Hampi,an ancient temple town #TM2021

Kadalekelu Ganpathi
We started our Hampi exploration from Kadalekelu Ganpathi..It's a monolithic sculpture. A huge 12 feet high monolithic statue of God Ganesha has been installed in an open mantapa..

Badavi linga
Our next stop was Badavi linga..This is the biggest of all Lingas in Hampi,nearly 12 feet in height. This shiv linga is always in water..

Ugra Narasimha
It's very close to Badavi linga ..It is a 22 feet giant monolithic statue,the biggest idol in Hampi .

Vittala Temple
our next site was famous Vittala Complex..As the epicenter of Hampi's attraction,Vittala Temple is the most extravagant architectural showpiece of Hampi. No amount of words can explain this spectacle.
This temple is dedicated to Vittala, form of Hindu God Vishnu..the highlight of this temple is it's impressive monolithic pillared halls and Stone Chariot, the flagship attraction of Hampi. It is a World Heritage Site and currently adorns the Indian currency of Rs. 50

Royal Enclosure
The Royal Enclosure is one of the interesting ruins of Hampi. The huge fortified area where the king of Vijaynagara Empire lived and ruled from.

Few remarkable structures within the Royal Enclosure are
1.Mahanavami Dibba_ is one of the most worthy structures found among the ruins.

2. Pushkarini, The stepped tank

3.The underground chamber

4.The Hazara Rama Temple_ this is only temple that is situated within Royal Enclosure.

Zenana Enclosure
The whole seculded area was the private enclosure,reserved for the royal women folks.
The major attraction within The Zenana Enclosure are
1. Queen's Palace known as Queen's Bath
2. Lotus Mahal
3. Elephant stable
4. Guard's Quarters
and few others temples.

Pataleswara Temple
Next stop was a underground Shiva Temple

Hemakuta Hills
It was a perfect end of the day at Hemkuta with a mesmerizing sunset view..Just beside The Virupaksha Temple Hemakuta Hills is an important site with small temples and rock structures..
we also visited Sasivekalu Ganpathi near Hemakuta..
One can also visit Matanga Hills for sunset and sunrise views.

Virupaksha Temple
We started early to pay worship at Virupaksha Temple ,one of the oldest functional temple in Hampi as well as in India..
The Temple is located at the bank of Tungabhadra River and dedicated to God Virupaksha,form of lord Shiva.

Krishna Temple
This is one of the must see site in Hampi,where the epic stories carved on the walls of towers. This temple is an example of Vijaynagara style architecture..

We continued our Hampi exploration to other side of the Tungabhadra River.

The easiest way to reach other side of the river is taking a boat from near Virupaksha Temple..because of heavy water flow boat ride was closed,so had to go by road around 12 kms distance..

Other side of the river is known as Hippie Island,the spot was a popular hangout among the backpackers crowd..but now it had been demolished..so we missed the vibes of Hippie Island..
Hampi also has a mythological importance. It's believed that the Hampi was the mythical monkey kingdom of two brothers Bali and Sugriva..
Lord Rama met with Hanuman,Bali and Sugriva here in Hampi..
We explored other places here like

Anjaneya Hills
This hill is believed to the birthplace of Hanuman. We had to climb 575 steps to reach on the top of the hills..

Sanapur Lake
Sanapur Lake is one of the cities best kept secret.
A pleasant retreat,located amidst captivating bouldered landscape..enjoyed coracle ride at Sanapur lake..

Hampi Waterfalls
Though it is called waterfall ,better to say a casacade.It is on Tungabhadra River, a place to sit and enjoy the stunning views..

With loads of memories and happiness we returned..