When we went we booked everything ourselves.All the Tut Tut drivers are guides in themselves,we hired one for 2 days costing about 500 rupees.Alot better than being on an organised trip.

John

Neil
I don't think a taxi driver could do as good a job as a proper guide.

On the occasions we've been we had the same guide, he was actually one of the archeologists working on the site (which is vast) for a number of years. He was very knowledgable, interesting and entertaining.

I think if you're travelling all that way to see an ancient site it would be a shame to miss out on information.

Actually I had a lot of printed material which you can buy. There's no way I'm trecking around Hampi in a group in the BLAZING HOT sun listening to a tour guide when I can study it in a taxi and take occasional shade. Another thing, do not treck round hampi during midday, best early morning or late afternoon, it's HOT.

You can go 2 tier A/C on the train. 4 people share a compartment so everyone can lay down if need be. The corridor is closed of so only people let on by a guard can come past. Which makes it safe.

Hotel Malligi: Have stayed here, rooms OK by most Indian standards but be careful what you eat. My wife was very ill after eating chicken here. I usually only eat veg while travelling. It made the beds in 2 tier A/C very usefull for the return journey.

Sorry IC, the bit grim referred to their way of life but as you have travelled around you will have seen the stark poverty some of the people live in.
You will have your own guide and vehicle for visiting Hampi, ours was excellent and knew his stuff. They also take you somewhere for lunch, we paid 60 rupees for a meat thali {yes I did mean sixty] that was scrumptious and was actually enough for 2 to share.
Where are you staying in November, we are at the Osborne

I too did the daytrippers trip - fantastic value and would advise anyone to do it this way - The train journey is itself an experience not to be missed - The chai wallahs selling the hot sweet tea for Rs3 a cup - The Sambal ordered on the train and dished up at Hubli on the way there and the Biryani on the way back with the rice rolled up in a newspaper and the masala sauce in a plastic bag. The seller gave me some funny looks when I asked for cutlery - I ended up eating it with my fingers - delicious. I found nothing better than just sitting down in the open train doorway wwith my legs dangling and getting the breeze while the sunflower fields slowly passed by. There are both types of toilet on the trains - stand-up Indian and Western sit-down styles at either end of the carriage so they are not to bad, although they are both just a hole in the floor, so using them in the station is not advised
Hospet is REAL India, which means it's very cheap, but the facilities can be a bit limited and the roads are terrible, it's like driving on corrugated iron. The food in the hotel was excellent, and it was the first place I found Kingfisher Red - I slept well that night. There's a lot of walking involved with Hampi, it's a huge site, and do spend the extra to see inside the Temples and Palace it's well worth the "rip off" price we westerners are forced to pay.

One thing that can be a bit disconcerting is the extra attention that blondes get - Ladies if you are blonde you will get pestered for handshakes, photographs and even signatures which can be a bit creepy especially for young girls.

I thought this might be of help for anyone going to Hampi...

Although it might be better for those who have already been as not to spoil the suprise..... It's really impressive.... Do take a look

http://indiavrtours.com/hampi/index.html

I took the Paulo overnight coach to Hampi .Picks you up in Calangute . Dont think it was more than 400 rs.Loads of rooms to rent there .
Hired push bikes while we were there .
Oh took our own vodka cause if you can find it, its 2-3 times the price in Hampi and you have hide the bottle when you are pouring it.