7 Amazing Things to do in Hampi: A Backpacker’s Travel Guide

India is a country that constantly surprises me. Over my past 2 trips, I’ve only seen a tiny portion of the country but each place is always drastically different from the last. My first port of call on this trip was Hampi: an ancient city in the heart of Karnataka. I had seen pictures of it online before, but nothing could prepare me for actually seeing it “in the flesh.” Or, for the sheer amount of amazing things to do in Hampi.

As I walked around Hampi, I would sporadically stop and think to myself, “I wonder if this is what Jordan is like”, “I wonder if this is what Rome is like”, “I wonder if this is what Athens is like.” But, truth be told, Hampi is like absolutely nowhere else on the planet. It has stories, and a feeling, all of its own. You need to go there to experience it and learn about it for yourself.

The closest thing I could even compare it to would be Bedrock from The Flintstones, or Jurassic Park. It was so surreal walking around what felt like the backdrop for a movie or a scene from a history book. Huge volcanic boulders, palm trees, rice fields and ancient ruins can be seen for miles. Get yourself to a vantage point (which, by the way, there are plenty of) and you’ll have the best view in the house.

First Things First: Understanding the Two Sides of Hampi

Hampi has two main tourist areas- Hampi Bazaar on the mainland and a small island across the river called Virpapura Gadde, affectionately referred to by backpackers as “Hippie Island.” As the two areas are separated by a river, you need to take a “ferry” to get between them.  I say “ferry” because I think that word is a pretty generous description of the boat. Take your expectations and lower them by least 5 points…

The so-called “ferry” usually runs between 6.30am and 5.30pm and costs 10 rupees to ride. If the ferry isn’t full, you might need to wait on more people to come, or you can take a private boat across for 50 rupees. The private boat is like a big round basket- I took it one time just to experience the novelty of it and felt like Moses floating down the Nile… (I think most backpackers will agree that this is one of the most quintessential things to do in Hampi!)

Both areas have their charms- Hippie Island is the backpacker hub while Hampi Bazarr is a bit more local. It should also be noted that alcohol is mainly served on Hippie Island but is quite strictly prohibited on the Hampi Bazaar side. (And, psssst- Hippie Island is the place to be for Bhang Lassis, although Ravi Rose’s in the Hampi Bazaar also sells them… but you didn’t hear it from me!) I opted to stay in Hampi Bazaar since it’s the closest to all the ruins. Both sides of the island are full of accommodation that’s suitable for budget backpackers!

Amazing Things to do in Hampi

What Did I Get Up To?

Having taken the overnight train from Hyderabad to Hampi, I was in total zombie mode when I arrived. So much so that I actually spent my first day napping, catching up on blogging and only leaving my guesthouse to eat my favourite Indian dish, malai kofta. #badtravelller

But, still, in the 3 days that I spent there, I managed to enjoy some of the most amazing things to do in Hampi- keep reading to discover them for yourself!

Exploring Hippie Island by Scooter

Let’s just say that breaking my scooting cherry wasn’t actually on my planned list of things to do in Hampi.

After spending my first night in Hampi resting, I wanted to spend the next day taking it easy. I made my way over to the laidback Hippie Island where my plan was to hire a bicycle and cycle around some of the lesser known ruins. When I arrived, I was told that there were absolutely no bicycles on that side of the island (which was probably BS) and that I would need to hire a scooter.

I told the guy there was no way I could ride a scooter since I don’t even have a driver’s license (and I also have a severe lack of coordination) but he assured me it would be fine, gave me a 5-minute scooter lesson and sent me on my way- toot toot!

I don’t like to brag much but I was actually pretty good at it! It’s even made me consider finally joining the real world and getting a driver’s license just so that I can hire scooters in other countries, too. Oh, and I should add (to keep my mum happy) that I payed an extra 50 rupees for a helmet which was very sensible of me. (Brownie points, please?!)

If you want to take your life into your own hands and brave the crazy Indian roads like I did (I jest- it was genuinely one of the widest, quietest roads I’ve ever been on…), you can hire a scooter for 150 rupees. I paid 90 rupees for a litre of petrol but I think I probably got ripped off by the guy. I have no clue how much these things cost in the real world since I’ve never been a driver!  Educate yourself before you go- I got caught off guard since hiring a scooter was never on the cards for me.

Getting around is easy because it’s basically a one way street. Drive to the end of the island, cross the bridge and go right for temples and left to swim in the lake. There’s absolutely no need for a map.

Hanuman Temple

The first stop of the day on my scooter tour was the Hanuman Temple, also known as the monkey temple. It’s on top of a mountain and you need to climb up 650 steps to get there but the view at the top makes it all worth it!

This is at the top of my list of things to do in Hampi- look at that view!

Anegundi

Anegunda is an area that’s fairly far out but that allows you to see lots of ancient ruins- without all the tourists. If you hire a scooter, make sure you go here!

Sanapur Lake

The lake is a popular place for swimming among both international and domestic tourists. I found it quite difficult to find but there are loads of locals along the way who’ll be happy to help. Oh, and don’t worry, there are supposedly no crocodiles. I forgot my cozzie so couldn’t go for a dip!

Taking a Hampi City Tour

After my failed attempt at cycling on, you know, an actual bicycle, I was still determined to fit in a bit of cycling in Hampi. On my third day, I came across a guy offering bike tours around the main ruins so I signed myself right up. However, the cycle gods were obviously against me and we got told (after an hour of waiting on other people to join the tour) that it was too hot to cycle and that we’d be going by tuk-tuk instead.

I was pretty annoyed but couldn’t be bothered arguing or signing up for another tour to wait an hour and then get told the same thing again. One thing that I think is really important when you’re travelling in India is to lower your expectations, be flexible and roll with the punches. Trust me, if you don’t you’ll drive yourself insane!

To be honest, I wasn’t all that impressed with the random “bike” (tuk-tuk) tour that I went on.

I was origianlly supposed to be touring Hampi with Go Mowgli but, due to strikes throughout Karnataka, the guys weren’t able to make it up to show me around. Having taken tours with them in Mysore, I would definitely recommend this option instead, especially if you want to learn more about the stories behind what you are seeing. Indian history is extremely complex and, with the addition of the millions of Hindu gods, it can be difficult to keep track!

Hampi City Tour with Go Mowgli

Taking a city tour is one of the best things to do in Hampi since you get to see all the main ruins in a short amount of time- make sure you do one!

Other Things to do in Hampi: What I Wish I’d Done!

I definitely didn’t manage to make my way through all the things to do in Hampi, but at least I tried! Of everything I missed, these are the things I really wish I’d made some time for.

Watch a Sunset at Hampi Bazaar

Of all the things to do in Hampi, the thing that I was most gutted about missing was seeing a sunset or sunrise. The main spot for sunset and sunrise in Hampi Bazaar is Mangua Hill while on Hippie Island, you should head for Hanuman Temple. I put off doing the hike up Mangua until the last night and it ended up being really drizzly that day- not ideal weather for climbing up boulders.

Rock Climbing in Hampi

Hampi is also a famous place for rock climbing and there are tour companies that can arrange trips and lessons on Hippie Island. If you want to do this, it’s best to stay on that side of the river. Most of the lessons are either early in the morning or later in the afternoon making it difficult to get to from Hampi Bazaar.

Where to Stay in Hampi

Most tourists decide to stay in either Hampi Bazaar or Hippie Island. I stayed at Thilak Homestay in the Hampi Bazaar.

This is a great option for people looking for a bit more comfort, without breaking the bank too much.

My room had air conditioning, hot water and even a T.V so I was quite happy chilling out and getting over my jet lag there. Kishor, the homestay owner was extremely friendly and helpful and made me feel right at home there.  I’d definitely recommend it to any looking for a good value mid-range option.

Click here to book a room at Thilak Home Stay

I originally chose this hotel because it has a rooftop restaurant which I thought would be great for meeting other backpackers. Unfortunately, in the low season, Kishor closes the restaurant. Guests still have access to the roof, though, which has an amazing view out over the ruins and the river.

Kishor also has his own restaurant nearby called Chillout in Bamboo which is in a great riverside spot for grabbing some breakfast.

For travellers on a budget, Hampi Bazaar has a lot of basic accommodation in the area with double rooms for under 500 rupees. On Hippie Island you can find some simple huts to stay in for really cheap, too.

Although Hampi Bazaar’s backpacker scene isn’t as buzzing as Hippie Island’s, it feels a bit more local and authentic than the other side. I loved having this view over the ruins when I woke up in the morning and being close to all the best things to do in Hampi.

Where to Eat in Hampi

In Hampi Bazaar, I tried out a few different restaurants however, Gopi Restaurant was definitely my favourite! Although they had a similar menu to most of the other restaurants- curries, pizzas, pastas, Israeli food, the service stood out from the rest and it also had a better atmosphere. I ate here a few times and it was always busy despite it being off season.

Chill Out Restaurant, which is right across the road from Thilak Homestay is another good place to meet other backpackers and have tasty food- I ate here twice and really enjoyed it.

On Hippie Island there are a lot of restaurants, all selling the usual “tourist cuisine.” The only place I tried was the German Bakery but their famous pizzas were sadly sold out- maybe next time!

Solo Female Travel in Hampi: Meeting Other Backpackers

As Hampi doesn’t have any hostels, meeting people can be a bit of a challenge. Although I don’t always like to recommend it, heading to the places in Lonely Planet is always a good way to meet other people when travelling solo. Finding accommodation with an attached restaurant is also a good shout since most travellers like to hang out in communal areas.

Aside from that, I’d recommend going on tours such as the Go Mowgli city tour that I mentioned before. If you’re really worried about meeting people, head to Goa first where you will definitely meet people who are also heading to Hampi- although that could be a bit of hassle if it’s not on your itinerary!

How to Get to Hampi

Most people will arrive in Hampi via Hospet. From here you can either take a tuk-tuk or bus into Hampi. The bus takes 30 minutes and costs 15 rupees. A tuk-tuk is slightly faster but will cost between 150 and 250 rupees depending on your bargaining skills.

Let me know, have you been to Hampi? I barely even scratched the surface so I would love to hear about any other things not to miss! I’ve got a feeling I’ll return again one day….

Disclaimer: I was a guest of Thilak Homestay and have also been a guest of Go Mowgli, too. However, as always, all opinions are my own.