Hospet is located in the Bellary district of Karnataka state. It is around 340 km from the city of Bangalore. It lies on the banks of the river Tungabhadra. The Tungabhadra dam was built in the twentieth century. Hospet is 12 km away from Hampi, which is a World Heritage site and the capital of the medieval Vijaynagar empire. Hospet is a base for tourists visiting Hampi. The town has gained industrial importance due to the iron ore mining here. It is now even called ‘steel city’.
Hospet has a hot and dry climate. The summers are too hot here. The temperature may go up to 40oC. They last from March to May. Monsoon is from June to August. November to February is the coolest period which is also the best time to visit Hospet. The temperature can drop up to 15oC. Carry comfortable footwear and a hat as you have to cover Hampi on foot.
Many good hotels in Hospet accept international credit cards. There are many ATMs in the city. But it is best to carry cash to this place. There might not be any money changers also.
By Air: Belgaum airport is the nearest airport. It lies 200 km from Hospet. It connects Hospet to Bangalore, Mumbai, Hubli and Kolhapur. Kingfisher airlines and Deccan fly to Belgaum. International Flight: The nearest international airport is Bangalore which is 350 km from Hospet. It connects Bangalore to Dubai, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok and Male
By Road: A private vehicle or a bus can take you to Hospet from Belgaum. Buses can take you to Hospet from Hubli which is 144 km away. Buses also connect Bijapur, Hyderabad and Gokarna to Hospet.
By Rail:Hampi express which connects Bangalore and Hubli comes to Hospet. The Vasco Da Gama express connects Hospet to Goa and Vijaywada. From Mumbai, you can take a train to Hubli.
· The ruins of Hampi which are 12 km from the city of Hospet. It gives us an idea of a legendary Vijaynagar Empire founded by princesses Bukka and Harihara in 1336. It was later ruled by King Krishna Devraya. The Virupaksha temple and the Hampi Bazaar are the famous points here.
· The Tungabhadra dam is also a tourist spot and gives a picturesque view of the lake.
· Shri Kumaraswamy temple in Sandur is the oldest temple in Karnataka.
· Museum run by the archaeological survey of India is located in Kamalapuram near Hampi.
Mostly south Indian food is available in Hospet. Try yummy idlis and dosas along with sambhar and rassam. Vegetarian food is served at Amruth Refreshments, on the Hampi Road and Shanbagh hotel or Shanthi hotel. Non vegetarians can relish meat at Hotel Maurya, Hotel Nagarjuna and Hotel Vaishali.
Where To Stay:
Hotel Mayura is a good hotel in Hospet. It is near the Tungabhadra dam. Mallige Tourist Home and Hotel Priyadarshani are other options. It is better to book in advance in the peak season from October to February.
