#CoffeeWithTripoto
Traveling tends to magnify all human emotions, says Peter Hoeg. I agree to every bit of it and have experienced the splurge of emotions myself on a ride to the temple land, Hampi. Been longing for a while, I decided to step out and explore what I heard and read, and to my surprise the findings were beautiful.
Hampi, most popularly known as a temple town is fenced by the Tungabhadra river on one side and stony hills on the other side. The city holds riches in the form of architectural monuments built during the dynasty of Vijayanagra Kings.
The plan was simple, to spend the weekend in a city which was unknown. I reached Hospet in the morning, after a 6 hour long journey via bus from Bangalore. I then took an autorickshaw, to Hampi,the ride was short and the view was scenic. I halted at the river bank and crossed the river.
The water was low and we could easily walk the path. During the peak season there are boats to assist you in crossing the river.
There are many guest houses, affordable and yet beautiful where you can choose to stay, I found one while walking at the other side of the river.
The guest house comprised of huts, available for single and double sharing. The hut was clad well in green, making the whole view look pleasing to the eyes and the soul. A hammock placed outside the hut added to the stay in all positive ways.
I rented a bike, for traveling within the city. To my good, the weather was pleasant.The sky was full of tumultuous, ragged clouds as if, they were cheering and roaring to welcome me aboard.
The day started with a heavy breakfast followed by an afternoon siesta.
I then headed to nearby Sunset point, a rocky place, where in the peak season you would see many people playing musical instruments and performing Sunset dance. After an easy climb, I reached the highest spot from where I could see the entire city altogether. The weather was surprisingly good. Clouds were dark and wind was blowing in sync, as if they were all made to behave perfectly for a picturesque sunset.
As I was taking my own sweet time to let the beauty sink in, I spotted this mountain with dense dark clouds and no later I found that it's raining on the other side and soon after that I spotted this beautiful rainbow arch growing deeper and bigger every moment. That was 'The' moment of my trip and it couldn't have been more beautiful than that.
It was remarkably beautiful :). While I was still gazing the sky filled with dark clouds and the cold breeze which I couldn't even feel as I was so lost in the beauty of it, I felt, droplets and within few minutes it started to rain. While getting off the hill it begin to pour heavily, I somehow was able to drive the scooty back to my guest house safely.
It rained heavily that day, as if it's calming down the heated stones and rocks. The night brought stillness along with it, as if someone switch on the 'Pause' button. I took that opportunity to reflect back and think over and over again and soon I found myself knitting a complicated thought web. I used to spend most of my time in the cafe, when in the guest house as the place was so beautifully designed that it felt cozy and refreshing.
On the second day the sun was high and merciless, making the day hot and the sky was clear with just few streaks of cotton. I headed to explore the city and started, by crossing the river and hiring an autorickshaw in 600 Rs/day for all the prominent locations.The autorickshaw driver was kind and aware about the places to visit. We visited the following places:
Vijaya Vittala Temple
The best part about this temple was the path which we took, a small yet bumpy ride (an open van) which took us inside.
Virupaksha Temple
The Royal Enclosure
Underground Temple
Kadlekalu Ganesha
Elephant Stables
Badavilinga Temple
The temples were beautiful and did make me wonder how rich the civilization would have been during the Vijayanagra empire. I visited Hampi Bazaar which wasn't that live since it was an off season but if you walk inside, you would find small shops selling many thing right from jute bags to silver accessories. I did grab a piece of junk for myself.
Hampi, apart from it's rich heritage is also famous for its hippie culture. You can find all sorts of drinks and smoke along with the likes of 'nutella pancakes'. Just kick back and find yourself lost. There are couple of Cafe's on the other side of the river where you can simply chill and do nothing.
The last day of my trip, went in a blink. I chose to visit the sunset point and yet again the views didn't disappoint at all. It gave me the most beautiful memories which I tried my best, to capture in it's whole.
If I had to describe it in lesser words, it is the place where you will find immense happiness in simply doing nothing - Dolce Far Niente :)
If you have any questions or looking for recommendations, feel free to write to me at harshamishra06@gmail.com
