Things to do in Hampi

History lovers, trekkers and rock climbers all find something to love in this beautiful testament to India’s rich and glorious past. Hampi, located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River was once the capital of the majestic, influential Vijayanagara Empire and during 1500 CE, was the richest city in India at the time. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi sprawls across an awe-inspiring 4,100 hectares and has around 1,600 remains of the last great Hindu kingdom situated in South India.  

When it comes to sightseeing in Hampi, there is plenty to see, with spectacular monuments that have withstood the passage of time and still stand tall and proud, inviting you to examine its artwork and inscriptions. The Virupaksha Temple, Vijaya Vittala Temple, Lotus Mahal and Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple are all iconic structures that will give you a satisfying peek into the past.  

Don’t forget to take a break from visiting the monuments to drop by the local bazaars and eateries that dot the ancient city. Sightseeing in Hampi isn’t complete without immersing yourself in its culture. The Hampi Bazaar spreads across two different roadsides and sells a variety of clothes, spices, sculptures and souvenirs that can be carried home as mementoes of this holiday.  

Scroll through this page and discover the top sightseeing in places along with bits of trivia that will fuel your interest to visit them!  

The destinations you visit are more than what meets the eye. The stories of how the place came about, from the generations that made this area their home, to the architecture that reveals the tastes of our ancestors and its impact on our own culture and way of life, can give you a different perspective on your travels.  Hampi is an iconic heritage site located on the Tungabhadra River and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to it comprising of around 1,600 surviving remnants of the Vijayanagara Empire.  

Tired of relying on Google search results or outdated guidebooks? The heritage tours in Hampi takes you through the rich history of the region as you visit iconic monuments, temples, palaces and more, during your visit to this beautiful historical site. Watch history come to life on one of the heritage tours in Hampi under the guidance of expert storytellers to give you an educative experience amidst the ruins.  
 
Take your pick from our line-up of heritage tours in Hampi and immerse yourself in history with our experts! 

An ancient site of Indian history, Hampi was once the bedrock of the Vijayanagara Empire and the ruins of this great city have stood steadfast on the banks of the Tungabhadra River till today. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city sprawls across a whopping 4,100 hectares and has more than 1,600 surviving structures of this influential Hindu kingdom in South India.  

It’s easy to see why rock climbing in Hampi is popular. This ancient city’s landscape is a rock climbing dream, with massive granite boulders making up the majority of its topography. Bouldering is the most popular form of rock climbing in Hampi and clambering up the sides of these rock formations give you a gorgeous vistas of the dusty red surroundings and even the monuments in the distance. The city is an international hub for bouldering and you can meet many like-minded rock climbing enthusiasts in the area as well as locals who will guide you on the different problems in the area.  

For extensive knowledge on rock climbing in Hampi, you can check out the guidebook ‘Golden Boulders’. Based on the research of two long term Hampi climbers Pil Lockey and Herald Vierroth, the guidebook covers new problems discovered by them as well as climbs documented by other rock climbers. The book is available in both English and German and can be bought online or found in the Tom and Jerry shop or Thimmas climbing shop in Hampi.  

We’re so used to whizzing by in cars or buses, watching the world go by in a hazy blur of greens and browns, that we often forget the magic of walking. On foot, the world unveils itself in different hues, showing us small secrets of nature that we miss while we’re driving past. To truly appreciate a new destination, we should travel on our own two feet, discovering trails that wind away from the traditional path, eateries that can’t be found anywhere on Google and vistas that make you feel as though you are flying, but without your feet leaving the ground.  

Hampi, on the banks of the Tungabhadra River was once the glorious ancient city of the Vijayanagara Empire. Trekking in Hampi can set your love of history soaring as you walk through its ruins, monuments, temples and palaces. A unique feature of the region is how cleverly the artisans have used the boulders that pepper the landscape in their architecture, splitting the rocks in the middle cleanly, and using these sheets in constructing walls and platforms. While trekking in Hampi, you can gaze down at the city from high rocky hills, taking in the reddish historical remains and the glistening river that lazily winds across the rugged countryside.  

A bag-packing paradise, slip on your hiking boots and embark on a journey through history with trekking in Hampi.  

Located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, the ancient city of Hampi takes you through the rich past of the Vijayanagara Empire. It’s the outdoors that reign supreme in the region and with a craggy, rocky landscape interspersed with stretches of greenery, camping in Hampi promises you a unique experience amidst massive boulders and an Archeological treasure within reach.  

As Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is under the Archeological Survey of India, pitching a tent near the monuments or the temples come with restrictions and many of the locals might object to solo camping. However, camping in Hampi is still an option with guesthouses located on the other side of the Tungabhadra River. Here, you’ll find tented accommodation, tasty meals and a view of the reddish hued countryside, right outside your window.  

Spend your days in this historical paradise, trekking, rock climbing or exploring the ancient architectural masterpieces that sprawl across the surroundings, before snoozing the night away in a tent.  

How much do you know about India’s rich and glorious past? Hampi on the banks of the Tungabhadra River is the last great Hindu city of ancient South India. The monuments and structures are unique to the area, with ancient architects using the boulders that liberally dot the landscape to create stone temples, palaces and more.  

If you’re traveling to Hampi, a cozy stay can elevate your experience as you spend your days exploring the remnants of the Vijayanagara Empire. The homestays in Hampi are one-of-a-kind, channeling history and nature through their quirky interiors. With stone cottages that face the gleaming waters of the river or thatched huts that blend seamlessly into its surroundings, the homestays in Hampi bring forth comfort and luxury for their guests.  

Fall asleep to the sight of the reddish hued ruins from your balcony or wake up to the gentle chirping for birds as they flock to the shrubbery beside the river. Some of the homestays in Hampi also provide tented accommodation, for those travelers that love to rough it out and stay in beautiful places without putting a dent in their wallets.