Where to stay in Hampi
Hampi, in Karnataka, is the vast ruined capital of the 14th-to-16th-century Vijayanagara Empire, spread across a landscape of granite boulders and banana plantations on the Tungabhadra River. Today you cannot stay in the ruins themselves, so most visitors base themselves in the town of Hosapete (Hospet) or in the villages around the site.
Hosapete (Hospet)
Hosapete is the nearest town, about 13 kilometres away, with the railway station, buses and the largest choice of hotels. Auto-rickshaws and taxis take you to the ruins in around 30 minutes. It is not scenic, but it is comfortable and practical.
Kamalapura
Kamalapura sits on the southern edge of the ruins, near the Royal Enclosure, the Lotus Mahal and the Elephant Stables. It has a few hotels and guesthouses, including heritage-style resorts, and you can cycle or take a rickshaw to the main sites.
Hanumanahalli and Sanapur (across the river)
Across the Tungabhadra, near Anegundi, guesthouses sit among rice fields and boulders. It is popular for bouldering and for the climb up Anjanadri Hill. Crossing to the main ruins depends on the river crossings and bridges, so check how you will get across.
One thing to think about
Guesthouses that once operated in Hampi Bazaar beside the Virupaksha Temple were cleared, so be wary of listings claiming to be inside the ruins. Distances between temples are long and hot; hire a bicycle, scooter or rickshaw for the day.
Other places to stay in India: Oberoi · Trident · The Leela
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Hampi are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Common questions
How many days do I need for Hampi?
Two full days let you see the Virupaksha Temple, the Vittala Temple with its stone chariot, the Royal Centre and a sunrise or sunset view from Matanga or Hemakuta Hill. A third day adds Anegundi across the river and a slower pace around the boulder landscape.
How do I get around Hampi?
Bicycles, electric buggies at some sites, scooters and auto-rickshaws are the usual options. Many visitors hire a rickshaw driver for a full day, as the site covers a large area. Walking between the riverside temples, such as from Virupaksha to Vittala, is beautiful in the early morning.
When is the best time to visit Hampi?
The cooler months from about October to February are best. Summer, from March to May, is very hot for exploring ruins, and the monsoon brings rain from June to September, though it also makes the landscape green.
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