Bangalore to Hampi
You start of on NH4, which connects Bangalore to Mumbai via Chitradurga, Hubli, Belgaum and Pune, which narrows down to a two laner after about 20kms. Keep going straight on NH4 taking the left at the fork once you pass Hirehalli village. After passing Tumkur fire station on your left take a right at the fork to bypass Tumkur village. Continue straight till you arrive at a checkpost. After the checkpost you will arrive at a roundabout. You can continue straight past the roundabout or take a left to the interesting town of Chitradurga.
Chitradurga houses the fort of the Mughal emperor Tipu Sultan and has some gold and silver mines located nearby. It is also a good midway point to refresh yourself and refuel your motorcycle as the route moves on to the less developed NH13. If you have the time you can make Chitradurga your base and visit the nearby ancient town of Harihar and the beautiful temples and waterfalls in the area.
Continuing straight past the roundabout for about a distance of 3 kilometres you take a right onto National Highway 13 that runs from there to Sholapur. The road surface on NH13 is not as good as NH4 but it is quite motorable although you would not be able to maintain the same speed. About 80Kms onto NH13 you will arrive at a fork. Take the left towards Hospet. 30Kms further on one will arrive at another fork. Bear right towards Hospet. You will cross a couple of level crossings. After the second railway crossing you will come to road junction. On the left one can visit the beautiful Tungabadhra dam and garden. The road on the right goes to Sholapur. Take the extreme right for Hospet town. The 13km route from Hospet to Hampi is clearly marked. You can either stay overnight at Hospet which offers better options or at Hippie Island which is across the river from Hampi and offers inexpensive basic accomodation.
One can spend days in Hampi just exploring the city. The main sites in Hampi are Sacred center which includes the Virupaksha and Vittala Temples, Hampi Bazaar and the Royal Centre. Crossing the Tungabhadra river in the saucer like boats is a must do. The ruins of Hampi are very secluded and lonely after sunset and it is not advisable to move around alone. Tourists are required to register on arrival but this is not strictly enforced.
Hospet to Badami
Take NH13 towards Bijapur and Sholapur. About 2 Kms after crossing the Tungabhadra river bridge take a right at the fork and at the next fork which is about 7Kms further on. Continue on this road for about 90Kms till you arrive in Hungund town. From the roundabout take a left towards Amingarh. The roads are narrow and should be avoided at night. About 22Kms past Hungund you will arrive at a T-junction. Take a left for Badami. Bear left at the fork past after you pass the town of Guledagud followed by a immediate left at the road junction. About 6Kms on you will need to take another left for Badami. Continue straight for about 12Kms and take a right at the fork and continue on this road for 5Kms and you arrive in Badami.
Badami was a capital city of the Chalukyan empire and the rock cut caves and sandstone temples are definitely worth a visit. You can also visit the towns of Aihole and Pattadkal which are enroute.
Guides to some road trips we recommend you should do.