UNESCO World Heritage Site

Hampi Where Stones Tell Stories of an Empire Trek

Walk through the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire - a civilisation that once ruled the world's wealthiest kingdom

Plan Your Visit Watch Video Tour

Place

Vijayanagara district

UNESCO Site

Opens 6AM - 6 PM

Ticket

₹40 (Indian) / ₹600 (foreign)

Ideal Stay

2 Days

Photo: © Prajwal / Karnataka Tourism

About Hampi

The Lost City of Vijayanagara

Mysuru, often known as the “Cultural capital of Karnataka”, is a city rich in history, culture, heritage & legacy. So where is Mysuru? Situated at the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, it is about 140 km southwest of Bengaluru. Mysuru’s pleasant climate complements the city’s timeless charm. The city has rather lower temperatures because of its somewhat higher elevation (~770 meters above sea level).

"Hampi was the world's second-largest medieval city after Beijing, with a population of over 500,000 people at the height of its glory in the 14th–16th centuries."

It is one of the most interesting cities in South India, offering many sites to visit & explore. Under the Wodeyars from 1399 to Independence, Mysuru is known for its royal past and magnificent architecture and monuments. This former state capital is a perfect fusion of modernism and old world appeal. With its royal grandeur, Mysuru invites you to visit & explore its grand allure, all year round. Mysuru is placed 3rd in the newly created “Super Swachh League” under Swachh Survekshan 2024–25, which covers cities with a population between 3 and 10 lakh, site of the internationally sought-after Mysuru Palace. The palace draws over six million people annually. The best time to visit Mysuru is all around the year.

Mysuru is placed 3rd in the newly created “Super Swachh League” under Swachh Survekshan 2024–25, which covers cities with a population between 3 and 10 lakh, site of the internationally sought-after Mysuru Palace. The palace draws over six million people annually. The best time to visit Mysuru is all around the year.

Photo: © Prajwal / Karnataka Tourism

"Sunset over the boulder-strewn landscape of Hampi — where every stone holds a thousand years of history"

Photo: © Prajwal / Karnataka Tourism

Experiences

Things to Do in Hampi

From temple exploration to river crossings — Hampi offers experiences that stay with you for a lifetime.

Explore Vittala Temple

Marvel at the iconic Stone Chariot and the musical pillars that produce distinct notes a masterpiece of Vijayanagara

Sunrise at Hemakuta Hill

Climb to the top before dawn and watch the sun rise over the ruins one of India's most spectacular sunrise viewpoints.

Coracle Ride Across Tungabhadra

Cross the sacred river in a traditional circular coracle boat to reach the Hippie Island of Virupapur Gadde.

Cycling the Ruins

Rent a bicycle and explore the vast archaeological landscape at your own pace

Golden Hour Photography

Hampi's dramatic boulders and ancient temples create extraordinary compositions at sunrise and sunset.

Hampi Utsav Festival

Experience the three-day cultural extravaganza with classical dance, music, and a grand procession of elephants

Deep Dive

Explore Every Corner

The Sacred Temple Quarter

The Virupaksha Temple at the heart of Hampi has been in continuous worship for over 1,300 years. As you walk through the market street that once buzzed with merchants selling diamonds, the scale of this civilisation becomes overwhelmingly real. The Hemakuta Hill complex alone holds over 30 small temples spanning several centuries of Deccan architecture, each one a quiet sanctuary in the boulder landscape.

Virupaksha Temple - built 7th century CE

50-metre tall gopura tower at the entrance

Active pilgrimage site visited by thousands daily

The Royal Centre

The Royal Enclosure was the nerve centre of the Vijayanagara Empire — where the king held court, conducted state ceremonies, and planned military campaigns that shaped the history of South India.

The Mahanavami Dibba — a massive 12,000 square foot platform — was the venue for the grand Dasara celebrations, a tradition that continues in Mysuru to this day.

Lotus Mahal — finest example of Vijayanagara architecture

Elephant Stables housed 11 royal war elephants

Plan Your Journey

Itinerary

Follow your day-by-day plan below — every stop includes entry fees, transport options and the best time to visit, right where you need it.

Day 1 — Sacred Centre & Sunsets

Virupaksha TempleHemakunta HillMarket Street

7:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Vittala Temple at Dawn

Visit Hampi's crown jewel before the crowds — Stone Chariot, musical pillars, magnificent mandapas in morning light.

Take the heritage cart from Vittala gate

Nearest station: Hubballi / Hospet Junction (13km) via NH-48/NH-50 from Bengaluru

10:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Krishna Temple at Dawna

The best time to visit Hampi is between October and February when the weather is cool and pleasant (15–28°C). The monsoon (June–September) brings lush greenery but heavy rainfall. March to May is very hot with temperatures exceeding 40°C. The Hampi Utsav festival in November is a particularly special time to visit.

How do I get from Bengaluru to Hampi?

Nearest station: warangal / Hospet Junction (13km) via NH-48/NH-50 from vijaywada

4:00PM - 8:00PM

yamunaTemple at Dawna

How do I get from dwaraka to Hampi?

Nearest station: warangal / Hospet Junction (13km) via NH-48/NH-50 from vijaywada

Nearby Attraction

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Gokarna

Experience Beaches, temples and laidback vibes

Kasarkod Beach: India’s First Blue Flag Beach

India’s First Blue Flag Beach

Chamarajanagar

Wild Frontier, Sacred Hills, Culture

Bengaluru Rural

Countryside charm near Bengaluru city

Sagara

Temples, Forts, and Misty Hills

Barkur – An Ancient Heritage Town

A Forgotten Port with a Royal Past

Magadi

The Land of Kempegowda’s Legacy

Harihara

The Twin-Culture City by the Tungabhadra

Nanjangudu

South Kashi

Keladi

A quiet dynasty remembered in stone Tucked away in the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, Keladi was the first capital of the Keladi Nayakas, a dynasty that ruled after the fall of Vijayanagara. Though modest in scale, this town is rich in layered history and architectural elegance. Small town, grand stories The Keladi Rameshwara […]

Basavakalyana

Historic seat of social reform and royal power

Talakadu

Sand-covered secrets of a lost kingdom On the banks of the River Cauvery lies Talakad, a mysterious town known for its sand-dunes and buried temples. Once a flourishing capital of the Ganga dynasty, Talakad is now a spiritual and archaeological curiosity. Temples beneath the sands Legend and history intertwine here. Talakad is home to the […]

Melukote

A hill of wisdom and devotion Perched on a rocky hilltop in the Mandya district, Melukote is a serene pilgrimage town known for its Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple and scholarly traditions. Once a spiritual retreat for Sri Ramanujacharya, the town still resonates with ancient chants and timeless rituals. A temple town with soul Melukote isn’t just […]

Srirangapatana

Where history rests on an island Located on an island formed by the River Cauvery, Srirangapatana is a town steeped in power, politics, and devotion. Once the capital of the great Tipu Sultan, it stands as a testimony to a time when resistance and culture flourished side by side. A walk through time From the […]

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Gallery

Black Panther, Kabini

The elusive Black Panther of Kabini is a rare wildlife marvel that has earned global fame. Spotted occasionally in the dense forests of Nagarhole National Park, it adds a thrilling allure to Karnataka’s rich biodiversity.

Maravanthe Beach

Maravanthe Beach offers a unique coastal experience where the highway runs between the roaring Arabian Sea on one side and the calm Souparnika River on the other. With its stunning contrast of landscapes, golden sands, and scenic sunsets, it’s one of Karnataka’s most picturesque beach drives.

Kambala

Sunset at the Beach

As the sun dips into the Arabian Sea, Karnataka’s coastline transforms into a canvas of gold and crimson. Whether you’re at Gokarna, Malpe, or Kaup, the gentle waves, swaying palms, and vibrant skies create a serene, soul-soothing spectacle that lingers long after the light fades.

Tourism Highlights

Watch our tourism video showcasing key attractions.

Mysore Palace Illuminated

By day it’s royal, by night it’s magical—the Mysore Palace dazzles when lit up with nearly 100,000 bulbs. This weekend spectacle transforms the historical site into a fairy-tale vision, drawing crowds in awe of its grandeur.

Yakshagana Folk Art

Yakshagana is a vibrant folk theatre form from coastal Karnataka, blending dance, music, elaborate costumes, and storytelling. With its dramatic expressions and mythological themes, it captivates audiences through all-night performances that are equal parts spiritual and spectacular.

Vidhan Soudha

Standing tall in Bengaluru, Vidhana Soudha is the seat of Karnataka’s legislature and a symbol of state pride. With its majestic neo-Dravidian architecture and illuminated façade by night, it’s a striking landmark that blends tradition with democratic governance.

Stone Chariot, Hampi

A masterpiece of Vijayanagara architecture, the Stone Chariot at Hampi’s Vittala Temple is one of India’s most iconic monuments. Carved entirely out of stone, this monolithic chariot stands as a testament to the artistic brilliance and engineering prowess of a bygone era.

Frequently Asked

Questions About Hampi

Everything you wondered but didn't know who to ask.

Hampi Where Stones Tell Stories of an Empire Trek

The Lost City of Vijayanagara