The Department of Tourism, along with the Kannada and Culture department, has decided to increase the number of batches for the Hampi heritage walk, from two to seven per day, after receiving an overwhelming response to the programme.

Speaking exclusively to Deccan Herald, Dr K Rajendra, Assistant Commissioner of Hospet, said, “The initial plan of two batches per day filled up quickly but we continued to get many enquiries about it. Therefore we have decided to increase the facility so thatmore number of people can avail of it.” 

 Queries are also pouring in fast and thick from outside the borders of Karnataka. Sharat Chandra, a conservation Architect at Hampi, who is also coordinating the walk, said that they have had enquiries from Hyderabad, Goa and even Bombay.

With the planned increase, about hundred people can now take part in this walk that starts at the Virupaksha Temple, instead of just thirty as initially planned.

This also means increased revenue for the five women’s self help groups identified to serve guests with the local cuisine.

However with just hundred and fifty rooms available during the festival, accommodation is set to play spoilsport for those interested. Officials are now trying to help people coming in from far-flung areas find rooms during the Hampi Utsava.

 “The rooms are few only during the festival but will free up after the 6th of November,” said Chandra.

The Heritage walk begins on November 3 and go on till the 12th. It is a 10 km odyssey through the ruins of Hampi, starting at the Virupaksha Temple and ending at the magnificently-illuminated Vittal temple in the evening.
Guests will also be treated to Lambani dances and other local flavours during the walk. For bookings and further information call Tanveer Hussain at 9448908400 or email info@hampiworld
heritage.org