Explore Vittala Temple
Marvel at the iconic Stone Chariot and the musical pillars that produce distinct notes a masterpiece of Vijayanagara
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
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
Hampi is an ancient village in the south Indian state of Karnataka. It is located within the ruins of Vijayanagara — the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Predating the city of Vijayanagara, it continues to be an important religious centre, housing the Virupaksha Temple as well as several other monuments belonging to the old city.
"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."
The ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed as the Group of Monuments at Hampi. Today, hundreds of temples, palaces, market streets, aquatic structures and elaborate watchtowers are spread over 4,187 hectares — making it one of the most extensive and evocative archaeological sites in Asia.
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
Things to Do in Hampi
From temple exploration to river crossings — Hampi offers experiences that stay with you for a lifetime.
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
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 dwaraka to Hampi?
Nearest station: warangal / Hospet Junction (13km) via NH-48/NH-50 from vijaywada
Nearby Attraction
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.
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.
