Hues of Ruins - Hampi #Newyeareve

"There I was finally at the peak of MATHANGA hill, teary eyes overlooking the most spectacular sunrise that washed the landscape in yellow and orange. After losing my way in the dark at 5 am and circumventing an almost deadly fall in the rocky crevices; I finally realised that I was on the wrong side of the hill. As sunrise drew nigh, I quickly traversed back to the foot of the hill to start over. With a single breath, I had hiked up to the top of the hill to catch the most soul satisfying sunrise that brings me back here time and again".

There is nothing more gratifying than a hike up a hill at dawn to witness the first sunrise of the year from a place that's close to my heart.

Mathanga hill is hands down the best place to get the bird’s eye view of the Vijayanagara Empire and beyond. Amidst the medley of historic and hippie culture is the Virupaksha temple. The rising sun gracefully sets alight the rocks, ruins and river while gently awakening the flora and fauna.  It is said that the Vijayanagara Empire bathed in gold and riches once; the sunrise here embodies the nostalgia of the glory days by soaking Hampi in yellow and gold.  The aerial view of the Veerabhadra temple remnants encircled by the shimmering Tungabhadra River and glistening green plantations will forever be etched in my eyes.  

This was indeed a positive start for the days to come.

How to reach
The starting point for the hike can be reached easily from the Hampi main bus stand. One has to walk along the ruins of Hampi bazaar, away from the Virupaksha temple at the dead end of the road.  Look for the small arrow towards the right leading to the  steps.

Duration of hike
20 to 30 mins

Alternative route
Interestingly, there is another way to access the hill, although admittedly a less fun way and longer route. If you don’t wish to get lost like I did and enjoy climbing endless steps instead of scaling rocks- the sunrise point can also be accessed from the rear end of the Achyutaraya temple.