Hampi may be an ancient UNESCO World Heritage site, but its streets are still alive with the aroma of local snacks, colorful markets, and charming stalls tucked between temple ruins and village lanes. Exploring these spots gives a true taste of rural Karnataka’s culture and flavors.
1. Hampi Bazaar Street
Why visit: Once a thriving royal marketplace, today it’s a bustling street with shops selling clothes, handicrafts, and snacks.
Highlights: – Cotton kurtas and handmade jewelry – Street vendors with coconut water and pakoras – Views of Virupaksha Temple
Timing: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry: Free
2. Virupapur Gadde Flea Market
Why visit: Located across the river, this hippie-style village market is filled with handmade items, incense, and colorful fabrics.
Highlights: – Tie-dye scarves, tribal bags, and anklets – Laid-back cafés with local snacks – Great place for evening strolls
Timing: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Entry: Free
3. Street-side Chaat Stalls near Hampi Bus Stand
Why visit: For a quick, spicy bite of pani puri, masala puri, or aloo chaat served fresh and fast.
Highlights: – Authentic Karnataka-style chaat – Budget-friendly and flavorful – Popular with locals and students
Timing: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Entry: Free (₹20–₹50 per plate)
4. Weekly Market in Kamalapur
Why visit: Just 4 km from Hampi, Kamalapur’s weekly haat is where villagers sell fresh produce, snacks, and local sweets.
Highlights: – Farm-fresh fruits and pickles – Street sweets like holige and chiroti – Vibrant rural atmosphere
Timing: Wednesdays, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Entry: Free
5. Banana Bonda & Tea Stalls at Temple Steps
Why visit: After visiting temples, refuel with crispy banana bondas and sweet chai from roadside stalls.
Highlights: – Quick snack breaks for temple-hoppers – Great views of Hemakuta Hill – Served piping hot on paper plates
Timing: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry: Free (₹10–₹30 per item)
6. Mobile Fruit Carts near Tungabhadra River Bank
Why visit: These colorful carts offer fresh-cut papaya, guava, watermelon, and sugarcane juice with a scenic backdrop.
Highlights: – Healthy snacks after a long walk – Refreshing and hygienic – Often sprinkled with chili-salt mix
Timing: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry: Free (₹20–₹50 per serving)
7. Pushkarini Tank Snack Sellers
Why visit: Outside sacred temple tanks like the one near Krishna Temple, local women often sell homemade snacks wrapped in banana leaves.
Highlights: – Spicy puffed rice (churmuri), roasted peanuts – Served with raw mango and green chilies – Authentic, local-only experience
Timing: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry: Free (₹10–₹30 per pack)
8. Local Sweet Shops in Kamalapur Town
Why visit: Try local sweets like Mysore pak, besan laddoo, and kajjaya from age-old family-run sweet shops.
Highlights: – Made with ghee and jaggery – Packed for takeaway – Best for gifts or evening snacks
Timing: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry: Free (₹30–₹150 per box)
9. Temple Prasadam Counters
Why visit: Many temples offer prasadam that doubles as a light snack — pongal, tamarind rice, or laddoos made by the priests.
Highlights: – Blessed and freshly made – Typically vegetarian and simple – Free or minimal donation-based
Timing: During temple hours
Entry: Free (optional donation ₹10–₹20)
10. Village Corner Shops (Anegundi Side)
Why visit: Small corner shops near Anegundi sell locally made pickles, banana chips, and jaggery-based snacks.
Highlights: – Taste of rural Karnataka – Often homemade and organic – Great with evening chai
Timing: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Entry: Free (₹20–₹80 per item)
Feature Image:- Photo by Arti Agarwal
