[Denbob99]

Has anyone been to Hampi recently that wouldn't mind me picking their brains a bit?

Cheers

[buster martin]

Hello mate I was there this season what would you like to know? (Currently writing a blog post about the place which should tell you what you need to know)

[Denbob99]

Just wondering where you might have stayed and how much it cost you? Seems impossible to get in touch with any of the guesthouses (even had a friend out in India have an Indian colleague ring them, no joy) so was just wondering what you've heard about them and where's good to stay. I'll keep an eye out for the blog post too cheers

[sdm]

Generally you want to avoid booking in advance for Indian accommodation. By booking in advance, you usually pay somewhere between double and 10(!) times the price you would pay by turning up and haggling. It is also common for bookings not to be honoured if someone else is willing to pay more.

It's 5 years since I was in Hampi.  We paid about £3.50 a night for a triple en suite room with air con. We weren't particularly near the bouldering though as I was the only one climbing.

You could get rooms for 3 from as little as 15p a night if you really wanted to dirt bag it.

[Denbob99]

I've heard as much, the intention is to show up and haggle, but want to know which guesthouses come recommended from people so we don't spend a day walking miles with large backpacks.

Those prices sound like they should just about fit our budget though!

[sdm]

They may have gone up a bit in the last few years and we weren't there at high season but it shouldn't exactly break the bank.

It's worth leaving someone in a cafe with the bags, makes the searching and haggling process much more pleasant and means you'll be less bothered by touts offering you 'great prices' on rooms.

[Denbob99]

Sounds like a plan!

[Denbob99]

Did you guys take water filters or anything or is bottled water easy enough to get a hold of out there?

[sdm]

You can get bottled water everywhere. Just make sure it is still sealed.

[Durbs]

You can get bottled water everywhere. Just make sure it is still sealed.

+20 to this. Every bottle should be inverted and squeezed before you walk away. We had a couple which sprayed water out though a hole in the lid where it had been refilled, and another where the top of the cap popped off...

Other tip I had was go veggie. Me and the Mrs were in India for 5 weeks without stomach issues. The food's so good (and the meat so poor) that you don't really need it.

[Adam Lincoln]

Best place to stay is Goan Corner. Lady called Sharmilla runs it and speak fluent English. Food is good and room are good. You can hire pads here if needed too. I ate meat here on many occasion.

Most climb ers tend to stay here.

Don't just stick to local bou.dering, hire a scooter and go further a field.

Any more info hit me up.

[Denbob99]

Yeah I intend to go veggie, expecting to get sick at some point on this trip but not going to tempt fate! Thanks for the info everyone, heard good things about Goan Corner so will call there first for some negotiation. Any ideas how much you paid so I have a starting point for haggling?

[Adam Lincoln]

I wasn't really that into the haggling. I felt the 4 quid i paid a night was worth putting back into the community.

[Denbob99]

Nice one cheers.