Backpacking to Hampi for an extended weekend

We took a rickshaw from Hospet to Hampi. We had out accommodation at Mowgli Guest House which Is located on the other side of the north of Hampi Bazaar in the peaceful and quiet village of Virupapuragadda. We checked in our respective rooms, had a delightful Israeli lunch and set out for the magnanimous ruins.

I was in a mood to hire mopeds but then took a last minute U-turn by hiring an informative rickshaw driver cum guide.

Places we covered on that day –

• Virupaksha temple
• Hemakuta Hill Temples
• Kadalekalu Ganesha
• Sasivekalu Ganesh
• Krishna Temple
• Courtesan’s Street
• Ugra Narasimha Vigraha
• Badavalinga
• Hazara Rama Jain Temple
• Underground Shiva Temple

I never miss a chance to have the best views of a sunset and hence we had pre planned to watch the sun set from the banks of the Tunghabadra.

We took a coracle (A circular shaped country boat shaped like a floating basket) to reach the other side of the river.

After the sun set we caught up for some sweet shopping (German bakery for some croissants and pastries) and some street shopping (scouting for some Hampi Hippie wears).

We settled on for an early dinner where our seating was beside a wonderful pasture land.

It drizzled a bit at night and we were in for a natural Light and Sound Show (some thunders and lightings!)

Day 2

The next morning we headed off as early as 9am. After a heavy breakfast of delicious pancakes and eggs, we headed out to the other side with the below places on our checklist and covered them all –

• Lotus Mahal
• Elephant Stables
• Queens Bath
• Hazara Ram Temple
• The Kings Balance
• And of course the epitome of the art of Hampi - Vitthala Temple        (The stone wheels of the chariot don’t move – I always used to assume they do. Sigh!)

The day was indeed arduous & hence we decided to turn in for the night early.

Day 3

This day we left half the day – for each traveller, his or her way.

While some of my buddies headed to Hampi Bazaar, I trotted towards Sanapaur Lake. Thanks to a friend Nepali who rode pillion with me , he dropped me till Sanapur Lake. I took a tempo trip back to Mowgli after which we had to back to our city of dreams.

We took back the bus from Hospet at 18.00 hours reaching Mumbai back at 11 am on Monday, straight to my work desk with some wonderful memories of Hampi

A must visit for ones who love -

• Ruins & Photography
• Israeli cuisine
• Afternoon siesta on the rocks
• Like to ride pillion with friendly tourists
• Ancient Architecture and History

I always believe - Never do everything on your first trip and leave the opportunity to come for a second time!

On my second trip, on my checklist

• Hiring a moped and exploring Hampi
• Anegudi and Badami
• Bouldering / Rock climbing