Evolve Back Hampi

from $381
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“A regal retreat in the ancient ruins of Hampi, channeling the splendour of a lost empire. Expect domes, turrets, arched hallways and opulent suites with carved furniture, canopy beds and lotus-filled views. There’s a spa, 2 pools, and restaurants that nod to royal kitchens. Deccan Plateau decadence.”

Hotel review

The third property in Evolve Back's portfolio and their grandest yet. Kamalapura Palace revives the days of the 14th-century Vijayanagara Empire. The welcome to the hotel through the arched, and ‘fortified’ entrance is as dramatic as it is warm. Rose petals flutter down over the car on passing through the arch, a uniformed guard strikes a gong, and then at the hotel entrance, a posse of beautiful sari-clad ladies offer cold wet towels and slip floral garlands over the head of each guest. The hotel design is inspired by the Vijayanagara architecture of nearby Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For the architectural purist, the hotel’s enfilades of Mughal arches and the stepped rooflines might verge on the pastiche, if not Disney, especially after a day spent looking at the real thing. But for those that might worry about such things, the excellent service and warmth of the staff soon soothe any aesthetic misgivings. It’s not every hotel you return to your room to find a carefully laid pattern of rose petals floating in the bath. Everything is slightly oversized at Kamalapura Palace and there are some things in life where bigger really is better: beds. They're enormous (and incredibly comfy)! Rooms are of a similar nature, gargantuan, and include an in-room hot tub bath as standard. On the food front every taste is well catered for, be sure to try the traditional Karnatakan thali, quite delicious, though Western dishes such as penne arrabiata still hit the mark if you're after comfort food. Breakfast is a spread of South Indian favourites: masala dosa, idli, eggs to order, fruits, cheeses, yoghurts, Bircher muesli, and pancakes. Evolve Back are fastidious about their eco-credentials and every room includes its own water filter. You won't find any plastic bottles here. Be sure to book one of their tours for exploring Hampi and its surroundings. There's nowhere else quite like it in all of India. With a focus on wellness and Ayurveda, Kamalapura Palace allows travellers to explore this out-the-way destination in the height of luxury.

Charles Marsden-Smedley

Recommended for

  • Historic

    • Sleep in palace-style suites with teardrop arches and explore the ruins of a once-mighty empire on guided trails

  • Learning

    • Join a private storytelling session and let expert narrators bring the empire’s rise and fall vividly to life

  • Hotel boats for hire

    • Glide down the Tungabhadra River in a coracle and take in the surreal landscape of boulders and ancient ruins

  • Foodies

    • Book a five-course dinner in a candlelit mantapa and toast with wine like a royal of the Vijayanagara court

  • Honeymoons

    • Dine under the stars by your private pool, then wake to lotus pond views and a canopy bed fit for royalty

  • Great walks

    • Follow the Virupaksha Trail past hilltop temples and giant monoliths on a history-soaked morning stroll

  • Other Activities

    • Sip Sidapur coffee in the quiet reading lounge, where arches and carved columns whisper of a bygone era

  • Hotel Entertainment

    • Indulge in an Ayurvedic massage using age-old techniques designed to revive both body and spirit

  • Restaurant

    • Continental and Indian cuisine inspired by the Vijayanagara Empire

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

    • A terrace or balcony are featured in certain rooms

  • Luxury

  • Opulent

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Outstanding location

  • Family Suites

  • Gourmet

  • Views

  • Romantic

  • Air conditioning

  • Half Board

  • Traditional

  • Wellbeing

  • 5* Luxury

  • Gym

  • Chic

  • Spa

Facilities

  • Rooms

    46 rooms in this hotel

  • Parking

    Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed)

  • Restaurant

    Continental and Indian cuisine inspired by the Vijayanagara Empire

  • Swimming Pool

    The infinity pool overlooks the boulder-strewn landscape of Hampi

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

    A terrace or balcony are featured in certain rooms

  • Family Suites

  • Bar

  • Hairdresser/Beauty Salon

  • Massage

  • No pets

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Wifi

  • Air conditioning

  • Half Board

  • Concierge

  • Suites

  • Gym

  • Garden

  • Spa

Activities

  • Learning

    • Join a private storytelling session and let expert narrators bring the empire’s rise and fall vividly to life

  • Hotel boats for hire

    • Glide down the Tungabhadra River in a coracle and take in the surreal landscape of boulders and ancient ruins

  • Great walks

    • Follow the Virupaksha Trail past hilltop temples and giant monoliths on a history-soaked morning stroll

  • Other Activities

    • Sip Sidapur coffee in the quiet reading lounge, where arches and carved columns whisper of a bygone era

  • Hotel Entertainment

    • Indulge in an Ayurvedic massage using age-old techniques designed to revive both body and spirit

Map & Location

Other reviews

Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace

This palatial resort is the most luxurious place to stay if you are visiting the World Heritage-listed ruins of Hampi.

Originally published by The Telegraph

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