Ok, I'm planing a trip to Hampi for some bouldering, actually a lot of bouldering. I'm not after a topo, as I found quite a good one, and that is also going to be one of my missions to do there (to make it better or clearer.) But my question is to those who have been there, were did you stay, was it good, is there an atm in the village and how much money did you approximately spend per day. Thanks heaps. - Sakke
We stayed at the Goan corner on hampi island. The most popular place for climbers. Sharmila (the owner) bakes absolutly mindblowing deserts. We where there for 2 months and realy enjoyed the mood. One hut (duble bed) was from 100 to 200 rupees. And expect to pay 100 for a meal with drinks.
I imagine the topo you found (if you found it online) would be the topo for jungli area, which is not actually the main Hampi area but is roughly 20 mins drive away. There is a topo you can buy when you are there from a guesthouse called Beggums for the immediate Hampi area and it is fairly extensive. There is also an Indian climber called Rohit who has made a guidebook with pictures and topos and is looking to publish it worldwide, however has not found the sponsorship to do it yet. Definately stay in Goan Corner as Anze suggested, it's where all the climbers stay as you can get crashpads there. It isn't in the main town of Hampi, but across the river on Hampi island. There is an ATM in the village, however the Rickshaw Drivers break it so that you have to pay them to drive you to Hospet. My advice would be to take some $'s to exchange or whichever currency is strongest out of the Pound, Euro or Dollar to exchange in Hampi. Another option is to get money out of the shops. You use your card in their machine and they charge 5% interest.
Stay at Begum, as she started the whole thing about crash pads...she need our support not like the goan corner guys. begum is like a mum if you stay for a while.she will cook for you the best indian food ever! harry from berlin will be there every fallin and hes probably the best option to get all the information about topos and stuff you'll need to know. Begums place is simple, quiet and a bit out of the hassle of other tourist... its up to you where to stay and at goan corner there are definetely all the climbers...at begums too, but she just have 3 huts to rent out!!! please support those who need it! if you there, say hello from me. i'll miss begum and hampi a lot! have a good trip and stay tuned
There are some nice boulders on the "wrong" side of hampi as well, do them, but stay on the other side if you stay more than a week because you will get sick of the boat ride over every day. Really nice place. enjoy
Ah.. been dreaming of hampi for a long time now, just started saving for a trip this winter.. goal is to go in nov. anybody know if it`s possible to climb during the hot seson? did climbing in thailand during the hot seson, and it was possible.. is this the same or warmer?
think i`ll be staying for as long as i can..heh. are there climber there all year or just in the best months?
Hampi, India