A vacation with your family and friends is all about making unforgettable and sweet memories, and what better place to take them than Hampi, Karnataka. The iconic city of Hampi is surrounded by history, culture, and beauty, perfect for every member of your group to explore.
From enjoying a family vacation amidst the beauty of nature to exploring ancient temples, and even activities like bouldering or boating, this city is captivating and one of the top places to visit for any avid traveler.
Located in the heart of Karnataka, Hampi once the glorious capital of the Vijayanagara Empire is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This beloved gem of Karnataka showcases the ruins of beautiful forts, temples, and palaces and is also well-known for its hospitality, delicious local food, and lush greenery that surrounds it.
Here’s a guide on exploring Hampi, Karnataka, and all you need to know about this fascinating place so that you can make the most of your travels.
The Perfect Itinerary Exploring Hampi Karnataka
The perfect way to explore Hampi is to fly directly to Belgaum from Mumbai or Bengaluru. You can even take an overnight train from Bangalore to Hampi which will allow you to see all the beautiful ruins and temples.
While you can explore this area by yourself, most people prefer to book Hampi tour packages with a high-end tour company like Anubhav Vacations which takes care of your entire itinerary so that you can focus on having fun with your friends and family.
Most people prefer to explore the trails of Hampi that lead to some of the most beautiful temples, like the Virupaksa Temple, the Vithala Temple, and the Royal Enclosures of Hampi, among others. You can even experience the local life and wildlife or take a coral ride in a traditional round bamboo boat on the river.
Travel Tip: Looking for some of the best vibes? There’s a secret island near Hampi, Karnataka that allows you to soak up the natural beauty complete with the best food.
What is the best time to visit Hampi?
The best time to visit Hampi, Karnataka, depends on what you’re looking for. From October to March tourists flock to this city to explore ancient ruins, enjoy boat rides along the Tungabhadra River, and participate in the lively Hampi Bazaar. The temperature during this time ranges from 19 – 30 degrees Celsius, making it perfect for adventurous travelers.
If you’re looking to visit this area for cultural events like the Hampi Utsav or explore art, music, dance, and cultural performances, winter is the best time. Temperatures fall to 14 degrees Celsius, making it cozy and perfect for couples.
How long should your tour to Hampi be?
Most people prefer to travel to Hampi, Karnataka for a few weeks to experience the best this city has to offer. However, if you are time-bound, you can look to travel for a week. This will give you time to take in the iconic temple ruins, explore the renowned stone chariot, and discover the ancient tales of Malyavanta Hill, Bhima’s Gate, or even the grand Pattabhirama temple.
Art lovers will have their hands full as they explore the beauty of the Hampi Art Labs, the colorful markets, or even the local villages.
For adventure loves, you must save some time for a tranquil coracle boat ride, a visit to the Archaeological Museum, rock climbing, bird watching, and even spotting sloth bears at the Daroji Bear Sanctuary.
Famous Hampi Karnataka Temple You Need to Visit
The countryside of Hampi is strewed with banana plantations, haystacks, tumbled hills, and evocative ruins of some of the most legendary temples. These structures feel unreal and otherworldly and showcase the beauty of a lost era. This city is home to 1,600 ruins which include forts, shrines, temples, memorial buildings, and pillared halls.
If you are looking to visit the Hampi Karnataka temple site, there are quite a few that depict the opulence and beauty of the Vijayanagara Empire. Begin your trip by visiting the Dasara Dibba, a grand stone platform that gives you a bird’s eye view of the ruins.
You can also choose to explore an architectural marvel like Hampi’s stepped tank which was considered sacred and widely used for religious ceremonies. Temples like the Hazra Rama Temple, Virupaksa Temple, or even the Gopura and Kadalekalu Ganesha are also said to be unique. Each Hampi Karnataka Temple is set with intricate carvings and tells a story about culture, history, and tradition along with offering mesmerizing views of Hampi.
Exploring Art and Culture in Hampi
If the Hampi Karnataka Temple scene does not interest you, there is so much more you can do here. Hampi is an art lover’s paradise and offers a lot of creative influences, from parrot and elephant motif embroidery to decorated banana fiber bags or even local markets and museums.
This area also offers a lot of design around its properties from stunning artworks around the hotel lobbies and reception areas to stellar room decorations. There are also beautiful works of art adorning boulders, compound walls, and café interiors.
Cliff jumping – Cool off in Hampi’s Lake
Hampi offers a beautiful lake a short drive outside the main site which is perfect for cooling off. Most days this spot is quiet and empty, making it ideal to take a dip, cliff jump, or even relax and have a picnic close to this area.
Go bouldering
This area is full of boulders of different shapes and sizes that make you feel like you’re on another planet. If you’re in the mood for a challenge, you can visit a local bouldering center or even a bouldering school that can oversee your climb. This activity is great for adventurous couples or even groups of friends looking for something fun to do.
Immerse Yourself in the Magic of Hampi
Hampi, Karnataka is more than just a destination; it embodies the rich and remarkable legacy of the Vijayanagara Empire. Every stone and carving in this place reminds you of a time when architectural brilliance, culture, tradition, and devotion reigned. From witnessing the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets to the ruins of temples, nature, art, and culture, there are so many reasons why you should visit this city.
If you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable visit to Hampi, why not book Karnataka tour packages with Anubhav Vacations? They offer you a journey into the ancient sights of Hampi and Badami so that you can explore the enchanting and popular areas of this region.
