Being an unemployed woman, I was just going about my day, scrolling through LinkedIn and Naukri job profiles, when a friend called and said the magical words: Let’s go on a trip.

Within minutes, we were checking destinations when a train to Hospete, Karnataka popped up with 80 seats still available in Chair Car. That felt like a sign.

A completely unplanned, last-minute getaway to another state?
Yes, please.

For two women travelling with nothing but a rough list of places and a rush of excitement, it felt liberating and a little scary. We had only one real concern:

Is Hampi safe?

After a few conversations, shared frustrations about how complicated travel becomes for women, and a burst of impulsive courage, we booked our tickets.

And here’s how it went.

Day 1: Pune to Hospete & Letting Go of the Plan

Our train was scheduled at 1:00 AM from Pune, starting all the way from Mumbai. We packed our bags, coordinated outfits (because priorities), and reached the station.

The train arrived 40 minutes late, and by the time we boarded around 1:45 AM, we were half-sleepy, half-thrilled. 

Somewhere in the night, we woke up to realise the train was running ahead of schedule and almost empty. Suddenly, Chair Car felt like our personal sleeper coach.

After a good nap, we woke up refreshed.

Breakfast was peanut butter bread — ordered from Blinkit at midnight. Zero regrets.

Our original plan was simple:

Rent a scooty → find a hotel → explore.
Because that’s how Goa trips work… right?

But Hampi had other ideas.

Reaching Hospete & Finding Our Stay

We reached Hospete at 12:30 PM, slightly before time. At the station, we met a group of girls who had just finished their Hampi trip. They suggested renting a rickshaw instead — safer, more convenient, and surprisingly common in Hampi.

So we rented a rickshaw for ₹1500/day from Hanumanth Appa, and just like that, the adventure began.

Near Hampi, in Kadirampura, we found affordable homestays surrounded by local families — clean, safe, and comforting. We booked a room for ₹1000/night.

By the time we freshened up, it was already 2:30 PM. After sharing live locations with family and friends (a non-negotiable ritual), we stepped out for lunch and headed toward our first Hampi experience.

The Coracle Ride at Sanapuri Lake

Sanapuri Lake is about 25 km from our stay, and the drive itself was stunning.

This is when we truly understood why Hampi is called the Land of Rocks. Endless boulders flanked the road, ancient, massive, unmoving. Locals say they never fall.

Tiny stalls sold fresh coconut water for ₹25–50, which felt unreal coming from Pune. We drank one every single day.

Did You Know?

• Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  
• Its boulders are estimated to be 2.2 billion years old
  
• Many are considered gravity-defying due to their balance

As we crossed a bridge over the Tungabhadra River, golden hour arrived quietly. We paused, soaked it in, and continued.

We reached Sanapuri Lake just in time for sunset.

The 45-minute coracle ride cost us around ₹2500 — slightly expensive, but absolutely worth it.

On the Water

The coracle ride was an experience I never knew I needed. From the moment we stepped into the little bowl-shaped boat, and as it gently drifted away from the shore, there was excitement mixed with wonder. The world seemed to quiet down. The soft sound of water brushing against the sides, the rhythmic paddling, and the distant call of birds pulled us into the calmness of the lake.

Ahead of us, the sun had already prepared the sky for an evening show, painting everything in warm tones of orange and fading red. The breeze was cool, the reflections golden, and time suddenly felt slower.

At one point, we drifted through a narrow passage where trees leaned inward, forming a natural archway. Birds hopped between branches as if welcoming us.

That moment became my favourite.

We stopped at a small rocky island in the middle of the lake, sat quietly, and simply existed.

Before heading back, our boatman surprised us with a fast spin in circles. The coracle swirled and danced on the water. We laughed, held tight, and let the wind rush past.

We ended the day with dinner at a local restaurant and rested up for what would be a long second day.

Day 2: Temples, Ruins & Slow Wanders

Virupaksha Temple Cluster

We left our stay at 9:30 AM and began exploring South Hampi.

Our first stop was Virupaksha Temple, known for its towering gopuram. Inside, the Ranga Mandapa, intricate carvings, and pillared halls felt like walking through centuries of history.

Outside, we treated ourselves to hot Appe and Dosa from a small stall, simple, authentic, and perfect.

Next came Sasivekalu Ganesha, Kadalekalu Ganesha, and the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, home to one of the largest statues in Hampi. The expression on the statue’s face stays with you.

Vijaya Vitthala Temple Cluster

After spending nearly two hours around Virupaksha, we headed to the iconic Vijaya Vitthala Temple.

The Stone Chariot, just like on the ₹50 note, stood proudly in the complex. Nearby temples, the Purandaradasa Mantapa, and the river flowing beside it made this area feel especially peaceful.

This quickly became one of my favourite spots.

Lotus Mahal & Royal Enclosure

After a satisfying traditional thali lunch at a local buffet, we moved to the Lotus Mahal area. The Lotus Mahal itself, with its elegant symmetrical arches was enough to take our breaths away. 

We also visited the nearby Elephant Stables, Queen’s Bath, and other surrounding ruins that added layers of history, each structure telling its own story.

Each structure told a story – quiet, weathered, and beautiful.

Our final stop was the Mahanavami (Dasara) Dibba, once used for royal celebrations. The geometric stepped tank and underground passages showcased the architectural brilliance of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Unplanned Journeys are the Most Memorable Ones!

As the sun set, Hampi left us with a deep sense of calm.

This trip reminded me that unplanned journeys often become the most memorable ones. Wandering without rushing, listening more than expecting, and letting places reveal themselves slowly — that’s where the magic lives.

With tired legs and full hearts, we wrapped up our Hampi chapter and set off toward Badami, a one-day adventure to Temples, Forts, and Unexpected Human Stories

Stay tuned for the next blog on our Badami adventure!