As of October 2026, Karnataka Tourism had not published official dates for Hampi Utsav 2027. At the inauguration of the 2026 festival on 14 February 2026, the Chief Minister said the festival would move to a fixed 3 to 5 November slot every year going forward, which points to around that window, but recent editions have also been held in January and February, and one was cancelled outright. Confirm dates with Karnataka Tourism before booking. The nearest airport is Jindal Vijayanagar (VDY), with Hubballi (HBX) and Bengaluru as backups.
Updated October 2026 · HappyFares
Hampi Utsav is Karnataka’s annual celebration of the Vijayanagara empire, staged among the ruins at Hampi. Its calendar slot has moved around more than most festivals, so here is what is confirmed for 2027 and how to fly in once dates are set.
Are Hampi Utsav 2027 dates officially announced?
Not yet, as of this writing. Hampi Utsav was traditionally a November event, but it was called off at least once in recent years due to drought conditions, and more recent editions ran in February instead, with the 2026 edition held across 13 to 15 February. On 14 February 2026, at the inauguration of that year’s festival, the Chief Minister announced a plan to hold Hampi Utsav every year from 3 to 5 November going forward. That announcement points toward early November 2027 as the likely window, but it is a policy statement rather than a confirmed listing for the specific 2027 edition. Given how often this festival’s dates have shifted, check Karnataka Tourism’s official site directly before you book flights or stay.
What actually happens at Hampi Utsav?
Hampi Utsav, also known by its older name Vijaya Utsava, is a three-day cultural festival of music, dance and light shows staged against the backdrop of Hampi’s temple ruins, which form part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised since 1986. Expect classical and folk performances, processions, and the ruins themselves lit up after dark, drawing large crowds from across Karnataka and beyond for the three days.
Flying in via Jindal Vijayanagar Airport (VDY)
Jindal Vijayanagar Airport, in Toranagallu, is the closest airstrip to Hampi, roughly half an hour by road from the ruins. Service here is limited: Star Air and Alliance Air both fly direct to Bengaluru, and Alliance Air also connects to Hyderabad, each usually once a day rather than multiple daily departures. That makes it convenient if timings line up, but seats are few, so book as early as you can once festival dates are confirmed, and have a backup plan in case the flight is full or cancelled.
Flying in via Hubballi (HBX) and the road to Hampi
Hubballi Airport has considerably more domestic connectivity than Jindal Vijayanagar, with links to several major Indian cities. From Hubballi, it is roughly a two-hour drive to Hampi, or a train to Hosapete Junction followed by a short local hop. For travellers who cannot get a seat on the limited Jindal Vijayanagar flights, Hubballi is usually the more reliable way in.
Bengaluru plus the overnight train
Bengaluru remains the easiest airport to book into, given its far larger number of flights from across India, but it leaves you roughly seven hours from Hampi by road, or about nine hours by the overnight train. The Hampi Express overnight train runs between Bengaluru and Hosapete Junction, the railhead for Hampi, departing late evening and arriving early the next morning, which saves a night of accommodation and gets you to Hampi in time for a full first day.
This route also gives you the most flexibility if festival dates change again, since Bengaluru carries dozens of daily flights from every major Indian city, unlike the single limited route into Jindal Vijayanagar. Many travellers use the overnight train on the way in to save a hotel night, then fly out of Hubballi or Jindal Vijayanagar on the return leg if a seat is available, splitting the journey so neither leg eats into festival time.
Common Questions
Why has Hampi Utsav’s date moved around so much?
The festival was originally a November event, shifted to February in some recent years, was cancelled at least once due to drought, and the state government has now said it wants to fix it back at 3 to 5 November. Each change has been announced by the Karnataka government rather than following a set annual pattern, which is why it is worth checking official sources every year rather than assuming last year’s month.
Is Hampi Utsav the same as Vijaya Utsav?
Yes, Vijaya Utsava is the festival’s older, traditional name, referring to the Vijayanagara empire it celebrates. Hampi Utsav is the name more commonly used today.
Is Hampi a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes. The Group of Monuments at Hampi was inscribed by UNESCO in 1986, covering the temple and palace ruins of the former Vijayanagara empire capital.
How far is Hampi from Hospet?
Hospet, also spelled Hosapete, is the nearest railway town to Hampi, only a short local drive away, and is the main gateway most travellers use regardless of which airport they fly into.
Should I book Jindal Vijayanagar flights early given the limited seats?
Yes. With limited daily seats split across just two small airlines, seats around a festival weekend will sell out quickly once dates are confirmed, so book as soon as the 2027 schedule is official, and keep a Hubballi or Bengaluru routing as backup.
What else is there to see near Hampi?
Beyond the main temple complex and the Virupaksha Temple, the Hampi ruins spread across a large area along the Tungabhadra river, including the Vittala Temple’s stone chariot, royal enclosures and bazaar streets, so most visitors plan at least a full day of sightseeing beyond the festival itself.
Planning ahead for Hampi Utsav? Search flights to Jindal Vijayanagar, Hubballi or Bengaluru on HappyFares and set a price alert so you are ready to book the moment dates are confirmed.
Festival dates and transport schedules can change. Verify current details with Karnataka Tourism before you travel.
