‘Land filled with boulders’. If that sounds unimpressive, Hampi should be your next weekend destination. You will discover what a delightful place this is, situated among hills and valleys. It is a perfect offbeat place for backpackers like you. It is a town filled with ancient temples which were built years and years back, in 1500 A.D. The stone architecture of the temples has got Hampi listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. In the past there was a time when Hampi was one of the world’s largest (probably 2nd largest) as well as one of the richest cities. Now there are almost five hundred old monuments, military barracks, water channels, spectacular temples, busy street markets and other remains of the ancient Vijayanagara empire. Among all the huge and excellently carved temples, the Virupaksha temple or the Hampi temple is very well-known and it is dedicated to Pampa pathi or Shiva. It is one of the most important Hampi places to visit. 

Where is Hampi?

The town Hampi is located in Karnataka amidst the ruins of Vijayanagara. It lies on the banks of the river called Tungabhadra which is commonly also referred to as Hampi river. It is now quite a popular destination for both Indian and international tourists. Travellers who love laid-back places fall in love with the vibe of Hampi. People love to know more about this mystical place. It is extremely popular with photography-enthusiasts and solo travellers. There are more than twenty heritage spots which visitors would love to explore. There are some hill tops which give unbelievable views during sunset. 

The Archaeological Excavation of India has done a stupendous job of preserving and maintaining the remains of Hampi. If you want to travel back in time, come to Hampi. Be lost in time as you wander through the paddy fields and walk on the mud-filled roads. 

If you are thinking about a solo trip, Hampi is really recommended for you. You will be able to explore at your speed. Hampi is a big place. The best method of going around the place is by riding a bicycle or a bike. There are autos which you can hire for a full-day trip. It would be wise to carry cash when on a trip to Hampi.

Who must visit Hampi?

Clearly the easiest answer is history buffs. A Hampi solo travel must be on your list if you are a history enthusiast who becomes excited after looking at relics. You will feel like you are inside a History Channel show. You might also get the feeling that you have stepped in a museum. People who have carefree souls love to visit the place. The natural scenery of the place is enthralling. You can have a camping experience under the sky. Enjoy a boat ride on the river. Hampi will give you varied experiences. There are more than a hundred places that are worth visiting.

As mentioned in the beginning, there are boulders all around the city. With a little trouble, climb up to their top and what you will see is a wonderful sight. 

How can you reach Hampi?

Hospet serves as the gateway to Hampi. Hospet is a busy town situated very near to Hampi village. Hospet is like a travel hub and it is well-connected. Public transport can be arranged from here. 

Many lost distance trains also pass through Hospet railway station. If you are coming from places near Hampi, you might as well take a passenger train from your city to Hospet. There are private bus operators who run regular buses to and from Hospet. 

If you are coming from other states and want to take a flight, the nearest airport to Hampi is the airport at Hubli.

Places to stay in Hampi:

There are guest houses and homestays where you can stay. For backpackers, especially those who are on a Hampi solo trip, the best place to stay is Hippie Island which is on the other side of the Tungabhadra river. The cottages, hostels and guest houses are budget-friendly here. These accommodations are beautiful and remain less occupied. The people are friendly to travelers too. One can ride a coracle or a regular boat to cross the Tungabhadra to reach Hippie island. 

You can also stay in one of the cottages or guest houses near Virupaksha Temple in Hampi market. You can also stay at other places near Hampi, for example, there are more options for staying at Hospet or the nearby Kamalapura village which have more hotels. 

If you are someone who likes to stay in luxurious places then opt for one of the resorts or 5-star hotels near Hampi.

When should you visit Hampi?

Out of all the seasons, the best time to visit Hampi is the winter season. Anytime between October to February is the most suited time for a Hampi trip plan. But to avoid the peak season crowd, you can visit Hampi during other times too. The weather remains mostly dry and moderate in Hampi. The temperature can be termed as moderately cool. The peak afternoons can become hot but generally the weather remains conducive to exploration of the World Heritage site on most months of the year. But avoid going to Hampi from March to June. The summers can get stifling hot, the temperature shoots up. 

Is a weekend trip enough for Hampi tourism?

3 days are generally needed to explore Hampi but it can be done in 2 days. You can always take a short trip with us to decide whether you want to stay at Hampi for a week when you have extended holidays! We have tried to cover the most important places to visit in Hampi. 

There are many big and small things worth seeing in Hampi. After seeing the popular attractions of Hampi with us, you can chalk out your itinerary or sightseeing plan when you visit with your loved ones later on. You can focus on places to visit based on your interests then.