Schools finish on 18 December. India’s most extraordinary ruins are in their best season. Here is how to put the two together.
At a glance: a Hampi trip from New Zealand
Fly Auckland to Bengaluru, then take the overnight train or a car about 340 km north to Hosapete, the gateway town for Hampi. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruined capital of the Vijayanagara empire, spread across a landscape of giant boulders and banana groves. Add Badami’s rock-cut cave temples, with Aihole and Pattadakal nearby, and you have a seven-day trip. November to February is the best season, which lines up well with the New Zealand summer school holidays.
Why Hampi, and why these holidays
Most Kiwi families flying to India in December are going home to see relatives. That is the trip we book most. But many of you also ask us for something extra: a few days somewhere the children will remember. Hampi is our answer for anyone landing in Bengaluru.
New Zealand schools close for the year by Friday 18 December 2026 (Term 4 end dates vary slightly by school, so check yours). From then until late January, Hampi and Badami are in their cool, dry season. Days are warm and bright, evenings are pleasant, and rain is rare. In the Kiwi winter, by contrast, the Deccan is either baking or under monsoon. The timing works in your favour.
Hampi is also a different kind of India. It is quiet. Children climb boulders and count the musical pillars at the Vittala Temple. Grandparents find a shaded courtyard and sit.
Getting there: Auckland to Bengaluru, then north
Bengaluru (BLR) is the right airport for this trip. Auckland to Bengaluru fares are from NZD $992 per person, checked 8 October 2026, prices change daily. The journey is one-stop, usually through Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Australia. From Wellington, Christchurch or Queenstown you connect through Auckland or Australia.
From Bengaluru you have three ways to reach Hampi. Hampi itself has no station or airport. The gateway is Hosapete (also spelt Hospet), about 13 km away.
Option | Time | Good to know |
Overnight train | About 8 hours | The Hampi Express runs between Bengaluru and Hosapete Junction overnight. Book a 2-tier or 3-tier AC sleeper. Children love it. Reserve well ahead for December. |
Private car | Most of a day | Around 340 km by road. Comfortable with a driver, and you can stop for lunch and stretch your legs. Best for families with very young children or older parents. |
Fly to Vidyanagar (VDY) | About 50 minutes | Jindal Vijaynagar Airport is roughly 35 km from Hampi. Small airlines such as Star Air and Alliance Air have flown this route, usually once a day. Schedules change often, so check before relying on it. |
A 7-day Hampi and Badami itinerary
This plan assumes you arrive in Bengaluru in the morning. Swap the days around if your flight lands at night.
Day | Where | What you do |
1 | Bengaluru | Land, rest, a gentle afternoon in Cubbon Park or Lalbagh. Evening: board the overnight train to Hosapete. |
2 | Hampi, sacred centre | Arrive early, check in, then the Virupaksha Temple, Hemakuta Hill and the old Hampi Bazaar. Sunset from the hill above the temple. |
3 | Hampi, royal centre | The Vittala Temple and its stone chariot first thing, before the heat. Then the Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables and the stepped tank. |
4 | Across the river | Coracle ride on the Tungabhadra, the villages and paddy fields on the far bank, a lazy lunch, and a bicycle for the older children. |
5 | Badami | Drive roughly three hours north-west. Late afternoon at the four cave temples, carved into red sandstone above the Agastya Lake. |
6 | Aihole and Pattadakal | A day trip to the Chalukya temple sites, both close to Badami. Pattadakal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right. Return to Hosapete for the overnight train. |
7 | Bengaluru | Arrive early, a last breakfast and some shopping, then your flight home or on to family elsewhere in India. |
With ten days, add two nights with family in Bengaluru, or continue to Kolkata. Our Auckland to Kolkata route guide explains the connections.
What you will see: Hampi, Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal
Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara empire in the 14th to 16th centuries. What is left covers many square kilometres: temples, markets, royal baths and watchtowers, all set among enormous granite boulders. The Virupaksha Temple is still in daily use. The Vittala Temple’s stone chariot is the image on the Indian 50-rupee note.
Badami was the Chalukya capital, known then as Vatapi, from the 6th to 8th centuries. Its four cave temples are among the earliest rock-cut Hindu and Jain shrines in India. Aihole has over a hundred small temples where Chalukya builders experimented with styles. Pattadakal is where those experiments came together, with northern and southern temple styles side by side.
Hampi Utsav, the state cultural festival held among the ruins, has recently been staged in different months. Dates for 2027 had not been published when we wrote this, so do not plan around it without checking with Karnataka Tourism.
Where to stay
Hampi side. Guesthouses and small lodges close to the monuments and the river. You can walk to the Virupaksha Temple and start early before the day visitors arrive. Rooms are simple. Choose this if you want atmosphere and short distances.
Hosapete. Mid-range and a few upmarket hotels with pools, air conditioning and proper restaurants. You drive 20 to 30 minutes to the ruins each morning. Choose this if you are travelling with grandparents or want a swim for the children in the afternoon.
In Badami, options are fewer. Book early for December. One night is enough, two if you want an unhurried day at Aihole and Pattadakal.
7 practical tips for families
1. Start early, rest at midday
Even in December the sun is strong by 11am. Visit from 7am to 11am, rest, then go out again after 3pm. The light is better for photographs too.
2. Shoes off in temples
You will remove shoes at the Virupaksha Temple and other active shrines. Slip-on sandals save time. The stone floors get hot, so carry socks for the children.
3. Wear proper walking shoes elsewhere
The ruins are uneven rock and gravel. Jandals are not enough. Closed shoes with grip make the boulder climbs safe.
4. Hats, sunscreen and water
Shade is scarce in the royal centre. Carry two litres of water per person.
5. Hire a licensed guide for one morning
A good guide turns a pile of stones into a story. One morning at the Vittala Temple and royal centre is enough.
6. Book trains early
December is Indian holiday season too. Reserve sleeper berths as soon as your flights are confirmed. We can help with this.
7. Check visas and travel advice
New Zealand passport holders need an Indian e-visa or OCI card. Apply through the official Indian visa website and read the Government’s advice at safetravel.govt.nz.
Why book with Mann Travel?
Since 2007, Mann Travel has been taking New Zealand families home to India. Our team in Papatoetoe, Auckland books Auckland to Bengaluru flights every week and knows the connections well. We speak Hindi, Punjabi and English, we are available 24/7, and we specialise in group and family bookings. Students, teachers and education staff can join MannPass for $25 off selected return flights to India. Ask us about flexible payment options such as PayLite and Afterpay if you want to spread the cost of the holidays.
Let’s take you home, and a little further.
Search live Auckland to Bengaluru fares at manntravel.co.nz/flights or call our Auckland team on 09 973 1940. Prefer email? Send us an enquiry and tell us your dates.
frequently asked questions
How do I get from New Zealand to Hampi?
Fly Auckland to Bengaluru with one stop, then take the overnight Hampi Express train or a car about 340 km to Hosapete. Hampi is 13 km from there.
When is the best time to visit Hampi and Badami?
November to February. Days are warm and dry, and evenings are cool. This matches the New Zealand summer school holidays.
How many days do I need in Hampi?
Three full days covers the main sites at a family pace. Add two more for Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal.
Is Hampi suitable for children and grandparents?
Yes, with planning. Go out early, rest in the middle of the day, and hire a car for the longer distances between sites.
Is there an airport near Hampi?
Jindal Vijaynagar Airport (VDY) is about 35 km away, with limited flights from Bengaluru. Most visitors use the train or a car from Bengaluru.
Fares and availability change daily and depend on the airline, date and fare type. Train and domestic flight schedules, and festival dates, can change. Always check live prices and current timetables before booking.
