A road trip from Bangalore to Hampi

Places to visit

A road trip is always an exciting way to explore the beauty of nature and experience the local culture. If you're planning a road trip from Bangalore to Hampi, then you're in for a treat. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is popular for its ancient temples, monuments, and ruins. Here's a suggested itinerary for a 3-day road trip to Hampi.

Day 1: Bangalore to Hampi

Start your journey early in the morning from Bangalore and head towards Hampi, which is approximately 350 km away. The route passes through the towns of Tumkur, Chitradurga, and Hospet. The journey takes around 6-7 hours, and the road condition is good for the most part.

Your first stop on the way should be the Chitradurga Fort, which is an ancient fort with temples and interesting architecture. Spend some time exploring the fort and learning about its history. Continue your journey and reach Hampi by late afternoon or early evening.

Check into your accommodation and explore the town in the evening. Visit the Virupaksha Temple, which is one of the oldest and most significant temples in Hampi. Take a stroll around the local market and try some local snacks.

Day 2:

Morning: Start your day by visiting the majestic Virupaksha Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the oldest functioning temples in India.

Afternoon: Head to the Hampi Bazaar, which is a street lined with shops selling souvenirs and handicrafts. From here, you can take a short walk to the nearby Monolithic Bull, also known as the Nandi statue. Then, visit the nearby Krishna Temple and the Hemakuta Hill temples, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Evening: End your day with a sunset boat ride on the Tungabhadra River, which offers breathtaking views of the Hampi ruins.

Day 3:

Morning: Start your day by visiting the Vittala Temple, which is known for its stunning architecture and the famous stone chariot. This temple is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River and can be reached by a short boat ride.

Afternoon: Explore the Royal Enclosure, which was once the residence of the Vijayanagara kings. Here, you can see the remains of the palace, the Durbar Hall, and other structures such as the Lotus Mahal and the Elephant Stables.

Evening: Head to the nearby Hazara Rama Temple, which is known for its beautifully carved bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the Ramayana.

Day 4:

Morning: Visit the Achyutaraya Temple, which is known for its fine architecture and intricate carvings. Then, head to the nearby Anjaneya Hill, which offers a panoramic view of Hampi and the surrounding landscape.

Afternoon: Take a short trek to the Matanga Hill, which is the highest point in Hampi and offers breathtaking views of the entire area. On your way back, visit the Underground Shiva Temple and the Mahanavami Dibba, which is a massive platform that was used for ceremonial purposes during the Vijayanagara Empire.

Evening: End your day by visiting the Hampi Archaeological Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the history and culture of Hampi.

Return to Hampi and have dinner before starting your journey back to Bangalore. The road condition is good, and you should reach Bangalore by early morning.

In conclusion, a road trip from Bangalore to Hampi is a great way to explore the beauty of nature and experience the local culture. Make sure to plan your trip well in advance and carry all the necessary items with you. Enjoy your journey and have a great time exploring Hampi!