Hampi - The Legendary Kishkinda of the Ramayana and a UNESCO Heritage Gem in Karnataka
- Amy
- Aug 17
- 19 min read
Updated: Aug 18
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Hampi - The Legendary Kishkinda of the Ramayana and a UNESCO Heritage Gem in Karnataka
Hampi is believed to be the ancient land of “Kishkinda” from the Ramayana, where the Monkey Kingdom once existed. This area is closely linked to Lord Shiva and his wife Girija. It’s also called Pampakshetra, named after Pampa, another name for Lord Shiva.
Hampi became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, but its charm goes way deeper than that. It was declared a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1917, long before Insta reels and travel blogs showed up. This place is just built different. It’s dramatic ruins, giant boulders stacked up perfectly, temples that buzz with an ancient energy, and tales of rulers and Hindu Gods that are so powerful.
Did you know?
Traces of people who lived here thousands of years ago can still be found! You can spot ancient tools, stone carvings, pottery, and even rock paintings in the nearby hills of Venkatapura, Anegondi, and other surrounding hills and places.
Getting to Hampi and Around
Hampi is located in the Hospete Taluka of Bellary district in the state of Karnataka in South India. It is 350 km from Bangalore and it takes 6–8 hours by road, 7–9 hours by train, or 1-hour flight + 1-hour drive via the nearest airport at Toranagallu.
Ballari has a small airport at Vidyanagara (35 km from Hampi), but flights are limited. Hubballi (217 km) and Bengaluru (290 km) are better options.
Hosapete is the main train hub for Hampi. Ballari also has rail connectivity.
Buses connect Ballari well with major Karnataka cities.
Taxis are available in Ballari and Hosapete. Two-wheelers can be rented in Hampi, a fun way to explore. Having your own vehicle is a big plus.
Where To Stay
Hampi has two extremes when it comes to stays, either super fancy wellness resorts that can cost over ₹30,000 a night, or hotels like Hyatt Place in Vidyasagar where rooms are around ₹8,000 a night. In between, there are basic places like tents, cottages, and some mid-range resorts.
Evolve Back Hampi (Kamalapura Palace) - If you have the budget and want to splurge, go for Evolve Back. It’s a palace-style luxury resort inspired by Vijayanagara architecture, with private pools, lotus ponds, and a royal atmosphere surrounded by nature. Evolve Back Hampi (Kamalapura Palace) offers its own guided tours and activities for guests, so you can explore without worrying about planning. They have Guided walks and Themed trails such as the Vittalapura Walk, Virupaksha Trail, Tungabhadra Trek, and Raya Trail. In the evenings, you can enjoy “Story Corner” sessions, where in-house historians share fascinating tales about Hampi’s history and legends. The resort also arranges Hot Air Balloon rides over Hampi’s rocky landscape (usually from November to March) and on-site guided excursions, including guided treks, bird-watching walks, and cultural tours. Tariff: ₹30,000+ per night (meals included)
Hyatt Place Hampi (JSW Township, Vidyanagar) - Located inside the clean and peaceful JSW Township, this modern hotel is great for a comfy stay, tasty breakfast, and easy access to places like Hampi Art Labs. The only downside is that it’s about 45 minutes from the main Hampi ruins and tourist spots. Tariff: ₹6,000–₹8,000 per night
Hampi Heritage & Wilderness Resort (Jungle Lodges) - If you’d like to include a safari to spot sloth bears, this is the ideal base. Located right next to the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, the eco-resort offers a guided safari every day at 3 PM. The sanctuary is home to over 120 sloth bears, along with peacocks, leopards, jackals, and a variety of bird species, making it a great choice for wildlife enthusiasts looking to experience Hampi’s natural side. Tariff: ₹6,000–₹9,000 per person (includes meals + safari)
Heritage Resort Hampi - Set among mango trees and gardens, this relaxed resort has cozy cottages, a pool, and spa - great for unwinding after exploring the ruins. Tariff: ₹8,000–₹12,000 per night
Monkey Paradise (Hippie Island) - Budget-friendly and super chill - stay in a cottage, rent a tent, or pitch your own under banana trees with river views. Quiet and peaceful at night. Tariff: ₹500–₹1,500
Hampi Delmont Resort - A calm, green property just outside Hampi with big rooms and hill views, nice for a quiet, no-rush stay. Tariff: ₹4,000–₹6,000 per night
Clarks Inn Hampi - A simple and comfortable hotel right in Hampi, ideal if you’re arriving by train or want to stay close to town. Tariff: ₹3,000–₹4,500 per night
Hampi’s Boulders Resort - Set right by the river with giant boulders all around, this is an eco-friendly resort. Great for people who like quiet vibes, wildlife, and rustic charm. Tariff: ₹3,900 to ₹4,500 a night, and breakfast is included.
Kishkinda Heritage Resort - This one’s near Sanapur Lake and across the river from Hampi. It’s a chilled-out place with garden views, a swimming pool, and heritage-style cottages. Perfect for families or groups. Tariff: ₹3,500 to ₹4,200 a night with breakfast.
What To Wear?
Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially around temples and smaller villages. You can wear pants, jeans, shirts, kurtas, long skirts, sleeveless tops. But if you wear short skirts and shorts, no sweat, the temple authorities provide you a sarong to tie around your waist before you enter. The only reason I’d shy away from wearing anything even remotely bold would be to avoid the stares. Most importantly wear breathable clothing as Hampi is practically warm throughout the year. Wear comfy shoes, you’ll still do a fair bit of walking inside each site.
When’s The Best Time To Visit Hampi?
Most people visit Hampi in December and January, when the weather’s warm but not too hot, around 28 to 32°C. Plus, it’s school holiday season and festival time (like the Hampi Utsav which usually takes place in November or January), so the place gets lively with lots of tourists, events, and cultural performances. It’s fun, but it can also be pretty crowded, noisy, and tough to enjoy the ruins peacefully.
If you’re not a fan of crowds, I’d say early August is actually a great time to go. Yes, it’s monsoon season in South India , but Hampi is in a semi-arid zone, so it doesn’t get much rain. You might get a light shower now and then, but nothing that’ll ruin your day.
The weather’s cooler (around 28–29°C), there’s usually a nice breeze, and the cloud cover makes walking around way more comfortable. Everything looks a bit greener, the air feels fresh, and best of all, it’s quiet, so you can really take in the history and beauty of the place without being rushed.
Guide Services
A guide is essential if you want to truly experience the Hampi ruins in their entirety. We had the pleasure of touring with K. Basavaraj, a seasoned guide with 26 years of experience. He has studied the ancient history of Hampi and several other archaeological sites across Karnataka, and even holds a postgraduate degree in History.
Basavaraj claims to have guided well-known personalities like Sadhguru from Isha (well-known Indian spiritual leader and yogi), JP Nadda (President of India’s ruling political party), and Ramdev Baba (famous Indian yoga guru and entrepreneur). He also participated in the G20 Culture Working Group and Sherpa meetings held in Hampi in 2023. Fluent in Kannada, Hindi, English, and Telugu, he blends historical facts with engaging storytelling, something I find just as important as knowledge itself when choosing a guide.
Typically, a guide in Hampi charges around ₹2,500 for a full day, but rates can go up to ₹3,000 depending on the group size. In our case, we were five people and paid ₹2,800, while my cousins, who were just a couple, paid ₹2,000.
That said, parts of Hampi can easily be explored on your own, particularly the Anjanadri Hill, believed to be the birthplace of Hanuman. This climb involves 650 steps, and guides usually don’t accompany you to the top. You can also visit the Shabari Temple, a small cave said to be where Shabari lived, the nearby palace, and the Kishkinda Welfare Trust, where local women weave baskets and bags made from banana plant leaves and water hyacinth.
Contact details of K. Basvaraj -
+91 94480 07211
Getting Around with the Buggy (Lifesaver Alert)
Hampi is spread out, and walking the whole day under the sun can be brutal. Luckily, electric buggies operate around the Royal Enclosure and Zenana Enclosure area. If you want to see more of Hampi, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or take the easy buses that run between Hosapete (Hospet) and Hampi. Inside the main archaeological areas, you’ll still have to walk a bit, but the electric buggies are a great way to cover longer distances without getting too tired.
Pick-up point: Near the Royal Enclosure entrance
Cost: Usually around ₹20–₹30 per person
Ticket prices
Tickets for most monuments in Hampi are priced at INR 25 - 40 for Indian adults and adults from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries. For adults from other countries, the entry fee is INR 500- 600. Children under 15 years of age can enter free of charge. The ticket for the group of monuments covers Vijaya Vittala temple, ASI museum and Lotus Palace.
3-Day Itinerary (What We Did): Hampi - The Legendary Kishkinda of the Ramayana and a UNESCO Heritage Gem in Karnataka Day 1: Hampi Ruins – The Group of Monuments Day 2: Anegundi Side - Across the River and into History |
OR you may choose to explore Hampi in one day itself, the itinerary of the same provided below:
1-Day Itinerary (Most Commonly Done)
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Technically, you can see the main sights of Hampi in a day, but we chose a 3-day itinerary so we could explore at a slower pace, enjoy the stories behind each site, visit lesser-known spots, and take in the beauty without feeling rushed. One of the main reasons was to spend a full day on Hippie Island, explore the work of the Kishkinda Trust, and immerse ourselves in the local culture beyond the ruins. We also wanted to dedicate time to JSW Township, which by itself deserves a whole day with so much to see and do inside the township. I’ll unfold the 3-Day itinerary that we chose to do for you in the blog post below.
Day 1: Hampi Ruins - The Group of Monuments
Our Day 1 was all about diving deep into Hampi’s temples, palaces, and royal ruins. We started our tour at the Vittala complex. In the Vittala complex, one can see the Vittala temple, King’s balance, inscribed Vishnu temple, tungabhadra river, and the horse market.
Vittala Temple
We started our Hampi trip at the famous Vittala Temple, one of the most iconic places here. It’s home to the well-known Stone Chariot and the pillars that once made music. The temple complex is huge, with beautifully carved halls, big courtyards, and plenty of stories from history and mythology.
A short walk from the temple complex towards the Tungabhadra river is a small stone bridge in the water that leads to the Chandramauleshwara Temple. Across the lake, sits the Chandramauleshwara Temple in the quiet little village of Anegundi. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and its carved pillars depict figures of gods, dancers, and mythical creatures, all made over 500 years ago.
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
Our next stop was the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple. This temple in Hampi is known for its giant statue of Lord Narasimha, which is about 22 feet tall. The statue is carved from a single piece of stone, making it one of the largest monolithic statues in Hampi. When it was first made, it showed Lord Narasimha (an avatar of Vishnu) sitting with the goddess Lakshmi on his left lap. During attacks on Hampi in the 1500s, the statue was broken, and Lakshmi’s figure was destroyed, only her hand resting on Narasimha’s back can still be seen today.
There’s a massive Shivalinga that stands about 12 feet tall beside the Lakshmi Narayana temple. It’s said to have been built by an old lady who wanted to show her devotion to Lord Shiva. The structure is simple but powerful, and it’s always surrounded by water.
Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple
Just a short drive away, we reached the charming Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple. Built in the 15th century, it’s home to an 8-foot-tall monolithic statue of Lord Ganesha. The name “Sasivekalu” means mustard seed in Kannada, probably because of the statue’s round shape. One cool detail: if you walk around to the back, you’ll see a carving of Parvati holding baby Ganesha.
Along with the Sasivekalu Ganesha in Hampi, there is also the Kadalekalu Ganesha temple.
It’s located on the slopes of Hemakuta Hill and houses a massive monolithic statue of Lord Ganesha, about 15 feet tall. The name “Kadalekalu” means gram seed in Kannada, as the belly of the statue is shaped like a Bengal gram.
Virupaksha Temple
Virupaksha Temple is one of the most famous temples in Hampi. Its tall entrance tower, called the gopura, is about 165 feet high and can be seen from far away. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Virupaksha. According to legend, Lord Shiva married the local goddess Pampa here, which makes the place very special and sacred.
Lotus Mahal
A short drive from there brought us to the Lotus Mahal inside the Zenana Enclosure. The Lotus Mahal in Hampi is a beautiful blend of Indo-Islamic architecture, with elegant arched corridors, domed rooftops shaped like lotus buds, and intricate carvings. Set within the Zenana Enclosure, this graceful structure was likely used by royal women and stands as a symbol of the Vijayanagara Empire’s artistic fusion of styles.
Elephant Stables
Next, we stopped at the Elephant Stables, a row of 11 grand domes where royal elephants once lived. The Elephant Stables in Hampi reflect a mix of Hindu, Islamic, and Buddhist dome styles. Hindu domes have detailed carvings, Islamic domes are pointed with arches, and Buddhist domes are round and stupa-shaped. Once used to house royal elephants with a mahut standing outside, the long arched structure now stands silently.
Queen’s Bath
From there, we wandered over to the Queen’s Bath, an open-air bathing complex with arched balconies, a surrounding moat, and a surprisingly luxurious setup. It had everything from a water tank with a cleaning system to hidden showers, windows, and even what looked like a massage area.
But we were really intrigued. Despite the name, no one really knows which queen it was built for or if it was even meant for a queen at all. Some say it was actually used by royal men as a private retreat. And we couldn’t help but wonder why build something so grand, and so far from the main palace? Just one of the many little mysteries that make Hampi so fascinating.
Hazara Ramachandra Temple
In my opinion, the Hazara Ramachandra Temple was the most fascinating temple I’ve visited so far. You need at least an hour here, because with a knowledgeable guide, you’ll uncover a treasure trove of stories. The temple’s walls are covered with over 100 intricate carvings inspired by the Valmiki Ramayana, from Rama’s birth and marriage to Sita, to their exile in the forest, the epic battle with Ravana, and even episodes from Krishna’s life. Every panel feels like a frozen moment from these timeless tales.
We started our second day with this temple, which made for a fresh and inspiring start. However, if you begin your tour early in the morning, the Hazara Ramachandra Temple can easily be covered on the same day without spilling over into the next.
As I walked through, I couldn’t help but think back to my Kathak performance on a Ram Bhajan, the scene where Shabari offers berries to Rama, Lakshman desperately searching for Sita, Sita’s kidnapping and many more. There was also a striking carving of Kumbhakarna in his larger-than-life form.
One of the most fascinating panels is the Mahanavami (Dussehra) procession. It’s full of movement, elephants, horses, dancers, and soldiers, all capturing the grandeur of royal festivities. Inside the temple, the black stone pillars are beautifully carved with the Vishnu’s ten avatars, Hanuman mid-leap, Ganesha in his calm pose, and Durga in all her fierce glory.
Royal Enclosure
We continued from there to exploring the Royal Enclosure, the heart of the Vijayanagara Empire. This massive area was once the political and ceremonial center of the city. You’ll find ruins of palaces, platforms like the Mahanavami Dibba, the striking Step well, and even an Underground Chamber where secret royal meetings might’ve taken place. Be very careful while exploring the underground chamber as the steps are steep and slippery!
Day 2: Anegundi Side - Across the River and into History
We started early on this day. We drove to Anegundi which is 25 mins away from Hampi ruins and 1.5 hours away from Vidyasagar. Today’s journey takes you across the Tungabhadra to Anegundi, believed to be even older than Hampi, with sacred spots tied to the Ramayana, peaceful temples, and a climb up Anjanadri Hill, said to be Hanuman’s birthplace.
Anegundi
The name means “elephant gorge” in Kannada (aane = elephant, gundi = pit), and it’s a peaceful village on the northern side of the Tungabhadra River. The drive itself is beautiful, with green paddy fields framed by rocky brown hills. Anegundi is said to be much older than Hampi. Geologists believe the land here is around four billion years old! While Hampi’s history goes back to Emperor Ashoka’s time in the 3rd century BC, Anegundi has even deeper roots, making it one of the oldest plateaus on Earth.
Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy Temple
The Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy Temple is on Malyavanta Hill in Hampi and is dedicated to Lord Rama. According to legend, this is where Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita stayed during their exile before heading to Lanka. Here, Lord Rama is depicted in a yoga posture, Sita in chaturbhuj form, Lakshmana with folded hands, and Lord Hanuman with his palms open. Priests here chant the Ramayana 24/7, creating a peaceful, devotional vibe. You can drive up to the hilltop, which is now a favourite spot to watch the sunrise or sunset over Hampi’s beautiful boulder-filled landscape. The temple is known for its unique Vijayanagara architecture, rock-carved walls, and the panoramic views of Hampi from the hilltop.
Boating on the Tungabhadra River in a coracle
One of the most unique experiences in Hampi is taking a ride in a coracle, those round, wobbly, basket-like boat made of cane or bamboo, guided by a single oarsman, that look like giant baskets. You’ll find them mainly near Chakratirtha (close to Kodanda Rama Temple), the river crossing by Virupaksha Temple towards Hippie Island (Expect more people in this area) or at Sanapur Lake, about 5 km from Hampi Bazaar.
But here’s a heads-up: when we visited in August, the coracle rides were not available. Even though Hampi doesn’t usually get heavy rainfall, the Tungabhadra River was overflowing with strong currents from the rains in the previous weeks. As a result, the boat operators had suspended tours for safety. So if you’re planning your trip during or right after monsoon, it’s best to check ahead, coracle rides are usually paused during heavy rain or flood conditions.
Gagana Mahal Palace (Anegundi)
Driving through the old fort area, we saw the Anegundi Palace or Gagana Palace. Though small, it still carries the charm of the Vijayanagara kings. This is the remains of a 16th-century palace built for the Queen. She used the top part to watch parades and events. Only a small part of the palace is left today, but it has been fixed up a bit recently. It’s still nice to see.
The entry fee was Rs. 10/- per head.
The Kishkinda Trust (TKT), Anegundi
Opposite the palace is the Kishkinda trust. TKT is a local craft and community center in Anegundi near Hampi. It supports village women by helping them create beautiful handmade products using natural materials like banana fiber. You’ll find unique bags, mats, baskets, and home décor, all eco-friendly and which local women skillfully use sometimes through crochet, embroidery, or hand-stitching. It’s a great way to take home a memory and support the village at the same time.
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: +91 94822 52661
Address: Anegundi Village, Koppal District, Karnataka
Pampa Sarovar
Pampa Sarovar is a calm, sacred lake where people believe Lord Rama met Shabari, the old lady who tasted berries before offering them to him. It is one of the five holiest lakes in Hinduism. There’s a small temple here dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Pampa, and a cave that is said to be where Shabari lived. Surrounded by hills and greenery, it’s a peaceful place with a strong connection to the Ramayana.
Anjanadri Hill
Our final destination for the day - Anjanadri Hill, believed to be Hanuman’s birthplace. It’s a steep climb (575 steps!), but the view and vibe are worth every step. The nearby Hema Hill, Raghunath Hill, and Rishi Hill are all tied to the Ramayana. Locals believe Rama stood on Raghunath Parvatha, deciding his route to Lanka.
To end the day, we crossed to Hippie Island, a relaxed spot surrounded by rice fields and great views of Anjanadri Hill.
Day 3: JSW Vidyanagar & The Journey Back
Before heading back to Bengaluru, we spent some peaceful time in JSW Vidyanagar, a clean and green township near Hampi built by JSW Steel. This area was once known for heavy mining, but today it’s been turned into a well-planned place with gardens, parks, schools, and even art centres. We stopped by the calm and beautiful Shri Panchavati Temple, explored some cool modern art at Hampi Art Labs, and visited Kaladham Art Village, which tells the story of Hampi in a creative way. If you plan to stay the night, Hyatt Place Hampi is a quiet and comfy hotel right inside the township. We ended our day with a relaxing visit to the Tungabhadra Dam, enjoying the breeze and the views before starting our drive back to the city.
Shri Panchavati Temple
Inside the JSW Vidyanagar Township in Toranagallu, there’s a peaceful place called Shri Panchavati Temple. We came across it during our stay, and it was such a calm and quiet spot. The temple is surrounded by clean gardens and has beautiful idols of Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman, Krishna, Shiva, and Ganesha. It’s not crowded or noisy. just a nice space to sit, relax, and take a little break. There aren’t fixed opening hours online, but it’s usually open during the day, especially if you’re staying in the township. A simple and lovely stop if you’re nearby.
Hampi Art Labs
Just a short drive from Hampi’s famous ruins, Hampi Art Labs is a cool and creative place to visit. Built by the JSW Foundation, it’s a modern art centre with exhibitions, artist studios, a cosy café, and a rooftop garden. The building is made with local stone and wood, blending beautifully with the natural surroundings. It’s a peaceful spot to explore how old and new art come together.
Kaladham Art Village
Nearby, you’ll also find Kaladham Art Village, a fun and interactive museum inside the JSW township. It uses 3D displays and creative storytelling to show the history and culture of Hampi in a new way. If you’re interested in art or just want a break from temple-hopping, both spots are worth adding to your trip.
Tungabhadra Dam
On the way back to Bengaluru from Hampi, a great stop is the Tungabhadra Dam near Hospet, just 20 km away. It’s a spacious and peaceful spot with well-maintained gardens, parks, a deer park, picnic areas, and even a musical fountain and aquarium. There are plenty of benches and viewpoints to relax, and if the water level is good, you can also enjoy a boat ride. The dam is open from 8:00 am to 8:30 pm, with the last entry around 7:00 pm, and there’s a lovely light and sound show in the evening, usually between 7:15 pm and 8:30 pm. Entry is super affordable at just ₹20 per person. Closer to Bengaluru, another nice spot to pause is the Markonahalli Dam, a smaller and quieter area surrounded by greenery
Restaurants to try in Hampi
Monkey Tree Restaurant - A relaxed spot close to Hampi’s main monuments with clean washrooms and a great vibe, perfect for grabbing a bite after sightseeing. Try their South Indian thali.
Jungle Tree Hampi - Tucked between hills and rice fields, this place has a chill vibe and is close to Sanapura Lake, Anjanadri Hill, Pampa Sarovar, and Virupapura Gaddi. Lots of parking space too!
Taste of Brahmins - A simple breakfast joint near The Kishkinda Trust. Come here for fresh idlis and paddus served with yummy coconut chutney.
Wanderlust Hampi - Located on Hippie Island, this is a chill place surrounded by green fields and awesome views of Anjanadri Hill.
Monkey Paradise - A lovely new hangout just across from Tutti Café. Set in a banana grove with views of the river, shady trees, and plenty of room for parking.
Important Notes for Travelers
Shop for stone sculptures: If you’re looking to shop for local crafts in Hampi, you’ll find plenty of small stores like 'Samavitha Mega Crafts & Collections' selling handmade items, from stone carvings of temples and deities to woven baskets, banana fibre products, and traditional décor. Here they’re often sold at lower prices since they come directly from local artisans and villagers. It’s a great way to take home a souvenir while supporting the community
Enroute to Hampi, we stopped at Naivedyam in Hospete, a clean, family-friendly vegetarian restaurant that’s perfect for a quick meal or snack. It’s known for its South Indian breakfast items like idli, dosa, and vada, served fresh with tasty chutneys and sambar.
The drive to Hampi is smooth, with excellent four and six-lane highways all the way. During this season, the fields look especially beautiful, lush green with marigolds and sunflowers in full bloom. After leaving NH50, the 'Hampi Expressway', we took an inner road that was also well maintained and drove past even more fields along the way.
Tourist areas like Hampi, Anegundi, and Sanapur are now under extra watch, especially after recent safety concerns. Be vigilant at all times.
Avoid remote areas at night. Stargazing or visiting lakes late evening may seem tempting, but it’s safer to return before dark.
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Perfect!! Great insight !! Lovely write up Amy !