Evolve Back, Kamalapura Palace

Hampi, India

Destinations

India

Accommodation

Evolve Back, Kamalapura Palace

Set deep in the mesmerizing landscape of Karnataka, surrounded by rocky hills, sparse woodland and vast granite boulders, the Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace is a serene and majestic ode to the once opulent 14th century Vijayanagara Empire, whose vast ruined capital of Hampi lies close by.

Inspired by the capital’s Royal Enclosure palaces, the hotel offers guests an indulgent level of modern luxury within an inspired architectural design. Rooms are either within the palace building itself, with private terraces and small in-room jet pools, or in larger independent villas in the grounds, each with a private pool. All feature neutral, earthy tones, brushed stone floors and dark teak period furniture, highlighted by swathes of sumptuous red fabrics.

The ensuite bathrooms are spacious and grandiose. The hotel boasts two onsite restaurants, ‘Tuluva’ offers international cuisine while ‘Bahmani’ specialises in local Nawabi dishes, there are also an array of starry skied, outdoor dining experiences on offer to all guests. Two stunning outdoor pools and a comprehensive Ayurvedic spa complete the picture of regal luxury here.

What we love

We adore the romantic Zenana suites in the main building, inspired by the queen’s quarters at Hampi they exude a calm, understated elegance
The onsite Ayurveda Centre offers therapeutic treatments that can be tailored to your every need
Starlit dining experiences here are second to none, choose between eating in the pavilion of your private pool, on the roof terrace of the hotel or out among the boulder-strewn landscape, in an homage to the feasts of historical royal hunting parties

Whilst the hotel is close to the historical sites of Hampi, they are not within walking distance. You’ll have your driver on hand to take you to the sites themselves and the quiet location of the hotel facilitates its serene air

Children are welcome at the hotel and extra beds can be supplied on request. There is a family pool, which offers child-safe depth zones for younger guests. The kitchen has a good range of child-friendly dishes on every menu. The hotel can organise nature walks for children as well as craft workshops and traditional cooking classes, designed to introduce the techniques, flavours and ingredients of local dishes

Evolve Back is known for its blend of luxury with sustainable and eco-friendly practices, ensuring that the hotel protects and preserves the surrounding biodiversity. The hotel employs local staff and is actively involved in skill training and education among the local community. As much of the hotel’s produce as possible is sourced from local suppliers, farmers and producers.

The hotel is a 20-minute drive to the main royal enclosure remains at Hampi, for international flights, the nearest airport is Vidyanagar, 30km away. Hospet Junction railway station is 13km from the hotel

What our travellers say

We went to Sri Lanka as a three-generation family of three. The superb trip was organised by Samanthie and the team and it's difficult to see how it could have been bettered.

Roy Wood (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google

Red Dot organised the most wonderful 3-week holiday for us. Samanthie built a trip around the amazing sights we had requested visiting, together with her own suggestions and a wide mix of hotels, which gave us the flavours of both traditional Sri Lanka and the sleek, stylish contemporary version of the country. Our Driver made the whole experience incredibly special for us.

Alie C (February 2026) Read the whole review here Trip Advisor

I can’t thank Cherylle and the Red Dot team enough for their meticulous planning of our family holiday to India travelling through Rajasthan over Christmas. As a family of all adults, every suggestion from daily activities to hotel choices was simply perfect. We travelled through Delhi, Ranthambore (an unforgettable tiger safari!), Jaipur and Agra and I truly feel we experienced the very best of each destination while moving at a relaxed, well thought out pace

Daisy Stanton (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google

My partner arranged a holiday trip at fairly short notice to Sri Lanka with Red Dot on a recommendation, Samanthie was so patient & helpful with her suggested itinerary which we followed with some minor amendments. On arrival at Colombo we met Manjula our chauffeur/guide who was absolutely brilliant!

Andrew S (February 2026) Read the whole review here Trip Advisor

Dulmini and the Red Dot Team arranged a fantastic trip for us around Assam and North East India. Faultless service. I cannot recommend them more highly.

Martin Thomas (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google

Wonderful company. Our holiday in Sri Lanka was perfect. Local knowledge made all the difference

Sandra Nicholson (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google

We looked up, and communicated with umpteen tour operators. Though Red Dot seemed to have offices in Sri Lanka and the UK, they seemed to have the best reviews. We were fortunate enough to correspond with Cherylle, who not only assured us of the safety of our friend, but created a personalised, and flexible, itinerary which we could not have done ourselves.

Jayant Banerji (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google

A 14-day tour with Red Dot Tours was the perfect antidote to the bleak UK winter. After a glowing recommendation from a friend, we contacted Red Dot Tours and were not disappointed. Our consultant, Lahiru, curated a seamless itinerary. Throughout the planning phase, Lahiru was incredibly responsive; the final itinerary—delivered via a user-friendly 'Guest Portal'—was impressively detailed, covering every hotel stay and excursion.

Phil Blair ( February 2026) Read the whole review here Google

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