O

It goes without saying that you need to apply the basic cautions required in any such touristy places. Your general alertness and prudence seems adequate to make your tour of Hampi safe and comfortable.

In Hampi concerns for you may arise from some unexpected corners. For example there have been more incidences of monkeys trying to snatch bags than say people lost their wallets to pickpockets.

A few possible areas of cautions are addressed here.

The River The River Tungabhadra is one of the risky things in Hampi.

Never judge the depth and current of the river from the look on its surface. The depth is unpredictable. You will never know if your next step into the river is three feet or thirty feet.

This area is no swimming spot and hence no lifeguards on watch. However you can scramble over the rocky riverbank. Be cautious with the slippery boulders. Get into water only where it is allowed. Also ensure that you are not alone, if you ever you get into the water. The rainy season is especially dangerous with heavy currents and swirls. Even the local coracle ferry services come to a standstill when the current is high.

Nights at the Ruins Avoid roaming the sites during night, particularly the remote ones and when you are alone. There have been some incidences of muggings in the past. The vast majority of the ruins are devoid of any lighting. It would be even difficult to trace your way back as the trails are not readily recognizable after the sun set.

The hilltops are especially vulnerable areas. If you are climbing up for the sunrise/sunset views, be sure to be in the company of other tourists in a group. The calm ambient of the hilltop may pull you to hold on for long well after the sunset. Do not hang around at the top for long, as the place turn isolated quickly as the crowd leaves soon after the sunset. In other words do not be the last person to decent from the hilltop after the sunset.

Hampi does not have any great nightlife as such. However the Virupaksha Temple and the Hampi Bazaar area are live in the evenings.

The Hills Climbing the boulders could be fun at the same time a bit risky too. Some of the paths to the hilltops pass along steep cliffs. As such the hills in Hampi do not have any protective barriers installed.

Apply special cautions while climbing, especially during the rainy season. Do not venture alone.

The less trodden paths are usually full of thorny bushes.

Summer Heat Never underestimate the heat and dust of Hampi. The summer temperatures can reach 40 °C ( 104 °F) . Once you are out for the site visit, Hampi is an open expanse with not many shelters. Wear protective clothing. Lose light cotton cloths covering most of limbs is a standard costume for Hampi. A wide hat and a good pair of walking shoes are other essentials.

Even during the peak summer the inside of the temples, pavilions and other such structures in Hampi are surprisingly cool. Take advantage of this during tour – to take rest and re-energize, before heading to the next monument.

Monkeys Yes, monkeys! Make no mistakes about it, they are not pets. There have been many incidents where goofy tourists got bitten while teasing the monkeys. They may look funny and mischievous, but it does not take long for them turn ferocious. Never try to feed or tease them. Guard your bags, especially in the hilly areas. Monkeys may look for a chance to snatch it. The intention is food.

Just guard your belongings and ignore the stalking monkeys.You (and the monkeys too) would be fine!

Scams Like any other touristy places Hampi too have its fair share of crooks. They may range anything from the typical pickpocket variety to herby sellers. Marijuana (weed!) is illegal, can end up you in jail.

The police outpost inside the Virupaksha Temple has a photo gallery of known crooks. In any case your common sense can spot a scam-artist without much of effort. Avoid all shady agents and deals.

Foreign tourists are advised to register themselves at the local police outpost inside the Virupaksha Temple. This is a simple process like writing down your details like name, address, passport number etc (more like filling up the hotel register).