Hampi, a captivating historical site, beckoned my friends and me to embark on an unforgettable adventure. After meticulously planning our trip in November, we eagerly awaited the perfect time to visit. In this blog post, I will recount the details of our journey, from booking our transportation to reaching our destination.
Planning and Booking:
To ensure a seamless trip, we began by identifying a block of consecutive holidays. After discovering a four-day holiday from 26th to 29th January, we started exploring various ways to reach Hampi. Checking the IRCTC app, we explored different train routes, including those passing through Hubli, Gadag, and Hospet. Unfortunately, most trains were fully booked, but our persistence paid off when we found an available option.
Transportation:
We secured our seats on the Gadak Express, Train No. 11139, which travels from CSMT (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) to Gadag Junction in Karnataka. Departing from CSMT at 09:20 PM, we boarded the train from Kalyan Junction at 10:12 PM. The fare for a sleeper coach was Rs. 415, but I recommend considering the 3A Tier AC option based on your budget.
The Gadag Express follows a picturesque route, passing through CSMT, Dadar, Thane, Kalyan Junction, Pune, Kurduvadi Junction, Solapur, Vijayapura, Bagalkot Junction, Badami, and finally arriving at Gadag Junction. The journey spans approximately 13 hours and 40 minutes.
Continuing the Journey:
Upon reaching Gadag Junction at 11:55 AM, we still had to travel to Hospet, our gateway to Hampi. We had two options: taking a train or a bus. After careful consideration, we decided to board the next train, Shalimar Amaravati Express, scheduled to depart at 1:00 PM. We patiently waited at the station for an hour before our onward journey.
The train ride from Gadag to Hospet lasted around 1 hour and 30 minutes and cost approximately Rs. 65 per person. Upon reaching Hospet at around 3 PM, we disembarked and sought an autorickshaw to transport us to Hampi, which is located approximately 15 km away from the station. The autorickshaw ride cost us Rs. 300.
Arrival in Hampi:
After a 16-hour journey from Kalyan to Hampi, we finally reached our pre-booked homestay. Exhausted but exhilarated, we were ready to immerse ourselves in the wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In my next blog post, I will delve into the reasons why visiting Hampi is an absolute must. Stay tuned for an exploration of the captivating attractions and historical marvels that await in this ancient city.
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