Hampi Itinerary: Complete Travel Guide (2 and 3 Days)

Hampi holds 1,600 monuments across 4,100 hectares of boulder-strewn granite on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, Karnataka. It is the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, the most powerful Hindu kingdom of medieval India, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. A 2-day itinerary covers the core monuments; 3 days lets you cross the river to Anegundi and catch the boulder fields at dawn.

Getting to Hampi from Bangalore

Hampi has no direct rail connection. The nearest railhead is Hospet Junction (officially Hosapete), 13 km from Hampi bazaar. Three routes work:

Route	Journey time	Cost (approx.)	Best for
Bus: Bangalore KSRTC to Hospet	8-9 hours overnight	INR 400-600 (~$5-7)	Budget travellers
Train: Yeshvantpur to Hospet (Hampi Express 16591)	9.5 hours overnight	INR 350-1,400 (~$4-17) depending on class	Most comfortable
Private cab Bangalore to Hampi	5.5-6 hours	INR 4,000-5,500 (~$48-66)	Groups of 3-4

The Hampi Express (16591) departs Yeshvantpur at 10:00 PM and arrives Hospet at 07:45 AM, putting you at the monuments by 9:00 AM. Book 2-4 weeks ahead on IRCTC for Sleeper or 3AC. International travellers can book through Cleartrip or use the tourist quota counter at KSR Bangalore station.

From Hospet, autos charge INR 300-400 ($3.60-4.80) to Hampi bazaar. Shared jeeps run for INR 30-40 ($0.35-0.48) per person.

Flights: The nearest airports are Hubli (74 km, IndiGo and Air India from Bangalore and Hyderabad) and Vidyanagar Airport (Hospet, 12 km, limited connectivity as of 2025). Flying is rarely worthwhile given the short distance and the overnight train option.

For international travellers: Fly into Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), clear customs, then connect by train or cab. A direct cab BLR to Hampi costs INR 7,000-9,000 (~$85-108) and takes 6-7 hours. The overnight train from Yeshvantpur is 12 km from BLR airport.

Solo note: The overnight KSRTC bus has designated women's seats at the front. For the train, Sleeper class is fine; 3AC gives a better berth and a lockable compartment for luggage. Share your route with someone before travel.

Hampi Tourist Places

Portuguese traveller Domingo Paes, who visited Vijayanagara in 1520-1522, wrote it was "as large as Rome and very beautiful to the sight." The site today covers 41.8 sq km; two full mornings are needed to see the major monuments without rushing.

Virupaksha Temple

The only structure in Hampi still in active use for worship, Virupaksha Temple has been continuously functioning since the 7th century CE, 900 years before the Vijayanagara capital moved here. The main gopuram (entrance tower) is 50 metres tall. Entry: free for all visitors; camera fee INR 50 for DSLRs. Open 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Arrive at 6:00 AM for the morning puja. The first light hits the tower at approximately 6:20 AM from the east.

Solo note: The inner sanctum is crowded in the evening. Dress conservatively (shoulders and knees covered). Shoes must be removed at the outer gate.

Vittala Temple and the Stone Chariot

The most architecturally complex site in Hampi, Vittala Temple was built in the 15th century and never fully completed. The stone chariot (Garuda ratha) in the courtyard is carved from a single granite block. The Musical Pillars in the main mandapa produce distinct tonal sounds when tapped, though the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) restricted tapping since 2022 to prevent damage.

Entry: INR 40 for Indians ($0.50), INR 600 for foreigners ($7.20). The compound also covers Zenana Enclosure and the Elephant Stables. Open 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

Reach Vittala by electric vehicle (INR 10 per person, runs from Hampi bazaar) or by 25-minute walk along the riverbank path. Private cabs cannot enter the heritage zone.

Hampi Bazaar and Kishkinda

The 800-metre Hampi Bazaar, flanked by columned mandapas on both sides, was the main commercial street of Vijayanagara. It leads directly from Virupaksha Temple to the Tungabhadra ghats. Today it houses guesthouses, cafes, and cycle rental shops.

The far bank of the Tungabhadra, accessible by coracle (INR 30-50 per person, ~$0.36-0.60), is Anegundi, identified with the mythological Kishkinda of the Ramayana. The climb to Anjaneya Hill (Monkey Temple) takes 575 steps and offers the best panoramic view of the boulder landscape below.

Solo note: Coracles are small and fill quickly in peak season (October to February). Morning crossings are less crowded. Ask the coracle operator for a morning departure time the evening before.

Matanga Hill

The highest viewpoint in the Hampi basin, reached by 600 steps from the bazaar side. The summit panorama covers Virupaksha Temple, the boulder plains, and the Tungabhadra. Sunrise from Matanga Hill is the most photographed view in Hampi.

Start the climb by 5:30 AM to reach the summit before the crowd arrives around 6:15 AM. No entry fee.

The Royal Enclosure and Lotus Mahal

A 15-minute walk south of Hampi bazaar brings you to the Royal Enclosure cluster: the Lotus Mahal (an Indo-Islamic pavilion), the Elephant Stables (11 chambers for royal war elephants), and the Underground Shiva Temple. The Stepped Tank (Pushkarni) here is one of the best-preserved examples of Vijayanagara hydraulic engineering.

Entry: INR 40 for Indians, INR 600 for foreigners (same ticket covers Vittala, Royal Enclosure, and Zenana).

Hampi Itinerary: 2 Days and 3 Days

2-Day Hampi Itinerary

Day 1

1. 5:30 AM: Matanga Hill climb, reach summit by 6:00 AM for sunrise
2. 7:30 AM: Breakfast at Mango Tree Restaurant (river-facing, above Virupaksha ghat)
3. 9:00 AM: Virupaksha Temple (allow 45 minutes)
4. 10:00 AM: Walk Hampi Bazaar, rent a bicycle (INR 100-150 per day)
5. 11:00 AM: Vittala Temple complex (allow 2 hours)
6. 1:30 PM: Lunch near Vittala gate; rest during peak heat (1-3 PM)
7. 3:30 PM: Lotus Mahal and Elephant Stables
8. 5:00 PM: Royal Enclosure Stepped Tank at late-afternoon light
9. 6:30 PM: Tungabhadra ghat for sunset

Day 2

1. 6:00 AM: Coracle to Anegundi (start early before lines form)
2. 7:30 AM: Anjaneya Hill climb (575 steps, 45 minutes)
3. 9:30 AM: Pampa Sarovar and Navabrindavana Island
4. 12:00 PM: Return by coracle, check out
5. 1:00 PM: Hospet for onward bus or train

3-Day Hampi Itinerary

Follow Day 1 and Day 2 above, then add:

Day 3

1. Morning: Hemakuta Hill temples (cluster of pre-Vijayanagara temples, rarely crowded)
2. Mid-morning: Hazara Rama Temple (interior wall carvings document the Ramayana in stone)
3. Afternoon: Tungabhadra Dam (6 km from Hospet) if time allows before departure

Solo Female Travel: Hampi Safety

Hampi is one of the safer heritage destinations in Karnataka. The bazaar area has consistent foot traffic from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and guesthouses on both sides of the river are experienced hosting solo women travellers.

Specific notes:

• Accommodation: Stay in the Hampi bazaar zone (Virupaksha Temple side) or near Shanthi Guesthouse. The Anegundi side is quieter but involves a coracle crossing after dark, which most guesthouses advise against. Hampi Boulders (luxury) and Kishkinda Heritage Resort have 24-hour security on the Anegundi side.
• After dark: Monument paths between sites are unlit. Do not walk the Vittala riverbank path after 7:00 PM alone. Use an auto or cycle only within the bazaar area.
• Harassment pattern: Most reported incidents involve touts near Virupaksha Temple and the bazaar. A firm, direct refusal works; escalation is rare.
• Emergency: All-India emergency number 112 works in Hospet and Hampi. Hospet District Hospital is 13 km from Hampi bazaar.
• Temple dress: Shoulders and knees must be covered at Virupaksha (active temple). Other monument sites have no dress requirement, but conservative clothing is practical.

Where to Stay in Hampi

Property	Location	Price range (per night)	Best for
Shanthi Guesthouse	Hampi bazaar	INR 600-1,200 (~$7-14)	Budget solo
Gopi Guesthouse	Hampi bazaar	INR 800-1,500 (~$10-18)	Budget solo
Rocky View Cottages	Virupapur Gadde (far bank)	INR 1,200-2,500 (~$14-30)	Backpacker
Evolve Back (Kamalapura)	3 km south	INR 22,000-35,000 (~$265-420)	Luxury
Hampi Boulders	Anegundi	INR 12,000-20,000 (~$145-240)	Boutique

Book October to February stays at least 3 weeks ahead. Most budget guesthouses in Hampi bazaar were demolished in the 2011 ASI clearance; the surviving ones fill quickly.

Hampi Cost Breakdown

Item	Budget option (INR)	Mid-range (INR)	~USD (budget)
Accommodation (per night)	600-1,200	2,500-6,000	$7-14
Monument entry (full day, Indian)	40-80	40-80	$0.50-1
Monument entry (full day, foreign)	600	600	$7.20
Meals (3 meals, bazaar cafes)	250-400	500-800	$3-4.80
Cycle rental (full day)	100-150	150-200	$1.20-1.80
Auto: Hospet to Hampi	300-400	400-500	$3.60-4.80
Coracle crossing (one way)	30-50	30-50	$0.36-0.60
Total per day (Indian budget)	~INR 1,300	~INR 4,000	~$16
Total per day (foreign budget)	~INR 1,800	~INR 5,000	~$22

Best Time to Visit Hampi

Season	Months	Temperature	Notes
Peak (cool, dry)	October to February	15-28 degrees C	Best light for photography; book ahead
Shoulder	March, September	25-35 degrees C	Fewer crowds, manageable heat in early mornings
Off-season (hot)	April to June	35-45 degrees C	Monuments uncomfortably hot by 9 AM; avoid
Monsoon	July to August	25-32 degrees C	Green boulder landscape; some paths slippery

The Hampi Utsav festival (Karnataka state festival) is held in November annually over 3 days. It includes classical music, dance, puppet shows, and torchlit processions through Hampi bazaar. Accommodation doubles in price during the festival; book 6-8 weeks ahead.

Practical Tips

1. Wear covered shoes, not sandals. Monument paths are unpaved granite rubble. Flip-flops cause ankle injuries.
2. Carry cash. ATMs in Hampi bazaar (State Bank of India, Canara Bank) frequently run out during peak season. Withdraw from Hospet before arriving.
3. Rent a bicycle, not a cycle rickshaw. The heritage zone bans motorised vehicles. A cycle covers 4-5 sites in one morning independently.
4. Start every morning by 5:30 AM. Hampi boulders become too hot to touch by 10 AM from March onward. The light between 6-8 AM is also optimal for photography.
5. Book a qualified guide for one day. ASI-licensed guides charge INR 600-800 (~$7-10) for a half-day (4 hours). The carving detail in Hazara Rama and Vittala requires one.
6. Do not climb on monuments. ASI enforcement has increased since 2022. Fines start at INR 5,000 (~$60). Several travellers have been arrested for climbing the Stone Chariot for photographs.
7. River water is not drinkable. The Tungabhadra is used for irrigation upstream. Buy sealed bottles or use a filter.
8. Take the electric vehicle to Vittala. The walk from the bazaar is 2.5 km on exposed granite. From March onward, use the electric vehicle (INR 10 per person); October to February the walk is manageable.
9. Download the ASI Hampi app offline before arriving. Signal is weak in the boulder areas between monuments.
10. Confirm your onward train before arriving. Hospet station is small; popular trains (Hampi Express, UBL-YPR Express) sell out weeks ahead. Missing the train means an 8-9 hour bus ride back.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need in Hampi?

Two full days is the minimum to cover the core monuments: Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Lotus Mahal, and Matanga Hill at sunrise. Three days adds the Anegundi side (river crossing, Anjaneya Hill, Pampa Sarovar) and the Hemakuta and Hazara Rama temples. A one-day visit from Hospet is possible but leaves you with 3-4 hours at the monuments.

Is Hampi safe for solo female travellers?

Yes, Hampi is one of the safer heritage sites in Karnataka. The bazaar area has continuous foot traffic from 6 AM to 10 PM. Stay in the Hampi bazaar zone, avoid unlit monument paths after dark, and share your itinerary with someone before travel. Emergency number: 112.

How do I get from Bangalore to Hampi?

The best option is the Hampi Express train (16591) from Yeshvantpur, departing 10:00 PM and arriving Hospet at 7:45 AM (9.5 hours). KSRTC overnight buses from Kempegowda Bus Station take 8-9 hours and cost INR 400-600 ($5-7). A private cab takes 5.5-6 hours and costs INR 4,000-5,500 ($48-66) for the full vehicle.

What is the entry fee at Hampi?

The ASI monument ticket covers Vittala Temple, Royal Enclosure, Zenana Enclosure, and Elephant Stables. Indian citizens: INR 40. Foreign nationals: INR 600. Virupaksha Temple (active worship site) is free, with a camera fee of INR 50 for DSLRs.

When is Hampi Utsav?

Hampi Utsav is held every November, usually over 3 days. The festival includes classical dance, Carnatic music, a light-and-sound show at Vittala, and a chariot procession through Hampi bazaar. Accommodation prices double during the festival; book at least 6-8 weeks ahead.

Do I need a guide in Hampi?

Not strictly, but the carving narratives at Hazara Rama Temple and Vittala are significantly richer with an ASI-licensed guide. Licensed guides charge INR 600-800 for a half-day (4 hours). Avoid unlicensed guides who approach at the Virupaksha gate; verify the guide's ASI card before agreeing.

What is the best time to visit Hampi?

October to February is the best window: temperatures are 15-28 degrees C, the light is good for photography, and the Tungabhadra is not in flood. Avoid April to June when daytime temperatures reach 40-45 degrees C and the granite surfaces are too hot to approach by 9 AM.

How much does Hampi cost per day?

Indian travellers on a budget can manage INR 1,300-1,500 per day ($16-18): budget guesthouse (INR 600), meals (INR 400), cycle rental (INR 150), monument entry (INR 80), and coracle (INR 50). Foreign travellers spend approximately INR 2,000 ($24) per day, with the main difference being monument entry (INR 600 vs INR 40 for Indians).

What happened to the Hampi bazaar guesthouses?

In 2011, the Archaeological Survey of India and Karnataka government demolished several guesthouses and cafes in the Hampi bazaar zone under a Supreme Court order to clear illegal constructions within the protected area. Some properties have since been rebuilt in the permitted zone. Availability is lower than pre-2011; book early in peak season.

Can I do Hampi as a day trip from Bangalore?

Technically yes, but the travel time (5.5 hours each way by cab, 9.5 by train) leaves only 3-4 hours at the monuments. Two nights minimum is the practical standard. If you have only one day, hire a car from Hospet and an ASI-licensed guide to cover Virupaksha, Vittala, and the Royal Enclosure in 6-7 hours, then catch the evening bus back.

The Tungabhadra Dam, 6 km from Hospet, fills its reservoir between August and October. Visiting in September means the dam spillway may be open and the garden lights are on by 7 PM, making it worth adding to the last evening before your departure train.