Magnificent Hampi

Temples & boulders

Hampi was the seat of the Vijayanagar empire (1336 - 1565). The city was planned out in neat grids, had a well thought of sewage system, bustling market place full of luxurious goods and bejewelled palaces.

Today, the ruins of the Vijayanagara empire at Hampi still tell a lot about a very advanced civilization. Moreover, the landscape is remarkable, with huge boulders standing against the blue skies.

"As if the landscape of huge granite boulders, green rice paddies and palm trees wasn't enough, Hampi was also incredibly chilled out and home to fantastic ruins."

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Magnificent Hampi

Day 1, BANGALORE TO HAMPI

Today you take the air-conditioned sleeper train from Bangalore to Hospet.

Day 2, HAMPI

Arrive at Hospet railway station and transfer to your hotel in a village close to Hampi. Hampi is a small farming town in the state of Karnataka, nestled amongst mind-boggling ancient ruins and sculptures. The ruins are the remains of the old city of Vijayanagara, the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the early mornings and late afternoons, the combination of gentle light and striking landscape gives Hampi a special ambience that defies description.

Stay at Shama's Cottages for three nights

Day 3, HAMPI

After breakfast, you'll spend the whole day exploring Hampi with your English-speaking guide.

The ruins are spread across a large distance between massive rocks, banana plantations and bright green shrubs. The remains of the palaces and gates to the city tell a magical story and showcase the creativity of the emperor of Vijayanagara.

You'll visit many extraordinary sites - the Temple of Malyavanta, Hampi Bazaar (a beautiful street in the days of the Vijayanagaran Empire), the Virupaksha Temple, the Ugra Narasimha Burial Mound and the Vithala Temple complex with its 56 musical columns.

At the end of the day, you'll be dropped off at your village or the resort. There's nothing planned for the evening, so you'll have plenty of time to explore. You'll get a real taste of Indian rural living, with buffalo carts, cows and goats, roaming everywhere. Sunsets here are wonderful, so do take a walk up a hillock to enjoy this magical sight or enjoy a coracle ride on the river.

Day 4, HAMPI

Today is completely free and there's plenty to discover in this little town before you head back to Goa.

Hampi was once a huge capital city in the Vijaynagaran Empire, larger at that time than Paris or London. Like Fatehpur Sikri in the north, it has been deserted for centuries. One of the most famous ruins is the massive stone carriage that is parked in front of an impressive gallery of decorated pillars, each sculpted from a single block of stone.

Alternatively, hire a bicycle or scooter and head for the dam, jumping into the clear blue waters from the overhanging boulders.

Day 5, HAMPI TO GOA

After breakfast this morning, you'll say farewell to unforgettable Hampi, and set off on a 7 hours drive to the former Portuguese colony of Goa.

Your tour ends on arrival in Goa. You can extend your holiday by staying in Goa - A Tropical Paradise.

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Tailor-made Suggestions

Ideas to personalize this sample itinerary:

There are plenty of ways to change this sample itinerary, either to extend your stay or experience different areas in more detail.

Visit the Hoysala temples at Halebid and Belur

Stay at the Hoysala Village Resort in Hassan, a convenient base for visiting these temples.

Explore the cave temples at Badami

Stay at Badami Court to explore the cave temples featuring rock cut sculptures of various religious figures.

Enjoy a remote beach in South Goa

Stay at Dwarka Beach Resort offers basic but stylish accommodation on an impossibly lovely sandy beach.

Fact Finder for this Tour

Highlights
  • Explore the fascinating ruins of the old Vijayanagar Empire at Hampi
  • Support efforts to conserve the village heritage and empower the local community
Duration

Departure

Daily from Bangalore
Not advisable in May and June (due to uncomfortable heat)

Price

From 573 USD per person - based on 2 people sharing

Inclusions
  • Accommodation on twin share basis at selected hotel
  • Stay on bed & breakfast basis
  • Overnight air-conditioned train (2-tier) from Bangalore to Hospet
  • English-speaking local guide for tour of Hampi
  • Transport by air-conditioned vehicle with private chauffeur
  • All transfers as per the itinerary
Tour price excludes
  • International flights
  • Entrance fees to historical monuments