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Bangalore makes the most convenient starting place for any visit to Hampi; the approximately 350 kilometre distance can be covered in about 6 hours by car, following NH4 and NH13. There is also an overnight train in both directions between Bangalore and Hospet, the local city and nearest railhead to the site, 13 kilometres from Hampi. The train journey saves considerable time even though it involves almost 12 hours of travelling. Overnight buses are also available on this route.

The distance to Hampi from Hyderabad is somewhat greater and the roads are much less good, which means that more than ten hours of driving are involved. A direct overnight train links Hospet to Secunderabad.

Goa is about 350 kilometres west of Hampi, but the roads can also be bad, which means 8 to 10 hours of driving. (The southern route from Hubli through Yellapur to the coast is much faster than the central route between Hubli-Dharwad and Ponda via Londa.) There is, however, a daylight train connection that runs three days a week (check as these are liable to change). The journey takes about 9 hours but is more comfortable than with a car. In the winter months there is also a nightly “deluxe” bus service linking Goa and Hampi in both directions.

Train connections are also available to Hospet via Guntakal in Andhra Pradesh, through which pass many of the express services linking Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore. Various connections are possible. Buses also run north from Hospet to Badami, Bijapur, Sholapur and Pune, as well as to Mysore, Mangalore and other points in southern Karnataka.

At Hampi there are auto rickshaws, which are a perfect way for getting around the site. Bicycles can also be hired on a daily basis.At least two full days are recommended for a visit to Hampi, which usually means spending three nights at or near the site. By far the best accommodation is in the luxury wing of the Malligi Tourist Home in Hospet (malligihome@yahoo.com; 08394 228101), which also has the best restaurant in town. Among the other places to stay in Hospet are the Hotel Priyadarshini (08394 225838), Shanbag Towers International (08394 225910/18) and Hotel Nagarjuna Residency (08394 228601, 229009), all with restaurants. A convenient option nearer to the site is the Karnataka Tourist Development Corporation’s Hotel Mayura Bhuvaneshwari at Kamalapura (08394 241574), where simple meals can be prepared on order.

There are now numerous places to stay at Hampi, some extremely pleasant even if the facilities are limited. The Shanthi Guest House (08394 241568), Rahul Guest House (08394 241648) Ranjana Guest House (08394 241696) and Pushpa Guest House (08394 241440) are recommended. Numerous small “hotels” cater for visitors. Simpler accommodation and food can be found on the north side of the Tungabhadra, an area that is developed for “hippy” visitors.

As for shopping, Hospet has everything a lively provincial city can offer, but Hampi also offers a range of services. A landmark is the Aspiration Stores on the north side of the bazaar street near the temple, which serves as a general information centre and excellent bookshop. There are also numerous souvenir stalls, antique dealers, travel agencies, moneychangers, telephone booths and e-mail cafes. A small but efficient post office is tucked away to one side of the entrance to the Virupaksha temple.

Non-Hindus are welcome to visit shrines and temples in the region, but should dress appropriately. By far the greatest attraction for many visitors will be the temple festivals held at Hampi. The most important are the betrothal ceremony of Virupaksha and Pampa held in November-December, and the marriage ceremony held in March-April, the latter marked by a major chariot festival. Mahasankranti in the middle of January, and Shivaratri, which generally falls in February-March, are also popular occasions. In recent years, the Holi festival in February-March has also become a lively event.

The Karnataka Government sponsors the Hampi Festival in the first week of November. This is a three-day cultural program of music, drama and dance performances, many held on a specially erected stage at the end of the bazaar street at Hampi.

Visitors to the ruins should note that charges are made for entering the zenana enclosure and the Vitthala temple complex. A day-ticket for both costs Rs 5/- for Indian nationals and US $ 5.00 (Rs 250) for foreigners.

Hampi Festival

Car Festival at Hampi