Being Solo In Hampi
Hampi, a UNESCO recognised World Heritage Site in Karnataka, is ideal for solo travel. It’s one of the most fascinating heritage destinations of India. However, Hampi is not just for history or heritage seekers, it’s also for sunset chasers.
I had read somewhere that Hampi was one of the ideal destinations for solo travel. So, when I went there I was pretty confident that I would be comfortable exploring it on my own. And, as I began my trip, I did feel that everything was rolling smoothly. I’d say it was even better than my previous solo travels.
I often get asked about solo travel that ‘how to do it’ and ‘where to go’. After travelling solo to so many places, I have only one thing to say that solo travel is as normal as travelling with a companion. In fact, travelling alone has so many pluses. The only flipside of it is that there is nobody to click your pictures. You have to ask strangers to do the favour, which is okay as long as they are good photographers.
Being Solo In Hampi
 |
| Strangers turn your photographers |
Hampi is a fabulous place for solo travellers. As far as solo female travellers are concerned, being cautious is the basic rule to follow in any part of the world. Yes, Hampi is pretty safe. I didn’t feel any kind of anxiety anywhere. The locals are respectful. It seems they enjoy the fact that Hampi receives so many tourists, especially foreign.
Check out glimpses of Hampi through my lens.
However, I wouldn’t say that a woman travelling alone should be too carefree. Hampi has many deserted places across the Tungabhadra River. You can wander wherever you want, but always look around and try to comprehend your surroundings. It’s basically a quiet and peaceful place, where you can relax and do your own thing. So, enjoy the laidback atmosphere. But, while you walk alone, make sure to look back and see who’s coming behind you. I think that’s something you would do in your hometown also.
Book your stay in Hampi through Booking.com
 |
| On my way to Anegundi village |
I bicycled my way to Anegundi village, which I would say was one of the highlights of my trip. I felt carefree riding a bicycle after many, many years! I believe it’s a good way to explore a place, especially a countryside.
Check out top 9 things to do in Hampi
It was definitely fun with a dash of adventure here and there. A couple of local men, riding on a bike, said a mischievous Hi baby to me and touched my bicycle as they passed by. It was a bit of a nuisance, but I guess they were harmless.
Also, I lost my way while returning to my guest house. Thanks to a buffalo shepherd, who had sensed that I had come beyond the familiar area and thus, guided me to go a kilometre back to get to my guest house. At first, I doubted his intentions and refused to believe him. In a little while, another local guy also stopped by to confirm that I was going the wrong way. That’s when I called up my guest house manager to get the real picture of where I was. By the time I realised my mistake, the shepherd had left. I couldn’t thank him for saving me from a bigger trouble.
 |
| Shanthi Guest House |
I stayed at Shanthi Guest House. I’d say that it’s quite a nice accommodation for solo travellers. The manager and the staff are helpful and polite. Being a solo female traveller, I didn’t feel any kind of discomfort. The best part was that even the fellow guests at the guest house were nice.
I believe a girl or a woman should never stay at a place just because it’s cheap. You never know what kind of people are staying there! It’s always better to pay a little more and stay safe.
 |
| Meeting Sana at Shanthi Guest House |
My solo stay at Shanthi Guest House got even better when I met some lovely fellow travellers – I bumped into Sana, a tour guide from Mumbai, who led a group of foreign tourists. While I was amazed to see a girl conduct tours, she was pleased to know that I travelled alone and blogged about it. We formed a mutual admiration society.
 |
| Foreigners embracing Indian culture |
Sana’s guests were zesty and friendly, too. They belonged to different parts of the world – Australia, Scotland, England, Germany and Russia. I had a wonderful time with them as I joined them for dinner (at Sana’s behest). The most fun part was that they all got dressed in traditional Indian clothes to experience the Indian culture.
By the time my trip was about to end, I had a faint urge to stay a little while longer. Hampi grows on you. Now when I am back, I can say that it’s indeed an ideal place for solo travellers.
Disclaimer: This post has affiliate links. If you make a booking through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Have you been to Hampi alone? What was your experience like?
Enjoyed this post? Subscribe to receive ‘new posts’ straight in your inbox!
