Hampi in Karnataka state, India is the site of the
once-magnificent capital of the Vijayanagar Empire. The ruins
are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Hampi was the capital of Vijayanagar(14th century empire). The
ruins of the empire is spread over the area of 26 sq km. It seems at one point of time, diamonds
were sold on the streets of this empire.
Hampi is well worth the visit. The area is simply stunning and
you will be in awe of the millions of
boulders surrounding the
area. However, within this arid landscape lies a little oasis
with lush palm, banana, and mango trees nestled near the
river. Hampi is a great place to spend a few days wandering
around and discovering the rich, vibrant history while also
having a bit of 'your' time.
Hampi hosts 'Hampi Utsav' every year during first week of
November. It is a visual delight as all the monuments/ruins
are lighted in the night and it is a cultural extravaganza of
dance and music. For 2009, Govt is planning to postpone 'Hampi
Utsav' to Jan 2010 as it marks 500 years of Vijayanagar king
Sri Krishnadevaraya ascending the throne.
Sleep/ Hotels in Hampi
There are several guest house in Hampi, though staying in Hospet
or the nearby town of Kamalapur are also options. Staying at Hospet
gives easy accessibility to Railway Station and better Hotels. Hampi
is also not very far from Hospet.
Most guest houses in Hampi are rather basic. Do not expect too much.
Avoid places recommended in the Lonely Planet guide, because they
immediately raise their rates and lower their quality. A lot of
cheaper guest houses are situated across the river on the Hampi
Island (Virupapur Gaddi), popularly known as the 'Hippie
Island'.check prperly the guest house near bus stand , as those are
ill miantained and not properly clean
Kiran Guest House, Janata Plot, Hampi 09448143906. Clean rooms
with attached bathrooms. 24 hours hot water. All the rooms have
solar powered lights and some have solar powered fans, which can
come in handy because the regular power goes out regularly.. It is
run by a family and is in a very quiet location. There is a roof top resturant where you can view both the sunrise and sunset RS-350-400.
Sai Plaza A nice river view
guest house situated just across the river. It has nice
thatched-roof rooms, oriental look, and river-side location. Rooms
have double beds, attached bathrooms, swing bed. Multi-cuisine
restaurant, where you can relax on mattresses, listen to music while
ordering Rs. 350 a night.
Shanthi Guest House is situated across the river Tungabhadra.
After you cross the river, take a left and at the end of the lane,
as you walk besides paddy fields, is the Shanthi Guest House. This
is a nice place to relax, as it offers cottage-style accommodation.
The prices are around Rs.650-800 per room (as of Dec 2008). Their
phone number is (+91)8394-325352 (+91)8394-325352
Sree Rama Guest House is close to the main temple offers decent
accommodation with private bathroom. From the bazaar, turn right
just in front of the main temple and then follow the main road. The
hotel also gives electronic mosquito killers for free. The Internet
downstairs is one of the best in Hampi. Room charge is Rs.200-250
per night (Jan. 2008)
Sunny Guest House is situated across the river(Virupapur Gadde,
Hampi). It is a nice place to stay. They have a nice garden. This
place is very calm and relaxing. The prices are affordable. Their
phone number is (+91)8533-287169 (+91)8533-287169
Rolling Stone Homestay, Across the river. Really basic huts for Rs.
400 per night - based on 2 sharing a hut. Not the cleanest, constant
power cuts but have a bed, mosquito net, very basic shower and
western toilet plus a fan. Only stay here if you can deal with just
the basics.
VSL Wonder Valley Resorts, Sandur (Approx 45 minutes drive from
Hampi), . offers 66 rooms spread over 80 acres along with an
amusement park, go karting track, water sports, swimming pool, wave
pool. The resort is surrounded by Hills and just beside the
backwater of Narihalla Dam, and there is many trekking routes
covering the hills. The rooms are well furnished and Airconditioned
Rs 2000-3000.
