Hampi Bazaar
First-timersBy the Virupaksha temple.
Hampi village guide
Things To Do In Hampi
The ruins of a vast medieval capital scattered across a landscape of giant boulders, rice paddies and a river, with a long-staying traveller scene and some of the best bouldering in Asia.
7
Hostels in the city
6.0
Average, from 119 reviews
1565
Hampi sacked
1986
Joins UNESCO
575
Steps up Anjanadri Hill
The boulder kingdom
In the fifteenth century, Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and one of the largest and richest cities in the world. It was sacked in 1565, and its temples, palaces and bazaars now lie scattered across an extraordinary landscape of granite boulders beside the Tungabhadra river. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The small village beside the ruins, and the area across the river, have a relaxed, long-staying traveller scene.
Three or four days is right.
Where to stay
Stay in Hampi Bazaar by the ruins, or across the river around Sanapur for a more relaxed scene.
Sanapur
RelaxedAcross the river.
Orange labels are neighbourhoods, dots are the 7 top-rated hostels. Map data from OpenStreetMap contributors.
Things to do
Things to do in Hampi
Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, one of the richest cities in the world in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, sacked in 1565. Its ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are scattered over a surreal landscape of giant boulders, banana plantations and rice paddies along the Tungabhadra river.
The Virupaksha Temple, still active, towers over Hampi Bazaar; its temple elephant blesses visitors in the morning. The Vittala Temple has the famous stone chariot, pictured on India's 50-rupee note, and musical pillars. The Royal Centre has the Lotus Mahal, the elephant stables and a stepped tank, and the Queen's Bath.
Climb Matanga Hill for sunrise over the ruins, or Hemakuta Hill for sunset. Rent a bicycle or scooter to explore, or hire an auto for the day.
Cross the river by coracle, a round basket boat, to Sanapur and the Anegundi side, with paddy fields, lakes and bouldering, a world-class climbing destination.
Free things
Free things to do in Hampi
Many ruins are free, including the Virupaksha area, Hemakuta Hill and the bazaar. Sunrise from Matanga Hill and sunset from Hemakuta are free.
The Vittala Temple, Lotus Mahal and elephant stables share a single ticket.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking in Hampi
Hampi's restaurants, many on rooftops or with floor cushions, serve South Indian thalis, dosas and food for travellers. Hampi is a holy town: meat and alcohol are not officially allowed in Hampi Bazaar.
A meal is €1.50 to €4.
Nightlife
Going out in Hampi
Hampi is quiet at night; restaurants close early. Across the river, a few places are more relaxed.
Getting around
Getting around Hampi
Hosapete, about 30 minutes away, has the nearest railway station, with trains to Bengaluru and Goa. Overnight buses reach Goa and Bengaluru.
Hampi is spread out: rent a bicycle or scooter, or hire an auto for the day.
Costs
What Hampi costs
Hampi is cheap. Dorms start around €5 and a careful day is €15 to €25.
The Vittala Temple ticket, which also covers the Royal Centre sites, is a few euros. A coracle across the river is under €1, and an auto for the day €10 to €15.
The currency is the rupee (INR), at roughly 95 to 100 rupees to the euro; prices here are euro equivalents. UPI phone payments are everywhere, and some apps now accept foreign cards; carry cash for small shops, autos and markets.
Safety
Staying safe in Hampi
Hampi is safe. The heat is intense from March to June; explore early and late.
When the river is high, during the monsoon, coracles stop crossing. Bouldering only with experienced climbers and pads.
Drink only bottled or filtered water, and be wary of raw salads and ice; stomach upsets are common.
Most visitors need an Indian e-Visa, applied for online before travel. Since 1 April 2026, all foreign nationals flying in must also submit the free e-Arrival Card online within 72 hours before landing; screenshot or download the QR code, as it cannot be retrieved later.
Emergency number is 112.
Day trips from Hampi
Temples and the river.
Badami
Cave temples.
Aihole and Pattadakal
Early temple towns, UNESCO.
What's on
What is on while you are there
The Hampi Utsav festival brings music and dance to the ruins.
Held irregularly, usually in winter
Hampi Utsav
Hampi
Music and dance in the ruins.
October to February
Season
Hampi
The best months.
Hostels
Where to stay in Hampi
The top-rated places to stay in Hampi right now, live from Hostelworld.
Zostel Hampi (Gangavathi)
Dorms from €9 a night
See dates and book
Sustainable
Peshagar Guest House
See dates and book
Waterfall Guesthouse
See dates and book
Sustainable
The King On The Rocks
See dates and book
Cocogreen Hampi
Dorms from €5 a night
See dates and book
Megha Resort Hampi
Dorms from €5 a night
See dates and book
Sustainable
Funky Monkey Home Stay
See dates and bookWhen to go
October to February. Summers are very hot.
Jan
Peak
Feb
Good
Mar
Hot
Apr
Very hot
May
Very hot
Jun
Monsoon
Jul
Monsoon
Aug
Monsoon
Sep
Green
Oct
Season opens
Nov
Good
Dec
Peak
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs.
What your trip will cost
Pick how you travel. Per person per night, in euros.
Prices are in rupees locally; these are euro equivalents.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Hampi travel questions
The ones we get asked most.
What is the stone chariot?
A chariot-shaped shrine at the Vittala Temple, pictured on the 50-rupee note.
How do I get around?
By bicycle, scooter or auto for the day.
Can I cross the river?
By coracle, except when the river is high in the monsoon.
How do I get there?
By train or bus to Hosapete, 30 minutes away.
How many days do you need?
Two or three.
When is the best time to visit?
October to February.
Is it good for climbing?
Yes, world-class bouldering.
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