Hampi
Boulders, a river and a lost capital
Hampi ruins spread across boulder hills and the Tungabhadra, from Virupaksha Temple to a stone chariot and an older village over the river.
Overview
The Hampi ruins lie scattered across a landscape of rounded granite boulders, farmland, and a bend of the Tungabhadra River. A single walk can take you through all three. This was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from 1336, until a defeat in 1565 saw the city sacked and then abandoned. Over 1,600 monuments and remains survive across roughly 4,187 hectares of protected core zone, so Hampi suits a slow, spread-out visit better than a quick stop.
The remains fall into loose zones. Around Hampi Bazaar sits the sacred centre, anchored by the Virupaksha Temple, which is still a working place of worship. To the south-east lies the royal centre, where the Lotus Mahal and the Queen's Bath pair Hindu layouts with Indo-Islamic arches and domes, and the elephant stables stand close by. The Hazara Rama Temple, a royal temple of the early 15th century, carries wall friezes of festival processions. Closer to the river, the Vittala complex holds the stone chariot, which is in fact a shrine to Garuda, along with a hall of carved pillars that give out musical notes when struck.
Hills add another layer. Hemakuta Hill carries over thirty modest shrines along with tanks and gateways, and is a popular spot for golden-hour views. Matanga Hill, Hampi's loftiest point, is the usual choice for sunrise, with the cultivated valley below and a monolithic Kadalekalu Ganesha, over 4.5 metres tall, on its eastern flank.
Across the river lies Anegundi, a village older than Hampi and an early Vijayanagara capital. Local tradition links it with the monkey kingdom of the Ramayana, and Anjanadri Hill is regarded as Hanuman's birthplace. The crossing was historically made by coracle, a round basket boat.
Hosapete, about 13 km away, is the nearest railhead and bus hub. Because so much of Hampi is open-air walking and climbing, the cooler months from October to February suit it best. Allow at least three days if you want to cover the sacred, royal and riverside zones without hurrying.
Known for
No detail for this one, so nothing extra shows.
Happening soon
Updated Oct 3, 2026Hampi Utsav
culturalAnnounced in February 2026 as an annual 3 to 5 November event; recent editions ran 28 Feb to 2 Mar 2025 and 13 to 15 Feb 2026. No dates published for the next edition.
Hampi's flagship heritage festival, with a folk procession, concerts, lit-up monuments and a light show.
Reach out to us for the confirmed datesVirupaksha Temple car festival (Rathotsava)
festivalUsually early in the year, between February and April, following the local temple calendar.
A giant wooden chariot carries the deities of Virupaksha Temple along Hampi Bazaar's chariot street in the temple's yearly procession.
Reach out to us for the confirmed datesPurandara Dasa Aradhana, Hampi
culturalUsually in January or February, on Pushya Bahula Amavasya (a new-moon day); programmes run for two to three days.
Yearly music and worship remembering the saint-composer Purandara Dasa, tied to Hampi, with programmes run by a trust.
Reach out to us for the confirmed datesAnegundi Utsava
culturalUsually between late winter and early summer; dates are announced each year.
Heritage festival at Anegundi, across the river from Hampi, with performances, processions, heritage walks and craft and food stalls.
Reach out to us for the confirmed datesQuick facts
Cool, dry winters give way to very hot summers, with April highs near 38 degrees C and about 660 mm of rain a year around the town.
Jindal Vijayanagar Airport (Toranagallu), roughly 32 to 40 km away; Hubballi Airport is about 143 to 150 km away
Hosapete Junction, about 12 to 13 km from Hampi
Bengaluru is about 340 km away, a drive Karnataka Tourism puts at roughly 6 to 7 hours. Hosapete is 12 to 13 km and Ballari about 60 to 65 km away.
Start sightseeing early and rest in the hot afternoon; Wear sturdy closed shoes for uneven granite; Dress modestly and remove shoes at working temples; Check flight schedules at Jindal Vijayanagar Airport before booking
as services are limited
Packages that visit Hampi
All packages →
5D / 4NGoa Beaches and Hampi Ruins
A Goa and Hampi tour package over five days: two nights on Calangute and Baga beaches, two among Hampi's ruins, with a private car and airport transfers.
Calangute and Baga → HampiBeaches & Coastline
7D / 6NKarnataka Heritage Journey: Mysuru, Hampi and Badami
A Mysuru Hampi Badami tour in Karnataka: palace, ruined Vijayanagara capital and Chalukya cave temples over 7 days, with a private car and driver.
Bengaluru → Mysuru (Mysore) → Hampi → Badami, Aihole and PattadakalHeritage & Temples
Plan a trip to Hampi
Tell us your dates and we will shape the route.