Hospet, 13 km (8 miles) from Hampi, is the popular base for travellers. It has better food and accommodation, and offers frequent buses (Rsl) to Hampi Bazaar and Kamalapuram, the two main entry points to the ruins. From either point, you’ll need at least 2 days to see everything on foot. The sights are very spread out and walking it can be exhausting. Wear comfortable
walking shoes and be prepared to wander off the beaten track.
If you’re touring on foot, bear in mind that the complete round-trip (from Hospet to Hampi, round the ruins, and back) is 42 km (26 1/4 miles). Most people take a bus to Hampi Bazaar, walk up to the Vittala Temple complex, return to the bazaar, strike south to Kamalapuram (via the Palace complex), and take a mid-afternoon bus from Kamalapuram back to Hospet. The few remaining sights can be seen on a second day’s stroll.
To cover the ruins in just one day, you’ve a choice of bicycle, taxi or auto-rickshaw. A good many travellers take an early bus out to Kamalapuram, where they can hire cycles. They bike up to Hampi Bazaar (via the Palace complex), walk along the river to the Vittala Temple (leaving bikes at the bazaar), and finish off with a ride back to Kamalapuram, via Ugranasimha and Sister Stone. Starting out at 6.30 am, they can be back in Hospet by 2 pm—before it gets too hot. Alternatively, they hire an auto-rickshaw (Rs45 for up to 3 persons) or a taxi (Rs150-20) from Malligi Tourist Home in Hospet. This is the most comfortable option as you see everything in comfort, and in just a day.
