Although it was a sudden plan, travelling to Hampi was truly the best decision ever! Exploring this historic place home to Vijayanagara Empire, that once glittered with gold and glory, was truly an unforgettable experience. All that remains of Hampi now, stands as a rich evidence of the past, that will leave you spellbound even to this day.
Beginning of a Beautiful Journey- From Hubli to Hospet
Beginning from Pune, coming to meet my cousins in Hubli instantly turned into a travel plan to visit Hampi. Hubli the “Chota Mumbai” of Karnataka is itself a beautiful city to explore, but we had plans for Hampi, and couldn’t wait to visit it.
Travel Fact:
Hubli is approximately 165 kms away from Hampi, and is the nearest as well as the most convenient route.
Stopping by at Hospet
While you travel by road to Hampi, Hosapete (a.k.a Hospet) is going to be your major halt for sure. Hosapete is home to a beautiful dam, and some fancy restaurants that serve authentic cuisines of Karnataka. We decided to stay at Hosapete for the day, and continue the rest of the journey early in the morning.
Staying at Pai Residency was an amazing experience, clean and comfy rooms was all that we needed to rest for the day. After having a sumptuous lunch at the Ice Land Hotel just opposite of the residency, it was time for some exploration.
The Tungabhadra Dam near Hosapete is a site worth visiting, where you can click some Instagram-worthy pictures. The Musical Fountain show was a great way to end our evening, and return back to hotel.
Travelling to the Glorious Past- Exploring Hampi
The next morning was all about waking up early with excitement of visiting Hampi. A few hours drive was all it took to finally reach this historical site, and standing at the entrance, I was eveready to travel back to the times of Vijayanagara Empire.
Before you begin exploring, it is better to opt for a guide because, Hampi is vast, and cannot be covered wholly within a day. Also without a guide, you might miss some important sights and information too. We didn’t take a chance, and took a guide along, who made our exploration lot easier and worthwhile.
There are basically two routes to explore Hampi if you do not want to miss its important sights. Each of these routes have different things to see, and are equally mesmerizing.
Route 1:
The guide took us through the first entrance where we got to witness some of the most important sites of Hampi. I was captivated by the beauty of the sculptures that represent such richness of the Vijayanagara Empire.
We stopped by some of the most famous spots including the Vijaya Vithala Temple, Queen’s Bath, Mahanavami Dibba, the Royal Enclosure that used to be stable for royal elephants. The Lotus Mahal and the Hazara Rama Temple are also some sites one cannot miss.
After exploring the first route it was time for some lunch, and the Mango Tree Restaurant just outside the entrance was a decent place to fill our tummies with delicious food.
Travel Fact:
Built in the 15th century, the Hazara Rama Temple is dedicated to Lord Ram, and the walls of this temple features relics and sculptures depicting tales from the Ramayana.
Route 2:
After completing our lunch, it was time to explore the main attractions of Hampi. Beginning from Ugra Narasimha Temple, and then witnessing the biggest Shiva Linga of Hampi, the Badavalinga was truly an amazing experience. The beauty of Virupaksha Temple is indescribable, I was stunned by the perfection of these ancient artworks, that are no less than treasure to the modern world. The Sasivekalu Ganesha and the Kadlekalu Ganesha were also worth visiting.
We made sure we hadn’t missed any of popular Hampi’s attractions, but exploring the whole complex in a day is indeed next to impossible. It was finally time to return back to Hosapete with beautiful memories to cherish for life.
Hiking Up to Anjanadri Hills
Staying at Hosapete, how could we have missed Anjanadri Hills? We surely didn’t. The climb atop to the Anjanadri Temple is quite easy, and is absolutely worth visiting because it is the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. The view from the hilltop was equally mesmerizing.
Return to Hubli, End of a Beautiful Journey
Enticed by the beauty of ancient temples, and engaging tales of the Kings and Queens, it was finally time to return back to our “present” lives. But, there is one thing for sure, Hampi will always have a special corner in my heart. And I’ll return back to this stunning, historic place again that represents the beauty of our past, our culture, and our golden times.
Additional Information
1. Shanbhag Hotel and Sri Shirdi Sai Tiffins at Hosapete are the best place to have your Breakfast.
2. Staying and finding a good hotel at Hosapete is not a big deal as there are plenty of them.
3. Staying near the Hosapete Bus Stop will help you a lot if you wish to travel in Public Transport.
4. Do not litter inside Hampi, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so protecting it is our responsibility.
