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Full-day guided tour of Hampi with your own transport

4.8· 4 reviewsFrom INR 3000
Full-day guided tour of Hampi with your own transport — Nature & wildlife things to do in Hampi

A full day exploring Hampi with a licensed guide using your own vehicle — flexible itinerary based on your interests and lunch recommendations included.

This tour caters to those with their own transport who wish to explore Hampi with the assistance of a professional guide. You'll be accompanied by a Government-licensed guide who will join you at your first stop and remain with you through the day’s visits, offering insight tailored to your preferences.

The itinerary can be adjusted based on your interests, and your guide will suggest a suitable spot for lunch. Do keep in mind that entry fees, parking, and shoe-keeping costs will need to be covered by you. Ensure there’s space in your vehicle for the guide during your day of exploration.

Places you'll visit

FAQ

Good to know

What's included in this experience?+
• Guiding service only
What's NOT included?+
• Entrance fee for Virupaksha temple - Rs.20 per person to be paid by the client directly • Vijaya Vittala temple - Rs. 30 per person for Indian passport holders & Rs.600 per person for non-Indian passport holders • Lotus Mahal & Elephant Stables - Rs. 30 per person for Indian passport holders & Rs.600 per person for non-Indian passport holders • Gratuity or tip for the guide • All applicable fees and taxes
What should I know before booking?+
• Nearby public transport options are accessible. • Participants should possess at least a moderate level of physical fitness. • The total duration of the tour includes travel time.
What's the cancellation policy?+
To receive a full refund, cancellations must be made a minimum of 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure.
What's the itinerary?+
• The large monolithic statue of Lord Ganesh is located at the base of Hemakuta. The term Sasivekalu Ganesha translates to 'Mustard seed Ganesha'. This designation likely arose because the statue's toe fingers resemble small round grains, which someone likened to Sasive kalu. Few visitors tend to explore the rear of this statue, which features a mysterious carved lady. • After viewing the Ganesh statue, we ascend Hemakuta hill (approximately 100 steps) from which breathtaking views of Hampi are visible all around. We navigate through temples, boulders, gateways, stone carvings, and pre-Vijayanagara temples before descending the opposite side toward Virupaksha temple. • Virupaksha is Hampi's largest active temple, with Hemakuta hill on one side and the Tungabadra river on the other. Notable sights at this temple include the Raja gopura, an ancient kitchen area, kalyana mantapa, an elephant blessing visitors, a large temple tank outside the north gate, and a pin-hole camera featuring an inverted image of the temple tower. • From the Virupaksha temple, we proceed through the historic Hampi Bazaar towards Matanga hill. We then walk along the Tungabhadra river, taking in the scenery alongside the religious and secular architecture present throughout the route. This trail takes roughly one hour to reach Vittala temple. We also have the choice to take a 15-minute Coracle ride on the river. • This temple showcases prominent elements of Vijayanagara architecture, including the well-known Stone Chariot. • An elaborately constructed bathing area created for the royal ladies during the Vijayanagara period appears quite simple externally, yet its internal architecture is quite captivating. The concept of what constituted Royal Luxury in the 16th century can be better appreciated here. • This area forms part of the King's enclosure, which is now largely in ruins. It is the site where the renowned Dasara procession originated. The remnants within this vicinity comprise the Mahanavami dibba, adorned with numerous sculptures and offering stunning views from above, an ancient palace court, palace ruins, stone aqueducts that historically supplied water from nearby tanks, remnants of servant quarters, water bodies, a covert meeting spot, and a remarkable water tank that leaves a lasting impression. • True to its name, this temple features hundreds of Ramayana scenes intricately carved into its walls. It is the only temple present in the Royal Enclosure that the reigning King frequently visited before its construction in the 16th century. • The Lotus Mahal, situated within the Zenana, is a notable attraction in Hampi. This elegant daytime palace was built by the King for his consorts to enjoy relaxation during the day, with mist from overhead pipes providing cool and fragrant water for comfort. • The stone stables built for the Royal Elephants are unparalleled worldwide, showcasing the exceptional care afforded to these elephants during that era. The facade of these eleven stables is quite picturesque. • The Lakshmi Narasimha Statue is an impressive and striking work in Hampi, truly a sight to behold. Adjacent to it, the Badavi Linga ranks among the top ten Shiva Lingas in India. • The sunset from the summit of this hill offers one of the most captivating views, creating lasting memories.

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