took a brutal turn. The Vijayanagara capital was attacked by an alliance of Deccan Sultanates who ruled five late medieval Indian kingdoms.
The battle, now known as the Battle of Talikota, was lost by the Vijayanagara Empire, and as a result Hampi was ongoingly looted and pillaged for six months. This led to the slow decline and eventual collapse of the state of Vijayanagara.
Hampi did continue to function as a city, but it no longer had strategic importance, and so the city lost relevance. It wasn’t until 1800 that the ruins in Hampi were rediscovered and surveyed by an engineer and antiquarian named Colonel Colin Mackenzie, an employee of the English East India Company.
Despite the pillaging following the Battle of Talikota, many of Hampi’s temples, gateways, and monuments still stand, and have been deemed a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
Hampi’s plentiful ancient temples basically make Hampi an open air museum that tells the story of Hampi’s history.
But Hampi is also an important pilgrimage site, drawing Hindus and Jains from around India. Pilgrims come because Hampi is believed to be the place known as ‘Kishkindha’ (stated in Ramayana), where Lord Hanuman was born.
This is just a bit of the fascinating history of Hampi – but it’s a good starting point to inform the way you see and understand various places in Hampi, and this history explains exactly why there are so many notable places to see in Hampi.
Intro to Your Hampi Itinerary
Before diving into the detailed 3 day Hampi itinerary, let’s cover some basic Hampi FAQs.
Is Hampi worth visiting?
It’s worth visiting Hampi because the town and surrounding area is filled with history and culture, and is known for its group of beautiful Unesco World Heritage monuments. The landscape surrounding Hampi is equally beautiful to see, because it’s dotted with rolling hills, granite rocks, and boulders.
When is the best time to visit Hampi, Karnataka?
The best time to visit Hampi is during the months of October to March. During this time the climate is moderate and cool, which makes it more comfortable for exploring Hampi’s temples and outdoor sites.
Hampi becomes very hot during India’s summer months, from late March to May. During these months, the town is much quieter. Just be sure to book accommodation that has AC if you visit during the hot season.
How many days do you need in Hampi?
To really get to know Hampi, stay at least 3 days. This is enough time to see Hampi’s highlights like Virupaksha temple, the Hampi Bazaar, and Sanapur Lake. If you have more than 3 days, you can use that extra time to see Hampi and the surrounding area in more detail.
How To Get To Hampi, Karnataka
Most of India is well connected by the Indian railway system, so for those without a car, traveling to Hampi by train makes the most sense.
How to get to Hampi by train.
Hospet Railway Station is the nearest station from Hampi, about 12 km away. This station is directly connected to major cities of Karnataka including neighboring state Goa.
Major cities which are directly connected to Hospet Station are Bangalore, Bijapur, Kolkata, Goa, Hyderabad, and more. If you are traveling from northern India then your best option is to reach Bangalore first, and connect to Hospet from there.
How to get to Hampi by bus.
If you prefer to get to Hampi by bus, there is a bus terminal at Hospet Town where you can grab buses that directly connect to Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa and Hubli.
Whether you arrive in Hospet by train or by bus, you will need to then connect from Hospet to Hampi. You can take either a bus or a rickshaw from the station to Hampi. The trip takes about 30 minutes.
Where To Stay In Hampi
You can choose one of 2 areas to stay in for your Hampi itinerary, Hampi town, or Hippie Island:
Hampi Town
Staying in Hampi town is the most convenient for exploring Hampi and the surrounding area. Staying in town means you’re close to restaurants, as well as all the main sites to see. There are plenty of hotels to choose from ranging from budget hotels (no AC) to higher end hotels with more amenities.
Where to stay in Hampi Town:
We stayed at Thilak Home Stay. This hotel is right in the centre of town. It’s got hot water, comfy beds, good wifi, and it’s very clean. The staff and owner are all incredibly friendly and welcoming, and they’ll help you organize activities as well as onward travel.
Hampi’s Hippie Island
Virapapur Gadde or Hampi Island, also known as Hippie Island in Hampi, is directly across from Hampi on the opposite side of the Tungabhadra River. The river separates the historical part of Hampi from Hippie Island, which is another area that you can stay in for your Hampi itinerary. This area tends to be popular with backpackers.
Although Hampi’s Hippie Island is on the other side of the river, it’s easily accessible. We were in Hampi during the dry season, which meant that we could hop from rock to rock to get from one side of the river to the other.
It’s a bit tenuous to do, especially with our big packs, but luckily the local kids are happy to give you a hand if you need it.
The rest of the year, the river is flowing, and so you’ll need to use the coracle crossing to reach the other side. This ride in a traditional round boat takes less than 5 minutes and costs just a few rupees. The boats run from about 9AM to 5PM daily. If you miss the boats, be prepared for a 1 hour rickshaw drive to reach the other side of the river.
Hampi’s Hippie Island is a backpacker haven. That side has several hostels and guest houses. You can also opt to stay in a private mud hut! There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can chill out all day long, and unlike in Hampi Town, it’s possible to have beer on Hippie Island.
Where to stay on Hippie Island:
Shanti Guest House is the most popular place to stay on the island. It’s a quiet, relaxing property that had double rooms with balconies and bathrooms. Plus, you’ll find hammocks around the property that you can make use of.
How to Get Around Hampi
The village of Hampi is easy to explore on foot, but many of the sites you’ll want to visit are outside of the town. For at least one day of your Hampi itinerary, you’ll need to hire transport or rent a motorbike.
Renting a motorbike is easily arranged by your accommodation in Hampi town. If you aren’t comfortable self-driving, you can hire an auto-rickshaw driver to take you around for the day. This can also be arranged by your hotel.
Hampi Itinerary: Day 1 in Hampi
On your first day in Hampi, you’ll explore on foot. You can walk to all of these famous sites, which include temples, UNESCO World Heritage sites, natural sites, and a gorgeous spot to watch the sunset from.
All of the sites you’ll visit are open typically between 9:00am and 5:00pm, so be sure to plan your day around those hours.
Here’s what to see on day 1 of your Hampi itinerary:
Virupaksha Temple
Virupaksha Temple is dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shiva. It is believed to be one of the oldest temples in India, in fact, it’s believed that Virupaksha Temple has been functioning uninterrupted since the 7th century AD.
You can go to watch the daily temple rituals and ceremonies in the mornings and evenings – Virupaksha Temple opens at sunrise and closes at sundown.
Hampi Bazaar
The Hampi Bazaar used to be a thriving market during the days of the Vijayanagara Empire. Today, it’s still a market, but one geared more toward tourists.
This daily market sells all sorts of locally made goods. It’s fun to wander through the Hampi Bazaar to browse gifts, textiles, figurines, and jewelry.
Krishna Temple
Krishna Temple was constructed by the Krishnadevaraya in 1513 to honor Lord Krishna. The temple ground is decorated with several stunning pillars that feature Yali – a mythical creature (part lion, part horse, part elephant) that is often depicted in temples in South India.
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple houses the stone idol of Lord Narasimha, one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu. The temple was constructed in 1528 AD during the reign of King Krishnadevaraya.
The temple originally had an idol of Goddess Lakshmi who was seated on Lord Narasimha’s lap, but during the raids of 1565, Lakshmi’s idol was vandalized and removed.
Walk the Riverside Trek Path (Kampa Bhupa’s Path)
Riverside Trek Path or Kampa Bhupa’s Path is a 2 kilometer walking route that starts at the Hampi Bazaar, and ends near the famous Vittala Temple. It’s a great walk to include in your Hampi itinerary, because it takes you along the river for beautiful views.
On this historic trek you’ll encounter fascinating rocky terrain, hidden caves, and riverside ruins. You might also get the chance to see some swimming monkeys!
The trek takes about 45 minutes depending on your pace, and it isn’t too strenuous. Some travelers even opt to cycle it because the terrain is flat, smooth rock. Kampa Bhupa’s Path is not always clear, sometimes the path might be hard to follow among the heaps of boulders, but it can be traced out.
Just remember that the trail runs almost parallel to the bank of the Tungabhadra River. To find Hampi’s Riverside Trek Path, head to the east end of the Hampi Bazaar and look for the path on the shore of the Tungabhadra River.
Vittala Temple & the Stone Chariot
Vittala Temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Vittala, who is a form of Lord Vishnu. This temple is known as one of the most ornate of the Vijayanagara temples.
At the entrance of the temple you’ll see a chariot made of stone. It’s one of the 3 most famous stone chariots in India – The other two are in Konark (Odisha) and Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu). The Stone Chariot at Vittala temple is a shrine dedicated to Garuda, the official vehicle of Lord Vishnu.
Since you’ve been on foot, and just walked Kampa Bhupa’s Path to reach Vittala temple, you can consider taking a tuk tuk back to Hampi town for dinner and the sunset. Especially on a hot day, this day 1 itinerary can be a lot of walking!
Watch the sunset from Hemakuta Hill
The landscape surrounding Hampi, speckled with temples and rocky hills, is a surreal view. And so of course, watching the sunset in Hampi from a viewpoint is one of the best things to do while there.
Hemakuta Hill is on the outskirts of Hampi and is easy to climb thanks to its gentle, smooth rock slopes. From Hampi Town and Hippie Island, Hemakuta Hill is within walking distance, making it the perfect spot to watch the sun go down if you’re feeling like having a relaxed evening.
Hemakuta Hill is sprinkled with temples, archways and pavilions. The whole of the hill was fortified with tall wide stonewalls, the ruined remains of which can still be seen.
Head to Hemakuta Hill an hour or so before sunset so you can explore the ruins, before finding a spot to watch the sun go down. There are plenty of comfy spots where you can sit to watch the magic of a Hampi sunset.
Hampi Itinerary: Day 2 in Hampi
On day 2 of your Hampi itinerary, you’ll be venturing further outside of Hampi town to see some famous archaeological sites from the Vijayanagara Empire.
All of these sites are clustered around one area. So, you can take a rickshaw to the first stop and walk from there, grabbing a rickshaw back to town once you’ve visited all the sites. Or, you can hire a rickshaw driver for the day to take you from site to site.
Another option is to rent a motorbike to self-drive to all the sites, which is what we did. Our hotel arranged our rental for us.
All of the sites you’ll visit are open typically between 9:00am and 5:00pm, so be sure to plan your day around those hours.
Here’s what to see on day 2 of your Hampi itinerary:
Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum at Kamalapura is a small, but fantastic museum. It’s dedicated to preserving the relics and artifacts of the Vijayanagara Empire.
The museum itself is a little bit outside of Hampi, located within the ruins of the old city of Vijayanagara.
Elephant Stables
The Elephant Stables are exactly what you think they are! These ancient stables are where the royal elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire would have been housed.
Lotus Mahal
The Lotus Mahal was a part of an area where royal families of Vijayanagara Empire lived. It’s a beautiful, ornate building that was designed to be a spot for royal ladies to mingle and hang out together.
Royal Palace
This is another one of Hampi’s historic sites. Here, you’ll explore the remnants of the royal complex where the king of the Vijayanagara empire lived.
In its prime, these palace grounds housed up to 45 buildings. This would have included durbar halls, underground chambers, and temples. While exploring the grounds, be sure to check out the Stepped Tank, and the Stone Doors.
Queen’s Bath
Not too far from the Royal Palace is the Queen’s bath. This historic site is where you’ll see the ruins of an ornate, historic bathing chamber. The indoor chambers and outdoor pool would have been used by the King, and his wives.
Watch the sunset from Mantaga Hill
The last stop on day 2 of your Hampi itinerary is Mantaga Hill! This is another spot known for serving up the best views of a sunset in Hampi because it’s apparently one of the highest points in the area.
There are a couple paths that lead to the top of the Mantaga Hill. After about 30 minutes of climbing, you’ll reach the top and find the Veerabhadra Temple.
Climb a couple steps more to the roof of the temple for the best views. Keep in mind it’s a 25 minute walk or 5 minute drive from Hampi Town to reach the bottom of Mantaga Hill – so be sure to set out well before the sun starts to go down.
Hampi Itinerary: Day 3 in Hampi
For the 3rd day of your Hampi itinerary, you’re heading to the opposite side of the Tungabhadra River to climb Anjaneya Hill, and relax at Sanapur Lake.
You can reach both these spots either by motorbike or hiring a rickshaw. It takes about 30 – 45 minutes from Hampi. Alternatively, you can cross the Tungabhadra River by short ferry ride, and then take a rickshaw from Virupapura Gadde (Hippie Island) on the other side to your two stops.
Climb Anjaneya Hill
Anjaneya Hill Top is a religious site near Hampi, thought to be the birthplace of monkey-god Hanuman.
Anjaneya Hill is exactly that – a very steep hill. It doesn’t slope gently like other hills in Hampi, it actually shoots straight up.
To reach the top you’ll climb 575 stone steps. It’s a tough climb up, so bring lots of water! On your way up you’ll notice lots of monkeys, which makes sense since Anjaneya is the birthplace of the monkey god, Hanuman.
Once you’ve conquered Anjaneya’s 575 steps, you’ll reach the temple at the top, which has a huge adjoining courtyard from where you can see river Tungabhadra stretching out into the distance.
The door of Anjaneya’s temple is usually closed (have to keep the cheeky monkeys out!), but everyone is welcome. If you enter the temple, be respectful of Hindu practices: Remove your shoes, cover up, and put your camera away.
Sanapur Lake and Reservoir
Sanapur Lake is a quiet and serene lake that is worth visiting if you have time during your Hampi itinerary. It’s on the opposite side of the Tungabhadra River from Hampi.
The lake is actually a man made reservoir, but this doesn’t detract from how beautiful it is. After a couple days of exploring Hampi’s ruins, it’s the perfect spot to chill out for the day, enjoy the sun, watch the fishermen in their coracles, and go for a swim.
There are also some spots around the lake where you can cliff jump! To find the cliff jumping spot, drive around the lake until you spot other swimming backpackers, or ask some locals – they will know where it is. It isn’t advised to assume where the safe jumping spot is.
Tips For Your Hampi Itinerary
Take out cash before arriving in Hampi.
Make sure you carry enough cash with you for your Hampi itinerary, because there are no ATM’s in both Virupapur Gadde (Hippie Island) and Hampi. The closest ATMS are in Hospet, which is about 30kms away.
Book in advance during the high season.
If you plan your Hampi itinerary for a weekend, or during the high season (October – February), make sure you book a room in advance. Hampi is a popular destination for both local residents of India and foreigners, so at times, the town is very busy.
Respect local culture and customs in Hampi.
It’s important to be a responsible tourist throughout your Hampi itinerary! Hampi is a holy site of temples, and so it has deep religious significance for Hindus.
As a visitor, it’s important to be aware of local religious customs and follow them. For example, dress modestly, and show respect when visiting temples and other holy sites.
Final Thoughts on Hampi
We had a fantastic time in Hampi, in fact, it ended up being one of our favourite spots in India.
Some of my favourite memories from our time there are riding around on a motorbike, driving along the Tungabhadra River, waving to fishermen in their coracles.
We spent 2 nights in the village of Sanapur, where we became friends with the homestay owner’s dog, named Puppy. Whenever my partner and I left to go exploring, Puppy followed us, our temporary sidekick.
On one particular day, we went to Hampi’s Sanapur Lake to watch the fishermen. They had laid out their fish to dry in the sun. Well, Puppy went bounding down to the men and rolled around in the fish. Lucas and I laughed in unison with the fishermen.
That is, until Puppy came back to us smelling like fish. We returned to the homestay and then had a second round of laughs as our homestay host tied Puppy up so that he and his wife could scrub and hose him down.
The extreme heat became too much in our budget hotel room (no AC!), so one evening we ditched our room, climbed to the roof of the hotel, and slept there instead. The next morning we woke up at the crack of dawn to see other Hampi residents had opted to sleep on their rooftops too!
And then there was the evening that my partner and I were pulled out of the street by a local man, just in the nick of time. Moments later, a small stampede of cows came galloping down the narrow street. To this day, we’ll never know why the cows were running.
We loved every minute of our Hampi itinerary, and can’t recommend it enough. This town of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Karnataka definitely belongs on your bucket list!
Do you want to read more about India? I’ve got you covered:
- An Overnight Desert Safari in Jaisalmer, India
- A Chronicle of Culture Shock in India
- Your Guide to Traveling India For the First Time
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Erin has been traveling for over a decade, both solo, and with her partner. She’s now traveled to countries across 6 continents, and has lived in 2 countries abroad. Erin also hosts the travel podcast, Curious Tourism, where she interviews travel industry thought leaders and experts about responsible tourism. Learn more about Erin, and get in touch with her, here.
India is on my bucket list. Those temples look amazing!
I did not know that place existed! If traveling to India for 2 weeks, would you put it as a must see? I know India is large and 2 weeks is not enough to cover, but as part of your first time, would you?
I’ve never heard of this place but it looks cool!
Wow, I’ve never read much about Hampi before and it looks like an awesome place to visit in India. The temples look incredible. Renting a motorbike to ride around and see each one would be at the top of my to do list!
Hampi definitely looks like one of the most interesting places in India, I’d love to visit one day
What a great town! Those temples look stunning! What a beautiful place, thanks for the great guide!
Hannah | https://getlost.blog/
Super cool guide to Hampi! Honestly had never even heard of this place but it sounds really interesting. We are always looking for low budget places to travel to that still feel safe and that there is plenty to explore. This feels like one of those places! p.s Can’t believe you spent a night sleeping on the roof! What a memory haha.
Beautiful! I love the architecture! The Virupaksha Temple looks like it would be so interesting to visit. I had never heard about this place before, but I may just have to add it to my bucket list!
Yet another blog post that makes me want to visit India! Those temples look stunning, and riding one of the traditional boats must be a really fun experience! Beautiful photos.
Those temples are crazy beautiful! I loved the pup that adopted you while you were there – I would’ve had to take him with me 😉
I didn’t really know about Hampi until this post but it looks amazing. Your photos are beautiful. Sounds like some unique memories too.
I’ve been to India so many times but I’ve never heard of Hampi! It looks so beautiful and now I definitely need to add it to the list! 😂 🤣
A great read and I love all your pics!! Inspired !
Something new to add to the list. So much history to this place and I love that you found a great homestay
What a beautiful and historical place HAMPI, Architecture of Temples is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing the historical places in your travel blog.
(https://worldineyes.com)
Hey Jerry – I’m actually not sure why. The river looked red the entire time we were last in Hampi. I think that it may have looked that way because the water levels were very low. But I can’t say for certain.