Top Things to Do in the Hampi | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Hampi

Places To Visit In Hampi

Achyutraya Temple

Built in 1534 AD, the Achyuta Raya Temple is one of the major temples in Hampi. This temple is also known as the Tiruvengalanatha Temple, after the main deity, a form of Lord Shiva and was one of the last temples built during the Vijayanagara Empire. Sandwiched between Gandhamadana and Matanga hills, the temple, however, lies predominantly in ruins now as a result of attacks on it by the Bahamani Kingdom. It has modern architecture in comparison to the other temples of Hampi. Many carvings here depict mythological legends, seen on pillars, walls and monolith blocks. Read More

Located on the banks of River Tungabhadra, Anegundi village is famous for the Aramane Palace Ruins, the Kamal Mahal, the Huchappayana Matha Temple, the Ranganatha temple and the Nava Brindavan. The village is older than Hampi and is considered a World Heritage Site. The rich culture and the beautiful architecture of the important monuments make it a major attraction for tourists.

Archaeological Museum

A government museum in the area houses a number of artifacts, remains, and other exhibits found during excavation.

Carved out of a single boulder, this Shivlinga stands at a height 3m amidst water. It is a major attraction in Hampi. The big Shivlinga is also the biggest Shivlinga in Hampi and is located close to Lakshmi Narasimha Temple. Carved from black stone the shiv linga is believed to have been existing since the Vijayanagara Empire. The Shiva Linga is constructed in such a way that it has no ceiling and the whole chamber becomes flooded with light. The Shiva linga is also rested on a pedestal that is left on a body of water that is channelled through it. Read More

Riding a bike across town is a whole new way to experience the local life, green fields and local culture. This is one of the most popular activities and things to do in Hampi, among tourists. Other than being a fun activity, it allows you to explore the town on your own. You can relax by the meadows or try delicious food at the local markets. Be sure to capture all these memorable moments in your camera. Bicycles can be rented from many places in Hampi and bike tours of the World Heritage Site are very commonly conducted. Read More

Shopping forms an integral part of the tourist experience and shopping in Hampi is no different. The stone carvings by local artists are a good piece of memorabilia to take back from Hampi. Leather crafts, musical instruments, handicrafts made out of banana fibres and cheap hippie clothes all form a huge part of the Hampi tourist experience. The main bazaar is a huge tourist draw and many of these handicrafts can be bought there.

Apart from wandering through several ruins, Cliff Diving is one of the prime activities and things to do in Hampi. Especially popular among adventure buffs, the activity is enough to give you a divine adrenaline rush. You will find signs warning you of crocodiles in the Tungabhadra river below but there are little to no reports of crocodiles ever found at the diving sites. Sanapur Lake and Hampi Lake are also very popular sites for cliff diving in Hampi. Read More

When in Hampi, you absolutely have to get hold of a coracle and ride in one. It is one of the few places in the country where you can get such an experience and we guarantee that it is going to be a lot of fun. You can rent a coracle at really economic rates and cross the rates in the ferry that looks exactly like the one in olden days. Coracle rides can be arranged for Rs. 50 or around that price and this is one of the most definitive experiences amongst things to do in Hampi. Coracle rides can be arranged at Tungabhadra River boating area, Sanapur Lake, or at Sanapur waterfalls. Read More

Established in 1994, this sanctuary was converted from a thorny forest to a lush green area which is now inhabited by Sloth Bears. Sloth bears are endemic to India and the Daroji Bear Sanctuary is the only place to see these bears in captivity. Besides bears, the Sanctuary is known to have jackals and leopards as well. Located near Bellary in the Sandur Taluk, the sanctuary is spread over 80 sq. km and is hugely important to the conservation of these bears. Approximately 120 sloth bears accompanied by various other wildlife species like jackals, leopards and wild boars are found here. Read More

The Elephant Stables served as an enclosure for royal elephants back in the day of the Vijayanagara Empire and the stables are one of the last remaining unruined structures in Hampi during its attack by the Mughals. Eleven domed chambers are seen here with a particularly decorated one which served as an enclosure for the musicians during any performances. Constructed in the 15th century, the whole structure was constructed to house the royal elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire. Read More