HAMPI- The name spells magic in the hearts of travelers around the globe. Hampi, surrounded by rocky boulders on the banks of Tungabhadra River was the capital of the ancient Vijaynagar Kingdom, one of the most prosperous and culturally rich kingdoms of India.

Ancient travelers and traders from Persia, Turkey, China and many more countries have given very livid accounts of this Golden Kingdom. Presently most of Hampi is in ruins or buried underneath. Excavations are in progress but whatever is still visible to the human eye is an architectural splendor spread around 35 sq kms with the Tungabhadra River meandering in between.

Hampi stands tall in the list of places of Historical and Cultural interest in India, Incredible India. Hampi is as incredible as India. UNESCO has proclaimed Hampi as a World Heritage Site owing to its historical, archaeological, and cultural significance. Hampi has been of late a “Must See and Must Do” on the itineraries of travelers from across the world.

How to reach –

The nearest town to Hampi is HOSPET. Hampi is just 11 kms from Hospet. The present site of Hampi is connected to Hospet by a well-maintained motorable road. Hospet is connected by rail and road to Bangalore, Hyderabad, Hubli, Goa, Chennai and Mumbai. There are overnight trains and Air-conditioned bus services from Bangalore, Hyderabad and Goa. Comfortable train connections are also available.

Air Deccan operates regular flights from Bangalore to Tornagallu Airport, which is about 40 kms from Hospet. Kingfisher Airlines operates flights from Mumbai to Hubli, Hospet is just 140 kms from Hubli.

Most of the leading Travel agents and Tour operators offer Vacation Getaways and Holiday Packages to Hampi from different destinations in India. One can also venture out to explore Hampi on his own if he does not wish to take one of these Holiday Packages. The Holiday Packages offered are both fixed departures and Tailor made ones.

Accommodation, Food and ancillary services –

There is no Luxury or Star rated hotel in and around Hampi. Both UNESCO and Archaeological Survey of India has recently laid strict regulations against the construction of any new high rise buildings or big iron and steel structures in and around Hampi to safeguard and maintain ambience of the historical place and also it’s Cultural and Archaeological significance.

If one is looking for Luxury or Star Hotels near Hampi the best bet is to look towards Hospet. This small town is growing rapidly owing to proximity to Iron Ore and Manganese mines. Most of the Mining operations are carried out in areas away from Hampi. Hotels in Hospet play host to both Business and Leisure travelers from around the world. In terms of Luxury hotels Hospet has not much to offer, but Hotel Malligi certainly stand out in terms of luxury and world class facilities. This 176 room Centrally Air-conditioned hotel has two Multi-Cuisine Restaurants, Swimming Pool, Health Club, Steam Sauna, Jacuzzi, Ayurvedic Massage Parlor and much more. The rooms are well appointed with Central Air-conditioning, Hot and Cold shower, Telephone, Cable TV and other facilities of a good 3 star deluxe hotel

Hotel Malligi can be easily rated as a 3 star plus Deluxe Luxury Hotel providing world class services to both the Leisure and Business traveler. The Multi-Cuisine restaurants offer a wide choice of cuisine varying from Indian, North West Frontier, Chinese, Oriental and also Continental.

Hotel Malligi is the best, one can get in terms of food and accommodation near Hampi. If one does not want to book through Travel agents, the hotel offers online reservation facility. The hotel has it’s own website and one can browse through this very informative web site to know more about Hampi and also Book rooms online. The website address to make reservations online is www.malligihotels.com

The Malligi hotel also arranges for ancillary services like Air-Conditioned Cars and also English speaking guides who can accompany you during your sojourn of Hampi and explain the wonderful world that Hampi is.