| 7 mins read
While planning my trip to India, one of the places that fascinated me the most was Hampi. A UNESCO World Heritage site and an ancient village in the south Indian state of Karnataka, the city served as the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century, when it was a flourishing hub of trade and Hindu culture with numerous temples, farms and markets fed by the mighty Tungabhadra River. However, around the mid-sixteenth century, it fell into the hands of the Deccan Muslims, which led to its decline and abandonment. Nevertheless, what remains today are majestic ruins of one of the finest craftsmanship that the world can see. It is often described as the place "where history comes alive," and after being there, I can happily validate the same!
Starting the Journey: Bengaluru to Hampi
There are two ways to reach Hampi. These are:
1) Take a flight to Bangalore's Kempegowda International Airport - a domestic flight to Hubballi Airport - Hubballi Airport to Hampi road trip (around 3 hours)
2) Take a flight to Bangalore's Kempegowda International Airport and then take a car ride to Hampi, which will take around 6 hours, depending on the traffic.
Since I had already booked a city tour of Bangalore, it was easier for me to reach Hampi. Well, the travel lover in me believes that the journey is equally beautiful to the destination, and it was something reinforced on my road trip to Hampi. With the advice from my pre-booked local guide, I asked the driver to take the popular Hospet Route, which connects Bangalore to Chitradurga to Hospet and Hampi. On the way, we made quick stops to see the Seven Circles Fort (locally known as the Chitradurga Fort, where I learned about Onake Obavva, a brave woman who hid in a very narrow crevice to kill the enemy soldiers entering the fort!), the archaeological site of Chandravalli (parts of which are said to be dating 3000 years back), and the Tungabhadra Dam.
Arrival in Hampi: A Step Back in Time
The moment I stepped out of my car, a feeling of thrill struck me, and without even moving an inch, I found myself in India's medieval world! The surreal landscape, the breathtaking entrance gate, the intricate carvings, an overwhelming sense of connecting to a place, and suddenly there was a tap! Yes, there's my guide. If there is one thing I have learned from years of travelling, it is that nobody does the job better than a passionate and learned local guide. Not only do they make your visit multifold better by providing the 'beyond books' insight, but because of the added unique elements that they bring with them. After the meet and greet, we both started on our journey. By the way, I missed sharing this earlier, but I planned to be there for three days (a standard time to explore the must-sees of Hampi).
(Note: There are accommodation options near the site, and it is better to pre-book because of the high demand.)
Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Hampi
Our journey started with the mesmerising Virupaksha Temple, which is dedicated to the form of Lord Shiva, the Hindu God, and is still in use. In fact, if you can time your visit in December, you can witness the betrothal and marriage festivities of Virupaksha. What fascinated me the most beyond the temple design was a small hole in the wall! That is because the small hole was cast to feature the inverted shadow of the main tower, creating an optical illusion. It truly reflects the blend of spirituality with scientific ingenuity.
Moving ahead, we strolled through the bustling Hampi Bazaar, about which my guide informed me that in the last 800 years, the only thing that has changed here is the products being sold. Years back, this marketplace existed, and the traders traded mainly in jewels and horses. The next sites we covered before our lunch break were the Krishna Temple (built by King Krishnadevaraya in the early 16th century to celebrate his victory) and the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple.
Resuming from our break of trying local food in Hampi Bazaar around heartfelt conversations, we started walking on what is famously called the Kampa Bhupa's Path, a stretch of around 2 kilometres that might satisfy the trekker in you! The highlights of our second half of the trip were the Vittala Temple & its Stone Chariot. The guide showed what defines the Vijayanagara architecture, containing elements of Dravidian (South Indian) and Indo-Islamic architecture, and the famous stone chariot, which can be seen on the Indian currency. Lastly, we ended the trip with a beautiful sunset at Hemakuta Hill, perfect for a panoramic view of Hampi's ruins. An important tip to remember for your trip to Hampi is to pack modest dresses. There is an element of religion and spirituality attached to the sites, and as a traveller, one must respect the local norms and customs.
Day 2: Exploring the Royal Enclosures
We reserved the second day to move further outside the main complex. At the Archaeological Museum, the guide enlightened me about the artifacts that tell the tales of Hampi's history. Next, we saw the Elephant Stables (quite a stunning site where the royal elephants were cared for) and the Lotus Mahal, which is said to be the socialising area for the royal women. The structure resembles a lotus bud, and it is adorned with delicate arches and fine geometric designs. The Royal Palace is the largest enclosure in the area, as it was the heart of the Vijayanagara Empire. Inside, we walked through the king's audience hall, and I also saw the ceremonial platform, which reflected the cultural aspect of the rulers. Before lunch, we went to check out the Queen's Bathhouse.
Lunch was a casual affair at a local café, where I interacted with the natives, with my funny guide being the translation tab in between! It's beautiful to see how both the local outlets have also adapted their themes to gel well with Hampi's grandeur. And just like yesterday, to end the day on an adventurous note, we trekked the Mantaga Hill. On our way up, the guide told me about a story from the Ramayana, one of the most important books in Hinduism. It is believed that this hill marks the spot where the cursed monkey king was killed by Lord Rama, a form of Lord Vishnu, who is the centre of the great epic. It was a great view to see Hampi ruins against the twilight sky.
Day 3: A Journey to Badami, Pattadakal, and Aihole
For first-time readers, it is important to know that quite near the site of Hampi are other historical sites of Badami, Pattadakal, and Aihole. While Hampi provides a glimpse into the architecture of the Vijayanagara Empire, Badami, Pattadakal, and Aihole provide insights into another powerful kingdom of South India, the Chalukyas. As per my guide, the Chalukyas are often credited as a cradle for Hindu temple architecture in South India. We started with Badami (origins back to the 6th and 8th centuries when it was the capital during the Chalukyas Kingdom), where we saw many rock-cut temples with exquisite carvings of Hindu and Jain deities, all of which came alive with the guide's anecdotes and fine storytelling. We also went on to see the Badami Fort before moving to Pattadakal.
In Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we visited Virupaksha Temple, the Mallikarjuna Temple, and the Papanatha Temple. I remember it had a fusion of various architectural styles, which was really fantastic to see. Post-lunch, we reserved the time for Aihole. It is said that it is a "Cradle of Indian Temple Architecture." The guide, filled with a sense of pride, enlightened me on how these temple ideas influenced the later Hindu temple architecture across India.
A Journey Worth Taking
After three days of traversing through the treasurous ruins of Hampi, I bid a final goodbye to my local guide for transforming my trip into an unforgettable adventure! As I reflect back on my journey through Hampi, it feels surreal to have walked through the historical grandeur of a city that was once far away from me but is now very close to my heart.
