Hampi heritage tour — explore the Vijayanagara Empire

• Local guide fluent in English, if that option is chosen. • Admission fees for monuments, if that option is selected. • Private air-conditioned vehicle for transportation to and from your hotel. • Lunch, if that option is chosen. • Applicable government taxes. • Bottled water provided in the vehicle.

• Fees for photography at monuments. • Tips and additional activities that are optional. • Any items not listed in the inclusions.

• Infants and young children may use a pram or stroller. • Public transport options are accessible in the vicinity. • Infant seats can be provided if needed. • Appropriate for individuals of any fitness level.

To receive a complete refund, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to the planned departure time.

Kindly provide the name and address of your hotel during booking or no later than three days before the trip date. A guide and driver will greet you in the hotel lobby at the designated time. Contact information will be provided one day before the tour.

• 9:00 am - The tour guide and driver will greet you at your hotel in Hampi. Following a brief introduction, you will proceed to your first destination of the day. • 9:15 am - The first stop is the Virupaksha Temple, one of the oldest and most significant temples in Hampi, dedicated to Lord Shiva, with origins that date back to the 7th century. Your guide will share insights about the temple's importance and its remarkable architecture, which features detailed carvings and a tall gopuram (gateway tower). • 10:30 am - Your next visit is to the Vittala Temple, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a key landmark in Hampi. This temple is famed for its exquisite stone chariot and the musical pillars that emit different sounds when tapped. Interesting facts and stories about the temple's history will be provided by your guide. 12:00 pm - Break for lunch. • After lunch at 1:00 pm, you will head to the Hazara Rama Temple, a small yet stunning temple complex that once served as a private worship spot for the Vijayanagara kings. Notable for its intricate carvings illustrating scenes from the Ramayana, your guide will explain the narratives behind these carvings. • At 2:00 pm, visit the Royal Enclosure, historically the center of authority for the Vijayanagara Empire. This area includes notable structures, such as the Lotus Mahal, characterized by its ornate pavilion and Islamic-style dome, and the Elephant Stables, a series of domed chambers that once housed royal elephants. Your guide will elaborate on the architecture and historical context of the site. 3:00 pm - Explore the Hampi Bazaar, a lively street full of shops featuring handicrafts and souvenirs. Here, you can wander and look for unique items to bring home. • 4:00 pm - The next destination is the Riverside Ruins, which is a collection of monuments situated along the Tungabhadra River. The Krishna Temple is a remarkable complex with beautiful and intricate carvings. Nearby is the Pushkarini, a stepped tank that has been transformed into a garden. • 5:00 pm - The last stop is Matanga Hill, which provides breathtaking panoramic views of the area. You may climb to the top for a remarkable perspective of the Hampi ruins and the sunset. Your guide will share intriguing historical details about the hill. • The Royal Enclosure in Hampi is often likened to an outdoor museum. It offers visitors a glimpse into life under the Vijayanagara rulers, highlights the architectural brilliance of the time, and illustrates the extent of destruction the city faced after the decline of the Vijayanagara dynasty. • 6:00 pm - Return to your hotel, concluding your tour. Your guide and driver will bid farewell, and you are free to spend the evening at your leisure.