HAMPI TOURS
with Golden Boulders Climbing and Adventure Shop
December 16 - 19 & 16 - 21, 2023
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Hampi, Karnataka, India
Renowned for its stunning boulder strewn landscape, temples, palaces, markets, and monuments, making up the ancient Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi is considered one of the wonders of India. Located in hilly terrain formed by dramatic granite boulders on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in east-central Karnataka, this region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hampi and the Kishkinda area are stunning, not only for their architectural ruins and historic temples, but also as an area teeming with birds and wildlife and a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. The rocky hills, scrub jungle, mighty Tungabhadra River, lakes, irrigation canals and fertile farmlands are home to more than 230 species of resident and migratory birds.
Getting There
Hampi is a 7 and a half hour train trip from Goa. It is a beautiful scenic journey, all during daylight hours. Trains are an integral part of Indian life, and the perfect way to observe large swathes of rural life in this fascinating country. You will be escorted from Bhakti Kutir itself to the train station in Margao, onto the train, and then every step of the way to your accommodation in Hampi.
Organisers
Golden Boulders owner Vikas is a long time, trusted, personal friend of Heaven and Earth Workshops. He has lived his entire life in this area, and with his German-born wife, Jessy, is the perfect guide to take you straight to the heart of this incredible region. This tour is independently run, but comes with our highest recommendation.
Accommodation
This will be in a charming locally owned, well maintained hotel. Set amidst nature, the premises are simple, authentic, comfortable and eco-friendly, with all essential amenities.
Packages
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1. Dec 16 -19, 2023 - 3 Day Exploration
Includes:
Transportation from Bhakti Kutir to Hampi Hotel
3 Nights Accommodation
3 Breakfasts
Entrance Fees
Professional Guides
Walking Tour of Hampi’s Main Temple (Virupaksha) and adjacent Ruins
Vehicle Tour to the main Hampi Sites (Vitalla Temple, Queens Bath, Elephant Stables and more)
Visit and shopping at the Traditional Market
River Crossing and Sunset Hike
Single Occupancy - ₹52,500 INRupees (approx $640 USD)
Shared Occupancy, per person (1 double bed only) - ₹45,000 rupees (approx $549 USD)
2. December 16 - 21, 2023 - 5 Day Exploration
Includes:
Transportation from Bhakti Kutir to Hampi Hotel
5 Nights Accommodation
5 Breakfasts
Yoga and Meditation or Climbing
Sound Healing
Professional Guide
Entrance Fees
Walking Tour of Hampi’s Main Temple (Virupaksha) and Ruins
Vehicle Tour to the main Hampi Sites (Vitalla Temple, Queens Bath, Elephant Stables and more)
Visit and Shopping at the Traditional Market
River Crossing and Sunset Hike
Exploring Anegundi Village on the other side of the river
Nature Hike to Old Stone Houses
Coracle Boat Trip in the Bird Sanctuary
Sunset Experiences
Bonfire
Single Occupancy - ₹81,000 INRupees (approx $988 USD)
Shared Occupancy, per person (1 double bed only) - ₹76,000 INRupees ($926 USD)
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Payments are required in INR ₹
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Not Included:
Most Meals - The food in the area is safe, reasonable and delicious, Vikas and Jessy know all the best places and will escort or guide you at all times.
Transportation after the Tour - However you will be assisted with all arrangements, drivers and train tickets. If going back to Goa we will organise your pick up from the train, transportation to the airport, or wherever else you are going.
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CLICK HERE TO SEE IMAGES OF THE COUNTLESS TEMPLES AND STRUCTURES YOU WILL SEE
(There are far too many for us to be able to show on this page!)
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Schedule
Day 1 - December 16
4:00 am - Pick up from Bhakti Kutir, taxi to Margao train station. Vikas will escort you.
5:00 am - 3:00 pm - Scenic train trip to Hospet. Food and refreshments are readily available for sale. You may also bring your own, Palolem has an abundance of places to buy fresh food and snacks.
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm - Taxi from the train station to your hotel. An extremely scenic drive and your first introduction to this magical kingdom.
4:00 pm - Check in to the hotel. Free time to relax, freshen up and have dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Day 2 - December 17
7:30 am - Optional breathing exercises and meditation
8:00 - 9:30 am - Breakfast
10:00 am - 12:30 pm - Guided walking tour around Hampi’s Main Temple (Virupaksha) and surrounding ruins.
1:00 - 2:30 pm - Lunch
2:30 - 4:30 pm - Traditional Market, shopping and free time.
4:30 pm - Meet up for crossing the river by ferry.
5:30 - 6:30 pm - Sunset hike
Evening time - Dinner
Day 3 - December 18
5:00 - 7:30 am - Sunrise - even if you are not a morning person, do not miss this!
8:00 - 9:30 am - Breakfast
9:30 - 11:30 am - Free time to explore or relax.
12:00 - 2:00 pm - Guided Tour of Hampi, with transportation (Vitalla Temple). Take snacks with you.
2:00 - 3:00 pm - Late Lunch
3:30 - 5:30 pm - More touring with transportation (Queen’s Bathhouse, Elephant Stables)
5:30 - 6:30 pm - Sunset**
Evening time - Dinner
Day 4 - December 19
7:30 am - Optional breathing exercises and meditation
8:00 - 9:30 am - Breakfast
10:00 am CHECKOUT, FAREWELLS AND DEPARTURE FOR THOSE ON TOUR 1
9:30 am - 1:00 pm - Exploration of the magical Anegundi side of this area (Sanapur Lake, Durga and Hanuman Temples).
1:00 - 2:30 pm - Lunch
2:30 - 4:00 pm - Anegundi Village (Banana Fibre NGO)
4:00 - 5:00 pm - Optional Sound Healing
5:30 - 6:30 pm - Sunset**
Evening time - Dinner
Day 5 - December 20
6:30 am - Coffee or tea
7:00 - 9:00 am - Yoga and Meditation or Climbing.
9:00 - 10:00 am - Breakfast
10:00 am - 1:00 pm - Nature hike - Old stone houses
1:00 - 2:30 pm - Lunch
2:30 - 4:30 pm - Free time
5:00 - 6:00 pm - Coracle Boat trip in the Bird Sanctuary.
7:00 pm - Dinner and Bonfire
Day 6 - December 21 - Departure
8:00 - 9:30 am - Breakfast
10:00 am - Farewells and Departure…
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**Sunset Excursions will be opportunities to see various Temples or Locations at the magical time of day.
Motorbikes, Dirt Bikes and Scooters
This is a fantastic area to cruise around and explore, and these can be rented for a daily rate. Experienced riders only, please. Bicycles may also be available for hire.
Registration
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Group size limited to 16 people
Payment in full is required at Registration.
All travellers must have travel/health insurance, in case of the need to cancel for any reason.
There are no refunds on cancellations, but if we sell out the tour and are then able to fill your place, you will receive a refund.
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Payments
All payments to be made in Indian Rupees ₹ (INR), and all wire and conversion fees are the responsibility of the sender.
Wise is easiest, the contact email for payments is: gbclimbing.hampi@gmail.com bclimbing.hampi@gmail.com
Direct Bank Deposits can be made to:
ACCOUNT HOLDER NAME: Mr. M. Vikram
BANK NAME: SBI
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 38003276135
IFSC CODE: SBIN0020215
Contact
Phone and WA: +91 94827 46697
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In order to pre-purchase your train tickets to Hampi, we will need a copy of your passport.
Please scan or photograph your passport and send to Vikas at: gbclimbing.hampi@gmail.com