Begin the day visiting Virupaksha Temple, the most famous and oldest temple dedicated to India's supreme deity, Lord Shiva. The temple complex has numerous shrines, mandapas and gateway towers. The temple tower offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Take a stroll in the Hampi Bazaar and visit some local shops before heading to your next destination.
Visit The Elephant Stables, impressive domed chambers used to shelter the royal elephants. Today, they house a small museum showcasing the history of Hampi and the Vijayanagara Empire. There are twelve chambers with different designs, textures and carvings that are begging to be explored. After a visit to the stables, you can have some refreshments at the nearby Mango Tree Restaurant.
Next, visit the Lotus Mahal, a beautiful blend of Indian and Islamic architectural styles. The palace is well known for its exquisite lotus-shaped dome and geometrically designed arches. This was a private palace for the royal ladies of the Vijayanagara Empire. Take a leisurely walk around the Zenana Enclosure, and enjoy a peaceful afternoon.
End your day at Matanga Hill , located on the eastern side of the Hampi ruins. Climb to the summit to witness an incredible sunset, overlooking the magnificent scenery of Hampi. Spend your evening at the hills enjoying the cool breeze.
Start Heritage Walk with your family. It’s a long walk that covers the entire Hampi site, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Visit some off-beat places like Hemakuta Hill, Sasivekalu Ganesha, Kadalekai Ganesha and other popular tourist destinations like Hampi Bazaar, Achutaraya Temple and Vithala Temple. En route, visit the Queen's Bath, a vast and beautiful rectangular pool built for the queen and her maids.
After lunch, drive across the river Tungabadra to reach Anegundi Village, said to be the mythological kingdom of Kishkindha. Here, the most enjoyable activity is a coracle boat ride on the river. Another suggested attraction is the Anjanadri Hill where, according to Hindu mythology, Lord Hanuman was born. You can also explore the village on foot, visit the ancient Pampa Sarovar Lake or see the bizarre Rock formations found here for a unique experience.
If you have more time in Hampi, you can visit the other important places like Tungabhadra Dam, Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary or Sanapur Lake. Remember that heat can be an issue, and it is common to have an afternoon nap after lunch. It is recommended to avoid sleeping before sunset; instead, take a nap in the hammocks. The best way to explore Hampi is on a bicycle. If you have less time in hand, you can remove a couple of places from the list - Queens Bath during the heritage walk and/or skip Anjandari Hill trip from Anegundi.