Happy in Hampi, Happier with my pocket.

Exploring Viththal temple will take a day. Easily. So I rested and was on the go the next day.

The next day I booked a cycle tour with a guide who charged me 450 rupees for his expertise and his cycle.

He then took us around in a group to different sites across Hampi.

We saw the monolithic Ganesh temple, the Narsimha murti. The remains of the place only recently excavated. Krishna temple, Elephant's stable and Queen's bath. The myths and stories related to each and everything was fascinating to say the least. Intricate Dravidian architecture at its best. You'll find inscriptions that tell the story of Ramayana. Of Mahabharata. Of hanuman. Of krishna. Of the many avatars of Vishnu. Of the animals (mythical and real), everything. Having a guide around was a smart decision to make.

I'd suggest a bicycle tour if you go in good weather. The distance isn't much and a cycle tour just allows you to breathe everything in and enjoy to the fullest.

I had only 2 days to spend in Hampi, I'd suggest everyone at least 3-5 days. If you're enthusiastic about historical tourism, you must explore Vijaynagar Empire in entirety by visiting other sites like Badami and Aihole.

But Hampi in itself has about 41 sites to visit!

Budget: 6,000

Bangalore to Hospaete- 350 (non AC sleeper bus)

Hospaete to Hampi: 200

Accomodation: 500

Cycle for two days: 200

Back to Hospaete: 200

Hospaete to Bangalore 650- A C sleeper

That's it! Rest everything is over head ;)

The most unique place I've ever visited, at Hampi natural beauty meets historical magnificence and makes it a must go on your travel list.

I reached Hampi at 5:30 in the morning from Bengaluru. One has to take an auto from Hospaete which costs anywhere between 150-250 bucks.

Boy did the grandeur of the monuments against a dusky sky open my eyes. I was shocked at the structures surrounding me.

I had some coffee in peace and after 6:30 entered Virupaksha temple.

It's full of monkeys, but they're harmless! Feed them with a biscuit or two when you're there :)

I was staying on the other side of river Tungabhadra, on the island popular by the name.of 'hippy island'. If you want a chill vibe and better cafes, then Hippy Island is where you should stay. The going rate for rooms in October was 500 bucks.

On that island there's a lake, and hanuman temple. The lake is serene, quiet and peaceful.
Some 600 steps uphill is the Hanuman temple which is equally tranquil. It's the best place to get a 360 degree view of Hampi.

From Hanuman temple you'll see Hampi in its entirety. You'll see the river flowing and the dam towards it. You'll see monuments scattered across acres and acres of land.

From here, I cycled to the lake. But since I had a short trip planned, I came back to visit the ruins of erstwhile Vijaynagar Empire ASAP

I then decided to go to Vitthal Temple which is most popular for the juggernaut stone chariot.

After admiring the monolithic bull, that's right opposite Virupaksha temple on the other end I cycled a short distance towards Vitthal temple. Which is a 2.5 kilometre walk among ruins to the temple.

It was the most beautiful walk of my life.

I regret not having a guide around, because s/he'd have given me more perspective, but it's okay. The sky was clear with white, scattered clouds to decorate it. Just the right backdrop to click some awesome pictures.

It was a solo trip, but in that moment I was alone. In every sense. Other than the occasional sound of a monkey, there was absolutely nothing for quite a stretch. Just me, my camera and century old structures.

It was awesome. I felt like I was looking back in time. I could picture people in a market. Thriving scenes. Busy temples. Chatter all around.

It took me 2 hours to finish a 2 KM walk, there was so much to see! I finally reached Vithal temple. Completed fully by 2 kings, dedicated to lord Vishnu, sporting the very popular Juggernaut chariot.