Leave early to avoid city traffic and reach Hampi by early afternoon; the drive is roughly 6–7 hours (approx 340–350 km) via NH48 and NH50. Plan fuel/toll stops and carry water and snacks.
Stop at a clean highway restaurant (near Chitradurga/Davangere stretch) for a hot South Indian breakfast — dosas/idli and filter coffee to fuel the day; highway eateries typically open early but check availability.
Check in to your guesthouse in Hampi Bazaar then lunch at a popular place like Mango Tree or Gopi Guest House rooftop for thalis, local Karnataka dishes and views of the bazaar.
Visit Virupaksha Temple (a living temple) and stroll the historic Hampi Bazaar street to get an introduction to the site; most temples are accessible from sunrise to sunset — Virupaksha generally 6:00–18:00.
Climb Hemakuta or Matanga Hill for classic Hampi sunset panoramas over boulder-strewn landscapes; hills are best visited before dusk and usually accessible until sunset.
Dinner at a recommended place such as Laughing Buddha Café or a rooftop restaurant serving local and continental dishes — relaxing evening after a long drive.
Visit the Vittala Temple complex to see the iconic stone chariot and musical pillars — the site is an ASI-protected area and is best visited early (typically open about 6:30–17:30).
Take a short coracle ride across the Tungabhadra (if operating) or visit Achyutaraya Temple and lesser-known ruins; coracle rides operate in afternoons (check local operators) and cost vary.
Explore the UNESCO-listed Pattadakal group of temples (architectural cluster showing Chalukya styles); ASI sites are normally open 9:00–17:00 — allow 1.5–2 hours.
Have lunch at a local clean restaurant or dhaba serving North Karnataka fare — options are modest in the area, so expect simple tasty fare and fresh rotis/veg thalis.
Short drive (20–30 minutes) to Aihole to see the Durga Temple complex and dozens of small temples — site open roughly 9:00–17:00, excellent for photography and history.
Depart for Saundatti (also spelled Savandatti/Yellamma Khandoba area) — drive is approx 1.25–1.75 hours (50–70 km) depending on route; arrive by late afternoon.
Visit the famous Yellamma Devi Temple for darshan and to experience local devotional culture; the temple tends to be open early morning through the evening (approx 6:00–21:00), but timings vary on festival days — check locally.
Breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe, then prepare for the return drive to Bangalore; pack water and snacks for the long journey (~8–9 hours) or consider breaking the return at Hubli/Hubballi for train/flight connections.
Direct drive to Bangalore is roughly 8–9 hours (approx 520–560 km). If you prefer quicker return, drive ~1.5 hours to Hubli (Hubballi) and catch an evening train/flight — Hubli airport has flights to Bangalore but check schedules for 4 Oct.
Stop for lunch en route — Hubli has good options (Kamat or popular local restaurants); timing depends on whether you opt to continue driving or switch to public transport.
Arrive back in Bangalore in the evening if driving directly; if you travelled via Hubli and took a flight/train, arrival time will depend on the chosen schedule. End of trip.