A historic and magical place, Hampi is one of the most beautiful towns in Karnataka. Huge boulders are scattered across the land where ruins of the old Vijayanagar capital stand, poignant reminders of the passage of history. The archeological ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
hampi
hampi top view
Hampi has 2 sides to it.. One side of the tungabhadra river, where the old empire stands, is protected by the Archeological society of India. Brahmin values keep the city vegetarian and quite conservative. The other side of the river is where a lot of backpackers put up enjoying their beers and meats while watching “the evening movie show” at the numerous guesthouses available. 10 year old kids will force you to come with them so they can earn their commissions 🙂 Rooms available for as cheap as 400 Rs. depending on the quality. Carry bug repellant!! One not so bad place is the Mowgli Guest House.
mowgli guest house
This windswept little village was once the centre of a vibrant, thriving culture that enriched the entire region with carved temples and rock-cut magnificence.The brothers Harihara and Bukka established the Vijayanagar Empire in 1336. In an age when the powerful Mughal army of the north was stamping its authority on almost the entire subcontinent, this southern Hindu kingdom proved too difficult to crack. In 1509-29 during the reign of Krishnadevaraya the empire reached the pinnacle of its influence economically, militarily and culturally, the legacy of which abides till date.
hampi ruins
Things to do:
- Visit the monkey temple on the top of the hill
- Ride in the coracle boat crossing the Tungabhadra river – Say your prayers!
hampi coracle
- Shop at the local market for some 12th century coins … or maybe lookalikes 🙂
- Rent a 50cc old skool moped and ride around the ruins.
- Check out the Queens Bath from the Kings view – spoilt kings i tell you.
- Taste the Korean cuisine in ancient India – some decent fare.
- Play your favourite tune at the Musical Pillars.
- Go see the Underground temple.
- Lunch at the Mango Tree restaurant overlooking the river. Hindu veg meals on Banana leaves after you cross the lush banana feild.
hampi mangotree
Getting there:
Bus State Government Buses ply to Hampi from Hospet every 30 minutes. If you are going from Bangalore, Bellary or Hubli, you will have to go to Hospet by either train or bus and then change a bus there to reach Hampi. Hospet is connected by road to Indian National Highway (NH14). This highway connects Bangalore to Mumbai. Taxis available from Hospet as well.
