Sunsets, Ferry Rides & 4 More Reasons To Make Hampi Your Next Vacay Spot

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has lush paddy fields, unearthly landscapes and a lovely old world charm. This place is the perfect vacay spot for someone who loves history, wants to experience the hippie culture and has been stuck in the city for way too long. From fancy five star resorts and cottages to budget hostels and home stays, Hampi caters to the needs of all kinds of travellers. Here’s six more reasons to convince you to undertake a trip to this land of majestic ruins.

Matanga hill, close to the Hampi Bazaar is one of the best places to witness a surreal sunrise and sunset that you’ll remember for life. Be prepared to hike through rocky patches but we assure you that the view on top is magical and definitely worth the hike. Google ‘Hampi Sunsets’ and you’ll want to pack your bags right way!

Hampi was once the capital of the thriving Vijaynagar Empire whose rulers built more than 500 royal temples and monuments in this ancient village of Karnataka. The extraordinary boulder – strewn landscape of Hampi houses some of the most famous and oldest ruins {built in 7th century AD} of India like the Virupaksha Temple and the Vittala Temple. It is believed that Shiva married Parvati in the Virupaksha Temple and the Anjaneya Hill in Hampi is said to be the birthplace of Hanuman. If you’re a history aficionado, you’ll definitely have a great time exploring Hampi’s temples and palaces.

Circular light weight boats called coracles were used in the ancient times to cross the Tungabhadra River in Hampi. We highly recommend using this ferry service that’ll transport you to a different time altogether. Plus, we assure you that these rides are delightful! Another one of the major attractions here that will make you want to pause time, is a visit to the Tungabhadra Dam that has a breathtaking view of the Tungabhadra River. Sit near the dam for a while and you will be able unwind like never before.

The pillars of Vittala Temple that emit musical tones, the nine-storeyed Gopuram of Virupaksha Temple, Ranga Mantapa’s ceiling beautifully painted with scenes from ancient scriptures and the giant statue of Ganesha carved from a single boulder are just some of the structures in Hampi that will leave you spellbound and reinstate your faith in man’s abilities.

When in Hampi, you can shop for harem pants, bags, silver jewellery, leather goods and even Buddhist antiques. While you’re browsing through these bazaars, replenish your energy levels with a goli soda. Across the river, on the hippie side of Hampi, you’ll find beer and a variety of yummy non-vegetarian dishes. You can also find simple and delish vegetarian meals at Mango Tree and Suresh Restaurant {you’ll love their pastas}. We also love the trippy and chill vibe of Evergreen Cafe that serves a refreshing Lemonana drink.

You can undertake activities like trekking, bouldering {similar to rock climbing}, explore the town on a cycle or bathe an elephant, there will never be a dull moment when you’re in this village.