Hampi

We decided to spend our christmas - new year break visiting Hampi this year. We left on 26th Dec and were back on 30th. Including the two travel days, we were gone for 5 days.

Attractions

Day 0

Tungabhadra Dam 

We reached Hospet around 4:45 PM and were welcomed by the huge reservoir of the Tungabhadra Dam. We decided to visit the dam. There is a big parking lot and there is a shuttle service inside that takes you up to the dam and brings you back. There is also a play area for kids.

Day 1

Hampi ruins are around 30 minutes from Hospet. We couldn’t find a guide as it was the peak tourist season. So armed with information from the internet and a couple of conversations we had with other tourists at the hotel, we decided to wing it.

This was the most tiring but perhaps the most rewarding day. We covered a lot of monuments and got more than what we were expecting.

All the monuments listed below except the Matanga hill are in the same cluster and can be easily covered in a single day. 

Queen’s Bathhouse

Mahanavami Dibba (Palace enclosure)

Hazaar Rama Temple

Lotus Palace (Zenana enclosure)

Elephant Stables

Matanga hill

The Matanga hill is near the Virupaksha temple. But we wanted to see the sunset from the top of this hill. So we decided to drive down and then climb up to the hill. It is a decent hike if you are young and fit. It is a difficult hike for kids and seniors.

That’s the Virukpaksha temple in the distance.

Day 2

The next day was mostly about temples. And the search for the elusive coracle ride. We started off with the Virupaksha temple

Virupaksha Temple

Probably, the oldest functioning temple in India. 

Kadalekalu Ganesh

This is not an active temple. But it houses this beautiful monolithic statue of Ganpati. It derives its names from bengal gram - kadale kalu. 

River walk 

We went searching for the coracle ride. This is where google took us. But there was no boat ride here. Just devotees thronging to some temples along the river.

Kamalapur Lake

On our way back we decided to enjoy the sunset by taking a quick stop at the Kamalapur lake. This lake is on the way to Hospet from Hampi.

Day 3

Vijay Vitthal Temple

This cluster of monuments is situated a little farther away from the other monuments. So we decided to visit this on the third day. It houses the famous stone chariot which also features on the ₹ 50 note. 

The temple, musical pillars, the chariot, everything is very beautiful. There are beautiful carvings depicting various tales from Ramayana and other mythological stories.

We were told by the guide that the Vitthal Rakhumai statues in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, are from this temple originally. I could not verify the authencity of this claim. According to the official Karanataka tourism website - 

 the Lord had found the temple to be too grand for his use and had returned to live in his own humble home.

The musical pillars of the Ranga Mantapa.

Coracle Ride at Sanapur Lake

This is the other bank of the Tungabhadra River. It is around 30 minutes drive from any of the ruins.

Hotel

Royal Orchid Central Kireeti - https://maps.app.goo.gl/fVD7L4kfvUM16usB9?g_st=iw

Restaurants

1. Anand Vihar - https://maps.app.goo.gl/nEHn9qZXVBNaf6kcA?g_st=ic

2. Abhiruchi - https://maps.app.goo.gl/xbLF7zV8e1WYSscNA?g_st=ic

3. Naivedyam - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ag9ZEvzT67uacWNK9

4. Mango Tree - https://maps.app.goo.gl/dMWa35pbhrcTPNwF6

   • This is an excellent option and perhaps the closest good eatery near Hampi.

5. Rasta Cafe - https://maps.app.goo.gl/NEsh1ezFYWQFZg889

General Notes

• Most of the attractions in and around Hampi shut down by 6 PM.  

• Most of the hotels are outside of Hampi - 30-45 min drive

• There are almost no eateries near the ruins.

• Most of the sites are UNESCO world heritage sites. So no food, restaurants, etc on site.

• A lot of walking.

• Enlist the services of a guide wherever possible.

• Overall a very safe vibe. No one bothered us for anything throughout the trip.