Read any guidebook, and it’ll tell you that Hospet is the gateway to Hampi. Located around 13km from Hampi, Hospet is a transport hub where all trains and buses from major Indian destinations stop. This short guide will give you all the information you need to get from Hospet Railway Station to Hampi without being scammed. Let’s go!
Hampi has two sides.
First things, first. While planning your trip to Hampi, it’s important to know that Hampi has two distinct sides, split by the Tungabhadra River.
In the South, you’ll find what Hampi is famous for – a UNESCO World Heritage site. While Hampi ruins are a must-see for any traveller visiting Hampi, it’s not where I’d recommend staying because of the bus loads of day tourists that visit every day.
As a traveller, stay in the serene and quiet north, and save the temples for a morning trip. North Hampi has beautiful, more local villages and generally, a more relaxed vibe.
Be wary of the tuk tuk drivers at Hospet Junction
As Hampi doesn’t have a train station, a “tuk-tuk mafia” has been operating in and around Hampi over the years. But don’t worry; you can avoid scams if you’re prepared. Before diving into how to get from Hospet to Hampi, I’ll share my experience of dealing with a tuk-tuk driver after a long night train from Mysore.
Experience of Tuk Tuk Drivers at Hospet Junction
When I arrived at Hospete Junction at 7 am, I had a horrible confrontation with a tuk-tuk driver who tried to charge me 2000 INR rather than the fair price of 800 INR. When he refused to negotiate a lower price, I approached another driver who agreed to do it for 800. At this moment, the first tuk-tuk driver threatened the second, grabbing him by the shirt collar and threatening him in Kannada, the local language of Hampi. Although I couldn’t understand what was being said, I knew he was threatening him.
The first driver then turned to me and said, “Ok, madam, I take you for 800”. I said, “No, I gave you an opportunity to give a fair price, and you didn’t. He offered me the fair price, and I will go with him. Under no circumstances am I getting in your tuk-tuk now.” I then proceeded to put my bag in the second driver’s tuk-tuk, and as we drove off, the first driver continued hurling abuse.
It wasn’t the best start to Hampi, but it was only up from there! So, the moral of the story is to stick to your guns and not let the tuk-tuk drivers overcharge you. Of course, not all of the drivers are like what I described, but some will try their luck.
How to get from Hospete Junction to Hampi RUINS?
Option 1: Tuk tuk from Hospet Junction to Hampi Ruins
If you want to visit Hampi ruins or have chosen accommodation in South Hampi, the easiest way to get there is by tuk tuk. It’s around 13km from Hospet Junction and should take no more than 20 minutes. As always, you’ll need to haggle. Pay no more than INR 200 – 300.
Option 2: KSRTC public bus from Hospet to Hampi Ruins
The cheapest option to get from Hospet Junction to Hampi is to walk 20 minutes to Hospet Bus Stand and jump on the KSRTC public bus to Hampi for INR 18. Buses leave every 20 minutes so you won’t be waiting for long.
How to get from Hospete Junction to North Hampi?
Option 1: Hospet Junction to North Hampi by Tuk Tuk
If you’re staying in one of the villages in North Hampi like Hanumanahalli or Sanapur, you can take a tuk-tuk from Hospet all the way there. A tuk tuk from Hospet Junction to North Hampi costs INR 800 – 1000 and takes 1hr to cover the 30-40km distance.
Option 2: Hospet Junction to North Hampi by Bus and Boat
If you’re on a budget, you can get from Hospet Junction to North Hampi by going to Hampi ruins by tuk-tuk or public bus (as mentioned above) and then cross the Tungabhadra River either by boat or by wading across yourself.
From 9am, there is a boat that ferries people from South Hampi to North Hampi for INR 50. It’s literally a 1-min journey. If you want to save that money for a masala dosa, you can roll up your trousers and walk across.
Once you’re across the Tungabhadra River to the south side of Hampi, you have the option to:
- Walk to your accommodation.
- Jump in a tuk-tuk; pay a maximum of 150 INR to reach your accommodation in Hanumanahalli or Sanapur.
- Rent a scooter (there are guys renting just as you get over the river; be sure to pay no more than INR 300 – 350 for 24 hours).
Option 3: Take Two KSRTC Buses from Hospet to North Hampi
It is also possible to catch a KSRTC bus from Hospet Bus Stand to North Hampi (to villages like Sanapur and Hanumanahalli). But you’ll need to change buses in Huligi.
To reach Sanapur or Hanumanhalli from Hospet Junction by public bus, walk to Hospet Bus Stand and catch the next bus to Huligi. Once you arrive at Huligi, change buses heading to Gangavathi. This regular bus passes along Road 130, through villages of North Hampi like Sanapur or Hanumanhalli.
How to spend your days in Hampi?
So you’ve reached your accommodation without being scammed and now what? I have a whole post dedicated to getting the best out of Hampi, without breaking the budget.
Read next: 7 Wonderful Things to Do in Hampi.
