Hampi Badami Backpacking is a heritage tour that takes you through the glorious remains of the Vijayanagara Empire and the Chalukya dynasty, revealing the architectural brilliance and cultural richness of Karnataka. From Hampi’s stone chariots and royal palaces to Badami’s red sandstone caves, this journey is perfect for explorers, history lovers, and photography enthusiasts.
Nestled on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once the capital of the mighty Vijayanagar Empire. Spread over 26 sq. km, the ruins include the Vittala Temple (Stone Chariot), Virupaksha Temple, Hazara Rama Temple, Lotus Mahal, and Queen’s Bath. The city’s vibrant past is alive through its temples, markets, and palaces scattered across the boulder-strewn landscape.
Exploring Hampi is like walking through the world’s largest open-air museum — where every rock and ruin tells a story of India’s glorious past.
Known for its rock-cut cave temples and Dravidian architecture, Badami was the capital of the Chalukya dynasty (6th–8th centuries). The caves are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Jain Tirthankaras, overlooking the tranquil Agastya Lake. With magnificent carvings and spiritual energy, Badami transports you to an era where faith and art flourished together.
En route, enjoy scenic drives through sunflower fields and witness Karnataka’s countryside beauty.
These four destinations together represent the heart of Karnataka’s historical and architectural glory.
Features: Temples, palaces, markets, and lakes
Famous Sites: Vittala Temple, Virupaksha Temple, Lotus Mahal, Hazara Rama Temple
Style: Blend of Dravidian and Nagara temple architecture
Attractions: Virupaksha Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, Sangameshwar Temple
Significance: Coronation site of Chalukya kings
Features: Cave temples carved in red sandstone
Highlights: Caves of Shiva, Vishnu & Jainism, Agastya Lake
Features: 120+ ancient temples
Highlights: Durga Temple, Ladkhan Temple, Ravanphadi Cave Temple
Visiting these sites is like stepping into a living history museum, where the stones narrate tales of ancient Deccan dynasties.
Premium Package:
0–5 yrs: ₹6,500/-
5–10 yrs: ₹7,500/-
10–12 yrs: ₹8,500/-
AC Pushback Private Bus
Entry tickets at heritage sites
2 Nights accommodation (Double sharing)
3 Breakfasts & 3 Lunches (South Indian meals)
Sightseeing as per itinerary
Trip Captain & Marathi Tour Leader
Toll, parking, and permits
Basic First Aid Kit
Personal expenses and dinners
Meals during travel
Adventure activities
Additional accommodation or travel costs
Tips and any services not mentioned above
ID Proof, Cap/Hat, Sunscreen, Camera, Powerbank, Torch, Sunglasses, Extra Clothes, Towels, Comfortable Shoes, Medicines, and a Reusable Water Bottle (1–2 Litres).
No refunds for unused services.
Pickup points and timings may vary based on traffic and logistics.
Bus will not wait beyond scheduled time.
This is a budget-friendly backpacking trip, so expectations should align accordingly.
Organizer’s decisions are final regarding itinerary changes.
Any misbehavior will lead to trip expulsion without refund.
For the Hampi Badami Backpacking Heritage Tour, the minimum group strength required is typically 15 participants.
Deccan Hikers and Outdoors is not responsible for delays due to traffic or vehicle issues.
💢 Gear Up: Visit our [Store] for essential trekking and travel gear before your trip.
✨ Start your heritage adventure with a comfortable overnight journey from Pune!
Board from your nearest pickup point and get ready to explore the ancient marvels of Karnataka.
📍 08:00 PM – Wakad Bridge – Google Maps
📍 09:00 PM – Deccan Gymkhana (PMT Stop) – Google Maps
📍 09:15 PM – Swargate (Laxmi Narayan Theatre) – Google Maps
📍 09:45 PM – Hadapsar (Gadital) – Google Maps
🚌 Overnight Journey: Pune ➝ Badami
🍽️ Meals: None
🕖 07:00 AM – Arrival in Badami
Welcome to the historic city of Badami! Freshen up and enjoy a hearty breakfast to start your day.
🏛️ Badami Cave Complex
Begin your exploration with the famous rock-cut cave temples of Badami, carved into red sandstone cliffs. Admire the intricate sculptures dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Jain Tirthankaras.
🍛 Lunch: Authentic South Indian meal
🚐 Travel to Hospet via Pattadakal & Aihole
Pattadakal (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Witness the impressive Virupaksha Temple, built by Queen Lokamahadevi to celebrate her husband’s victory. Enjoy the unique blend of Dravidian and Nagara architectural styles.
Aihole: Known as the “Cradle of Hindu Temple Architecture,” this serene village on the banks of the Malaprabha River houses over 120 ancient temples. Explore its historic temple remains and soak in the tranquil surroundings.
🌙 Overnight Journey: Hampi / Hospet
🍴 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
🕗 08:00 AM – Post Breakfast, Check-Out
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and get ready for a full day of Hampi sightseeing, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called the “World’s Largest Open-Air Museum.”
🏛️ Hampi Highlights:
Vijaya Vittala Temple: Marvel at the iconic Stone Chariot and exquisite pillared halls.
Lotus Mahal & Elephant Stables: Explore royal pavilions and majestic structures from the Vijayanagara Empire.
Hazara Rama Temple & Palace Complex: Discover intricate carvings that narrate historic tales.
Queen’s Bath & Kamlapur Museum: Step into royal luxury and learn about Hampi’s history.
Coracle Ride on the Tungabhadra River: Experience Hampi from a unique perspective on the water.
Sunset Point – Hemakuta Hill: End the day with a breathtaking sunset over the ancient ruins.
🌙 Overnight Stay: Hampi / Hospet
🍴 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
🕗 08:00 AM – Post Breakfast, Check-Out
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and visit Hampi’s iconic temples:
Virupaksha Temple – A historic and sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva
Sasivekalu Ganesha & Kadalekalu Ganesha – Majestic monolithic statues
Lakshmi Narasimha & Badavi Linga – Stunning examples of Vijayanagara architecture
🍛 Lunch: Enjoy a wholesome meal en route.
🚐 Return Journey:
After lunch, Post-visit, begin the return journey to Pune, carrying back happy memories of Karnataka’s ancient heritage and architectural wonders.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
The Hampi Badami Tour is a popular trekking tour in Karnataka, India. It covers two of the most important historical and cultural sites in the state - Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Badami, a former capital of the Chalukya dynasty.
The Hampi Badami Tour offers a variety of highlights, including: Hampi: Hampi is a vast archaeological site with over 1,600 temples, ruins, and other monuments. Some of the most popular attractions in Hampi include the Virupaksha Temple, the Vittala Temple, and the Hampi Bazaar.
Badami: Badami is home to a number of impressive cave temples, rock-cut sculptures, and other archaeological remains. Some of the most popular attractions in Badami include the Badami Cave Temples, the Bhutanatha Temple, and the Agastya Lake.
The Hampi Badami Tour is suitable for beginners, although there are some challenging sections of the trek. The total distance of the trek is around 50 km and it takes around 4-5 days to complete.
Here are some of the things you need to bring for the Hampi Badami Tour: Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and water Snacks and lunch A first-aid kit A camera to capture the stunning scenery A backpack or rucksack to carry your belongings
Yes, there are a number of guided tours available for the Hampi Badami Tour. This is a good option if you are new to trekking or if you want to learn more about the local history and culture.
Here are some safety tips for the Hampi Badami Tour: Always start your trek early in the morning. Let someone know your itinerary and when you expect to be back. Take breaks often and stay hydrated. Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for loose rocks and uneven terrain. Do not swim in the lakes or rivers, as there may be strong currents. Be respectful of the local environment and culture.
The best time of year to do the Hampi Badami Tour is during the winter months, from August to February, when the weather is pleasant and sunny.
There are a variety of accommodation options available
(2 Nights accommodations on a Triple / Quad sharing basis as per the Itinerary.)
(For couple sharing room Rs. 999/- add on charges per couple)
Hampi and Badami are both well-connected by bus and train to major cities in Karnataka. There are also direct flights to Hubli Airport, which is about 100 km from Hampi.
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