Hampi Walking Holiday

It is a 4-day, 3-night guided holiday in Hampi, Karnataka, that combines jungle walks, birdwatching, a coracle ride on the Tungabhadra and a full day exploring the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. You stay in bamboo cottages, walk among Hampi’s boulder landscapes, and visit the temples and royal monuments with a guide. It is a driving holiday, so you travel to and around Hampi in your own vehicle.

The price includes three nights in bamboo cottages at a resort (Bodhi Sattva or equivalent), breakfast and dinner on all days in Hampi, and a 2-hour birdwatching session. It also covers the Tungabhadra coracle ride, guided hikes, monument entry tickets for Indian nationals, and a guided tour of Hampi’s important monuments. Prices can change with season and group size, so please check the latest price per person on the Hampi Adventure & Walking Holiday page or write to hello@outdoers.in.

Transport, lunches, monument entry tickets (foreign nationals), travel insurance, laundry, tips and personal expenses are not included.

No. This is a driving holiday, so you drive to Hampi and use your own vehicle for all travel within Hampi, including the drive to the Day 2 hike spot about 30 km away and the transfers on the monument day. At an additional cost, a cab can be arranged for guests who don’t drive.

It is an easy to moderate holiday. The walks are gentle jungle and village trails, and a few hikes involve rocky boulder terrain, such as the early-morning climb to Shivpuri fort on Day 4, which is steep. The highest point is only about 520 m, so altitude is not a concern, but Hampi is hot, so heat is the main challenge.

The holiday runs from mid-September to February, with November to February the most comfortable. Hampi is hot for most of the rest of the year.

It starts and ends in Hampi. Drive from your city on Day 1 so you arrive by 4 pm, in time for the optional sunset hike to the Bala Anjaneya hilltop. On Day 4 you finish after breakfast and drive home, reaching your city by evening. The approximate drive time from both Hyderabad and Bangalore is around 7 to 8 hours. For those travelling by train, Hospet is the nearest railway station, and it is about an hour’s drive from there.

On Day 2 you start with an early-morning jungle walk and birdwatching on Hippie Island, followed by a coracle ride on the Tungabhadra and a hike to a surprise spot. Day 3 is a full-day guided tour of the Vijayanagara ruins, including Virupaksha Temple, Matanga Hill, Queen’s Bath, the Royal Enclosure and Vittala Temple. Day 4 begins with an early-morning hike to Shivpuri fort.

We keep it a surprise on purpose. It is a hike to a striking spot about 30 km from Hampi, and you reach it by driving in your own vehicle. You watch the sunset from a viewpoint before returning to the resort.

Yes. A 2-hour guided birdwatching session is included on Day 2, along with an early-morning jungle walk on Hippie Island. This is the quieter, greener side of the river, known for its birds and relaxed feel. Bring binoculars if you have them.

A coracle is a traditional round boat made of woven material, used on the Tungabhadra for centuries. The ride is included on Day 2, after the morning birdwatching and breakfast. Coracle rides depend on river conditions, since coracle operations can be restricted when water levels are high.

On Day 3 an expert guide takes you through the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. The stops include Virupaksha Temple, Matanga Hill, Queen’s Bath, the Royal Enclosure and Vittala Temple. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the capital of one of South India’s greatest empires.

You stay for three nights in bamboo cottages in a resort (Bodhi Sattva or equivalent). Rooms are double-sharing and have attached bathrooms.

Breakfast and dinner are included on all days. Lunches are not included, including on the full-day monument tour, so carry snacks or plan to eat at a local restaurant. Vegetarian, Jain and vegan meals can be arranged.

Hampi is hot for most of the year. November to February is the most pleasant time, with warm, sunny days and cooler nights. Carry sun protection, as there is little shade in the ruins.

The recommended minimum age is 7. If your child is physically active and used to walking long distances, they may manage even if younger, but adequate preparation is necessary.

Walk briskly at least 3 km, three to four times a week, preferably on hilly terrain. Also climb stairs for at least 10 minutes every day in the weeks before you travel.

Sports shoes work, but trekking shoes are highly recommended because they grip rocks better and are usually waterproof. Break in any new shoes before you travel.

Pack light cotton clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, a refillable water bottle, a headlamp or torch for the early-morning hikes, and a small daypack. Also carry modest clothing for temple visits and binoculars if you have them. We send a detailed checklist when you register.

We recommend carrying a personal water purifier such as Aquaguard or LifeStraw.

All places have decent mobile connectivity, and the resort has Wi-Fi.

Yes, laundry facilities are available for a fee.

Yes. Outdoers guides are qualified in first aid, and the team carries a first-aid kit and has an emergency plan. The main things to watch are the heat and uneven boulder terrain, so drink water regularly, wear a hat and sturdy shoes, and follow your guide’s pace.

The maximum group size is 15, and the price is quoted for a minimum group of 4. Outdoers also arranges this holiday on your preferred dates, with the quote based on group size and the number of days. Email hello@outdoers.in or call +91-82799-29473.