Journey started with boarding an evening bus from Mumbai to Hospet. Reached Hospet in wee hours of morning, passing through the paddy fields.. sun rising at the horizon.. Windmills... (ohhhh the country life). In all a 14hrs Journey. From Hospet we Boarded a rickshaw to Hampi (35-40 mins journey). (Check for state Transport buses they are cheaper option)
As the small, unspoiled beautiful Town started unfolding in front of us.. it left us awed. The Banana Plantation, lush green Paddy fields and those GIANT ROCKS... There were views of Huge rocks resting on the small rocks..
After the breakfast at some cafe suggested by the rick guy , we made our way to the other side of the mighty Tungabhadra River known as the "Hippie colony of Hampi" in a boat. The boats ply from morning 7 am to evening 6 pm .Just to clarify Hampi is divided into 2 sides- The Temple side and the Hippie Island. we were lodged up at Sunny Guest House” which is on the hippie side.
Day 1: A brief visit to the Virupaksha Temple followed by the Achutaraya Temple. It is the off beat unexplored place in Hampi with hardly any tourist. (do hire a guide if you are interested in the history). We started climbing the Matunga Hill (Pronun: Matanga) for enjoying the sunset. Moderate Trek led us to the 360 degree view of the HAMPI. Breathtaking, Beautiful, Like never seen Before, the peace, tranquility. we started our descend after 6pm. it isnt allowed to stay there after sunset. By the time we reached the river crossing, the last boat had already taken off. as we were staying on the other side, we had to take the Coracle boat (circular Bamboo boat) they charge you Rs.100/person (do bargain), basically its sneaking as its not allowed to cross the river after sunset.
Day 2: We had already booked a cycling tour of the Royal City of Hampi with the assigned Guide on the previous day. The booking is done at the tourism office situated at the Virupaksha Temple.They charge you around Rs. 300/person. It includes Bicycle rent & guide fees. Its starts at the Virupaksha Temple and covers Ganpati Temple, Spice Bazar, Krishna Temple, Lakshmi Narsimhan temple, Queen Palace, Elephant Stables, Pushkarni and the remains of the once have been mighty palace of the King of the Hampi. This stories of these place will leave you astounded with its yesteryear's riches, wealth and Grandeur. you will travel back in time to imagine the Grandeur of the place. After cycling for 6 km, we had lunch at a Mango Tree Cafe. a must go place for lunch.
Post Lunch we made our way to the Vitthala Complex. This is the highlight of my trip. after walking for 2-3 km we reach this place which will leave you spell bound. The architectural Brilliance, the musically Pillars, The planned illumination of the place. Do Hire a guide!!! its a must if you need to understand this place's story and glory. Late hours at vitthala again led to "sneaking" in a coracle boat.
Day 3: we packed our backs and made our way to Anegundi (place hardly 3-4 kms from Hampi) on newly hired mopeds. We were lodged at Uramma Heritage homes. a beautiful property, tehy have nice luxury cottages. we stayed at their sister concern though. Newly opened beautiful 4 cottages just at the entrance of the town Anegundi. our host Siraj was very helpful in planning our day. we started at Durga Temple and Bali caves also covered Cave painting mountain caves. Then riding our mopeds through the winding roads with coconut tress and paddies , we reached White Elephant cafe for Lunch. After Amazing Lunch, we reached Sanapur Lake. Known for its Diving. They have shallow banks if you're not into diving and just taking a dip in the lake.
Day 4: Early rise for reaching the Anjaneya Hill, the birth Place of Lord Hanuman. Some 300 stairs to climb to reach the Temple for a best View. After the best breakfast at Uramma, With mind full of memories and awe of this place, we left the silent laid back life to come back to hustle bustle city life...
