Best places to visit in Hampi
Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the southern state of Karnataka in India, known for its rich history and beautiful architectural ruins. Some of the best places to visit in Hampi include:
- Virupaksha Temple: This is the oldest temple in Hampi and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Vittala Temple: This temple is known for its ornate stone chariot and musical pillars.
- Hampi Bazaar: This is the main market area in Hampi and is a great place to shop for souvenirs and local handicrafts.
- Royal Enclosure: This area is home to the palace of the Vijayanagara kings and the queen’s bath.
- Matanga Hill: This hill offers great views of the surrounding area and is a popular spot for sunset.
- Tungabhadra Dam: A large dam built on the Tungabhadra river, which is a great place for boating and bird watching.
- Anegundi: A village located across the river from Hampi, known for its ancient temples and beautiful landscapes.
- Hemakuta Hill Temple: This temple is known for its beautiful sculptures and is a great place to watch the sunset.
PC: SOUMYA
Best time to visit Hampi
The best time to visit Hampi is between October and February when the weather is pleasant and cool. The temperature during this time ranges between 20-30 degree Celsius. This is also the peak tourist season, so it’s best to book accommodations in advance.
The monsoon season between June and September should be avoided as the heavy rains can cause flooding and make it difficult to explore the area.
March to May is also considered hot as the temperature ranges between 30-40 degree Celsius, it might not be the best time to explore the place.
Overall, the best time to visit Hampi is during the winter months when the weather is comfortable and the scenery is at its best.
Good Hotels in Hampi
Hampi offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors, including budget-friendly guesthouses, mid-range hotels, and luxury resorts. Some good hotels in Hampi include:
- Orange County Resort: This is a luxury resort located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. It offers a variety of amenities such as a spa, swimming pool, and a restaurant.
- Heritage Resort: This is a mid-range hotel located in the heart of Hampi. It offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a swimming pool.
- Mowgli Guest House: This is a budget-friendly guesthouse located in the heart of Hampi. It offers basic rooms, a restaurant, and a rooftop terrace.
- The Machaan: This is a luxury eco-resort located on the outskirts of Hampi. It offers comfortable cottages, a restaurant, and a variety of activities such as bird watching and nature walks.
- Hampi Heritage Hotel: This is a mid-range hotel located in the heart of Hampi. It offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a rooftop terrace with views of the surrounding area.
- The Vijaya Vittala Resort: This is a budget-friendly resort located on the outskirts of Hampi. It offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a swimming pool.
Please note that the availability and prices may change over time. It’s always a good idea to check the reviews and compare the prices before making a final decision.
PC: Trip Advisor
Local travel facilities in Hampi
Hampi is well connected by road, rail, and air. There are several local travel options available for visitors to explore the area:
- Auto Rickshaws and Taxis: These are widely available and can be easily booked to travel around Hampi. They are a convenient option for exploring the nearby villages and temples.
- Bicycles and Motorbikes: Bicycles and motorbikes can be rented from several places in Hampi. These can be great options for exploring the area at a leisurely pace.
- Tourist Buses: Hampi has a regular bus service that connects the main tourist spots within the town and nearby villages.
- Boat rides: Boat rides are available on the Tungabhadra river and it’s a great way to explore the nearby islands and temples.
- Guided tours: Guided tours are also available, which can be a great option for visitors who want to learn more about the history and culture of Hampi.
- Walking: Hampi is a small town, you can walk around and explore the temples, bazaars, and other attractions on foot.
Please note that the availability of these options may vary depending on the season. It’s always a good idea to check and plan ahead before your trip.
PC: Hospet.Online
Good restaurants in Hampi
Hampi offers a variety of dining options for visitors, from local street food to more upscale restaurants. Some good restaurants in Hampi include:
- Mango Tree: This is a popular restaurant located in the heart of Hampi. It offers a variety of Indian and international dishes, as well as a vegetarian menu.
- Mowgli Restaurant: This is a popular restaurant located in the heart of Hampi. It offers a variety of Indian and international dishes, with a focus on local Karnataka cuisine.
- The Green Room: This is a popular restaurant located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. It offers a variety of Indian and international dishes, as well as a vegetarian menu.
- The Yellow Submarine: This is a popular restaurant located in the heart of Hampi. It offers a variety of Indian and international dishes, as well as a vegetarian menu.
- Soul Kitchen: This is a popular restaurant located in the heart of Hampi. It offers a variety of Indian and international dishes, as well as a vegetarian menu.
- The Laughing Buddha: This is a popular restaurant located in the heart of Hampi. It offers a variety of Indian and international dishes, as well as a vegetarian menu.
Please note that the availability of these restaurants may vary depending on the season, it’s always a good idea to check and compare the reviews before making a final decision.
PC: Trip Advisor
Breakfast in Hampi
Hampi offers a variety of breakfast options for visitors, from local street food to more upscale restaurants. Some popular breakfast options in Hampi include:
- Dosa: A popular South Indian dish made from rice and lentil batter, typically served with chutney and sambar.
- Idli: A popular South Indian dish made from fermented rice and lentil batter, typically served with chutney and sambar.
- Uttapam: A popular South Indian dish made from rice and lentil batter, with vegetables mixed in, typically served with chutney and sambar.
- Roti and Sabji: A popular North Indian dish, made with a thin, unleavened flatbread and a vegetable curry.
- Poha: A popular breakfast dish made from flattened rice and served with peanuts, onions, and spices.
- Upma: A popular South Indian dish made from semolina and mixed with vegetables, and spices and served with chutney.
- Medhu Vada: A popular South Indian dish made from lentils and mixed with spices, deep-fried, and served with chutney.
These options are available in most of the local eateries, street vendors, and restaurants in Hampi, but you can also find continental breakfast options in some of the hotels and restaurants.
PC: Saikat Chowdhury
Timings of temples in Hampi
The timings of the temples in Hampi may vary depending on the specific temple and the season. Typically, most temples in Hampi are open from sunrise to sunset. However, it’s always a good idea to check the official website or ask the temple’s office for the most up-to-date information.
Here are the timings of some popular temples in Hampi:
- Virupaksha Temple: The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Vittala Temple: The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- Monolithic Bull: The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Hazara Rama Temple: The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Kodandarama Temple: The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Achyutaraya Temple: The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
It’s always good to check the timings on the spot as they might change due to some special events or ceremonies. It’s also important to keep in mind that some temples may have separate timings for darshan (viewing of the deity) and for general entry into the temple complex.
PC: TUSKTRAVEL
Weather in Hampi
Hampi has a tropical climate, with three main seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter.
- Summer (March to May) – The weather during this time is hot, with temperatures ranging between 30-40 degree Celsius. It’s not the best time to visit as it can be quite uncomfortable for sightseeing.
- Monsoon (June to September) – The weather during this time is wet and humid, with heavy rainfall. This season should be avoided as the heavy rains can make it difficult to explore the area and it can cause flooding.
- Winter (October to February) – The weather during this time is pleasant and cool, with temperatures ranging between 20-30 degree Celsius. This is considered the best time to visit Hampi as the weather is comfortable for sightseeing and the scenery is at its best.
It’s always good to check the weather forecast before your trip, as the temperature and humidity can vary depending on the specific location. Also, during the monsoon season, it’s best to check the weather forecast before going out as it might rain heavily, making exploring difficult.
