Hampi - The way we saw it!

350kms away from Bangalore is a small hamlet called Hampi, which was once the base of The Vijaynagar Dynasty founded by the elder son Harihara from Sangama Family. This small Indian town is now a UNESCO world heritage site as the ruins of the mighty dynasty lies there in the form of rocks and boulders. I have thought a lot about this place and wondered ..there must be so many stories unheard .... so many stories untold - Well this is how magnificent the place is...The mysterious land of Hampi. Its magnificent ruins are enchanting and take you back centuries into the ancient times. Such is the aura of the place, the people and its heritage.

Situated by the banks of a long mighty river, there is this small guest house surrounded by lush green paddy fields, and where you will find melting pot of people from various nationalities, mingling around. For as low as Rs.1000/- OR 67$ (approx) per night, these small shack type huts have a comfortable double bed covered with mosquito net, wooden almirahs and a washroom with running hot water to offer.

While staying in this homestay and dressing up in Harem pants and loose outfits (something that I love wearing) you actually feel like a hippie here - sitting down and listening to the chirping sound of various birds you have always ignored while in the city. You feel the wind blowing slowly through your hair and giving you that much needed cool breeze while the temperature outside is on an average of 27-30 degrees.

As the sun hits hard and you start sweating, go for a swim in the cold blue river which is just meters away from the stay (you may be lucky to catch some fishes there too) and once you are done swimming, climb up on the rocks by the river for a nice sun bath while enjoying the view. The view of the golden sun rays hitting the water, making it shimmer like gold! This is when the feeling of being alive and being amidst nature strikes you hard.

You walk through the paddy field into the open air restaurants for lunch. Cuisines range from Indian to Chinese to Italian, ask for the Chef's special as well. Post your scrumptious lunch in the homestay, you wouldn't be able to resist that comfortable wooden swing just in front of your balcony where you can lie down and relax with your favourite book and a cold one ????

In the evening this place literally changes its ambience and color.... as the sun goes down the clear blue sky turns orange and you feel so lucky to experience it and live the moment - An amazing sunset awaits you ????

As the night falls and the birds are gone, all you hear are the crickets doing mating calls all over the fields. It's dark and quiet and the cool breeze has continued throughout the day. It's the perfect time to pull out your guitar, switch on some tunes or head to the bar with your favourite drink and some good food! This is the time for you to unwind, relax and forget about work, your challenges and focus on just being in the moment. Hampi helps you soak in its beauty and you take away memories for a lifetime!

ISN'T THIS WHAT YOU CALL A DAY WELL SPENT!! ASK YOURSELF ?

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