I was getting bored of my routine life in Bangalore, and a solo trip to Hampi seemed like a really good escape. This is going to be my first solo trip , I was nervous because as a women feeling unsafe, but it turned out to be a best trip.
I booked my bus tickets one afternoon, and left for Hampi the very same night.
Why go to Hampi?
Peaceful place; away from the chaos of city life. Forget 3G, most areas barely any phone network.
Where to stay?
Hampi Island, undoubtedly. Spending a night at a cottage in this ‘hippie island’ is truly a best experience. Most guest houses here have open-air dining areas, with music being played in the background and you can sit there for however long you want, and do whatever you want – eat, drink, chill or play cards. If you’re travelling solo, then Hampi Island is THE PLACE to meet new people.
To reach Hampi island, you need cross the river. Try the coracle ride instead of the normal boats. It’s a great experience, and costs barely Rs 100 per person. The last boat is at 6pm, so plan your travel schedule accordingly.
To spend a night in Hampi’s ‘Hippie Island’. Hippie island is a paradise and is on the list of every wanderlust lover.
How to reach Hampi?
Train:-
Hospet is the nearest railway station from Hampi (about 10km).
Bus :-
There are a lot of buses from Bangalore to both Hospet & Hampi. If you’re getting down at Hospet, then you can take a local bus from Hospet to Hampi, which is at a frequency of every ten minutes .
Hotel Malligi in Hospet has an amazing swimming pool, which costs not much for non-members. The rooms at Hotel Malligi are really expensive, but the swimming pool is worth it if you’re looking to kill some free time in Hospet.
If you’re a solo traveller, or if you’re going with a group of youngsters, then cycling is the best way to explore Hampi. Buy a map from Hampi bazaar, and explore everything yourself.
Since Hampi is a historical place, hiring a tour guide does help a lot. There’s no point in staring at a temple if you don’t really know its significance or the history behind it.
Where to Eat in Hampi?
Hampi is strictly a vegetarian and non-alchoholic place. However if you do want non-veg food or booze, then you need to go to the ‘Hippie Island’. These restaurants below are a must visit in Hampi.
Mango Tree restaurant: Located in Hampi Bazaar. Hygienic food, great place to chill, music in the background, & tourist friendly.
Tibetan Kitchen –
Evergreen restaurant:-
What to see in Hampi?
Most tourist attractions in Hampi close by 6pm. Plan your itinerary in such a way that you checkout the monuments during the day, and cross the river to go to the other side of the island after sunset.
These ones mentioned below are a must-visit. Virupaksha Temple –
The first thing you’ll see as soon as you enter Hampi.
Lotus Mahal
Vittala Temple and Stone Chariot –
You need to pass through jungles and boulders to get there, and for that reason Vittala temple is not included in most cycling tours. We seperately cycled to Vittala temple, passing through forest areas and slippery rocks. You should do it too, if you’re up for some adventure.
Vittala temple is known for musical pillars, which produce a sound when tapped on the top side. Don’t miss that.
Matanga Hills – Best place in Hampi for sunrise view. You need to climb approx 500 steps to get there.
Step Bath & Queen’s bath Monkey temple. Underground Temple. Mahanavami Dibba – You have to climb more than 50 stairs to get to the top, and it’s an amazing view. It was quite windy when I reached at the top. Perfect place to meditate Hampi has a lot to offer – For travellers, backpackers, history buffs & worshippers. Whether you’re going solo or in a group; if you wanna do cycling, trekking, swimming or rock climbing, or if you wanna just sit and chill – Hampi has something in store for everyone. And all this is amidst the deserted ruins of a five hundred year old empire!
Step Bath & Queen’s bath:-
Mahanavami Dibba :–
You have to climb more than 50 stairs to get to the top, and it’s an amazing view. It was quite windy when I reached at the top. Perfect place to meditate .
Hampi has a lot to offer – For travellers, backpackers, history buffs & worshippers. Whether you’re going solo or in a group; if you wanna do cycling, trekking, swimming or rock climbing, or if you wanna just sit and chill – Hampi has something in store for everyone. And all this is amidst the deserted ruins of a five hundred year old empire!