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INTRODUCTION
Located in northern Karnataka, Hampi is a historic village that was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. With over 1,600 monuments spread across 36 square km, Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its ancient temples, forts, royal structures and captivating landscape. Planning a trip to Hampi can be exciting and overwhelming due to the sheer wealth of sites and experiences it offers. Booking a comprehensive Hampi tour package is the most convenient way to ensure you experience the best of this magnificent village.
Popular Hampi Tour Package Duration
Most Hampi Tour packages range from 2 nights/3 days to 4 nights/5 days. Shorter 1-2 day Hampi tours are also available for travelers short on time. The 3 day/2 night packages allow you to explore all the major attractions at a relaxed pace. Extend your stay up to 5 days to also enjoy lesser-known sites, adventure sports and leisure experiences around Hampi.
What’s Included in Hampi Tour Packages
– Accommodation: Most Hampi packages include hotel or resort stays in Hospet or Kamalapura, towns near Hampi. Some higher-end packages provide stays at heritage hotels in Hampi village.
– Meals: Depending on the package, some or all meals may be included during your Hampi trip. From local vegetarian thalis to continental fare, different cuisine options are provided.
– Transport: Packages include AC vehicles for airport/station transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary. Some also offer bicycles for exploring certain areas.
– Sightseeing: Hampi packages cover all main attractions like Virupaksha Temple, Vijaya Vittala Temple, Royal Center, Hazara Rama Temple etc. Some also include coracle boat rides, sunrise hikes and sunset views.
– Guide: Knowledgeable local guides are provided during your Hampi tour to share insights about the history and significance of the monuments.
– Activities: Some packages include recreational activities like bouldering, countryside cycling tours or photography walks.
– Entry tickets: Majority of packages cover the cost of entry tickets into Hampi’s protected monuments and attractions so you don’t have to worry about paying at multiple points.
Best Time to Visit Hampi
Hampi can be visited throughout the year but November to March is considered ideal due to the pleasant weather. During summers (March-June), the heat can make sightseeing uncomfortable with temperatures exceeding 40°C. Visiting before or after the monsoon season (July-August) allows you to avoid the sultry weather and frequent rainfall.
Top Attractions Covered in Hampi Packages
1. Virupaksha Temple – This vibrant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River with a towering 160-ft gopuram. The intricate carvings on the walls and pillars are remarkable.
2. Vittala Temple – Famous for its iconic stone chariot and musical pillars, Vittala Temple is the most ornate monument in Hampi featuring Dravidian architecture.
3. Royal Center – This important archaeological complex has many royal structures like the Lotus Mahal, Queen’s Bath, Elephant Stables, and King’s Balance.
4. Hemakuta Hill Temples – Situated on the rocky Hemakuta Hills, temples like Virupaksha Temple and the Kalu Ganesha Temple date back to the 7th century.
5. Hampi Bazaar – The iconic 16th century stone arched bazaar located near Virupaksha Temple is filled with small shops selling handicrafts, spices, and antiques.
6. Matanga Hill – Hiking up this scenic hill provides panoramic views of Hampi’s sprawling ruins and beautiful landscapes at sunrise and sunset.
7. Hippie Island – Located across the river, this tranquil area with backpacker cafes and hammocks offers a relaxing experience amidst nature.
8. Hazara Rama Temple – Dedicated to Lord Rama, the interior walls and ceilings of this temple are adorned with elaborate carvings depicting the entire Ramayana story.
9. Achyutaraya Temple – Built in an Indo-Islamic architectural style, this temple has ornate carvings of various Hindu deities on its pillars and vimana.
10. Elephant Stables – This impressive structure with 11 domed chambers was used to house the royal elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Offbeat Experiences to Include
To make your Hampi tour unique, consider adding these offbeat experiences:
– Early morning hot air balloon ride for bird’s eye views of the ruins at sunrise
– Walking tour through local rice paddies and banana plantations
– Bouldering session at the Hemakuta Hills using natural rock formations
– Visit Anegundi Village to experience the rural culture of Hampi
– Learn ancient stone-carving techniques from local artisans
– Half-day bicycling tour through obscure ruins sites rarely visited by tourists
– Enjoy a coracle boat ride along the Tungabhadra River at sunset
– Interact with rescued sloth bears at the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary
– Treat yourself to a relaxing massage at one of the quaint wellness centers
Where to Stay in Hampi for Maximum Convenience
Ideally, staying in Hampi village will maximize your time for sightseeing. Recommended places to stay include:
– Heritage properties like Royal Orchid Hampi allow you to soak in the history amidst ruins.
– Riverside resorts like Hyatt Place Hampi with river-facing cottages and sw swimmable pools.
– Guesthouses and homestays like Sunny Guesthouse which provide budget rooms with outdoor garden restaurants.
For more amenities, consider staying in Kamalapura or Hosapete which have plenty of hotel options and are only 30 minutes away from Hampi sites. Some tour packages include stays in these towns as well.
Getting to Hampi
Most major cities in India like Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Goa have direct overnight trains to Hospet. The Hospet Junction railway station is just 13 km from Hampi village. Several public and private buses also ply to Hampi daily from Goa, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mysuru and other cities. The nearest airports are in Ballari (IATA: BBI) located 64km from Hampi and Bengaluru (IATA: BLR) which is around 353km away. Shuttle buses or taxis can be taken from Ballari airport to reach Hampi easily.
Booking Your Hampi Tour Package
Reputed tour operators like Kesari Tours, MakeMyTrip, Thrillophilia etc offer customizable Hampi packages catering to all budgets and interests. Booking online in advance allows you to avail attractive discounts and guaranteed experiences. Do check package inclusions carefully and read reviews by previous travelers before selecting an operator. With a thoughtfully planned Hampi tour package, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience exploring the glorious heritage of this ancient village.
