Hello, my travel buddies, Srish and Buffy, on this side!!!
This time for a different couple travel experience, we planned a trip to Hampi, a superb place to explore for three nights and four- days. You know it was once the capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 13th century, and now it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning temples and remains from that era. Now, let me take you through my adventure-packed trip!!!
How to Reach Hampi:
To reach Hampi, you have three transportation options:
- The closest railway station is Hospet, about 13 kilometres away.
- If you prefer flying, the nearest airport is Hubli, roughly a 3-hour drive from Hampi.
- By road, it’s approximately 340 kilometres from Bangalore, and the journey typically takes around 5.30 hours.
We picked up to travel to Hospet station. As I got off the train and started heading towards Hampi, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement to see all the exciting places over there.
Accommodation in Hampi:
There are three options for accommodation in Hampi:
- North Hampi: It has a chilled-out vibe, cute cafes, adventure activities, and rice fields.
- South Hampi: It is where you’ll find all the temples and historical sites.
- Hospet: It is a larger city near Hampi, with family hotels and restaurants.
Accommodation prices start at Rs. 1000 for budget cottages, Rs. 3000–4000 for mid-range hotels, and Rs. 10000 for luxury stays.
4-day Hampi Itinerary: Places to Visit in Hampi
- Tungabhadra Dam:
After reaching Hampi, we took some time to relax in a hotel. Later, we headed to Tungabhadra Dam at sunset. The colours of the sky and the calm sound of the water were breathtaking. As the day ended, we enjoyed a delicious meal at a nearby restaurant.
- Vijaya Vittala Temple:
The next day, we visited Vijaya Vittala Temple, admiring its beautiful sculptures and intricate designs. The craftsmanship of ancient India’s artisans was truly impressive.
- Lotus Mahal:
The Lotus Mahal is a true gem of Hampi. Admire the beautiful lotus flower-shaped arches and take in the serene beauty of the palace.
- Elephant Stables:
The next stop was Elephant Stables. As you step into them, you will feel the grandeur of this historical monument.
- Royal Enclosure:
After having lunch, we headed to the Royal Enclosure, a huge fortified area that was once the centre of the Vijayanagara Empire, experiencing the vastness of the palace.
- Badavilinga:
As the sunset set, we went to our last stop of the day, which was Badavilinga, offering prayers to the impressive Lord Shiva Linga, carved out of a single rock. Feel the peaceful vibrations of the divine place.
- Sri Krishna Temple:
The next day we set off for Sri Krishna Temple after having a delicious breakfast at our hotel. We enjoyed the religious atmosphere, prayers to Lord Krishna, and marvelling at the beautiful architecture that surrounds us.
- Virupaksha Temple:
This temple stands tall as a symbol of rich history and spirituality. As you enter the temple premises, be prepared to see the carvings and the grandeur of the temple. Take a moment to soak in the peaceful vibes of Lord Shiva.
- Shri Achyutaraaya Swamy Temple:
It is a marvel in stone. Admire the exquisite carvings and the detailed sculptures that depict scenes from Hindu mythology.
- Hemakuta Hills:
Later on we end our days with sunsets at Hemakuta Hills, which is the most beautiful sunset spot in Hampi.
- Anjanadri Hills:
The next day we start our day early and visit Anjanadri Hills, which is the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. Witness a mesmerising sunrise here. After breakfast, take a stroll in the paddy fields and click some pictures. It’s time to say goodbye.
A hidden gem in Hampi:
- Sri Veerabhadra Temple is a hidden gem that indicates the artistic brilliance of Hampi. Beautiful decorations and vibrant colours adorn the temple.
- The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple in Hampi is an architectural gem and a place of great spiritual significance. The temple is home to a magnificent statue of Lord Narasimha, one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu. The stunning statue of Lord Narasimha is seated on the coils of Sesha, the serpent, and has a lion’s face with a human body. As you enter the temple, you will be mesmerised by the grandeur of the deity and the intricate carvings that adorn the temple walls.
Best Restaurants to Try in Hampi
- Checking out nearby restaurants, we came across Mango Tree Restaurant, which had lunch over there. The food was mouthwatering, and the overall experience was a solid 10 out of 10. We just couldn’t resist the temptation to dine there.
- I had a wonderful dining experience at a simple yet excellent restaurant in the natural, rustic, rural environment of Tamarind Tree Foodpoint. The ambience of such places can have a calming effect, especially when they contrast with modern urban brick-and-glass restaurants.
Best time to visit Hampi:
The ideal time to visit Hampi is during the winter season, from October to February. The weather is mostly cool, except for peak afternoons.
Necessary things to carry:
- Carry your own snacks and water.
- Wear both cotton and warm clothes for the month of winter.
- Wear comfortable shoes for travel.
Tips for travellers:
- I would personally prefer to stay in North Hampi, especially if you’re travelling as a couple or with friends. It has a chilled-out vibe, and all the good cafes are here.
- If you don’t have three nights, you can plan this itinerary for two nights. Just dedicate one day to exploring South Hampi. In that case, you can see the temples on your own without hiring a guide.
- Try to travel after the monsoons. The fields are greener, and the weather is nice.
For more captivating travel tales visit https://sowl.in/stories. Hampi is an absolute must-visit destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and adventure seekers like us, till then Happy Travel!!!
