Editors' itinerary · Hampi
Hampi in 3 days: ruins, sunrise and the river
3 days / 2 nights · Backpacking, Couples, Friends, Heritage, Winter, Photography
Photo: Ingo Mehling / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
A relaxed three-day loop that puts the Royal Centre and Vittala in cool hours, adds a sunrise climb, and ends with a coracle crossing.
Costs are per-person estimates. Destinations: Hampi.
Day 1Arrive and settle in
- 07:00
Arrive at Hosapete Junction
Transport · at Hosapete Junction
Take a bus, auto or cab on to Hampi (about 13 km). Check current train timings before booking.
- 09:30
Check in near the bazaar
Stay · at Hampi Bazaar area guesthouses
Drop your bags and rest. Rooms may not be ready until later, so ask about early check-in.
- 10:30
Late breakfast at a rooftop café
Food · at Hampi Bazaar rooftop cafés
Try a South Indian breakfast or thali.
- 17:00
Evening at Virupaksha Temple
Sight · at Virupaksha Temple
Dress modestly and check evening timings at the entrance.
- 07:00
Day 2Sunrise and the main monuments
- 05:45
Sunrise climb
Activity · at Matanga Hill sunrise climb
Start in the dark with a torch and closed shoes. Don't go alone.
- 09:00
Royal Centre walk
Sight · at Royal Centre (Lotus Mahal and Elephant Stables)
Cover the Lotus Mahal and the Elephant Stables before the heat builds. Ask about combined tickets.
- 13:00
Lunch break
Food · at Hampi Bazaar rooftop cafés
Rest in the shade during the hottest hours.
- 15:30
Vittala Temple and stone chariot
Sight · at Vittala Temple
Ticketed site. Confirm closing time and carry water.
- 05:45
Day 3River crossing and departure
- 08:00
Coracle ride to the north bank
Activity · at Coracle crossing at Tungabhadra
Carry cash and check that boats are running. Return before sunset.
- 12:30
Early lunch before leaving
Food · at Hampi Bazaar rooftop cafés
Collect bags and plan transport to Hosapete.
- 15:00
Return to Hosapete
Transport · at Hosapete Junction
Allow time for the bus or auto and reach the station before the departure time.
- 08:00