Check photos from Day1-Day4 at the bottom of the trip description.
Why HAMPI?
Hampi is a well preserved UNESCO world heritage site. It tells the richness and the greatness of mighty Vijayanagara Empire. It was a prosperous, wealthy and grand city near the Tungabhadra River, with numerous temples, farms and trading markets. By 1500 CE, Hampi-Vijayanagara was the world's second-largest medieval-era city after Beijing, and probably India's richest at that time, attracting traders from Persia and Portugal.
What is the Budget?
I spent ₹35000 (for 2 people), 4N 5D tour to Hampi including all. I travelled by my own car.
Stays - ₹21000 for 4 nights
Petrol - ₹8000 considering total journey of 1400km.
One can expect following costs for stays and meals -
Stays - 1N stay at descent hotel can cost ranging ₹1500 onwards.
Meals - 1 time meal per person can cost from ₹200.
How to reach?
I opted Route 3 from Pune - Hampi and Route 2 from Hampi - Pune.
Route 1: Pune - Solapur Hwy NH65 and NH50; Distance: 553km
(Pune - Pandharpur - Vijayapura - Hampi)
Route 2: Pune - Hampi via NH48 exit at Nippani; Distance: 594km
(Pune - Kolhapur - Nippani by pass - Mudhol - Bagalkot - Hampi)
On this route, you can visit Gokak waterfall, Badami, Pattadakal, Aihole etc. You can have a one day tour to visit these places and next day you can leave for Hampi.
Route 3: Pune - Hampi via Hubli; Distance: 592km
(Pune - Hubli - Hampi)
Where to stay?
There are few good budget options available in and around Hospet.
Clark's Inn in Kamalapur, Hotel Malligi in Hospet etc.
I stayed at "Clark's Inn Hampi" for 1N (₹3000 per night including breakfast) and "Heritage Resort Hampi" 3N (₹6000 per night including breakfast).
Due to COVID-19, I preferred spending on stay by considering cleanliness and sanitization.
Both hotels are located very near to all attractions in Hampi.
Heritage Resort is surrounded by their own organic farms and it is a very descent place to stay with a family. They also served a very good quality buffet meal and breakfast.
Where to eat?
"Mango Tree Restaurant" near Virupaksha Temple is the best place for breakfast and meals. They are serving good quality and hygienic foods since many years. You can check some photos in this blog.
"Evolve Back" has 2 restaurants Bahmani and Tuluva. You can plan at least one dinner there. It is at 10 min distance from Hotel Clark's Inn.
"Naivedyam" serves South Indian food and it is located in Hospet.
"Heritage Resort" serves very descent quality food. Mainly they offer Buffet meals.
Which places to visit?
Take a guided tour for attraction #1, #7 and #8.
1. Royal Enclosure and Hazara Rama Temple
2. Elephant's Stable and Lotus Mahal
3. Laxmi Narasimha Temple , Badavilinga Temple, Krishna Temple and Bazar
4. Matanga Hill for 360 degree view of Hampi
5. Hemakuta Hill for sunset view
6. Virupaksha Temple and Hampi Bazar
7. Vijaya Vitthala Temple and Stone Chariot
8. Coracle Ride in Tungabhadra River and visit to Koti Linga
(Coracle Ride private boat costs ₹500-₹700 per person)
9. Anjanadri Hill and Rice Fields in the nearby area
10. Rice fields on Sanapur Road.
