Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in east-central Karnataka, India."austere, grandiose site" (simplistic splendor) of more than 1,600 surviving remains of the last great Hindu kingdom in South India that includes "forts, riverside features, royal and sacred complexes, temples, shrines, pillared halls, mandapas, memorial structures, water structures".
Now, let’s go to the Hippie Island!!
How to reach Hampi?
It was a 6-girls gang trip for 3 days. We went there in July to enjoy the monsoon Travel Details: Bengaluru (Kengeri Station) to Hosapete (12.8 km from Hampi) Train: Hampi Express Journey: 9:10 pm to around 8 am
Where to stay?
After getting down from the train, we had to get into a local tuk-tuk (INR 200-300) to reach the Hippie Island! From Hampi station, we had to take a coracle ride(INR 50 per person) of 5 minutes across the Tungabhadra river to reach our Mowgli guest house.
This guest house has got beautiful river view cottages and the paddy fields with hammocks in front of every cottage.
and cottages. We stayed @MogliGuestHouse.
Tips to consider:
Bring along your toiletries.
Bring comfortable cotton clothes.
Bring enough cash as there are no ATM's around the guest houses.
Let's go to the Hippie Land!
Day 1: We booked a full day tuk-tuk package to roam around the surrounding places.
Sanapur Lake:
Sanapur Lake is a reservoir fed by Tungabhadra Dam canal. It is beSanpur Lake is a paradise for cliff divers many people with there Gopro were indulge in cliff divinng. Apart from that you can enjoy coracle ride at the Sanapur lake.
Anegundi Village:
Anegundi, believed to be the monkey kingdom of Kishkindha (Kishkinta means in local language a forest where the monkeys lived) in the epic of Ramayana, is at a distance of 5 km from the historical site of Hampi.
Hippie Island:
Hippie Island or Virapapur Gadde is a small island situated across the Tungabhadra river. It takes 5 minutes via coracle or boat. The last boat for the island leaves at 5.30 pm. This backpacker's delight is an epitome of scenic beauty and is known for laid-back
ambient and lodges.
Anjaneya Parvat:
The hill has a rock carved Hanuman temple at the top. It has about 575 steps. The view from the top is breathtaking as you see patches of paddy fields and the Hampi city ruins around.
To finish off the tiring day, we had dinner at Mowgli Restaurant itself. The food and drinks were good.
To finish off the tiring day, we had dinner at Mowgli Restaurant itself. The food and drinks were good.
Temple Temple all the way !
Day 2 :
After having a big photo session at the river bank and paddy fields behind the cottage, we booked a full day tuk-tuk to visit all major tourist attractions in Hampi.
Vitthala Temple:
The Vittala Temple in Hampi has amazing stone structures such as the incomparable stone chariot and the fascinating musical pillars. The large Ranga Mandapa is well known for its 56 musical pillars. These pillars are also known as SaReGaMa pillars, which are attributed to the musical notes emerging out of them. The pillars produce musical tones when struck with a thumb. It sounds like bells ringing.
Then we headed to Lotus Temple, Elephant stable, Vittala temple, Queen's bath, Pushkarani, King's balance, Hazara Rama Temple.
On the way back we saw Stone Sisters(Akka Thangi Beddha) and visited the Hemakuta Hill (Big Ganesha temple).
In the evening, we went to the magnificent Virupaksha temple and enjoyed sunset at the hill top.
For dinner, as on day 1 we ended the day at Mowgli Restaurant with a happy food.
We will miss you Hampi :(
Day 3: After chilling the previous night, we woke up late and had a photo session near the riverbank and paddy fields. One of our friend had to leave, so we all got ready and took a coracle ride across the river to drop her and go for shopping .. yes! local market shopping :) Had lunch @ Mango Tree (Food was good) and left to the railway station.
Final Words: We had a great weekend @Hampi. Am sure you will too...