Fabled Past
Hampi- treasured first city of the splendid empire of Viajaynagar, that out- spanned even the 89 years of the British supremacy in India, with 214 years of uninterrupted rule in what is present day Karnataka. Visit its ruins to take a peak into a glorious past. Extending over a100km, in circumference, Hampi's monuments evoke nostalgic memories of a fabled past. Tons of visitors, particularly from Goa, descend on the city of ruins, hang out amongst boulder - strewn environs and sun-soaked cafes. Full moon raves- Goa - style, are re-enacted in season time (best during the Months of October to March).

HOW TO REACH
By Air:
Belgaum has the nearest airport (190km).

By Rail:
Hospet (12km) is the nearest railhead

By Road:
You can get both cabs and bus, both state run and private to access Hampi. Connections with Bangalore and Goa.

GETTING AROUND

Taxis, bikes and mobikes can be hired to get to the Hampi ruins. Local buses run from Hospet to Hampi. You can join one of the organized tours out of Hospet.

WHERE TO SHACK UP

If You Wanna' Blow Dough
5 star hotels in Bangalore or Goa

If You Wanna' Live Sensibly

Priyadarshini
Station Road
Hospet
Tel. 28838
Cost: Room rates vary from Rs 140 to Rs 500

Hotel Mayura Bhuvenashwari (KSTDC),

Kamalapuram
Tel. 41574
Cost: Room rates vary from Rs 300 to Rs 550

If You Wanna' Be Really Smart
The Hampi Bazar area is a good bet for plenty of cheap and good accommodation, it's right behind the Tourist office and close to the bus-stand.
Other good options:

Shanti Guesthouse
Tel. 51368
Cost: Rs 200 per room

Rahul Guesthouse
Near Bus-stand
Tel. 41648
Cost: Rs 100 per room. It has clean rooms but common bath.

Shri Rama Guesthouse
Near Virupaksha Temple
Tel. 41219
Cost: The accommodation here is very cheap and it is highly popular with the Indian crowd.

THINGS TO DO
There are no other distractions here (beaches, fancy five star floorshows except when the Goa crowds arrive and fire up the place with their all night raves!) so get set to give it all your attention. Read up on the Vijayanagar Empire before you hit Hampi to enjoy your experience here. In a nutshell, the Vijaynagar Empire was one of the largest Hindu empires in India's history. It reached its vaulted heights under King Krishnadevaraya under whose control came the entire region south of the Krishna and Tungbhadra rivers, minus the tiny principalities hugging the Malabar Coast. The wealth of the empire came from its control of the spice and cotton trade. The empire was wrecked by the machinations of the sultans of Deccan in 1565.

Traverse the Hampi Bazar area and the Royal Centre, south of Kamalapuram to enjoy the splendid ruins of a bygone era.

It's a busy scene here at Hampi Bazar (which once emphasised the enormous wealth of Vijayangar, in its splendid spread of silks and precious gems) and amidst the chaos here is located one of the oldest structures, the Virupaksha Temple, which is dedicated to this incarnation of Shiva. Various ruined Jain temples and a massive armless, mutilated but highly enraged Narsimha(man-lion) are located on Hemakuta Hill. Trek down to the Vittala temple, 2km away, which is a World Heritage Site. It's in an excellent state of preservation. It is supposed to embody the finest aspects of Vijaynagar art, very much in evidence in its sculpted features. The carving around the Hazara Rama temple will make your heart sing at their exquisite beauty. Check out those musical pillars and the turning wheels of the chariot!

Take the Hampi Bazar-Kamalpuram road (by bike if you like) to reach the Lotus Mahal and Elephant Stables (both are a lavish blend of Hindu-Islamic architectural loveliness)
at the Royal Centre. Check out the Queens Bath and the Underground Virupraksha temple.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

Restaurant and beer bar at Hotel Mayura Vijanagar. At the Tungbhadara Dam
Check around at Hampi Bazar for simple but wholesome food at the cafes and restaurants located here.
You'll get thalis and continental snacks at Sri Venkateswara and the Goan Corner is quite a hot favourite too.
WHERE TO SHOP

The splendours of the south- sandalwood, silks, rosewood, brass- there are fabrics, artifacts and toys to drool over -Just splurge in the market.

GENERAL INFORMATION