Best Sunrise & Sunset Points of Hampi

Hampi, the UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled along the banks of the Tungabhadra River in Karnataka, is a land of surreal boulder-strewn landscapes, ancient ruins, and captivating vistas. While its temples and monuments speak of its regal past, Hampi’s sunrises and sunsets offer a spiritual experience, drawing travelers and photographers from across the world.

The dramatic interplay of golden light, craggy hills, and the silhouette of ancient structures makes Hampi’s dawns and dusks unforgettable. Here’s a guide to the best spots in Hampi to witness these magical moments.

• Best sunrise months: October to March (clear skies and cooler mornings)
• Best sunset colors: June to October (monsoon glow and dramatic clouds)
• Arrive 30–45 minutes early for sunrise or sunset to get the best light and spot
• Golden Hour (perfect for photography): ~45 mins after sunrise and before sunset

Hemakuta Hill is situated right beside the Virupaksha Temple. The climb is moderate and the view from atop the hill can be stunning during sunrise and sunset. The sunsets especially are more colorful as the boulders, the silhouette of the temples, the arches, the trees and river Tungabhadra all create a picture-perfect canvas. Photographers and painters find the scenic beauty worth capturing.

Difficulty Level: Easy

How to approach: Short climb from Virupaksha Temple or from Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple.

Malyavantha Hill houses several large and small temples including Malyavantha Raghunatha Temple, Veera Anjaneya Temple, Prasanna Virupaksheshwara Temple (not to be confused with Virupaksha Temple and Prasanna/Underground Virupaksha Temples) and Lakshmana Teertha. The approach road to Malyavantha Hill is motorable all the way to the top of the hill. Once you reach the top of the hill, there are viewpoints on both Eastern and Western side of the hill. Hence, Malyavantha Hill is suitable for both sunrise and sunset views. The horizon, the lush paddy fields, the randomly strewn boulders, rows of coconut trees and banana plantations blended with golden sunrays make Malyavantha Hill a serene meditative setting.

Difficulty Level: Easy (road up the hill)

How to approach: Malyavantha Hill is situated at a distance of about 2.5km from Archaeology Museum, Kamalapura on the Kamalapura-Bukkasagara road.

Tip: The parking space atop the hill can become a constraint if large number of vehicles arrive. Local taxi and autorickshaw operators generally drop the tourists and go down the hill to a suitable parking spot. 

With the view of Virupaksha Temple to its west and Achyuta Raya Temple to its east, Matanga Hill offers the most stunning sunrise and sunset views. It is by far the most popular sunrise point among the young crowd as the hill rewards early climbers with sweeping views of Tungabhadra River, rays of sun gradually covering the height of Virupaksha Temple tower from top to bottom as time progresses and a host of other nearby temples, fields and hills bathed in the morning light.

Difficulty Level: Moderate (requires climbing ~200 to 250 steps). Some sections of the climb are not cut out steps but rugged boulders. Expect 20-30 minutes of climb.

How to approach: The climb starts from near Yeduru Basavanna at the end of Virupaksha Bazaar.

Tip: Avoid sunrise / sunset tour to Matanga Hill following a day/night of heavy rainfall or during monsoon as the mud underneath the boulders could have loosened and might lead to a mudslide.

Anjanadri Hill – the Birthplace of Lord Hanuman is by far the best and most arduous point to get the best sunrise and sunset views of Hampi. This is because of two reasons. Firstly, it is the tallest hill in the area hence giving the highest viewpoints and secondly, it is situated on the other side of river Tungabhadra in a town called Hanumanahalli (technically it is not in Hampi or even in the same district) putting a vast rugged valley of the river in between giving a majestic view of many monuments, hills and plains of Hampi from an almost birds-eye view.

Note that the hill is situated in Gangavati Taluk and is about 20-30 minutes drive from Hospet, Hampi or Kamalapura. The approach steps and the Hanuman Temple atop Anjanadri Hill may not be opened for sunrise treks on some days owing to special poojas and festivals. Check with the locals before making the sunrise trek plan. The sunset treks should still be possible though.

Difficulty Level: Difficult (requires climbing ~500 to 650 steps). Expect 40-50 minutes of climb and plan accordingly.

How to approach: You can read further about approaching Anjanadri Hill and Hanuman Temple by  clicking here. We have covered it in very detail and hope to answer all questions you might have.

Tip: There are several stores that sell coconuts, flowers and incense sticks that devotees carry and offer at the temple atop the hill. There are also many souvenir shops and trinkets available for sale at these shops. Water bottles and refreshments are also available on sale. Discard waste responsibly!

Expect monkeys in big numbers along the way or on top of the hill, after all, this is the birthplace of Monkey-God Anjaneya. Be careful with your valuables and expect monkeys to grab the coconuts/bananas that you may be carrying.

1. Wear comfortable shoes for hill climbs.
2. Sunrise & Sunset times could be chilly, especially during the winter months of November to February. Temperatures could be low 20s. Dress accordingly.
3. Start your hike at least 30 minutes before sunrise or sunset.
4. Carry water and a flashlight (especially for evening descents).
5. Respect the sanctity of temples and local customs.
6. Avoid slippery trails during monsoon.
7. Beware of wild animals – monkeys, peacocks, snakes and leopards are natural inhabitants of the forests around Hampi.
8. Do not go wandering off the tracks, the hills can have loose boulders not adequately supported and not suitable for walking.