Hampi has a magnetic charm that draws tourists to this ancient city from all over the world. From the ancient ruins to incredible landscapes, the city demonstrates its magnificence all across, no matter where you step foot. Located in the northern part of Karnataka, the city is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Besides its ethereal ancient vibes, you can also experience natural bliss, a spiritual aura, awe-striking architecture, and many adventures.
Undoubtedly, exploring unique historic temples and heritage sites is one of the fantastic ways to enjoy your Hampi tour. But many other fascinating things to see and loads of diverse travel experiences will keep you fully engaged on your tour. Scroll down and uncover unique travel experiences that Hampi tourism offers to add to your bucket list for a great holiday.
Celebrate the Old Glory of Hampi- Explore Evocative Ruins and Temples
- Feel the Old World Charm in Heritage Sites
- Browse Local Markets
- Wildlife exploration in Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary
- Challenge yourself to do Cliff Jumping
- Enjoy Trekking and Climbing
- Hut Stay in Hippie Island
- Coracle Ride and Boat Ride
- Riding a Bicycle in Hampi
Its historical ruins and temples will take your imagination all the way back to the 14th century. Thanks to the great Vijayanagara Empire that left ineffaceable marks on history, which you can see here. Below are some ways to relive the Old Era and feel the vibe of Ancient Hampi.
Explore Evocative Ruins and TemplesBy exploring its ruins and temples, you will have a chance to get insight into the art and architecture of the Vijayanagara Empire. This city is dotted with several religious sites and popular attractions that you must visit once in your lifetime. Vitthala Temple, Virupaksha Temple, Royal Centre, and Elephant Stables are must-visit sites for your ancient Hampi explorations. Apart from it, you must visit Hemakuta Hill, which offers you a glimpse of the past through sprawling ruins, temples, and archways.
Special Mentions: Hazara Rama Temple, Marketplace of Hampi, Krishna Temple, Riverside Ruins, and Kadalekalu Ganesha
Feel the City’s Unique Charm amidst Heritage SitesThe sense of the bygone times has still not been erased from the heritage sites of Hampi. You can feel it by visiting these heritage sites, where you’ll be stepping into 1,400 years of history. Queen’s Bath, Lotus Palace, Zenana Enclosure, Old Palace, and King’s Balance are some popular historical sites in this city. You can learn about the fascinating facts and stories associated with these sites. Eventually, it gives you a different perspective to explore the history of Hampi.
Special Mentions: Mahanavami Dibba, Stepped Tank, and Pushkarani Browse Local MarketsShopping in Hampi is not just limited to collecting some souvenirs. The Bazaars of Hampi are testimony to the rich history that you can feel as you step into the markets. The flea markets and narrow shopping streets will take you to a Hippie ambiance that will blow your mind. You can see vibrant colors and incredible souvenirs everywhere. Handmade leather notebooks, hippie fabrics, and handicraft items are popular items to buy while enjoying shopping in Hampi.
Special Mentions: Antique Coins, Shawls, and Bags Venture into the Adventurous Side of HampiA plethora of adventurous activities you can engage in Hampi which will make for a great time on your tour! The unique city landscapes make for a perfect setting for these activities. Read further to know.
Wildlife exploration in Daroji Sloth Bear SanctuaryThis sanctuary has become a center of attraction in Hampi in many ways. The hillocks in this sanctuary are rough and are dotted with lots of boulders you can use as a backdrop for pictures. You can spot Indian Sloth Bears and some other species of animals, including Tiger, Leopard, Mongoose, Pangolins, Star Tortoise, and Spotted Deer. Apart from it, you can enjoy bird watching from the watchtower, located at the center of this sanctuary. If your heart craves some wildlife thrill, you must visit this sanctuary.
Pro Tip: It is recommended to not wear white/light-colored dresses for visiting this sanctuary, wear natural dark coloured clothes instead.
Challenge yourself to do Cliff JumpingSanapur Lake and Tungabhadra River are ideal places for cliff jumping in Hampi. It is also one of the most thrilling activities to do in Hampi. The height of the cliff is around 15 feet, and it is recommended to have prior experience before you take on one here. You can also enjoy the cinematic views from the cliffs and admire the surroundings by sitting there.
Pro Tip: It is highly advised to take proper guidelines from professionals before cliff jumping in Hampi.
Enjoy Trekking and Rock ClimbingMountaineering activities such as trekking and rock climbing are a must in Hampi, given there are so many amazing sights to experience all around the city. In fact, Hampi is considered to be one of the best rock-climbing destinations in the country. Visit Hemakuta Hill in Hampi for this activity and find colossal granite boulders and crags. Behind this hill, you will find Raghunatha and Tiruvengalanatha Temples, which you can also visit during the activity. There are no entry fees as such to enjoy this activity, and you can choose any time between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. However, morning is considered an ideal time to enjoy such activity.
Pro Tip: Carry your personal safety equipment and take guidance from locals to best enjoy this activity.
Collect Unique Travel Experiences in HampiExtraordinary travel experiences in Hampi will take you on an offbeat trip with a slice of history, fun, and culture. In simple words, you will enjoy each of these elements with various unique experiences you can have in Hampi. Go through the below list.
Hut Stay in Hippie IslandTo enjoy a Hut stay in Hampi, you need to head towards Hippie Island. Here, you will appreciate the laid-back environment that will let you relish relaxation and musical evenings! By staying in a hut, you can watch movies and have a soulful conversation with your close ones. You can enjoy live performances of music and dance that you can enjoy in the late evening. Staying in Hut literally shows you a different aspect of Hampi tourism that you will surely enjoy.
Point to Remember: You will have to cover around 40 km, so make sure to leave the Hampi in the afternoon to enjoy the evening at leisure. Take a Coracle RideCoracle Ride is one of the unique experiences that you should not miss at any cost. And it is rarely found in any other region of India, so enjoy it while you are at it. You can experience this ride at two places in Hampi: Tungabhadra River and Sanapur Lake. During your ride in the Tungabhadra River, you will cross the short path. However, Sanapur Lake offers you a long ride from getting one to another. Moreover, the rover will spin your coracle boat to give you a trippy feeling which will be fun too.
Point to Remember: You need to show your bargaining skills as the rovers will ask you double the money for one ride (From one side to another side).
Riding a Bicycle in HampiMany shops in Hampi allow you to take a bicycle scooter or moped on rent for a day to enjoy your ride. And the best part is that you will not be bored while riding your bicycle in Hampi. You can ride amidst the green field, incredible landscapes, and narrow roads. This ride will give you a chance to explore the Hampi at your own pace and ride across green fields, narrow streets, and along with incredible landscapes. There are many things to enjoy while riding your bicycle, including relaxing by the meadows, having some snacks, and interacting with locals.
Point to Remember: Capture all these moments in your camera on your bicycle ride, as the experiences you’ll have are going to be one of the most memorable experiences.
Bonus: Other Must-Try Experiences in HampiHampi tour will be all about creating memories – and beyond the above list, there are several other unique experiences to have in Hampi. If you have time on your tour, you should, without a thought, include the following:
- Get a blessing from Lakshmi (The Elephant) at Virupaksha Temple
- Tap on the Pillars of Vijaya Vittala Temple to hear musical sounds.
- Witness the Beautiful Sunset from Metanga Hill
- Interact with locals to understand the lifestyle, culture, and tradition.
It is time to tick off Hampi to be your next holiday destination. As demonstrated above, the historical site is going to be an experience of a perfect balance between tradition and modernity, which you will not find anywhere else! So, contact Indian Holiday and plan your Hampi tour with us. We provide fully customizable Hampi tour packages that include meals, stays, sightseeing tours, and transfers. Enquire now!
