From Mysore we took a night train to Hubli. Then we took a four hour bus ride from Hubli to Hospet. From Hospet we took a half-hour local bus ride to Hampi, arriving in Hampi on April 23. Hampi had not been on our original itinerary, but it was recommended to us by many travelers, so we decided to squeeze it in near the end of our India adventure.
Even as soon as the bus started entering Hampi we were in awe! There are amazing rock formations scattered throughout the landscape, as well as many temples. The huge boulders just looked so out of place, making you wonder how they got there. Riding into town I felt like I was on the Indian Jones ride at Disneyland :).
The first day we found a place to stay (a single guest room right next to a road) and the next couple days we went exploring. We started out visiting a Achyutaraya Temple just outside of town, and taking some photos of the rocks. To get there, just walk straight down Hampi Bazaar, up the stairs, and then follow the path down.
Then in the evening we headed to another cluster of temples within walking distance, on Hemkuta Hill, along the road leading to Hampi.
The next morning we started out walking along the Tungabhadar River to see Vittala Temple, the most impressive temple complex, which is the only one that has an entrance fee.
After seeing Vittala Temple we headed back through Hampi, and then out the other direction, towards the town of Kamala Puram, to the Royal Complex.
We enjoyed the temples and landscape of Hampi and recommend including the town on any Indian itinerary!