Route 1: The Hospet Route
Route Map: Bangalore → Chitradurga → Hospet → Hampi
This route takes about seven and a half hours on NH48 and NH50, a distance of about 360 kilometres. This is a popular route for most road trippers.
Chitradurga Fort: Built in a series of seven fortification walls; thus the name ‘Seven Circles Fort’. It also has eighteen temples.
Ankali Mutt: Located just 3 kms from Chitradurga, it boasts a temple between huge rocks and underground carved out caves.
Chandravalli: A couple of kilometres from Chitradurga, this is a gorgeous archaeological site in an area formed by three hills.
Tungabhadra Dam: This dam is worth stopping by for its spectacular views through its watchtower and its aesthetic beauty.
Vijayshree Village: Right before reaching Hampi, one can visit this heritage Rajasthani style village, for a little bit of a culture mash-ups.
Route 2: The Hiriyur Route
Route Map: Bangalore → Tumkur → Hiriyur → Challakere → Rampura → Hampi
This route takes about 7 hours for a drive of 400 kilometres (approx) via NH 48.
Vani Vilas Sagar Dam: A 30-minute detour from Hiriyur will lead you to this pre-independence era dam, with calm and clean waters.
Ajjanagudi Temple: Make a quick stop to Challakere if you want to visit this quiet temple.
Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary: Around half an hour before Hampi, visit this fun place to gaze at bears and other animals doing their thing in all their glory.
Route 3: The Anantpura Route
Route Map: Bangalore → Lepakshi → Anantapur → Bellari → Hampi
This route of 400 kms also takes about 7 hours. This route is preferred for its smooth driving conditions.
Lepakshi: Famous Nandi statue, the Veerabhadra temple, and the famous Shiva Linga inside.
Gooty Fort: This fort makes for an interesting trek uphill, with an amazing vantage point to capture pictures from.
Bellary Fort: Built atop huge boulders, this Fort has a haunting appeal, excellent for pictures or a peaceful walk.
Chintala Venkataramana Swamy Temple: The temple has a mix of South Indian heritage architecture. It's located about 50 kilometres from Anantapur.
Hampi Hippie Island: A good place for bouldering and rock-climbing fans, people interested in souvenir shopping, or coffee shops.
