Hampi is an UNICEF acknowledged heritage centre in Karnataka, India, which is around 350 KMS from Bangalore. I visited this place along with my colleagues last weekend and this review is to share my experience and provide necessary tourist information for those planning to visit Hampi.

This review is customised to serve people seeking details about Hampi, for the purpose of planning a visit to the place. For additional videos, photos and a personal experience details, please check my blog:
http://www.enidhi.net/2007/01/hampi-india-video-photo-and-tourist.html 

Hampi: Tourist Information: 

What is there in Hampi?
Hampi contains mainly rocks and temples and monuments dating back to 15th century which have historic significance. The inherited heritage of the then kings are now under ruins and tell their story with silent tears.

How much time can I spend there?
Places of tourist interest in Hampi is spread across over 64 square kms. If you love history and archeology you can spend weeks here. A minimum of one day is needed to see the most important places. You can spend anywhere between half day to 2 days depending on your convenience

Travel and Accomodation
Hampi is around 350 kms from Bangalore and 450 kms from Hyderabad. Bellary is the nearest airport and railway station, from where Hampi is around 60 kms. Avoid going by road (till Bellary) as the roads are very very bad.

Hospet is the nearest town for hotel accommodation, In Hampi many people have converted their house into guest house and rent it to tourists, which is a relatively better option (both interms of cost and convenience). Bicycles and bikes are available on rent for local site seeing. Depending on season/off season, your bargaining abilities, luxuries offered and other factors, accommodation at Hampi may cost anywhere between 100 to 500 Rs per person.

Best Time to Visit

October to February is the ideal time to visit Hampi. But post December the river thungabhadra, which flows nearby wont have much water hence you wont be able to indulge in any watersports (say boat ride)

During November (usually first week) there’ll be Hampi Utsav, during which you can find additional attractions like cultural shows, exhibitions etc. But at this time Hampi will be over crowded and you cant enjoy the natual beauty of Hampi (also it’ll be expensive)

Places to see
Virupaksha temple is the main temple, while other places are: Vittal temple, Kadalekai Ganesha (Groundnut shaped Ganesha), Lotus Mahal, Veerabhadra idol etc. Each piece of stone has its own story hence the list is endless.

Other useful informations:

Only in main Virupaksha temple photography and videography are charged, rest of the Hampi is free to shoot.

Hiring a guide is a must if you need directions to visit various places and get some description of each place. Guides will charge around 250 for half day to thousand rupees per day, depending on various factors (your negotiation skills, season/off season etc)

TB Dam near Hospet is another place of interest, go there during evening to see musical fountain.

Carrying your own water will save you lot of money. A Rs 12 one litre bottle is sold at Rs 15-20 in Hampi.

If you’re a foreign national go with an Indian friend if possible. The locals here at Hampi adopt all tricks and techqniques to extract maximum money from foreign nationals.

Hope this was useful. Additional photos and videos and description at my blog
http://www.enidhi.net/2007/01/hampi-india-video-photo-and-tourist.html

Type of Travel:	Day Trip
Duration of Stay:	2 days only
Average Expenditure:	Budget (less than Rs.1000/day)
Group Size:	Five to nine
Best Suited For:	Friends
Best Time to Travel:	Sept - Nov