Photo: Pavan Kumaar / UnsplashHampi
Karnataka, India
The ruins of a 14th-century imperial capital scattered across a landscape of giant boulders. Hampi is best explored slowly, by bicycle, with sunrises and sunsets from the rocks.
- Backpacker / day
- ₹1,300–2,300
- Mid-range / day
- ₹3,600–7,000
- Best time
- October to February
- Ideal length
- 3–4 days
Day by day
3-day itinerary
₹3,900–6,900per person on a backpacker budget (estimate), excluding travel to get there
- 1
Day 1: Sacred centre
Virupaksha Temple, the riverside walk to Vittala Temple and its stone chariot, and sunset from Hemakuta Hill.
- 2
Day 2: Royal centre
Sunrise from Matanga Hill, then the Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, Queen's Bath, and the stepped tank.
- 3
Day 3: Across the river
Cross to Virupapur Gaddi and Anegundi, climb Anjanadri Hill (575 steps) for sunset, and take a coracle ride.
When to go
- Jan★ Best
- Feb★ Best
- Mar—
- Apr—
- May—
- Jun—
- Jul—
- Aug—
- Sep—
- Oct★ Best
- Nov★ Best
- Dec★ Best
October to February.
Money notes
Most of Hampi's sites are free. The Vittala Temple ticket also covers the Lotus Mahal (Zenana Enclosure) and the Elephant Stables on the same day; foreign nationals pay a higher rate.