Exploring Ancient Wonders: 3-Day Hampi and Badami Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Initial Exploration

Hampi, India on May 15, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Mango Tree Restaurant

Start your day with a hearty South Indian breakfast at Mango Tree, known for fresh and authentic dosas and filter coffee. Opens from 7:00 AM.
INR200, 1h0m

8:45AM

Virupaksha Temple Visit

Visit this 7th-century temple, one of Hampi's most iconic spiritual sites, renowned for its towering gopuram and intricate carvings. Opens from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
INR0, 1h30m

10:30AM

Hampi Bazaar

Explore the historic market street lined with ruins, shops, and local artisans. It's a great place to soak in the local culture and pick up souvenirs.
INR0, 45m

11:30AM

Lunch at Laughing Buddha Café

Enjoy a fresh, wholesome meal with options from local and international cuisines, including vegan dishes. Opens 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
INR350, 1h0m

12:45PM

Vijaya Vittala Temple

Explore the ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its stone chariot and musical pillars. Site is open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
INR500, 2h0m

3:00PM

Sunset at Matanga Hill

Hike moderately up Matanga Hill for panoramic sunset views over Hampi’s ruins, perfect for photography and reflection.
INR0, 2h0m

6:00PM

Dinner at Mango Tree Restaurant

Return for dinner featuring their specialty grilled dishes and local Karnataka delicacies in a relaxed setting. Open until 10:00 PM.
INR400, 1h30m

Day 2: Full Day Temple and Heritage Tour

Hampi, India on May 16, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Eatery

Begin the day with a light breakfast of idli, sambhar, and fresh juice to fuel your exploration.
INR150, 0h45m

8:00AM

Royal Enclosure

Visit the large complex with ruins of the former royal court including the Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, and Hazara Rama Temple. Opens 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM.
INR500, 3h0m

11:15AM

Elephant Stables

Part of the Royal Enclosure, these well-preserved archaic stables housed royal elephants. Appreciate the Indo-Islamic architecture.
Included in Royal Enclosure fee, 30m

12:00PM

Lunch at Gopi Guest House and Restaurant

Taste traditional Karnataka meals served on banana leaves at this popular rustic eatery. Open 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
INR250, 1h0m

1:30PM

Hampi Museum

Discover artifacts and sculptures from the Vijayanagara Empire, giving you deeper historical context. Open 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
INR20, 1h0m

2:45PM

Achyutaraya Temple

Explore one of the less crowded temples featuring beautiful carvings and impressive architecture from the 16th century.
INR100, 1h0m

4:00PM

Relax at Tungabhadra River

Spend late afternoon relaxing by the river, or take a coracle boat ride to see Hampi from the water. Coracle rides operate until 6:00 PM.
INR300, 2h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at The Rice Boat

Savor South Indian seafood and traditional rice dishes at this charming riverside restaurant open until 9:30 PM.
INR400, 1h30m

Day 3: Badami Caves Exploration

Badami, India on May 17, 2025

6:30AM

Early Breakfast at Hampi

Have a quick breakfast before departure, such as idli or paratha and tea at a local eatery to energize the journey to Badami.
INR150, 0h45m

7:30AM

Travel from Hampi to Badami

Drive or take a taxi to Badami, approximately 3-hour journey covering about 140 kilometers.
INR1000 (taxi approx.), 3h0m

10:30AM

Check-in and Refresh

Arrive in Badami, check into your hotel or guesthouse and freshen up for sightseeing.
Varies, 1h0m

11:30AM

Badami Cave Temples

Explore the famous 6th-century cave temples carved into sandstone cliffs, showcasing Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist rock-cut architecture. Open 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
INR50, 2h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at Badami Café

Enjoy typical North Karnataka dishes such as jolad rotti and spicy curries in a cozy local café.
INR300, 1h0m

2:45PM

Agastya Lake and Badami Fort

Stroll around the serene Agastya Lake and then hike to the Badami Fort nearby for scenic vistas and historical insight.
Free entry to lake, Fort INR20, 2h0m

5:00PM

Evening Tea at a Lakeside Café

Relax with a cup of tea by the lake while watching the sunset before departing or staying overnight.
INR100, 0h45m

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel or Local Restaurant

Try traditional Karnataka thali or tandoori dishes at your accommodation or nearby restaurant.
INR400, 1h30m