Hampi, perhaps the most amazing place in all of India…
Packed to bursting with rock-cut temples, towering piles of boulders, buzzing backpacker enclaves and fascinating history, non-pushy Hampi has everything you need to have a truly fantastic time.
I first visited this place nearly ten years ago, when I was nineteen, and I’ve been coming back ever since. Throughout my two years of travel in India, Hampi has always been my favourite place to rest up, recharge and get blazed in Southern India.
Conveniently, it’s easily accessible from both Goa and Bangalore and every year more and more backpackers come to place to soak in the chilled vibes, explore the rock-cut temples, hit up the world-class bouldering and partying under the stars.
Backpacking in Hampi has well and truly caught on. When I first travelled there, there was hardly anybody there. Hampi had just about made it into the Lonely Planet and was still a couple of years of being fully developed. it was, in short, a backpackers paradise.
These days, Hampi has experienced wave after wave of development and the entire backpacker scene has been pushed to the far side of the river. Hampi’s fate has been uncertain for years as greedy Indian politicians attempt to steal land and cash in on the influx of tourists but luckily the backpacker scene has remained somewhat untouched, simply retreating further and further from developments on the ‘not so cool’ side of the river.
Historically, Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, a vastly powerful Hindu empire bought suddenly to its knees by a confederation of Muslim Kings. Hampi was ransacked following the Empire’s defeat and the many extravagant temples, carved from the huge piles of gargantuan boulders littering the land, were abandoned to the forces of nature.
Photo: @monteiro.online
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Hampi has an air of lost glory and yet many of the temples and rock carvings, depicting beauties and beasts, gods and demons, are still in excellent condition.
Even if you have only the faintest interest in Indian history, travelling to this village offers a fantastic opportunity to soak in a sight of real historical importance.
Related: Epic, In-depth India Travel Guide
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Grab an eSIM!Hampi is jam-packed with truly incredible sites and you could easily spend a week or more travelling around this village and only manage to see half of them. Hire a moped (150RS a day) and explore away. A few of my favourite places to visit are…
1. Visit the Virupaksha Temple
This is the oldest temple in Hampi. Virupaksha means ‘the one with the oblique eye’. Lord Shiva who is said to have three eyes is the principle deity of this temple.
This temple also has the iconic broken rock chariot. I would suggest wake up early and visit the temple so you can walk or cycle back through the Hampi village and soak in the early morning rural feel of the place. You could also sit in on one of the ceremonies at the temple.
2. Explore the Anjaneya Temple/ Monkey Temple
Hampi has special importance for the worshippers of Hanuman (the monkey God), as mythical Kishkinda (the monkey kingdom) in the Indian epic Ramayana, was located here. You can see plenty of colourful carvings of Hanuman all around the site. The vibe of the temple is crazy!
3. Chill at the Lotus Mahal
This is a pleasant deviation from the typical architecture you see in Hampi. Shaped like a lotus, this was where the women folk of the royal family chilled.
4. Swim at the Dam
Though there are signs hung all around the Hampi dam warning tourists of the crocodiles in the water, there are actually none. But just to be safe it’s better to ask the locals before you dive in.
You can go for a nice peaceful swim in the dam, the water is beautiful and clear. You could also go for a coracle ride. Coracles are flimsy, round boats found in river-dwelling communities across India. Make sure to ask the coracle guy to point out nice spots for a swim and for cliff jumping.
Photo: Monkey Inc
5. Check out the Elephant stables
This is one of the few well preserved structures in Hampi. The Elephant Stable is a major tourist attraction so expect a ton of camera-happy tourists to be milling around.
The row of chambers was used to house the royal elephants that were used for royal processions back in the day. The stables are huge and well worth exploring…
6. Watch the sunset at the hilltop
It’s impossible NOT to catch an epic sunset when you are in Hampi. Every day on the top of the ‘Sunset Hill’, backpackers get together to catch the sunset and play some chill tunes on their guitars and didgeridoos. More often than not local children who sell tea at the spot join them and sing along.
It’s a really beautiful experience. If you want something a bit more peaceful, simply stake out a spot on one of Hampi’s many boulders and enjoy the sunset by yourself.
Photo: @monteiro.online
Find out where to stay in Hampi using our comprehensive insider’s guide!
Between Airbnb, Couchsurfing, and hostels, there are plenty of accommodation options in Hampi!
Actually, finding hostels in Hampi is a bit challenging, but this is India! With how dirt cheap everything is, this is a great opportunity to avoid hostels and get a nice comfy bed and room to yourself!
Best Places to Stay in Hampi
Sangapur
If you want to see this gorgeous area without having to break the bank, the best place to stay is Sanagpur! On the north wide of the Tungabhadra River, you can relax in the rural landscape whilst still being close to the main area of Hampi.
Kamalapur
This is the nest neighbourhood near Hampi if you’re travelling with the family- big or small! whether you’re into wildlife or just fancy getting out and seeing the sights, there’s so much on offer here.
Want to save money on accommodation?
We got you. For reals.
Alternatives to Backpacker Hostels in Hampi
Most of the budget friendly accommodation is on the far side of the river, it costs 20RS to cross the river by boat (boats run till 6pm), and a few of my favourites on either side of the river are in the table below.
Camping in Hampi
Hampi has plenty of great accommodation options but if you’re feeling adventurous, it is also a great place to camp at. One great spot, among plenty of others, is Matunga hill.
Here you can set up shop with absolutely no problem. It is a great spot for sunset but an even better spot for sunrise! Do check around with the locals before you camp in other places since there are a few sites that are off limits on account of being temple property.
If you’d rather hang your hammock over pitching a tent, invest in a good camping hammock for your travels!
Below I have highlighted a few Hampi travel tips, like how to get to Hampi, and a bit about the bouldering scene in Hampi!
Books to read on Hampi
Hampi: Discover the Splendours of Vijayanagar – As you know, Hampi is one of the greatest heritage sites in India. There is an exquisite collection of monuments that lie scattered across this alluring place. This book is a great insight into the history of this village.
Golden Boulders – A great climbing guidebook for Hampi. Bouldering enthusiasts might find this book helpful.
Love and Death in the Middle Kingdom – The story of forbidden love between a sixteenth-century Vijayanagara courtier and a Persian traveller, this book is an intriguing insight into the taboos and beliefs of ancient India.
Berlitz: India Pocket Guide – Discover the ancient sites of Hampi and other heritage sites in India through this great guide.
Here are some more amazing books to read during your Hampi backpacking trip.
Top Budget Tips for Broke Backpackers in Hampi
To keep your spending to an absolute minimum whilst traveling in Hampi and India I recommend sticking to these basic rules of budget adventuring….
Camp: With plenty of gorgeous natural places to camp, India is an excellent place to take a tent. Check out this post for a breakdown of the best tents to take backpacking.
Cook your own food: I took a small gas cooker with me to India and cooked a lot of my own meals whilst hitching and camping, I saved a fortune (even though the food is already super cheap!) – check out this post for info on the best backpacking stoves.
Haggle: Haggle as much as you can. You can always get a better price for things especially while in local markets.
Volunteer: If done properly, volunteering is an excellent way to cut down your costs on the road. I strongly recommend Workaway – you pay just $29 for the year and then have access to literally thousands of projects all around the world where you can help out in exchange for food and board.
Pack a travel water bottle: save money (and the planet) every day! Stop buying bottled water!
Why You Should Travel to Hampi with a Water Bottle
Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful
You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller.
STOP USING SINGLE-USE PLASTIC!
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Traveling without insurance would be risky (especially if you are going to be bouldering in Hampi) so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
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What to Pack for Hampi
On every adventure, there are six things I never go traveling without:
Travel Security Belt
This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.
Microfiber Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.
‘Monopoly Deal’
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full backpacking packing list.
Hampi Travel Guide to Getting Around
Hospet is the nearest railhead and there are trains from both Goa and Bangalore. From Hospet, it’s a mere thirty minute tuk tuk journey to get here, you then need to cross the river and find a backpacker friendly place to crash. You can catch a bus from Gokarna all the way to Hampi itself.
Stay in Hampi for Free
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Bouldering in Hampi
Hampi used to be a bouldering mecca only for those in the know but not anymore. Hampi has exploded in popularity amongst climbers and many travel to India specifically to check out Hampi. Make sure to take an experienced climber with you if you are new to this since Hampi rocks can be pretty tricky.
November and December is the best time of the year for bouldering in Hampi. It’s better to avoid the rainy season. Make sure you have the right gear before you venture out. You can usually hire bouldering mats from your guesthouse and go climbing on the amazing piles of rocks littering the area.
Photo: @monteiro.online
Marijuana in Hampi
Hampi is pretty famous for its blazed backpackers enjoying the cheap and plentiful weed that seems to be pretty much everywhere in Hampi. It’s easy to find, just avoid smoking in the main town or you may find yourself having to pay a bribe.
So there you have it, folks, my Hampi Travel Guide! Let me know in the comments if I missed anything or if you have any questions! Cheers!
Being a Responsible Backpacker in India
Reduce your plastic footprint: Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in landfill or in the ocean. Instead, pack a tough travel water bottle.
Go and watch A Plastic Ocean on Netflix – it’ll change how you view the plastic problem in the world; you need to understand what we are up against. If you think it doesn’t matter, get off my fucking site.
Don’t pick up single use plastic bags, you’re a backpacker – take your daypack if you need to go to the shop or run errands.
Bear in mind, that many animal products in countries you travel through will not be ethically farmed and won’t be of the highest quality. I’m a carnivore but when I’m on the road, I only eat chicken. Mass-farming of cows etc leads to the rainforest being cut down – which is obviously a huge problem.
Need more guidance? – Check out our post on how to be a responsible backpacker.
Backpacking Hampi and India at large can be one hell of a crazy party at times. Take it from me, it can be easy to get carried away. It is important to keep in mind that you are an ambassador for your country, which is awesome. We can make a positive impact on people when we travel and get rid of any ugly stereotypes that may be associated with your country.
If you visit indigenous villages or small communities in the rural areas always ask before taking photos. The people who live in these villages are not exhibits in a museum. They are normal folks just living their lives. Always show them the complete respect that they deserve.
When buying a local craft, do not haggle so low that the price is unfair to the person who spent countless hours crafting it. Pay people what they are worth and contribute to the local economies as much as possible.
I know it can be hard, but do your best to use the least amount of plastic water bottles that you can. Refill the ones that you do buy! Use a Grayl Geopress. Refill at your hostel! There are plenty of ways to reduce plastic!!!
Backpacking India or any region for that matter often illuminates some of the great socio-economic inequalities of the world. Never take it for granted that you are healthy and financially able to go traveling. Show the world around you some gratitude and help to make a positive impact on it. Most of all have the time of your life and spread the love!
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A well detailed post, thanks for sharing your views. The sunset at the hilltop is worth watching.
Hi! I am planning for a trip to Hampi for about 3-4 days. Could you suggest some hippie cafes in and around?
Hi Pranshu,
There are quite a few on the “other side” of the river, once you cross over the river and walk up past the Cheeky monkey guesthouse, turn left and follow the road down.
Hey, I am so glad to read your thoughts because I really enjoyed reading this. The way you explain your travel experience is truly awesome.
Its an amazing place!
Very descriptive and detailed information about Hampi. I am planning to visit in Feb end. Hope it will be great weather.
Very Well Written
Hello Will, I visited Hampi just last week. This was a good read. I also found quite a few good cafes to chill overlooking the lush green rice fields, especially in the early morning hours. The food, however, was disappointing for me at most of the places. Also, the boat guys charged me 50 rupees :p
But, every time I have visited this place (this was my 3rd time), I have fallen in love with it even more… 🙂
A comprehensive guide to the place. Nice! Like you, I keep going back to Hampi. It is an overnight drive for me from Bangalore 🙂
Do check out my illustrated travel journal of Hampi: http://lonelycanopy.com/2017/12/14/hampiness-beyond-the-ruins/
Seema – Artist & Writer
Lonely Canopy
Informative..
I had never heard of Hampo before, but it sounds nice.
Ivr written it down in case I ever go to India to consider.
x
hi
thanks for the good reviews , i wanted to know how n wer to find marijuana in hampi….. plz guide me in this ….. coz i want to have it there itself not carry it with me …. by and finish it off in hampi itself .
Hey Will am planning a drive to hampi in couple of weeks, I just wanted to make double sure should we take some bud on our own as precautionary measure or is it available for sure in the destination
I would say there is a 97% chance you will find it with no problems 🙂
Beautiful article and a well described experience of the trip. I am planning a trip to hampi in the coming month. I would like to know one thing in particular. Is it safe to camp in tents on any of the hill tops? Probably for one night? Just to cut down on the expenditure further??
Definitely safe, just watch out for scorpions 🙂
Nice info Will, and 2 of my favourite places in Goa, Patnem and Palolem.
Been there 3 times over the last 12 months, and on the last visit, we found a place just behind Palolem at the southern end, Ourem. It’s like a small village and quiet part of Palolem away from the hassle.
Also love Colomb Bay in between Patnem and Palolem.
Take it easy and happy travels dude.