Uttara Karnataka - The land of ancient science,art,culture, architecture and heritage. Should I explore the ancient art? Where should I begin? Will this provide me wanderlust to travel? These were the questions that arose, when I thought of Uttara Karnataka. After a long research, I prepared an itinerary and a small bucket list. Places like Hampi, Badami and many more stimulated me to explore the ancient technology. The spicy food cuisine added euphoria and motivated me to begin my journey.
I started the journey with my parents and headed towards Chitradurga. On our way, we visited Chitradurga Windmills and headed to Hospet. We reached Hospet by 1:00 PM and had a delicious lunch at Ananya Comfortss. Later we started exploring the beauty of Tungabhadra dam. Sunset at Tungabhadra dam was mesmerizing and filled our eyes with colors of joy. Various rare bird species can be found on the top of the dam. Tungabhadra dam has turned into a picnic spot for the residents of Hospet.
After having nutritious breakfast, we started our journey to Hampi which is 13kms from Hospet. Hampi was the capital of great Vijayanagara Empire which is marked as the land of ancient history and power. The first place we visited in Hampi was Virupaksha temple. Virupaksha temple is famous for its vibrant Gopura which signifies ancient science. Hampi is designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the main part of the temple is Pinhole camera, which captures the inverted image of the Gopuram. The pillars in the temple portray concept of symmetry. Ancient history tells, gold and diamonds were sold in front of the Virupaksha Temple which signify pride,glory and wealth of Vijayanagara kingdom.
Next we headed towards the Vitthala temple and Hazara Rama temple. The pillars of Hazara Rama temple are blended with a musical touch. Each pillar is composed of a musical instrument. The famous stone chariot is present in Vitthala temple which is the symbol of Hampi. 150 years old tree is still present in the premises of Vitthala temple. After having a delicious lunch at Mango tree hotel we visited the ruins of the kingdom. We ended the day after watching the mesmerizing sunset at Matanga hills.
Hampi bucketlist:
1) Visit Virupaksha Temple and enjoy the ancient science and art.
2) Enjoy the musical sounds from the pillars of Hazara Rama temple.
3) Drink Mango Lassi at "The Mango Tree " hotel.
4) Click your pic with the Royal Stone Chariot.
5) Bicycle ride to the ruins of Hampi.
6) Drink a cup of tea near Sasivekalu ganesha temple and then head towards Mathanga hills to enjoy the sunset.
7) Interact with the local guides to understand the value of ancient science and art.
8) Drink fresh Tender Coconut water near Lakshmi Narashima temple.
9) Enjoy the beautiful sunset from the hill top of Mathanga hills.
10) Trek to Anjanadri hills to seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman and enjoy the beautiful view of Vijayanagara Kingdom.
11) Experience the Coracle ride on the Tungabhadra river.
12) Stay in Hippie Island and relax .
13) Enjoy the nature along the paddy fields of Hampi.
On day 3, we started our journey towards Aihole. On the way we visited Kudala Sangama and seeked the blessings of Vishwaguru Basavanna. Then we reached Aihole and started exploring the art. The famous Durga Aihole temple resembles today's Indian Parliament. Aihole form the basic for the construction of Gopuram and temples.
Temples to be visited in Aihole:
1) Durga Temple.
2) Lad Khan Temple.
3) Meguti Jain Temple.
4) Aihole Rockcut Shiva Temple.
5) Ravana Phadi Cave Temple Aihole.
After visiting Aihole, we headed to Pattadakal. Pattadakal is a collection of Hindu and Jain temples. The carvings on these temples are artistic. Varieties of North Karnataka spicy dishes are available here.
Must try things at Pattadakal:
1) Have delicious North Karnataka special meals (Jolada rotti, ennegayi).
2) Drink a glass of Buttermilk prepared by the localites.
3) Eat North Karnataka Special Mandakki.
4) Enjoy the view of temples from Pattadakal gardens.
After having a delicious and spicy North Karnataka Cuisine, we headed to Badami caves. Badami is a collection of Hindu and Jain cave temples which are carved with beautiful Deities. Each cave temple has its own significance. The caves are beautifully filled with carvings of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
Things to be done in Badami:
1) Visit Badami cave temple and learn the ethos of ancient art, science and carvings.
2) Enjoy the beautiful view of Agastya lake from the 4th cave temple.
3) Visit the great Banashankri Amma Temple.
4) Enjoy the mesmerizing sunset from Badami cave Temple.
4) Chill in the Agastya lake and interact with the localites.
After having a delicious breakfast, we started exploring the city Bijapur. Bijapur is famous for its ancient artistic collection of places. It captures the eyes of a traveller by its famous Gol Gumbuz. Gol Gumbuz comprises of Indo-Islamic culture of style, which is built by the Adil Shah Dynasty. Ibrahim Roza is another famous tourist attraction for its art and architecture.
Bijapur Bucketlist:
1) Visit Gol Gumbuz and learn the importance of ancient science and art.
2) Visit Juma Masjid, Mahatar Mahal, Jodighumat, Taj Bawadi, Bara Kaman.
3) Explore the beauty of Ibrahim Rouza Masjid for its great carvings.
4) Trek to the top of Upli Burj and enjoy the beautiful view of Bijapur City.
5) Click your pic at Malik E Maidan with the mighty cannon.
6) Visit Bijapur Archaeological Museum and learn the importance of the city.
7) Explore the city streets by riding in a Tanga.
On day 5, we headed to Anjanadri betta - the birth place of Lord Hanuman. This place is covered with greenery and fresh Paddy fields. This place is also called as Kishkinda, earns this name from the great Hindu Epic Ramayana. This place provides positive vibes and energy. Anjanadri hill is also famous for vibrant sunsets. Floating stone that was used in building the Ramsettu from Rameshwaram to Sri Lankha is found in Anjanadri hill. Anjanadri has found a huge significance in the great Indian Epic Ramayana.
Must try things at Anjanadri Hill:
1) Climb 550 steps to seek blessings of Lord Hanuman and enjoy the beautiful view of Hampi.
2) Bicycle ride along the roads of Anjanadri.
3) Relax with the greenery and fresh Paddy fields.
4) Visit any nearby cafe and chill with the nature.
5) Interact with the localites and understand the importance of Anjanadri.
6) Feed the Monkeys.
7) Meditate on the top of Anjanadri betta to attain inner peace.
8) Enjoy the sunset and beauty of Tungabadhra river.
9) Click your picture with the 200 years old tree.
We returned to Bangalore from Anjanadri hill with mind full of memories. Uttarkarnataka is recognized as the epitome of diverse and vibrant culture, art, science and traditions. Uttarkarnataka is a must visit place and add it to your travel list. Enjoy your life to the maximum and travel to the extreme. #MemoryLane