We started for Hampi around 6am.
We took the first break at Kamat Upachar after around 2hrs of drive.
Over all road is very nice , apart from few constructions work going on.
Windmills on both sides of road make it look even better.
After breakfast we left for hampi.
After 2 hrs of drive we reached Chitradurga and had a quick stopover at Chitradurga fort.
It is a majestic fort and well maintained.
We had our lunch at Mayura durg.
Continued our journey post lunch.
We also took a stop over at Tungabhadra water reservoir. It's a sight to behold. there is a small park also. If you have some time in hand , this is a good pitstop.
We reached hippie side of hampi around 3pm. Checked in to Mowgli Guest House.
Our cute cottage
View from guest house
Our plan for first day was to explore hippie island and night life. We slept for some time and woke up around sunset to this view.
After getting ready we headed to the venue for tonight's dinner Hema Guest House & Restaurant. This is a guest house and has a happening restaurant with multi cuisine options and live music. Hookah is also available there. Food and beverage options were very nice.
Around 11pm , we headed back to our guest house. Great start of the year end trip. Nice location, views and yummy food. See you tomorrow.
Woke up early. After an awesome breakfast (at Mowgli guest house) , we left for the ruins side of hampi.
We started with Vijaya Vittala temple.
There is a big parking place when you reach the temple area. To reach the temple there is a walk of around 1km. Also battery powered carts run but there is a long queue to get a seat. And also I would recommend to walk as there are many small structures which might be missed while going on a cart.
On the way to temple
Once you reach the temple premise, there is a ticket counter. After taking tickets we entered the temple and first thing we saw was the famous stone chariot.
Few pics from the temple.
After this beautiful temple, We moved to the other major historical site with multiple temples and structures.
First on the way was the Monolith Laksmi Narashimha and Shivalinga. And then plethora of unique monuments and structures .
Along the same road is Hemakunta Hill temple and Virupaksha temple.
I would recommend to have lunch at Mango tree restaurant. This is just beside Virupaksha temple and has really good vegetarian food options.
Also there is a small bazaar worth visiting and for buying souvenirs.
After this we moved to another site.
This site has an open parking and many monuments spread in a large area.
All this sight seeing can be covered in half day.
To view a stunning sunset, you can go to Hemakunta hills or for more adventurous, Matanga hill or Anjanadri hill are great options.
A day well spent in the divine ruins of once majestic Vijayanagar kingdom.
After this we moved again to the hippie side and had a great night out with awesome food and music
Woke up late. Went for a brunch to Laughing Buddha Cafe. This cafe has an awesome location and uninterrupted view of the Virupaksha temple across the Tungabhadra river flowing just beside the cafe.
Food also was very good here and a must do when in hampi.
As this was the last day in hampi , we did a little bit of shopping on hippie island.
And left with a heavy heart.
Another good attraction in hampi is the Sanapur lake.
Coracle ride on this beautiful lake is a must do when in hampi.
Few pics of Sanapur lake and a beautiful quarry spotted on the way.
After this we moved to Hospet and checked into the hotel. After a heavy lunch slept for some time and woke up just before sunset and left to visit Tungabhadra Dam.
Once you reach the parking area, need to take a ticket which includes a to- fro bus ride to dam.
Bus ride is fun as the bus goes uphill to reach the dam.
Once you reach on top , you are free to roam on your own. There is a light and laser show in evening .
Good activity for an evening.
After dinner in the city we retired for the night.
We had a staycation planned for the Christmas Eve in Hyatt Place Hampi today.
We started early in morning and after around 1hr of travel reached JSW Township. The hotel is inside the township itself. Christmas Eve cake cutting and dinner was very nice. We had a good time.
Also post dinner we had a nice walk in the Zen park inside the township.
Next day after an fulfilling breakfast and heavenly spa we had a great time in swimming pool.
We checked out at around 12pm.
This township had few other things which caught our attention. So before leaving for our nect destination we thought of exploring a little bit more.
Panchvati temple, Kaladham and Zen garden.
We had a great trip in hampi and with lots of memories , we left for our next destination.
