Destination guide
Hampi
India
Hampi, in the state of Karnataka, India, is the site of the once-magnificent capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. The ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
AI insights
AI-written from the Wikivoyage listings, transport section and the video stats on this page
Do not rely on local rickshaw drivers for information regarding public transit; frequent bus services connect Hospet, Kamalapur, and Hampi despite what you may be told.
If you are interested in rock climbing, start your trip at the Golden Boulders shop to orient yourself with the terrain and current routes, as the area is actively being developed and the owner frequently opens new sectors.
When visiting the Virupaksha Temple, you must leave your footwear at the designated area outside the gate; carrying them inside your bag is strictly prohibited and will be challenged.
Plan your route to reach the Kamalapur area around mid-day to utilize the reliable, clean buffet dining options available there before continuing your tour of the ruins.
Prioritize stays with power backups or solar-powered amenities, as electricity outages are frequent in the area, and consider the noise levels of local wildlife if staying near rice paddies.
How we vet these picks
Every pick is drawn from real sources — YouTube creators, Wikivoyage, and Wikipedia. We only surface sources that actually exist and that we've checked for authenticity — no filler, no dead-end searches.Watch first
Ranked by views and how well each landed with the people who watched it, judged against the other coverage of this place — plus a local creator where we found one.
विरुपाक्ष मंदिर, हंपी -भाग २ l Hampi Ep2 | Virupaksh Temple | Hampi Tour | Hampi Travel Series
Hampi Karnataka | Hampi Tourist Places | Hampi Travel Guide Vlog | Vijayanagar Empire Hampi Part 1
Top 10 Places to Visit in Hampi | History of Hampi Hindi | हम्पी इतिहास | Hampi Tourist Place
Complete Hampi Travel Guide | Best Places To Visit And Things To Do In Hampi | Tripoto
One day trip to vijayashree resort and heritage village Hampi|Travel vlog|Kannada vlog|Trip to Hampi
Top 10 Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Hampi, Karnataka
Tourist Places | Hampi Temple
Amazed by HAMPI 🇮🇳 Karnataka India Solo Travel Vlog
HAMPI - 2 Days Weekend Itinerary | A Complete Guide | Things to do in 2023 | Under Rs.7,000/-
Best time to go
Best window:
February, March, April and May are the months to avoid — punishing heat. No month here is easy — pick by what you can tolerate.
Rated from ten years of daily temperature and rainfall recorded at this destination, via Open-Meteo's ERA5 reanalysis. Hover a month for its real numbers.
Getting around
By bus
The rickshaw drivers will tell you that there is no bus service with a straight face, but it's a lie. There are frequent buses between Hospet and Hampi, through Kamalapur where half of the ruins are located.
By bike
Bicycle is the best way to explore Hampi if you enjoy history, culture and nature. You can rent a 21-speed Trek bike from Art of Bicycle Trips. It usually costs around ₹100/day and they will keep one of your identity proof as a security deposit.
By motorcycle
It is very hot! Dry, dry heat. And the walk between some sites can be at least 5 km. Plus, the surrounding area is quite breathtaking to ride around and you can explore some parts that the rickshaws won't take you.
By boat
Many guest houses are on the other side of the river in Sanapur, Hanumanahalli or in between the two, in Virupapur Gaddi. To access them, you need to cross river with the ferry.
By car
Bit more costly variant is renting a car. Various Car Rentals are available in Hospet. They normally charge ₹750 to ₹1,000 for a day site seeing and pick up or drop to railway station etc.
Transport notes from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0.
What to see
Places are listed from Wikivoyage and our own sourced research. Worth it means a second, independent source names the place too; “3 sources agree” means three or more do — and each card names them, so you can check.
Virupaksha Temple
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet and 1 other
Hampi's only still-functioning temple, in continuous worship since the 7th century, where a temple elephant named Lakshmi blesses visitors at the gate.
Vetted sources
Vittala Temple and Stone Chariot
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet
An unfinished but exquisitely carved 16th-century temple whose stone chariot, representing Vishnu's vehicle Garuda, is the emblem of Hampi.
Vetted sources
Hemakuta Hill
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet
A hilltop scattered with early monolithic sculptures of Narasimha and Ganesh, overlooking Virupaksha Temple below.
Vetted sources
Achyutaraya temple
8. Built in 1534, it was the last temple executed in the city, before the fall of the fall of Vijayanagara Empire at the Battle of Talikota in the early 1565.
Vetted sources
Vithala Temple
23. Dedicated to Vithoba, an avatar (incarnation) of the gods Vishnu and Krishna. The famous Stone Chariot is here as well as the Musical Pillars.
Vetted sources
Badavilinga Temple
30. The largest monolithic linga (Shiva shrine) in Hampi.
Vetted sources
Zanana Enclosure
46. Also houses the Lotus Mahal and the Elephant Stables.
Vetted sources
Matanga Hill
7. From where you can see the most beautiful sunsets.
Vetted sources
What to do
Riverside bathing ghats
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet
Stepped stone landings on the Tungabhadra still used daily by local women, a living counterpoint to the ruins around them.
Vetted sources
Golden Boulders Climbing & Adventure Shop
main street in Hanumanahalli
Main meeting point for climbers and boulderers. You can rent and buy equipment, meet fellow climbers over a cup of coffee, or book a climbing activity with Jerry, the owner usually in the morning).
Vetted sources
What to eat
Mango Tree Restaurant
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet
A three-generation family-run restaurant serving thalis on banana leaves, Lonely Planet's long-standing top pick for a meal in the bazaar.
Vetted sources
Mayura Bhuvaneshwari
Kamalapura
Hotel Mayura Bhuvaneshwari serves delicious buffet lunch for vegetarians. ApproximatelyIf you plan your day such that you reach kamalapura around mid-day, this can be a great place for lunch.
Vetted sources
All Tribes Coffee Shop
near Funky Monkey
Great, cheap and open hangout place for travellers and backpackers. Get to know local people. The coffee shop serves coffee and Indian chai, cookies and other sweets. There is a fair trade shop and vegan friendly.
Vetted sources
Tom & Jerry
Located on the east-side of the bazar-area near the boulders. Small but very comfortable rooftop-restaurant that serves delicious home-cooked food in a very friendly atmosphere.
Vetted sources
Chillout Restaurant
Excellent food and very friendly staff. Try their divine Nargis Kofta. They also make decent pizza.
Vetted sources
Durga Roof Top
from the bazaar when you approach Virupaksha Temple, take a right at the temple, next take a left ( as the road turns), take a right further and you will find yourself at Durga Roof Top
Very good and authentic north Indian food and their Hello to the queen dessert is simply amazing.
Vetted sources
Where to stay
Hotel Malligi
10/90 JN Rd, Hospet
This hotel is 9 km from Hampi ruins in Hospet. Malligi offers some of the best dining options in the town. Blue Mist, Temptations & Waves are the restaurants at Malligi. Malligi also offers spa, pool, sightseeing, shopping etc.
Vetted sources
Sun Rise Guest House & Restaurant Sanapur
Sanapur
Sanapur is about 2 km from Virupapura Gaddi (ferry point) and very popular with young Israelis. If you stay here, a rental bike might be a good idea. The resort is surrounded by rice paddies, i.e.
Vetted sources
Wanderlust
Hanumanahalli
Nice, well-maintained and clean bungalows, each with their own toilet. Close to the stream and boulder areas. Favourite hangout place for climbers.
Vetted sources
Mayuram Home Stay
Janata Plat, near Gopi Guest House
Mayuram Home Stay is very near to the temple and offers refurbished clean tidy in-suite rooms with hot water, mosquito nets, and a backup generator for 24-hour electricity. A good place to stay in clean and comfortable surroundings.
Vetted sources
Hampi River View
opposite Wanderlust
Basic bungalows and cottages, some with their own hammock, but facilities are shared. Close to the stream and boulder areas.
Vetted sources
Kiran Guest House
Janata Plot
Rooms with attached bathrooms. All the rooms have solar powered lights and all have solar powered fans, which can come in handy because the power goes out regularly. It is run by a family and is in a very quiet location.
Vetted sources
Travel essentials
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Travel content from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Encyclopedic context from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Videos via the YouTube Data API.