Hampi

Hampi's temples and royal ruins sit among giant granite boulders and banana fields along the Tungabhadra river. Mornings are for exploring by bicycle, afternoons for shade, evenings for climbing a hill to watch the sun go down.

Places we love here

• Food

  Banana-leaf thali lunch

  Simple South Indian thalis served around the bazaar and across the river.

• Experiences

  Coracle ride on the Tungabhadra

  Round basket boats used to cross the river. Rides run when water levels are safe.

• Viewpoints

  Hemakuta Hill sunset

  A low granite hill of small shrines, an easy climb for sunset.

• Viewpoints

  Matanga Hill sunrise

  The highest point around the ruins. A steep pre-dawn climb with panoramic views.

• Culture

  Royal enclosure & Lotus Mahal

  The palace zone with stepped tanks and Indo-Islamic arches.

• Lesser-known · lesser-known

  Sanapur lake

  A reservoir among boulders on the quieter side of the river.

• Culture

  Virupaksha Temple

  A living temple at the end of the old bazaar, still in daily worship.

• Culture

  Vittala Temple complex

  Home of the stone chariot and carved pillared halls. Arrive early to avoid heat and crowds.