Weekend trip to Hampi from Hyderabad

Looking for a solo or group trip over weekend but clueless where to go? Well, if you are staying in Hyderabad or nearby place then Hampi is your answer.

Hampi is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Karnataka, India. This place gives an escape from husstles of city life. Spread over area of about 4000 ha, Hampi is a place for rock climbers, history enthusiast, religious site for Hindus, architect admirors, nature lovers and treasure for photographers.

This blog is specifically to guide trip to Hampi from Hyderabad, travel, stay, expected costs, etc. Click this link to know more about Hampi.

Favourable time to visit : Winter season as temperature is favourable and enviorment is green.

Mode of travel : 

Distance by road is 377 kms which can be covered in about 9 hours. Your options to go by road are :

1. Hire taxi/cab - appx costs INR 3600.

2. Own Vehicle -  appx cost based on your vehicles's milage, prevailing fuel price.

3. Bus -  (my favourite mode)Board bus from Hyderabad at 9 pm and get down at Kamalapur bus stop next day by 7 am. Appx cost 700 per head for an AC sleeper seat.

Train is also a good option. But due to pandemic, this route is not operational as on 15 Dec 2020. You may check irctc website for update on this.

Stay:

I suggest to stay in one of the hotels in Janata plot, Hampi. Reasons:

 - Located near Virupaksh Temple. Walkable distance to nearby sightseeing.

- very near to mesmerizing Tungabhadra river.

- Proximate to chain of local shops.

- many food options. My favourite was Mango Tree Restaurant .

Cost: Varies based on season and tourist flow. I was charged INR 850 per night as season was not peak. You will find variety of hotels from basic to 5 star luxurious. 

Tip : Go for cheaper option. Anyways plan is to discover sites whole day and a comfortable bed to sleep at night.

Pic : Tungabhadra River

Mode to travel within Hampi and Guide :

Hampi trip is fruitful when we are awared of what we are seeing. I suggest a guide is a must to know about significance of site and direction to your discovery.

You can either-

1. Hire an auto/cab for local transit to various sites. If the auto driver is kind enough like one i had, he ll become your local guide as well. I was charged INR 1000 per day. He took to all the sites and explained its significane per his best knowledge. 

2. Take your own vehicle if you came there with your own, hire a local guide for a day. Appx cost INR 2000 for 2 days.

3. If you are capable to navigate local sites through maps, there are local guides at each of the sites. Hire them at sites you think you should know about; for rest, Hail Google !. Appx cost INR 300 per site.

Place you should not miss :Kishkindha

Kishkindha per Hindu mythology is place of Lord Hanuman's birth. This is located 25 kms from Hampi center. There are other place of religious significance like Shabri aashram, Baali ki Gufa, etc on the way.

Tip: Visit Anjani Parwat aka Monkey temple during sunset or sunrise. 575 steps to reach at top.

Pic : Start of Anjani Parwat. Can you see the temple at the top?

Pic: View from monkey temple at early morning.

Pic: Vijaya Vitthala Temple, Hampi

So, finally i had incurred appx INR 4k for these 2 days trip from Hyderabad and had best time and memories to cherish.

Feel free to google and know more ways to enjoy and make best of your trip/weekend at Hampi.

Cheers !!!!