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Berlin to south-west India: Goa and Hampi

Berlin → Goa → Hampi

Basilica of Bom Jesus
"Front_Elevation_of_Basilica_of_Bom_Jesus.jpg" by iMahesh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence
BeachFun (Goa)
Photo: Sam 8393, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Portuguese churches & boulder-strewn ruins Best season (general guide): Nov–Feb

Goa, on India's west coast, was a Portuguese colony for centuries, and inland in Karnataka lie the ruins of Hampi, once the capital of a great empire. This route spends four nights in Goa and three in Hampi. From Berlin you'll connect through the Gulf or an Indian hub to Goa.

How to pace it: Spend days one to four in Goa: day one, the beach; day two, Old Goa churches; day three, Fontainhas, Panaji; day four, spice farm or beach day. Then spend days five to seven in Hampi: day five, train inland to Hampi; day six, Vittala Temple and the stone chariot; day seven, Virupaksha Temple and sunset on Hemakuta Hill.

Goa is known for its beaches, but its history is just as interesting. In Old Goa, the churches and convents built by the Portuguese are listed by UNESCO. The Basilica of Bom Jesus holds the remains of Saint Francis Xavier.

In Panaji, the capital, the Fontainhas quarter has narrow streets of colourful houses with balconies. Goan food mixes Indian and Portuguese influences, with dishes such as fish curry and vindaloo.

Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, one of the largest in Indian history. Its ruins spread across a landscape of granite boulders and banana plantations, and UNESCO lists them.

The Vittala Temple has a famous stone chariot and carved pillars. The Virupaksha Temple is still in use, and sunsets from Hemakuta Hill over the ruins are a highlight.

November to February is the best time, with dry, warm weather. The monsoon brings heavy rain from June to September.

In Hampi, start at sunrise to explore the ruins before the heat builds, and rest in the shade at midday. A guide helps make sense of the site's history.

In Goa, travel between the beaches and Old Goa by taxi or scooter.

Good to know: Trains and buses link Goa with Hosapete, the nearest town to Hampi, or hire a driver. In Hampi, bicycles and auto-rickshaws are good ways to get around the ruins. Dress modestly and remove shoes at temples.

Suggested outline

  1. Berlin

    Start

  2. Goa

    By air · 4 nights suggested

    Beaches, the churches of Old Goa and Panaji's Latin quarter.

  3. Hampi

    By train and road · 3 nights suggested

    Ruins of the Vijayanagara capital among granite boulders.

    Hampi
    "Wide_angle_of_Galigopuram_of_Virupaksha_Temple,_Hampi_(04)_(cropped).jpg" by iMahesh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence

Day by day

  1. Day 1 · Goa — Arrive; the beach· Berlin → Goa (by air) — long-haul; may arrive the next calendar day
  2. Day 2 · Goa — Old Goa churches
  3. Day 3 · Goa — Fontainhas, Panaji
  4. Day 4 · Goa — Spice farm or beach day
  5. Day 5 · Hampi — Train inland to Hampi· Goa → Hampi (by train and road)
  6. Day 6 · Hampi — Vittala Temple and the stone chariot
  7. Day 7 · Hampi — Virupaksha Temple and sunset on Hemakuta Hill
  8. Day 8 · Hampi — Travel home from Hampi· Hampi → Hubli (by train and road), then Hubli → Berlin (by air)

A suggested pace only; expedition days are set by the operator.

Flights, leg by leg

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Goa

More about Goa →

Plan the trip: Goa

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Hampi

Nearest airport: Hubli

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