A land of ethereal landscapes, architectural splendours, and historic ruins, Hampi City will take you back in time. The history-laden alleys packed with ancient edifices of the Vijayanagara Kingdom bring you a peek into the way of the Kings. Giant boulders strewn across the undulating landscape amid banana plantations and tall palm groves create an unrealistic imagery. And centred amidst the rustic display is a cultural retreat, which is both hippie and happy. So if you’re planning a visit to this historical city, here’s a Hampi travel guide with the best experiences and places to visit in Hampi to make it perfect.

Paddy fields surround Zostel Hampi (Gangavathi)

Best Time to Visit Hampi

• Winters, from October to February, is the ideal time to visit Hampi because of the pleasant weather. It’s also a time when the grand cultural festival, Hampi Utsav, takes place sometime in between January and February.
• Hampi becomes lush green during monsoons, from July to August, which is also a good time to visit for a green and serene experience. The weather remains cool in the post-monsoon months of September to October.
• The soaring temperatures during Summer may pose a challenge in exploring the place.

How many days are enough to visit Hampi?

You will need about 3-4 days to explore the nooks and crannies of Hampi. To make your Hampi travel plan a big success, we made this guide with the help of local travel experts. Find the entire Hampi travel guide here.

Zostel's Guide to Hippie, Happy, Hampi

Places to Visit in Hampi

Hampi is home to a plethora of cultural sites which hold an important historic significance and are wonders of nature in themselves. Here are the top spots that you can’t miss.

Temples of Hampi

Vittala Temple: A renowned gem of Hampi, this unfinished temple complex serves as evidence of the architectural virtuosity of 16th-century artisans. The centrepiece is the ornate chariot, which can be found on the 50 Indian Rupee Note. Meanwhile, the outer pillars describe 81 different Indian musical instruments. It is just a 40-min drive from Zostel Hampi (Gangavathi).

The famous chariot structure in the Vittala Temple Complex | Picture by Pavan Kumaar on Unsplash

Achyutaraya Temple: Among the last few great monuments built in Hampi prior to its fall, this Hampi temple is situated at the foot of Mathanga Hill. You can enter the temple through 2 ruined gopuram or gateways. Inside, the central hall is adorned with intricately carved pillars.

Virupaksha Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this a renowned and ancient temple which is known for its marvellous architecture. It is believed to be among the oldest structures in the city. The main gopuram or gateway is ~50 m tall. A visit to this temple will further enrich your spiritual and cultural understanding of this historic city.

Timings: 9 am to 1 pm | 5 pm to 8 pm

Aerial shot of the ancient Virupaksha Temple in Hampi | Picture by Adarsh Sudheesan on Unsplash

Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex: Known for its cluster of shrines, it’s located on hilltop, which can only be reached by an exhilarating and scenic hike. Once you get to the summit, prepare to catch a breathtaking view featuring the surrounding monuments, the Tungabhadra River, and the vast valleys of Hampi. And if you stick around till the evening, you can expect to be greeted by a blazing sunset.

Sule Bazaar: This deserted complex once served as a prominent centre of commerce and a renowned red-light district. You’ll find a well-preserved queue of carved columns on the eastern side.

Royal Centre of Hampi

Royal Palace Complex: The King's palace is the largest enclosure in the area, which was where the king was believed to have lived. It houses an audience hall, an underground secret chamber, multiple platforms, double fortification walls, and magnificent Pushkarani Kolas (Stepwells), among other areas.

Zenana Enclosure: Set inside the walled women’s quarters, the Zenana Enclosure is home to picturesque gardens, along with the Lotus Mahal and Elephant Stable.

Timings: 8 am to 6 pm

Ticket: 10 INR per person

Lotus Mahal: Shaped like a lotus in full bloom, this iconic landmark once served as the queen’s recreational mansion.

The iconic Lotus Mahal inside the Zenana Enclosure in Hampi | Picture by Nandhu Kumar on Unsplash

Elephant Stable: These domed shelters served as the residence of the kingdom’s elephants. You can enjoy a light-and-sound show here free of charge, making it among the must-visit places of Hampi.

Timings of the show: 7 pm

Queen’s Bath: A popular attraction in Hampi, the Queen’s Bath is an ancient and well-preserved royal bathing complex and is a testament to the architectural and engineering brilliance of the Vijayanagara Empire. It’s a must in the Hampi tourist places list.

Dasara Dibba: Also known as the Mahanavami Dibba, it is a three-tiered pyramid-like structure and provides an unparalleled view of the surrounding monuments. Legend has it that this spot was where the Vijayanagara Kings used to sit on their gilded thrones to enjoy the Dussehra processions. Additionally, Dasara Dibba's beautiful carvings, featuring royal animals and festivals, depict daily life in the Vijayanagara Empire.

The great platform called Dasara Dibba in Hampi | Picture by Narin Chauhan on Pexels

King’s Balance: Close to the Vittala temple, this ancient stone scale made of granite carved stone pillars. This scale was used to weigh the king against precious jewels, which were then donated to the temple priests on special occasions.

Stepped Tank: It was built near the temples for usage during rituals and ablutions. Also called Pushkarni, this inverted pyramid structure comprises a number of carved steps leading to the bottom of the tank.

Things to Do in Hampi

Whether it’s stepping back in time or admiring some natural wonders, you’ll not run out of things to try in Hampi. As for your stay, we’ve got you covered with one of the best places to stay in Hampi, Zostel Hampi (Gangavathi).

In this Hampi travel blog, we're listing the best experiences that you must try:

Hike to Mathanga Hill: If you’re an adventure enthusiast, then this 45-min hike to Mathanga Hill is a must. The hike begins from the bustling centre point of the city and leads you to the summit, where a panoramic bird’s eye view of the historic town awaits. It is one of the best places to catch magnificent sunrise and sunset views.

Try your hand at bouldering: One of the best things to try in Hampi is bouldering. With so many boulders gracing the hills across Hampi, it is a haven for all bouldering pros and beginners.

Hampi's boulder laden hills amidst a green paddy fields and coconut trees

Spot exotic sloth bears at Daroji Bear Sanctuary: A paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, this sanctuary is home to a large majority of free-roaming Indian Sloth Bears. You can spot them from a viewing platform and, hence, we recommend bringing binoculars. Additionally, hyenas, leopards, peacocks, jackals, and many other animals can also be found here.

Best time to visit: Between August and April

Timings: 2 pm to 4 pm

Note: Travellers are recommended to wear dark-coloured clothes and carry binoculars for the best viewing experience.

Shop your heart out at Hampi Bazaar: It’s the only bazaar where there is still a small township, just as in the days of the Vijaynagar Empire. The Hampi Bazaar is a well-known market area that stretches for many kilometres right in front of the Virupaksha Temple. Here you can get your hand on local goods like handicrafts, shawls, trinkets, and souvenirs, among others.

Go for a coracle ride: At Hampi, one of the most unique experiences are the bamboo boat or coracle ride. The best place to try it is near the Virupaksha temple.

Coracle or bamboo boat in Hampi | Picture by Nandhu Kumaar on Pixabay

Hike up Anjanadri Hill: A whopping 570 steps will take you up to the summit, where a fascinating temple and the most magical views await you. What’s more, this spot is a ~23-min drive from Zostel Hampi (Gangavathi).

Take a heritage tour: Get to know the locals of Hampi through a village tour and learn more about the way of life in this quaint haven. Visit the heritage sites and experience the culture of Hampi like a local.

Day Trips from Hampi

Badami cave temples: The Badami cave comprises of 4 distinct cave temple complexes that bear intricate carvings and the Badami fort. Between Badami to Hampi is a ~3.5 hr’s drive across the most scenic road.

The magnificent cave complex of Badami near Hampi | Picture by Shivkumar Yash on Unsplash

Pattadakal: Just a 35-min drive from Badami caves, this is another spot that you mustn’t miss. Same as the Badami cave temples, this place is home to over 150 archaeological sites built by the Chalukyas. While here, feast your eyes on the detailed and ornate Chalukyan architecture.

Aihole: About a 22-min drive from Pattadakal, Aihole is another important site in the area housing the ancient Chalukyan architecture. In addition to the Hindu architectural marvels, you’ll also find Jain temples and Buddhist caves here.

Restaurants in Hampi

A visit to Hampi is simply incomplete without sampling the local gastronomic delights. From hippie cafes to shacks serving local fare, the flavours of Hampi will leave indelible impression on your taste buds. Check out these spots:

Sea Food Restaurant

This is an ambient eatery in Gangavathi that serves a delicious spread of Konkani delicacies.

Whispering Rocks

Located in Junglee Village, this restaurant gives homage to the hippie culture. Make your way here to try a wide range of delicacies, including tasty pizzas and curd rice, as you sit crisscrossed along its cushioned seating.

Goan Corner

Feel at home with the floor-sitting arrangement of this cafe or enjoy a meal in the garden seating. They are known to serve a multi-cuisine menu. And the best part is you'll find them right at Zostel Hampi (Gangavathi).

Hampi's Feathers

If you're in the mood for a fancy fine-dining experience, then this is where you should go. What's more, these delightful dishes come served with a stunning lake view.

Laughing Buddha Restaurant

This small multicuisine restaurant is known for its fun and lit interior. Set on the shores of the River Tungabhadra, enjoy magnificent views, as you sample delectable meals and beverages.

Introducing Zostel Hampi (Gangavathi)

Indulge in the true charms of Hampi city with Zostel Hampi (Gangavathi), here with a very Hampi-like vibe. Across the boulder-topped hillocks, make your way to this hippie retreat for a chill escape. Stay at the rustic hut-styled stays, dip your feet in the ponds, catch local dishes at the on-site restaurant, and mingle with fellow travellers. And to make your stay here even more memorable, the feathery and furry hosts will give you a warm welcome. Check out Zostel Hampi (Gangavathi).

A glimpse of Zostel Hampi (Gangavathi) 

Step into the archaic lands of Hampi and experience its enigmatic charm. From the majestic temples to the vibrant bazaars, every corner echoes the lore of the past, making it a must on every traveller’s list. So, gear up for an exciting excursion to Hampi, discover the best of this historic city, from places to visit in Hampi to must-try experiences, and live it now with Zostel. For more such recommendations, follow Zostel on Instagram and YouTube.