Hampi is a special place in southern India. It is similar to what Bagan is to Myanmar and Angor Wat is to Cambodia. Namely, it is an ancient ruined city dating back to the period of the Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646). This late-medieval empire owned much of southern modern-day India, and a staggering amount of that history remains. Take a walk past the ancient temples or hire a scooter and explore the surrounding area!
Are you planning to visit Hampi? In this travel guide, I will take you to the village’s best sights, discover the best accommodation and learn more about the special culture and history of this historic place in India. A history-rich visit to Hampi starts here…
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*This article is also available in Dutch – Hampi Reisgids
Practical Information & Travel Tips
- Best Time to Travel? This tourist spot in India can be visited all year round. The summer months see the most rain, although unlike most destinations in the country, this is relatively little. Therefore, you can visit this top destination in the state of Karnataka any day of the year.
- How many days? If you really want to get a good look at the ancient ruins, allow at least two days. The temples are spread over a number of areas and it is advisable to see them at your leisure. You can see a lot in one day, but this beautiful place in Asia is stunning and a shame to leave after just one day.
- Accommodation? There are several places to stay in and around the ancient ruins. For instance, you have Hampi Old Town, which, incidentally, has been under dispute for years over whether it should be allowed to stay. This is next to the Virupaksha Temple. Or you can stay further south in Kadirampura or Kamalapuram.
- Tours & Tickets? Hire a bicycle and explore the ancient historical remnants of the great Vijayana Empire. From Hampi Old Town, you can also see a lot of it on foot, but a bike is the best way to go.
- Transport? The bus station is also near the Virupaksha Temple. From here, buses leave for Hospet, among other places. Hospet is about 15 kilometres southwest of Hampi. From here, you can then catch a train or bus to other destinations in India.
History – What makes Hampi historically interesting to visit?
The ancient ruins of Hampi have been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 1985. This is an area of roughly 25 square metres that still contains about 1,600 monuments from the era of the Vijayanagara Empire. This empire was founded in 1336 by Harihara I and continued to exist until 1646, although it had weakened quite a bit by then. At its peak, it was one of the most powerful kingdoms in India’s history and covered a large part of southern India.
The empire’s capital was Vijayanagara, the current site where all the ruins stand. The empire developed its own Vijayanagara architectural style and this civilisation achieved great development in various fields, including literature and fine arts. On 23 January 1565, the empire’s army was defeated at the Battle of Talikota. Present-day Hampi was defeated and fell into decline. Yet much remains of this impressive period of India’s history.
Top 5 Places to visit in Hampi
There is an awful lot to see and do in the Hampi area. Therefore, allow at least two days for this. Wondering which temples and ruins you should definitely not miss? Below are 5 main places to visit in the ancient Vijayana kingdom.
1. The Virupaksha Temple
The Virupaksha Temple is around the corner from Old Hampi. It is dedicated to Sri Virupaksha and dates back to the 14th century, though a temple is said to have stood here from the 7th century onwards. Once considered one of the most important places in Hampi, this shrine is still considered an important place of pilgrimage. Unlike many ruins, Virupaksha Temple has been left in good condition.
2. The Shree Vijaya Vittala Temple
The Vittala Temple is also considered one of the most important and largest temples in the area. It is located on the Tungabhadra River and dates back to the 15th century. A characteristic feature of the Vittala Temple is that the complex is beautifully finished, including beautifully decorated pillars.
3. The Elephant Stables
The Elephant Stables were the stables for the royal elephants of the Vijayana kingdom. It was built in the 15th century and this structure too has been left in good condition. There were a total of 11 stables, some of which were interconnected.
4. Matanga Hill
Within walking distance of Virupaksha Temple is Matanga Hill. In itself, this temple does not have much to offer in terms of ruins. But why you should visit this hill is because of the beautiful view you have here. This will give you a good overview of how big and wide the ruins are scattered. Enjoy the sunrise or sunset from Matanga Hill!
5. Lotus Mahal
Another impressive building is the Lotus Mahal. It is located near the Elephant Stables and dates back to the 16th century. The Mahal was part of the Zenena Enclosure, an area explicitly for the royal ladies. But the Lotus Mahal also served as a meeting place for the king and his ministers.
Of course, there is much more to see and do around Hampi. Hire a bike or scooter and explore the beautiful ruins of this historic Vijayana Empire.
Accommodation – Where to stay in Hampi?
For years there has been a conflict between the government and the inhabitants of the old town of Hampi. This is because the government wants this village gone. And that is a pity, because the small village next to Virupaksha Temple is cosy and has some nice hostels and guesthouses. The wide range of restaurants overlooking the area is also unique.
Looking for accommodation in Hampi? Book your hotel or hostel here.
Transport – How to get to Hampi?
Plane: The nearest airport to Hampi is Hubli Airport. Located 150 kilometres west of Hampi, this airport is used only for some domestic flights, including to Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad.
Train: Hampi itself does not have a railway station. For that, you have to rely on Hospet railway station. The Hampi Express, a train from Mysore to Bangalore, Hampi and with terminus Hubli, arrives here every day. Hospet railway station is 1.6 kilometres north of the Bus Station.
Bus: Every hour, a number of buses do leave from Hospet KSRTC Bus Station to Hampi. Besides, it is also possible to take a Rikshaw for the 12 kilometres to Hampi bus stand.
Plan your trip to Hampi & India
- Accommodation? Hotel via Booking of Hostel via Hostelworld?
- Things to See and Do? Tickets & Tours
- Transport: Bus & Train Tickets
- Flight tickets to India? Skyscanner
Do you have more tips, ideas or comments about this Travel Guide to Hampi, India? If so, feel free to leave a message below.
