Hello fellow travellers, Hampi is the city of ruins and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the state of Karnataka, India. With its sprawling landscapes, majestic temples, and rich history, Hampi offers a captivating experience for any traveller. Also, as an avid explorer who enjoys budget-friendly trips, I embarked on a three-day adventure to this ancient city with a friend.
Journey to the Historic Hampi:
We reached Hospet Junction early, around 6:00 AM, after an overnight train journey. Also, the train ride was comfortable and quite affordable. From Hospet, I took a local bus to Hampi for INR 30. Moreover, with the 30-minute ride we got a nice view of the rural landscape.
Top Accommodation Options for Every Traveller:
We checked into Gopi Guesthouse, an affordable accommodation located in central Hampi. Also, the room was simple yet tidy, priced at approximately INR 800 per night. The free parking and Wi-Fi connected; explore at our own pace. In Hampi, it was close to sights and dining—on-site restaurants were at our convenience.
Day 1: Arrival in Hospet and Exploring the Sacred Center of Hampi
After refreshing ourselves, we headed to the Mango Tree cafe nearby for a delicious breakfast of dosa and chai, costing about INR 150.
My first stop was the Virupaksha Temple, an ancient and active temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The entrance fee was INR 10, and the temple complex was fascinating.
Strolling through Hampi Bazaar, we immersed ourselves in the local culture and picked up a few souvenirs. For lunch, Suresh Restaurant served a hearty South Indian thali for approximately INR 120.
After lunch, we crossed the Tungabhadra River via a coracle ride for INR 50 to reach the awe-inspiring Vittala Temple, known for its stone chariot and musical pillars.
As evening approached, we witnessed a breathtaking sunset from Hemakuta Hill, enjoying serene views of Hampi’s ancient ruins.
For dinner, Laughing Buddha Cafe provided a relaxing ambience and tasty fare, where we wanted a simple yet flavorful meal costing around INR 200.
Day 2: A Day at Hampi’s Royal Centre
We started our day with a hearty breakfast at Shanti Guest House Cafe, where the food was delicious and reasonably priced at INR 150.
After breakfast, explore the Zenana Enclosure, marvelling at the queen’s quarters and the elegant Lotus Mahal, with free entry.
Next, we visited the Elephant Stables, a grand structure once home to royal elephants, admiring its impressive architecture for just INR 10. For lunch, we enjoyed a meal at Geeta River View Restaurant, offering tasty food with a scenic view for around INR 150.
In the afternoon, we explored the intricately carved Hazara Rama Temple within the Royal Enclosure for free entry. After that, we climbed the viewing platform Mahanavami Dibba used by kings for Dasara. Great view from the top.
Later, we relaxed by the serene Pushkarani (stepwell) before ending my day with a budget-friendly dinner at Rasta Cafe, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere and delicious food priced at approximately INR 200.
Day 3: Natural Wonders and Departure from Hampi
The next day, we started my last day in Hampi by hiking up Matanga Hill early in the morning to catch the sunrise, enjoying the challenging climb for the breathtaking panoramic view from the top.
Afterwards, we had breakfast at Tom & Jerry Restaurant, a popular and affordable spot where my meal cost about INR 150.
In the afternoon, we rented a scooter for INR 300 and rode to Sanapur Lake, relishing the scenic ride and the peaceful atmosphere by the lake. For lunch, we opted for Nargila Guesthouse Cafe, where the food was delicious and reasonably priced at around INR 150.
Later, we visited Anjaneya Hill, known as the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, tackling the steep climb to witness a stunning sunset. Also, for dinner, we savoured a tasty and budget-friendly meal at Rocky Guesthouse Cafe, costing about INR 200.
After dinner, we gathered our belongings and took a local bus back to Hospet for INR 30. Finally, we caught our train from Hospet Junction, concluding my memorable and budget-conscious adventure in Hampi.
Ideal Weather and Vibrant Surroundings for Hampi:
The ideal time to visit Hampi is from October to March. During these months, the weather is pleasant, with cool evenings and temperatures ranging from 16 to 32 degrees Celsius. Also, this period marks the end of the monsoon season, bringing the town to life with vibrant surroundings.
Unveiling Hampi Tips:
- Renting a bicycle costs just INR 50 per day, and renting a scooter costs INR 300 per day. This makes them affordable choices for transportation.
- Also, eating at local cafes and eateries is budget-friendly.
- Moreover, most attractions in Hampi are free or have low entry fees, making it an ideal destination for budget travellers.
The overall budget is between 6,500 and 7,000 INR per person. So, our itinerary allows you to explore Hampi’s rich history, stunning architecture, and natural beauty on a budget, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
Daydreaming of epic adventures? Explore inspiring travel stories on https://sowl.in/stories. Safe travels and endless exploring await!
