Travel Guide to Hampi
Travel Guide to Hampi
Hampi is a trekker's delight, a rock lover's fantasy and an archaeologist's dream come true. It is the perfect destination for aHampi_Elephant_Stable calm, peaceful and yet exciting getaway in Karnataka. A center for both religion and architecture, this old city from the Vijayanagar Empire boasts of attractions which are untouched by crass commercialization. This UNESCO World Heritage Site turns out to be quite a pocket-friendly destination too.
Getting there
You can either take the bus run by Karnataka Tourism and get down at Hospet bus junction or catch the overnight Hampi Express which takes you to Hospet railway station. From here, you can take an auto to reach Hampi (costs around Rs. 100) or better still hitchhike on the bullock carts that come along. If you are driving on your own from Bangalore to Hampi, it will take around seven hours. Once you reach Hampi, do not miss the catamaran ride on the river, which will cost you anywhere between Rs. 10 and Rs. 20. Hampi Lotus Mahal
Things to do
The Hampi Bazaar which has attires (pocket-friendly and chic), mementos, bicycle and bike hiring shops, restaurants (big and small) and book shops is worth a visit. For the historical tour, you can start from the Virupaksha Temple which is located in the Hampi Bazaar. Here, the lovely jumbo, Lakshmi, is ever ready to be fed bananas and so are the langoor prancing around the temple compound. You can then explore the Vittal Temple, the Royal Enclosure, the Lotus Mahal, the Queen's Bath, the Elephant Stable, Hazara Rama temple, Ganesha Temple, Achyuta Raya's Temple, Anjaneya Hill, Matanga Hill and many more. The trek to Vittala Temple from the river is comfortable on foot and passes through some lovely caves, inhabited by ascetics. Hampi also is a haven for bird lovers with some amazing species found around the hills. A photographer's delight, the sunset and the sunrise are two must watch scenes from the hilltops here.
Stay options
Hampi Virupaksha TempleThere are numerous home stays, guest houses and bed and breakfast places available in Hampi. You can book your room in advance or reach Hampi and scout for a place. The rates are usually very economical ranging from Rs. 300 to Rs.700. In the peak period, around New Year and most of the winter months, the rates can increase to almost Rs. 1,500 per day. Ranjana Guest House and Shanti Guest House are two comfortable ones located very close to the Bazaar.
MetroMela's Tips
Explore the numerous eatouts in the area rather than having food at the guest house.
Chocolate pancake is a must-try.
Best time to visit Hampi is November. It has the Hampi festival during that time. It is also worth a visit during the New Year's.
Rent a bicycle or motorbike to tour the city.
Must-buys include a map, city info guide, Hampi hat (made of grass), bandana to beat the heat.
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