Where to Stay in Hampi – The Best Places to Stay and Areas to Visit

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FOR FIRST-TIMERS

FOR FIRST-TIMERS

Hampi Bazaar

If you want to be closer to where a lot of the ancient temple action is, book your stay in Hampi Bazaar to be right in the heart of it. This is perfectly suited for a first-time visit to this beautiful region.

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FOR CHILLING

FOR CHILLING

Sanapur

If you want a more rural setting where you can actually relax and take things slower, my top recommendation would be Sanapur. It sits on the north side of the river, but it’s still close to the main area of Hampi.

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FOR COMFORT

FOR COMFORT

Kamalapur

This is a good pick if you’re looking for more serious comfort in Hampi, or just want to be a little more outside of the buzz. Perfect if you’re travelling with the family or a partner, for example.

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When you visit Hampi, think of it less like one town and more like three different bases.

If it’s your first time and you’re here mostly to see the ruins, your best bet is to stay in Hampi Bazaar.

If you’re slow-travelling or want nature and chill café mornings, you go to Sanapur.

If you want AC, comfort, and easy transport logistics, then pick Kamalapur.

You’ll likely end up exploring all sides anyway, as many of the points of interest are dotted around the area and require some moving around.

#1 Hampi Bazaar – Where to Stay in Hampi for the First Time

The Hampi Bazaar area is essentially the main part of town nowadays. It’s sometimes referred to as Hampi Village and it stands on the grounds of the ancient marketplace that once thrived there.

This is where you’ll find the local nucleus of town-style accommodation and services. It’s a very important place, historically speaking, and perhaps the best area to stay if you wanna soak in the ancient vibes of Hampi.

There’s temples galore and loads of interesting landmarks to investigate and discover!

• Best For: First-timers, short stays, temple lovers.
• The Vibe: Historic and atmospheric.
• Proximity to Airport: ~60mins from Jindal Vijaynagar Airport. Note: getting into Hampi is more common by train/taxi via Hosapete or by bus from Goa or Bangalore.
• Transport Level: Highly walkable to major ruins, can hire a tuk tuk for longer distances.
• Budget: $–$$ (mainly guesthouses and small hotels).
• Crowds: Busy in peak season (Nov–Feb); early mornings are quiet.

Things to See and Do in Hampi Bazaar

1. Visit the group of monuments in the Hampi Archaeological Ruins
2. Go for a little temple run from the Virupaksha Temple to the Laksmi Narashimha Temple, passing through Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple.
3. Roam around the excavations of the Krishna Bazaar
4. Check out the Elephant’s Stables, where the royal elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire were kept.

Archana Guest House River View | Best Hotel

Set super close to the river banks, this place provides that extra bit of piece that comes with having a river view. It’s got private bathrooms, luggage storage and a 24-hour desk will make everything stress-free and convenient for you. Plus, an in-house restaurant serving up all sorts of culinary surprises!

Gopi Guest House | Best Hostel

If you’re looking for a bit more of a hostel vibe, Gopi Guest House is probably your best bet within Hampi Bazaar. The location is top notch, it’s got a terrace with a restaurant, which is perfect place to meet other travellers, and a little garden as well. Private rooms only as is mostly the case around here.

#2 Sanapur – Where to Stay in Hampi to Chill

If this article had been written about a decade ago, this section would certainly be about Hampi’s Hippie Island. That was the pocket of town, north of the river, dedicated to those who wanted to take it slow and truly soak in the magical atmosphere of this place.

Unfortunately, pre-Covid 2020, authorities ordered the demolition of all guesthouses and restaurants in the area on account of its protected heritage status. I was there at the time, sitting on the highest of boulders, and watched as they bulldozed the place. It wasn’t pretty.

The best alternative for those looking for this way of life is to stay in Sanapur and the surrounding area. You’ll get the rural feel and experience some of the remains of the hippie island energy.

• Best For: Slow travellers, climbers, and budget backpackers.
• The Vibe: Rural and laid-back.
• Proximity to Airport: ~60mins from Jindal Vijaynagar Airport. Note: getting into Hampi is more common by train/taxi via Hosapete or by bus from Goa or Bangalore.
• Transport Level: Scooter strongly recommended if you plan to sightsee.
• Budget: $–$$ (budget huts, guesthouses, homestays).
• Crowds: Relaxed year-round; slightly busier Dec–Jan.

Things to See and Do in Sanapur

1. Chill by the river and meet other epic travellers and vagabonds.
2. Climb up to the Sunset Point for… you know, sunset.
3. Take a trip to the colourful Sri Rama Temple.
4. Rent a scooter and drive around the beautiful countryside.
5. Wake up at 6am and go bouldering! It’s worth it.

Om Shanti Om Home Stay & Cafe | Best Hotel

Om Shanti Om is one of the classic type of spots in Hampi. I recommend you to stay here if you’re looking for a good mix between comfort, a nature setting, and affordability. It’s priced just slightly above the average guesthouse, but it’s well worth the upgrade. Extra points for the chill common area!

Waterfall Guesthouse | Best Hostel

A gorgeous little place set in the traditional setting of paddy fields and stunning countryside. You can arrange a rickshaw pick up with them from across the river, so you can get here nice and easily! There’s free Wi-Fi reaching every room, the good old ceiling fan, and an eclectic restaurant menu 😉

Casa Green | Best Airbnb

If you’re looking for a bit more of a house vibe rather than a home stay (makes no sense, eh?), this tiny house might just be what you’re looking for. It’s set in nature as well, and its got a nice little king-size bed with an en-suite bathroom, complete with its own private open air rock shower.

#3 Kamalapur – Where to Stay in Hampi for Comfort

If you want a bit more breathing room from the backpacker buzz, then Kamalapur is your spot.

Located just outside the main archaeological zone of Hampi and close to Hosapete (Hospet), it feels more like a proper town than a traveller bubble.

Roads are wider here, transport is easier, and accommodation tends to be more spacious and comfortable.

• Best For: Comfort-seekers, families, or couples.
• The Vibe: Practical, spacious, and less chaotic.
• Proximity to Airport: ~60mins from Jindal Vijaynagar Airport. Note: getting into Hampi is more common by train/taxi via Hosapete or by bus from Goa or Bangalore.
• Transport Level: Not very walkable; tuk tuks or taxis are the easiest.
• Budget: $$–$$$$ (mid-range hotels to luxury resorts)
• Crowds: Moderate; fewer backpackers, and more domestic travellers

Things to See and Do in Kamalapur

1. Head to the Hampi Archaeological Museum and learn the science behind the surrounding landmarks and artifacts
2. Visit the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary and help their conservation efforts.
3. Dip over to the Queen’s Bathhouse
4. You’ll be close to the Hampi Bazaar, so this is a great place to base yourself as well to see all the ancient ruins.

Hotel Greenland Inn Hampi | Best Hotel

if you want the look and feel of an actual hotel rather than the one of a guesthouse, Greenland Inn will deliver that for you. It’s relatively new compared to most other places, but it’s clean, well-maintained, and the rooms with the garden view are super nice. Easy to park too if you’re bringing your own car.

Namitha Home Stay | Best Home Stay

If you’re on a tighter budget, Namitha Home Stay is probably the best deal you can get in Kamalapur. The facilities are a bit more basic, but everything is in its right place and the service is truly one of care and respect – the hosts are fantastic too! You won’t regret your choice if you stay here.

Evolve Back Hampi | Best Luxury Hotel

If you want to go absolutely apeshit and temporarily feel like royalty, this would be the place to do it at. Evolve Back is a proper luxury hotel – the type of place you think only exists in movies. And when I say luxury, I mean it… just click through and see for yourself! Valid for splurges and one-off deliriums.

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In Hampi, picking where to stay essentially boils down to what you want surrounding your accommodation during your stay, as you’ll need to move around a fair bit when sightseeing anyway.

For me, I’d rather wake up and look at a beautiful green field than an ugly building, so I’d definitely go straight for Sanapur on my next visit. I’d book a place like Om Shanti Om and base my adventure there.

If you prefer to be closer to more of the region’s ancient sites, though, then I’d say stay directly in Hampi Bazaar. To me, it’s a little more chaotic than the rest of the choices, but it’s objectively the most convenient for seeing the ruins.