Before you pack up and leave, it is important to plan you trip properly.
Hampi is completely safe for female travelers, I traveled with one other female friend and we were completely relaxed, Although it is good practice to know some of the tips to travel across India as a female traveler, Most of it doesn't majorly apply here as people tend not to creep you out here. If you need a DIY for packing, here is the link. Trust me, it's a life saver. Hampi is truly a wonderful destination.
Hampi trip itinerary: 2 days 1 night trip to Hampi
Hampi travel blogs are the best ways to get information from people who have already visited. Here is some of my observations.
Day 0: Reach Majestic KSRTC bus stop in the night at 11:55 PM. It usually takes 7 to 8hrs to travel from Bangalore and night journeys are the best way to save time and avoid the hassle of long journeys. Sleeper buses are the best kind and a lot of travels have begun to provide these services. Download travel apps or contact any of the travel agencies to book a night bus, preferable later in the night.Look for buses from Bangalore to Hampi and back.
Before leaving to Hampi, it is best to check the Hampi weather. if your intention to visit Hampi is just to chill, off season (monsoon) is the best time to go. Although, you can enrich yourself with all the ancient architecture, it wouldn't be as grand as it would be during the festival seasons that will bring out the vibrancy of the whole place.
Now, Hampi is divided into 2 parts, The hippie Island and The Hampi Village. My advice would be to spend the first day in Hippie Island and the second in the village.
Day 1: As soon as you reach Hampi, you will be harassed by a swarm of auto drivers insisting to ride with them. Please note that it doesn't take less than Rs.150 to get there. However, if you wish to take the bus, it's just Rs. 10 and is available from 8 AM.This time is also ideally for you as the motorboat that takes you to the hippie Island from Hampi starts at 8 AM.
Once you reach the other side of Hampi, you will find several rooms to check-in. You do not have to book in advance during off season as there are plenty available. Once you check in and freshen up, you can rent a 2 wheeler and commute around the hippie island on your own. The Bike rents are Rs.200 and are usually filled with petrol. The most important thing to note here is that hampi is completely safe for girls and all of the people are extremely kind and helpful. there are a couple of destinations that you will have to visit like the Kali Temple, Hanuman's temple and the lake. Each of these places have their own stories and the localities will be more than happy to share this with you. Communicate with your hotel members and find out everything you need to know about the place. Most of these people speak English very well as they have a lot of foreigners visiting them throughout the year. There are several hotels in Hampi. But the to have an authentic experience it is a good idea to eat in the temples and the Mutt. Stay the night in Hippie Island and leave early the next day.
Day2: Once you reach the other side of Hampi on the motorboat, find an auto driver to tour you around the place. They are usually extremely knowledgeable and have a lot of information to share. Be prepared to be awe'd by the wonders of ancient Hampi. Don't miss out on the Virupaksha Temple, the musical pillars or any of the other structures in Hampi. The whole experience is truly amazing. The whole place takes you back in time and scenery is so perfect that you can experience the culture just like in the old times. It is impossible to cover all places in one day. But if you have more time to spare, stay there a couple more days and get enriched by the amazing cultural experience.
Board the bus from the city center in the night. The auto drivers giving you a tour will usually charge extra. If you don't wish to pay extra, get dropped at the bus stop and take the bus to the city center. You can board your bus back to Bangalore or whichever place you are going from there.
Another place like Hampi, that would leave it's effect on you is Rishikesh. Read all about my experience at Rishikesh here!