It is not every day that you have a chance to break free from the clutches of everyday life boring and routine in the city and vacation in an exotic location far obtained. It 'was a feeling of sheer exhilaration at the prospect of a peaceful break from the monotony of our urban existence. The combination of Dasara festivities and a weekend gave us the opportunity, our long awaited vacation in 12-15. century ruins of Hampi - the heritage of the world famous resort commitLocated 355 km from Bangalore.
We were team of five hardcore adventurers, campers and lovers of heritage. Our team of Kishore Patwardhan, Shiva Kumar, Sree Krishna, Mahesh V and me. Complete estimates that we made for our stay in attack, with the aim Trek shot among the rocks and cliffs of Hampi, Vijayanagar Empire established during the 13-15 century.
Hampi - World Heritage
Hampi is world famous tourist destination and a heritage of 16UNESCO recognized World Heritage in the country. Once home to a flourishing cultural sculptors, musicians, artists and craftsmen who have worked together to translate the vision of the sublime prince Vijayanagar permanent monuments, Hampi is currently an underdeveloped country, not even a paved road right. The ruins sprawl over an area of 26 square kilometers and are reminiscent of ancient Hindu kings "pomp and glory. The sumptuous palaces, temples and fortresses are hugeconstructed with such ingenuity that with its mix of rock surrounding natural, and seem as though they had just grown from them.
Located on the banks of Tungabhadra graceful, massive rocks and craggy mountains, Hampi was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Vijayanagar, the Deccan to inspect over 200 years 1336-1565 AD and reached its climax during the reign of Krishnadevaraya, his the most famous emperors. After the death of Krishnadevaraya in 1529 ADBahamani the neighboring Muslim rulers coalesced and attacked Hampi. The invasion forces ran amok in the city, destroying its magnificent temples and monuments, a big time left in ruins.
Hampi has been divided into four different areas - Venkatapura in the northeast, northwest Hampi in south and southeast Kodirampura Kamalapura. On the opposite bank of the river is Anegondi, the ancient capital of Vijayanagar, a massive fortress and technicalother monuments. A number of imposing monuments are in various stages of ruin and under the care of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) - a central government agency responsible for protecting and receive all the historical sites of the country. Although the ASI has begun rehabilitation and to protect the site, their efforts seem insufficient. Stark is understaffed, it is insensitive tourists from littering and vandalism of monuments already crumbling under the pressure of preventionElements.
So far, the ASI has recognized and restored about 121 monuments in Hampi and has installed signs and explanatory information panels in front of each. Easy to read, printed digital cards are placed in strategic positions in the rubble to help tourists find their way to the monuments of their choice. ASI-trained guides on hand to show visitors the sights (Fee: Rs.150-500 per day). would be more for those who wander among the ruinsalone, are vehicles for rent bicycles (Rs.100-200 per day) and motorbikes (Rs.300-500 per day without fuel). Auto rickshaws are driven by self-proclaimed local leaders also an option.
First Day - trip to Hampi
The 355 km drive from Bangalore to Hampi in Bellary District of Karnataka began Located on Oct. 12, at 8:15 clock. The first 25 km from the city garden was a tortuous jostle through the clogged roads. The next step, a distance of 200 km onThe NH-4 (National Highway-4) to the famous city of Fort Chitradurga was fast and smooth on the new toll motorway (Rs.10 per trip per vehicle built) as part of the Golden Quadrilateral project. The remaining 120 km stretch of holes on National Highway 13, in addition to connections Hospet Hampi Chitradurga was bumpy and slow driving, we finally reached Hampi by 4 clock
Day 2 - Tour of Temples Hampi Bazaar Main Area
Arriving at dawn (04:00 clock), we decided to pitch a tentand camping in the mountains on the manicured lawns of Vidyaranya Math Hampi - a religious body which manages the Virupaksha temple for our much deserved nap. The costs of local government a fee for all vehicles, Hampi (Rs.30 for cars, buses and Rs.5 to Rs.45 Bikes).
After a nap and a refreshing bath in the Tungabhadra, we went to Hampi to explore their heritage and monuments. The first stop was the Virupaksha temple in the mainBazaar area, the largest temple complex operational Hampi. The massive mahadwara (main entrance) leads a large open courtyard of the beautiful Stone Temple supported by richly carved columns and friezes. Perhaps the most striking feature of this 15th Century temple is a small dark room behind the inner sanctum, where the imposing shadow reversed Rajagopuram (input coupling) is reflected on the opposite wall - evidence that the technique of pinhole camera, and propertiesScattering of light have been perfected and practiced in India long before they made famous in the Western world. The city's tallest structure, the Virupaksha temple Rajagopuram is clearly visible, as Kamalapuram about 5 miles.
After admiring the Virupaksha temple, we climbed the surrounding hills with several small temples Ratnakar covered deserts. Adjacent to the hills Hemakuta Ratnakar scattered temples and dolmens large.Evident in the buildings of the top of the hill is Hemakuta Sasivekalu (mustard seed) Ganesha, a 12 meter high monolithic image of the elephant god enshrined in a pavilion open porch. Consecrated in 1506, shows four arms of the statue of Lord Ganesha sitting in yoga Ardha Padmasana. Another idol monolithic Kadalekalu 18 ft (Bengal gram) Ganesha also anchored on the hill is a dolmen in order Hemakuta attractive carved columns and friezes display installed and goddesses supportthe Hindu pantheon.
The sun burned mercilessly, we have a lunch break and rest in the shade of the ruins. Refreshed, we went through a rough path to the temple sprawling Achyutaraya about 500 meters from the main Bazaar. The temple has found some of the decorative sculptures in ruins and was Salakaraju Tirumaladeva, Achyutaraya official head of the King, the predecessor of Krishandevaraya built. An imposing entrance leads into the temple Gopuram carved saltsub and shrines. Within an important shrine is dedicated to Agni, the god of fire.
We closed the day's activities with a visit to the hilltop Mathanga. Going up a steep staircase of 600 steps, to weave and wind through the rocks and through massive caves is worth it. The view from the top of the ruins of Hampi sunset filled with light crimson, offered a wonderful view.
Day 3 - Visit the Royal Enclosure and more monoliths
Venturing deeperThe ruins of Hampi, we have a magnificent 26 ft high monolithic statue of Lakshmi Narasimha (half lion, half-man incarnation of Vishnu) sitting on the huge coils of the serpent god Adishesha seven. Consecrated in 1528 by order of Krishnadevaraya, the sculpture was originally displayed the divine consort Lakshmi Narasimha seated on his lap. And 'generally accepted that the monolith was mutilated and dismembered Lakshmi idols of armed incursions. An idol of the god Shiva, knownas Badavalinga, is nearby. The 12 m towers Lingam carved in black granite polished to a shallow pond with clean water.
Our next step was the famous temple Vittal Hampi, 5 km on the road or 3 km cross-country hike through the rocky hills or road. We opted for the latter, a decision that provides an unforgettable experience. Monuments along the route were far from the tourist circuit - Purandara Mantap on the banks of Tungabhadra River and King'sThe balance is where it was believed that the Vijayanagar kings weighing gold and silver jewelry as a gift received from subordinate kingdoms.
The Vittal temple is perhaps the finest example of Vijayanagar architecture. Originally Posted by King Devaraya (1421-1440) built, the report said during the reign of Krishnadevaraya (1509-1529) decorated. The temple consists of an impressive rajagopura a Mantap Sabha (the council), Mantap Narasimha, Mantap Kalyana (marriage hall), Utsav Mantap(Hall) and numerous small shrines Devi in the aisles. The pillars hewn granite blocks, each with carved friezes, produce notes when touched gently and led to be Mantap Music Hall of Pillars baptized.
But the most beautiful structure Hampi, perhaps, the amazing Stone Chariot installed inside the Vitthal temple. This car-sized carved in stone and 22 meters high, is a demonstration of the ability of the Vijayanagar buildersWas. The richly carved monolithic stone wheels of these cars turn its axis with a precision of detail and respect for their sculptures.
Not far away is the Grand Hazara Rama Temple, built by Vijayanagar kings for private worship. The Temple of the system is in a wall exudes an air of elegant composure when the soft moonlight, her beautiful decorations, as his stone sculptures also glow in the rays of the morningThe reliefs on the walls and temples that depict scenes from the epic Ramayana.
Our next stop was the Royal Enclosure, which includes Lotus Mahal, elephant stables, housing Zenana the Mahanavami Dibba and went into the tank. The housing Zenana or Queens is an eclectic mix of Hindu and Islamic styles of architecture, on all sides surrounded by high watchtowers - most of them are in a state of ruin. Elegant Lotus Mahal as suspendedfloating palace in a night of full moon. Near the elephant barn, an impressive array of 11 stalls at a time, with arched doorways. One of the buildings was in a museum that displays an impressive collection of artifacts turned real.
The huge platform Mahanavami Dibba with an area of 5,300 square meters, served by a party known observation platform for kings, queens and royal officials. About 30 m above the ground, is intricately carved withHorses, soldiers, foreign dignitaries in search of a few, and shows a scene girl romp in the water. Vantage view of the Tungabhadra how it works silently along the cliffs is enchanting. Another must is the memorial here became a container, about three meters deep, which developed the water through a series of channels in stone, an example of an engineering expert, was fired a few centuries ago.
Day 4 - Anegondi and return to Bangalore
Last day of ourtrip, we left early to Anegondi, 35 km road, reluctantly reject the possibility of crossing the river on curragh, supplied by local fishermen. A bridge designed to connect the two villages by UNESCO to a halt, because according to the rules of the World Heritage Council, there should be modern construction world heritage sites. Anegondi formed the northern outpost Vijayanagar empire and its once mighty fortress is now in ruins. The main attractions of the country are RanganathTemple Huchchappayana Matha, and Nava Vrundavana sarovara Pampa.
The sprawling Ranganath temple is located in the center of Anegondi located, where we visited the sarovara Pampa, a large set of water surrounded by rocky hills. A short ferry us curragh Vrundavana Nava, a highly revered temple container nine shrines dedicated visionary Madhva (theerthas) - Padmanabha, Kavindra, Vageesha, wadiyar Govinda Vysaraya, Raghuvarya, Srinivasa, Rama and Sudhheendra - 24:16Centuries.
Back to Nava Vrundavana through curragh was the next step Anjanadri Hill, about 6 km from Anegondi. The rock, crowned by a temple of Hanuman, has a beautiful view, seen from Hampi. Surprisingly, the whole hill with the temple is managed by ganja-smoking car, Hindi-speaking sadhus aka God-man, constantly reciting verses from the Ramayana. The best feature of Anjanadri is offering splendid views of the surrounding landscape.Between steep cliffs, the powerful flows Tungabadhra quietly and with dignity, with a great sunset and sunrise view.
On the way back home the only stop in Bangalore was traveling in the Tungabhadra Dam, Hospet, about 22 km from Hampi. It surrounds the water distributed about 400 km ², making it the largest multipurpose dam in Karnataka, 27 MW of electricity per year and create several thousand hectares of irrigated land in Bellary, Raichur and Chitradurga districts. RecreationStructures in the form of fountains, beautiful walks, children's playground, an aquarium, a fountain and music are also on offer.
Our four-day stay in the ancient ruins of Hampi has made us aware that there is more to this world heritage site, are presented as general and encouraged. Although the ruins span just 26 km ², the list of monuments of ASI offers more than 121 temples and other monuments that we visited, only a few had been identified. Sufficient reason to revisit this psychologicallyelevating the site of an ancient kingdom, the witness' s architecture and urban planning skills that we are heirs.
Arrival.
Hampi is located in the center of Karnataka and is well connected by rail, road and air.
Rail. The nearest railhead is traveling from which there is another 15 km on the road Hospet.
Road. Regular bus service from Bangalore to Hospet is 15 km from Hampi.
Air Bellary (74 km) is the nearest airport, in other convenient airportsis Belgaum (190 km) and Bangalore (353 km).
The best time to visit Hampi is from September to February. The summer months can be very uncomfortable with temperatures rising above 380 C.
Accommodation
Hampi has several hotels with rudimentary services, namely, Hotel Mayura Vijayanagar, Pampa Lodge, Naga Lodge among others, in the range of Rs.60-150 per night price.
Hospet has many hotels offer better opportunities. Malligi Hotels (Rs 140-700 per night), Priyadarshini (Rs140-500), among others.
Eating out in Hampi. Many small restaurants and cafes near the Main Bazaar road for every taste and season - South Indian, North Indian, Chinese, Tibetan, Italian - and includes skate Cream, fresh fruit stands, etc. This is probably because half of all travelers to Hampi is a foreigner.
Hampi Festival. organized every year in November, the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) Grand Hampi Utsavattract visitors to this distant place. This year's festival is scheduled for November 3 to 5.
Tips for travelers
Heat. Hampi is a hot area. There is little protection on its vast area, with the exception of a few trees and ruins in the same winter afternoons are very hot. A water bottle, sun hat or umbrella is advisable tools visit Hampi.
The river. The Tungabhadra is misleading and should be avoided if not good swimmers. As the river flows throughRock and boulders scattered judge the depth of the terrain is difficult and under the water, the rocks are slippery.
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