French Man Falls While Climbing Hill in Karnataka, Rescued After Two Days
French tourist Bruno Roger was injured in a Hampi hill fall and survived two days before rescue.
A 52-year-old French tourist named Bruno Roger was rescued after spending nearly two days stranded following a fall while attempting to climb a hill at the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi. The incident occurred on the evening of Wednesday, December 24, 2025, around 6 pm, when Roger ventured into a deserted area behind the Ashtabhuja Snana Hill near the Ashtabhuja Snana pond, also referred to in reports as the octagonal bathing hill close to the Mahanavami Dibba. Traveling alone and staying at a homestay in Kaddirampura village, he slipped and sustained severe injuries, including a serious wound on his left foot and damage to the left side of his face. Stranded in a remote, uninhabited spot, Roger endured significant pain and limited resources during the ordeal.
Despite his injuries, the tourist demonstrated remarkable resilience by crawling toward a nearby banana plantation after regaining consciousness. Local farmers spotted the injured man on Friday and promptly alerted authorities. Police from Kamalapur, along with officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), rushed to the location to carry out the rescue operation. Roger was initially transported to a local government hospital before being shifted to the Koppal District Hospital for further medical care. Doctors have confirmed that his condition is stable, and he is steadily recovering from his injuries.
During the journey to the hospital, Bruno Roger recounted surviving on just 1.5 liters of water throughout the two days he was stranded. The remote terrain behind the hill, part of Hampi's vast archaeological landscape of ancient ruins, temples, and rocky outcrops, made the area particularly challenging for quick discovery. Authorities have since advised tourists to avoid venturing alone into isolated or off-path sections of the site, highlighting the inherent risks of exploring rugged heritage zones without proper guidance.
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Hampi, situated along the Tungabhadra River in the Vijayanagara district, continues to attract visitors worldwide with its stunning ruins from the Vijayanagara Empire, including dramatic hills and monuments that offer breathtaking views. This incident underscores the importance of safety precautions in such historical landscapes, where uneven terrain and secluded spots can pose significant hazards. Similar rescue operations have occurred in the area in the past, including tourist incidents involving flooding or falls. Roger's survival and timely rescue have drawn attention to the responsiveness of local communities and officials in protecting visitors to this iconic cultural destination.
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