Building a one day in Hampi itinerary is tough, with so much to see and do. So we’ve narrowed down all the best parts, into how to do Hampi in a day.
How To Get Around Hampi
Hampi is a sprawling city which you could walk around, but as you only have 1 day you could choose from the following.
Bike/Scooter
A popular and cheap way to get around Hampi, there are plenty of places to rent a bicycle or scooter, along with a helmet and lock.
We found renting a bicycle an excellent way to get around to where we wanted at our own pace.
Tuk Tuk
Jumping in a rickshaw (tuk tuk) is a great option if you don’t fancy a bike or scooter.
Quick trips are usually cheap and shouldn’t cost more than 50 rupees, but be sure to negotiate a price before getting in the vehicle.
Tour
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
If you are based in Goa there is a great Hampi 2-Day Sightseeing Tour from Goa available to book in advance.
The tour includes round-trip transfer from Goa in an air-conditioned car, plus accommodation in twin shared room including breakfast.
This option will allow you to explore the holy city by walking along the river, enjoying the local market, and spending a day visiting the various temple complexes in Hampi.
Best Time To Visit Hampi
During the winter season, from October to February, is probably the best time to visit Hampi.
The temperatures during this time are warm but not usually unbearably hot. Ideal for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The temples are generally free to visit. They are closed each day between 12.30pm and 2.00pm.
Also please be aware when visiting the temples that there are certain dress codes that you need to respect, like covering your shoulders and knees.
Remember, this is just a guide, so you may want to mix it up and add/subtract different attractions.
What To Pack
1 Day In Hampi Itinerary
Visit The Temples
The first thing you’ll want to do on your one day in Hampi itinerary is explore the temples.
Hampi is a very religious old temple town, overlooked by the famous Virupaksha Temple. The number one tourist attraction in town!
As well as Virupaksha Temple, there are many more in the area, including Vittala Temple. Well recognised around India for its iconic stone chariot!
Our favourite temple in Hampi though was the Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple. It’s less of a temple and more of a statue.
However if you’re as big a fan of Ganesh as we are, then it’s an awesome sculpture and Hindu God to visit and snap some photos.
Either way visiting the temples is the perfect place to start when visiting Hampi in a day.
Rent Bicycles & Explore The Ancient Village
After visiting a temple or two, we recommend grabbing bicycles on your one day in Hampi itinerary.
Every thing to do in Hampi is within cycle distance, plus renting bikes will save you a lot of money on tuk tuks, and taking an easy ride around the ancient village of Hampi town is a great way to see it.
We spent a full day exploring Hampi and the surrouding areas on bicycle, and it was not only a great work out, but a great way to tour the town.
So if you’re up for a bit of exercise, then we definitely recommend exploring the town on pushbikes. We really enjoyed it and would say this is one of the best things to do in India.
Some of the top spots to visit by bicycle are Hampi Archeological Ruins, Hampi Bazaar Street and Matanga Hill.
If you really fancy a mission, you can head out to Sanapur Lake, a 5km one way trip where you’ll likely be the only ones there.
Take A Taxi Boat Across The River
In the evening, if you have time before dinner and you’re not too tired, we recommend hopping over the river for a quick sunset stroll.
The main town of Hampi and the northern section is separated by the Tungabhadra River.
If you search ‘Ferry Point’ on google maps you will find the river crossing, and can choose to either wade across to the other side in knee deep waters, or take a boat for 20 Rupees.
The boat ride literally takes 30 seconds, but allows access to a much quieter area of town.
Surrounded by rice fields in every direction, and with beautiful dirt roads to explore down, you can take in the views for hours.
There’s not a lot to do on the northern side. Although it’s definitely worth adding to your one day in Hampi itinerary to see the incredible rice terraces.
Shop The Market & Eat At The Mango Tree
Once the sun has gone down there’s only one thing to do on your one day in Hampi itinerary – walk the market streets!
If you’re looking to buy something a little different on your travels, then Hampi is your place.
Known for being the laid back land of hippies, the market that runs through the town centre is only small but can be walked 10 times over.
We spent ages searching for that ‘standout’ item that nobody else would have in their backpacks.
After the market, if you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy dinner in Hampi, then we can highly recommend Mango Tree.
Everyone we spoke to seemed to point us in the same direction, and the Mango Tree Restaurant didn’t disappoint.
It’s cheap, centrally located and tasted so fresh! Rated #1 on TripAdvisor for a reason it’s the perfect way to finish your one day in Hampi itinerary!
Where To Stay In Hampi
Luxury
Featuring an outdoor swimming pool and a spa and wellness centre, Heritage Resort Hampi offers accommodation in Hampi.
Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Every room has a cable TV.
Enjoy a cup of coffee while looking out at the pool or garden.
The rooms have a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hair dryer.
There is a 24-hour front desk at the property. Free private parking is available on site.
You can play table tennis and billiards at the resort. Services like laundry and dry cleaning are provided.
Mid-Budget
Vijayshree Resort & Heritage Village
Placed in the popular district of Goa-Bangalore, Vijayshree Resort & Heritage Village welcomes guests with well appointed rooms and a spacious outdoor swimming pool.
The Nirvana Spa, located at the pool side offers Ayurveda & Hamam spa inspired treatments to help guests relax, refresh and rejuvenate.
Spread over lush greenies guests at Vijayshree can go swimming or enjoy a relaxing spa. The property also offers indoor games and meeting facilities.
A 24-hour front desk can assist with laundry services and room service. Airport shuttle services are also available at a surcharge.
Budget
Situated in Hampi, Netra Guest House features accommodation with free WiFi and a restaurant.
There is a private bathroom with shower and free toiletries.
A continental breakfast is available each morning at the bed and breakfast.
For more places to stay in Hampi, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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