In this blog we talk about a comprehensive 2 day itinerary for Hampi, an upcoming offbeat location in the state of Karnataka that is best suited for people travelling with families and kids.
Why Hampi is the Perfect Weekend Destination?
Hampi is an ancient town located in the state of Karnataka known for its temple ruins and mesmerizing rocky landscape. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi was the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, a powerful medieval South Indian kingdom known for its military prowess and architectural achievements.
The perfect blend of a mesmerising landscape together with rich history buried under its beautiful temple ruins makes it an attractive destination for hippies and families alike. Nestled on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, Hampi proves to be an ideal destination for a weekend getaway.
A Brief History of Hampi
Hampi’s history dates back to the 14th century when it became the thriving capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. The city flourished under the rule of the Vijayanagara kings, becoming a significant center for trade, culture, and religion. You must have heard of the stories of Tenali Ram in your childhood, haven’t you? Tenali Ram was a telugu poet and an advisor in the Vijayanagara empire known for his wit. Hampi was Vijayanagara’s political and business hub that attracted merchants from Persia, Portugal, and various other regions, making it one of the wealthiest cities of its time!
However, in the 16th century, Hampi was ravaged by Mughals, leading to its eventual decline. The kingdom was abandoned, left in ruins, forgotten for decades till the Britishers eventually discovered it. Today, the ruins of Hampi spread over 4,100 hectares, with over 1,600 surviving remains offer a glimpse into its glorious past.
Is Hampi a hippie spot or a family getaway?
The Bohemian vibe of Hampi has attracted hippies to this place for years. Off late this place is also becoming a popular tourist hub for people coming with their families. Hampi has something to offer for all.
The hippie side of Hampi is on the other side of the Tungabhadra river, which is more suited to backpackers and solo travellers. There are cheap guesthouses available with laidback cafes. Usually people travel around in this part on their rented two wheelers however you can hire an auto from hampi for a day trip to this place. This side of Hampi has a rocky landcape and popular activities here are hill-climbing, lake swimming and bouldering.
The otherside, the heritage side of the Hampi, has all the famous ancient ruins and temples that hampi boasts of. The beautiful Tungabhadra river and its famous coracle rides do provide a serene respite from the heat after a day of temple hopping.
Hampi has a rocky landscape and hills both for easy to moderate short treks and a tonne of things to explore. Is 2 day itinerary for Hampi enough to explore the place? Definitely Not. You need 3-4 days to explore all of Hampi and everything it has to offer. One also has to keep in mind that being a rocky landscape, going to certain parts of the town can be a bit challenging, so you must know your fitness levels before exploring certain areas, this holds especially true if you are travelling with elders and small kids.
Hence keeping everything in mind, I’ve planned a realistic, yet relaxing 2 day itinerary for Hampi suited for people travelling with family, kids and elders for a short weekend getaway to Hampi.
How to Reach Hampi
Hampi is well-connected to major towns and cities in Karnataka and neighboring states, making it easily accessible for travelers.
From Bangalore
Hampi is approximately 350 kilometers from Bangalore. Travelers can choose to take an overnight train to Hospet, the nearest railway station to Hampi, or opt for a comfortable 6-7 hour drive by car or bus.
From Goa
Hampi is about 315 kilometers from Goa. Visitors can either drive or take a bus from Goa, which typically takes around 7-8 hours.
From Hyderabad
Hampi is around 380 kilometers from Hyderabad. One can take an overnight bus or train, or drive, which takes about 7-8 hours.
So now I will be posting the best things to do in your 2 day itinerary for Hampi that is suited for families with kids
2 day itinerary for Hampi for Family with kids
Day 1
Morning
Arrive in Hampi and check into your hotel. Relax and freshen up in your hotel room.
Afternoon
Have Lunch and then head to explore the town of Hampi
1) Visit Vittala Temple Complex:
The 2 day itinerary for Hampi starts with visiting the Vittala temple. The Vittala Temple Complex in Hampi was built in the 15th century under King Devaraya II’s patronage. Dedicated to Lord Vittala, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, this site is nestled on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra River. Upon reaching the place, you have two options, either take the 2km long walk to the temple complex or take a buggy ride, the latter is usually preferred.
The highlights of the temple complex is the iconic Stone Chariot, a sculpture carved out of granite with intricately carved wheels. The interesting part, look at your 50 rupee note and you may as well find this chariot there!!
Other key areas of the temple include the Maha Mantapa which has 4 open halls which have giant monolithic pillars, some of which seem to produce musical notes when tapped (Tapping on the pillars is banned, however). Other halls showcase the architectural mastery of Vijayanagara artisans with numerous sculptures depicting mythological creatures and divine beings.
2) Coracle ride on Tungabhadra river
The highlight in your 2 day itinerary for Hampi will be the coracle ride. On the way back to the Hampi bazar from the temple, there is a boating spot on the Tungabhadra river that offers the famous coracle rides of Hampi. A coracle is a unique saucer shaped boat made of bamboo and reinforced with plastic that can house 5-6 people. They offer a short ride of 30 min and a long ride of about 1 hour.
I highly recommend the 1 hour ride because it takes in this they take you through more picturesque parts of the river lined by dense forests, stunning rock formations, beautiful tunnel caves and few riverside temples. You can hop on one of the riverside rocks to enjoy the sunset! These traditional round boats offer a unique perspective of Hampi’s ruins from the water. As you gently float along the river, you temporarily lose track of time. Enjoy the tranquil surroundings and the stunning reflections of the temples and boulders in the water with this relaxing activity!
This marks the end of Day 1 of your 2 day itinerary for Hampi and you can head to the hotel, or enjoy the eateries in the nearby market.
Day 2
Morning- Have breakfast in your hotel
1) Lotus Mahal
The day 2 in your 2 day itinerary for Hampi starts with visiting the royal enclosure. Take a tuktuk ride from the hotel to the zanana enclosure, meant for the royal woman. The Lotus Mahal , believed to be as a retreat for the royal women (although some believe it be a meeting place for the king and his advisories ) derives its name from its lotus-eq architecture. The structure has Indo-Islamic influences with its domes and ornate arches, and is possibly one of the reasons why it’s still the best preserved ruin in Hampi.
2) The elephant stables
Adjacent to the temple, accessed through a modest doorway, are the elephant stables. This well-maintained structure is celebrated for its distinctive architecture, featuring eleven chambers with towering arched doorways that open into a spacious courtyard or maidan. Historically, it served as the shelter for the majestic elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire’s royal stable.
3) Hazara Rama Temple
In the centre of the Royal enclosure lies the Hazara Rama temple which served as a private chapel for the kings and their families. It is believed to be constructed in honour of Lord Rama which is why you may find stories of Ramayana carved on the inner and outer walls of the compound. The interiors of the temple are unadorned, possibly hosting idols of Ram, sita and Lakshman at one point of time..
4) The Queen’s Bath
One of the highlights in your 2 day itinerary for Hampi is the Queen’s Bath which served as bathing area for royal women. Located on the south east corner of the royal Zenana enclosure, The queen’s bath stands as another testament to the Islamic influences on Indian architecture of those times. On the exterior it has a modest façade in contrast to the extravagant interiors of the bath which is 30 m wide and 1.8 m deep. The bath is surrounded by pillared corridors and elaborate balconies overlooking the bath which served as changing rooms.
5) The Archaeological Museum
Visit the Architectural Museum nearby the royal enclosure. This museum showcases a rich collection of artifacts and excavations from Hampi that highlight the brilliance of vijayanagara Empire. Visitors can also explore detailed models, photographs, and interactive displays that illustrate Hampi’s evolution from a flourishing capital to its present-day archaeological marvel.
6) Badavalinga Gudi
From the royal enclosure, you can take your tuktuk toward virupaksha temple, On the way get a chance to visit the Badavalinga Gudi. Believed to be commissioned by a poor woman, hence the name (Badva= poor), this temple has a central chamber that houses a large Shivalinga. The sanctum housing the linga is filled with water perennially, and upon closer inspection, you may see the 3 eyes of shiva carved on the linga.
7) Sri Laxmi Narsimha Statue
Your two day itinerary for Hampi is incomplete without a visit to the Sri Narsimha statue. On the way from the Royal enclosure, you have a chance to witness the impressive statue of Sri Laxmi Narsimha, the largest monolithic statue in Hampi. Here you can find the half man- half lion avatar of Lord Vishnu to be seated on the giant seven headed serpent SeshaNaga, with its hoods forming a protective canopy . One can also see remains of the statue of Laxmi adjacent to it, which was partly destroyed during Mughal times.
Have Lunch
8) The Virupaksha Temple
Take a post lunch stroll toward the much famed temple in Hampi, the Virupaksha temple. Dating back to the 7th century, this complex has undergone renovations across centuries and empires. Today it’s a popular pilgrimage site and the only functional temple in hampi. The temple is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, an incarnation of Lord shiva and features a towering gopuram, an impressive 50m tall gateway tower, adorned with intricate carvings of deities and mythological scenes. The main shrine houses a sanctum dedicated to Virupaksha, surrounded by mandapas (pillared halls) showcasing remarkable stone carvings.
There are multiple sanctuaries and temples within the complex and exploring it may take an hour or two, during which you may find yourself to be lost in the fables of an old religion.
9) Pushkarni
Near the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, there is a notable step well known as the “Pushkarni” or temple tank. This traditional water reservoir was used for ritualistic and ceremonial baths, and served an important structure important in Hindu religious practices. The pushkarni consists of a central water reservoir surrounded by tiered and stepped sloping walls for people to reach the bottom of the reservoir.
10) Sunset at Hemakunta Hills
Adjacent to the Virupaksha temple complex lies the gently sloping Hemakunta hills. The climb to the top of the hill is an easy one and once there you are greeted with views straight out of an artist’s portrait. Perched atop the hill lies a cluster of Temple ruins with unique Dravidian architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva. Sitting there, one can enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding rocky landscape and savour the sunset.
I saved the best for the last and enjoying the sunset at hemakunta hills is the easily the best things to do in your 2 day itinerary for Hampi.
11) Shopping and dinner at the Hampi Bazaar
Conclude your day by shopping for local crafts and souvenirs in Hampi Bazaar. This bazaar is over 1 km long and starts from the Virupaksha temple complex. Here, you can find shirts with Hampi temple prints for dirt cheap prices, temple souvenirs and traditional jewellery. You can also savor authentic Karnataka cuisine at the many eateries scattered around the bazaar.
Conclusion
A two-day trip to Hampi is a journey through time, offering a fascinating glimpse into the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire. The town’s ancient ruins, majestic temples, and picturesque landscapes provide a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you are exploring the intricate carvings of the temples, enjoying the tranquil river views, or discovering the stories behind each monument, Hampi promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you enchanted and yearning to return.
Practical Tips for Your 2 day itinerary for Hampi
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Hampi is between October and February when the weather is pleasant and perfect for exploring the ruins. Avoid the summer months as the temperatures can soar, making it uncomfortable for sightseeing.
What to wear
Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear as you will be doing a lot of walking and climbing. Hampi can get very hot during the afternoons, hence don’t forget to carry a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
Local transport
You can bring your own vehicle to Hampi. Alternatively tuktuks are a comfortable options for travel around Hampi,, especially with families. There are also bikes and mopeds available for rent here and is very popular amongst backpackers.
Stay Options
Hampi offers a range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. The hotels are usually concentrated in Hampi bazaar and hippie island for more budget backpacker friendly options. There are many luxury resorts also near hampi for a peaceful relaxing vacation. Others like to stay in Hospete which is just 10 km from ampi.
Respect the Culture
Hampi is a site of religious and historical significance. Respect the local culture and traditions by dressing modestly and behaving respectfully at all times.
Guided Tours
Consider hiring a local guide to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the monuments. Guided tours can be very informative and enhance your overall experience. However, a lot of times, your tuktuk wala will act as a free guide for you. Do not forget to tip him for an extra service!
You can find packages for 2 days in Hampi here.
I will admit I haven’t included many things in this 2 day itinerary for Hampi like Anjaneya Hanuman Temple, Achyutara temple, Monolithic bull, Anegundi, Matanga hill, Hippie island, Sanapur lake, Kadalekalu Ganesha, Krishna temple etc in my itinerary but its not possible to include everything in your 2 day itinerary for Hampi and requires an additional day of exploring (and some extra fitness) . If u want a 3 day itinerary for the same please let me know in the comments.
For more such offbeat travel itineraries follow this post.
What time of year is ideal for visiting Hampi?
From October to February, when the weather is nice and perfect for touring the ruins and temples without the intense heat of summer, is the greatest time to visit Hampi.
How can I get to Hampi?
Hospet, the closest train station to Hampi, has regular trains from big towns like Bangalore and Hyderabad. Hampi is a short drive from Hospet. As an alternative, you can travel from Bangalore or Hyderabad by bus or taxi.
Which Hampi sights are a must-see?
The Royal Enclosure, Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple with its stone chariot, Lotus Mahal, and Elephant Stables are a few of the must-see sights in Hampi. For expansive views, don’t miss the sunset from Hemakuta Hill or Anjaneya Hill.
Is two days sufficient for exploring Hampi?
A couple of days should be enough to see the main sights and gain a decent understanding of Hampi, even if it’s a rather large area. Even if you can’t visit every temple or ruin in detail, you can tour the most notable ones.
What should I pack for my trip to Hampi?
Comfortable attire and walking/climbing-appropriate footwear are advised. Given that Hampi is a historical location with temples, it is polite to wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders.
Is it possible to go hiking or trekking in Hampi?
You can hike up Anjaneya Hill to the Hanuman Temple and to Matanga Hill for views of the dawn or sunset. These walks offer breathtaking views of the local topography and historical landmarks.
I want to rent a bike or a scooter so I can go about Hampi.
Yes, renting a scooter or bicycle is a common way to go around Hampi at your own speed. They are available for rent at a number of stores close to Hampi Bazaar and your lodging.
Does Hampi have a nightlife?
Since Hampi is primarily a historical and cultural destination, there aren’t many options for nightlife. But certain eateries, particularly those near Hampi Bazaar, do remain open late.
Are medical facilities and ATMs conveniently located in Hampi?
Yes, Hospet and Hampi town both have pharmacies, ATMs, and medical facilities. It is advised to have adequate cash, particularly if you intend to visit isolated temples or stores.
