Vijayanagara Empire: At its peak in the 15th-16th century, Vijayanagara was one of the world's largest cities with a million inhabitants. The Bahmani Sultanate destroyed it in 1565. Today, 500+ monuments spread across 4,100 hectares tell its extraordinary story.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Night Departure & Sacred Centre
Night departure from Bangalore/Chennai (7-9 hrs). Arrive Hampi early morning. Check-in to guesthouse. Breakfast. Forenoon: Virupaksha Temple — the living, functioning heart of Hampi. This 7th-century Shiva temple predates the Vijayanagara Empire and has been in continuous worship for 1,400 years. Climb the gopuram for rooftop views. Hemakuta Hill — hilltop with early Vijayanagara temples and the best sunrise/sunset viewpoint. Afternoon: Krishna Temple and Narasimha Statue — colossal 6.7m monolithic statue of Narasimha (Vishnu's man-lion avatar), one of Hampi's most dramatic monuments. Badavilinga — massive Shiva linga rising from a natural spring in an open courtyard. Kadalekalu Ganesha — huge Ganesha carved in a single granite boulder. Evening: Tungabhadra River coracle ride — traditional basket boat. Cross to Virupapur Gaddi for sunset views of Hampi from across the river. Dinner. Overnight Hampi.
Royal Enclosure & Vittala Temple
Early morning: Sunrise at Matanga Hill — the highest point in Hampi, with 360° views of the entire boulder-strewn landscape, Virupaksha temple tower and the Tungabhadra River at sunrise. Morning: Breakfast. Royal Enclosure — the heart of the Vijayanagara palace complex: Lotus Mahal (Indo-Islamic architecture at its most graceful), Elephant Stables (11 domed chambers for the royal elephants), Hazara Rama Temple (walls covered in friezes depicting the Ramayana), Queen's Bath (royal bathing pavilion with Islamic arches). Afternoon: Vittala Temple Complex — the crown jewel of Hampi. The Stone Chariot (on India's ₹50 note). The Musical Pillars that produce different musical notes when tapped. The exquisitely carved Kalyana Mantapa. Evening: Explore Hampi Bazaar and Virupaksha area at golden hour. Dinner. Overnight Hampi.
Anegundi & Return Journey
Morning: Breakfast. Cross the Tungabhadra to Anegundi — the pre-Vijayanagara capital and mythological Kishkindha (the monkey kingdom from the Ramayana). Anjanadri Hill — believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. 575-step climb rewards with panoramic views. Pampa Sarovar — sacred lake where Sita is believed to have bathed. Ancient Rangantha Temple. Hippo Pool (seasonal — river hippopotamuses!). Late morning: Return to Hampi side. Final walk through ruins. Souvenir shopping. Check-out. Begin return journey. Arrive Bangalore/Chennai by late night.
Included
- AC transport (return)
- 2 nights guesthouse accommodation
- Coracle ride on Tungabhadra
- Guided heritage walk
- Breakfast (Day 2 & 3) + Dinner (Day 1 & 2)
- Trip leader
Not Included
- ASI entry fees (₹40 Indian, ₹600 foreign)
- Lunch on all days
- Bicycle rental (optional, very useful)
- Personal shopping
Best Time: October to February. Hampi gets very hot in summer (40°C+). Monsoon (July-Sept) is green but some monuments flood. Winter evenings can be chilly — carry a light jacket.