A historian, a hippie, a wanderer, a devotee or an explorer, everyone falls in love with Hampi
South Indian boys gawking at foreigners, rickswhawalahs offering rides to show around and kids hounding you to buy historical books on Hampi’s past, these were my first thoughts when I reached Hampi.
Budget accommodation, easy accessibility from Hospet and its laidback backpacker attitude makes Hampi a perfect destination for your weekend getaway. Typically, you can perfectly plan your holiday to Hampi in 2-3 days and still explore all of it.
The group monuments of Hampi stand testimony to the civilization of Vijayanagara kingdom. The entire ensemble of temples, larger than life boulders, painstakingly carved sculptures and scrupulously planned sacred, civil, royal and military complexes took me back in time when technology was moot. Owing to its remarkable architecture, classical history, and intriguing culture, Hampi is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A historian, a hippie, a wanderer, a devotee or an explorer, everyone falls in love with Hampi.
Here are 10 incredible photos of Hampi
1.Coracle ride on the Tungabhadra river
2. Sunset view over the gigantic boulders atop Anjanadri hill
3. Witness the thousand splendid frescoes of Rama on the Hazara Rama Temple
4. Panoramic view of Hampi from Matanga Hill
5. Mahanavami Dibba in the Royal Enclosure
6. Witness the stone chariot at the Vittala temple
7. Rare idol of Lord Narasimha
8. The sight of thousand lingas at Kotilingeshwara temple
9. Ancient bazaars situated opposite the temples
10. Discover the ling at the Underground Siva Temple.
Other noteworthy places in Hampi
Virupaksha Temple, Achyutaraya Temple, Vitthala Temple, King’s Balance, Hemkuta Hill, Queen’s Bath, Zenana Enclosure (Lotus Mahal et al), Elephant’s Stable, Guards’ Quarters, Badaviling Temple, Krishna Temple, Krishna Bazaar, Pushkarani (stepwell) and Sasivekalu Ganesh.
Recommended places to eat in Hampi
Gowri Restaurant (on the other side of Hampi) : Chicken Masala
Ravi Teja Guest Restaurant (on the other side of Hampi): Chicken Momos, Ginger Lemon Honey (with or without tea)
Mango Tree: Stuffed Parathas, South Indian Thali
Shanbhag International at Hospet or Hosapete: Set Dosa. You can grab a quick bite here when you take a stopover at Hospet. (Very close to Hospet Junction Railway Station and Hospet Bus Stand.)
Planning a trip to Hampi? So, get ready & book a Hampi package