Arrive at Hosapete Junction (HPT), the nearest railway station to Hampi. From here, take a 30-minute auto-rickshaw or taxi to Hampi village. Settle into your accommodation.

Check into a guesthouse or hotel. For an authentic experience, consider staying near the Hampi Bazaar area to be close to the main temples and the river.

Enjoy a delicious vegetarian South Indian thali at this iconic Hampi restaurant, known for its relaxed ambiance and views of the Tungabhadra river.

Visit the magnificent Virupaksha Temple, Hampi's oldest and principal temple. It's a functioning temple, so be respectful. Afterwards, wander through the ruins of the ancient Hampi Bazaar that stretches in front of it.

Embark on a short but steep 30-minute climb up Matanga Hill for the most breathtaking panoramic sunset view of the entire Hampi landscape, including the Virupaksha Temple and Achyutaraya Temple complex.

After descending from Matanga Hill, have a relaxed dinner at one of the many rooftop cafes in the Hampi Bazaar area, enjoying the cool evening breeze.

Hire an auto-rickshaw driver for a full-day tour of the Royal Centre and Vittala Temple. This is the most efficient way to cover the spread-out sites.

Discover the heart of the Vijayanagara empire. Visit the Queen's Bath, the impressive Mahanavami Dibba (Great Platform), the Stepped Tank, and the intricate Hazara Rama Temple, which depicts the Ramayana epic on its walls.

Visit the walled Zenana Enclosure, which houses the beautiful Lotus Mahal, an architectural marvel with its Indo-Islamic style. Just outside, admire the grand Elephant Stables with their domed chambers.

Take a break for lunch at a restaurant in Kamalapura, the small town near the Royal Centre. This is a good opportunity to try a traditional Kannada meal.

Visit the crown jewel of Hampi's architecture, the Vittala Temple. Marvel at the iconic Stone Chariot, the intricate carvings, and the famous musical pillars (Ranga Mantapa) that are said to emit musical notes when tapped.

On your way back, stop to see the giant monolithic statues. The Lakshmi Narasimha statue is the largest in Hampi, depicting the fierce man-lion avatar of Vishnu. Nearby are the Sasivekalu (mustard seed) and Kadalekalu (gram) Ganesha statues.

After a long day of exploring, enjoy a quiet dinner and rest. You can try a different local eatery to sample more of the region's cuisine.

Head to the river ghat and take a coracle or a motorboat to cross over to Virupapura Gaddi, popularly known as 'Hippie Island'. This side offers a completely different, more bohemian vibe.

The best way to explore the vast, beautiful landscape on this side of the river is by renting a scooter or moped. The roads are scenic, winding through paddy fields and giant boulders.

Ride to Anjanadri Hill, believed to be the birthplace of the Hindu deity Hanuman. Climb the 575 steps to the temple at the top for stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. The climb is invigorating and the view is a fantastic reward.

Ride back towards Virupapura Gaddi and have lunch at one of the many laid-back cafes overlooking lush green paddy fields. The food options here are more diverse, with continental and Israeli dishes alongside Indian classics.

Explore the ancient village of Anegundi, which predates Hampi and is considered the mythical kingdom of Kishkinda. Visit the sacred Pampa Sarovar lake and the nearby Durga Temple on a hilltop.

Experience a magical sunset from a traditional coracle (a round, basket-like boat) on the Tungabhadra River or at the serene Sanapur Lake. Floating amidst the giant boulders as the sun goes down is an unforgettable experience.

Enjoy an early dinner on the 'island' side before taking the last boat back across the river to Hampi Bazaar.

Embark on an early morning road trip to the cradle of Indian temple architecture. This full-day excursion covers three historic sites of the Chalukya dynasty. It's a long but rewarding day for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Your first stop is Pattadakal, a stunning complex of 7th and 8th-century temples that showcase a blend of North (Nagara) and South (Dravidian) Indian architectural styles. The Virupaksha and Mallikarjuna temples are masterpieces.

Proceed to Aihole, a historic site with over 125 temples scattered around the village. Key sights include the unique apsidal Durga Temple, the Lad Khan Temple, and the Ravana Phadi cave.

Travel to Badami and have lunch at a local restaurant. This is a good time to rest before exploring the final site of the day.

Explore the magnificent rock-cut cave temples of Badami, carved into a sandstone cliff. There are four main caves, dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Jain Tirthankaras, overlooking the beautiful Agastya Lake.

Begin your journey back from Badami to Hospet. The drive will take approximately 3 hours. You can have your driver drop you directly at the Hosapete Junction railway station for your onward journey.