Hampi: Slow travel through the crumbling pages of history 

Dec, 2024:

Hampi had graced our list of must-do road trips ever since our very first day in Bangalore. Yet, for three years, the plan remained tucked away-overshadowed by destinations we deemed more glamorous at the time. But Christmas of 2024 brought a shift in spirit. We longed for a place that offered serenity and space to explore, while still embracing the festive charm of the season. And in that moment, the answer was clear-Hampi it was!

Nestled in the heart of Karnataka, India, Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in history and grandeur. Before setting off on your journey to this remarkable destination, it's worth delving into its fascinating past.

Renowned as the capital of the illustrious Vijayanagara Empire during the 14th and 15th centuries, Hampi's legacy stretches even further back-to the time of Emperor Ashoka. Over the centuries, the region witnessed the rise and fall of several prominent Hindu dynasties, each leaving behind a rich cultural imprint that shaped the land long before the Vijayanagara reign began.

Here is the an easy to understand guide on how to reachDay 1: The Roadtrip Begins (Bengaluru to Hampi) Hampi, where to stay and things to do there:

Day 1:

We left Bengaluru bright and early at around 5 AM, hoping to beat the traffic and reach our hotel by early afternoon. The drive was nothing short of delightful-passing towering windmills and rows of welcoming coconut trees made the journey feel refreshingly serene. Before we even realized it, we had arrived in Hampi, well ahead of schedule, and checked into our hotel by 12 noon.

We had chosen to stay at Zostel Hampi, drawn by the glowing reviews of its vibe and aesthetic-and it exceeded every expectation. Truly a backpacker's haven, Zostel is nestled amidst Hampi's surreal, boulder-strewn landscape, seamlessly blending rustic charm with modern comfort. We had booked one of the private cottages overlooking the lush, green gardens, and it was absolutely idyllic. Zostel Hampi offers everything a traveler could wish for-soulful nature, a strong sense of community, friendly pets, and warm hospitality that instantly makes you feel at home.

After settling in, we grabbed a quick snack in the cozy common lounge before heading out to explore a few nearby cafés for lunch. For our first day, we decided to take it slow-just lounging in the garden café, soaking in the tranquil beauty that surrounded us.

Around 2 PM, we headed out for lunch, followed by a leisurely exploration of Hampi's heritage. Hampi is uniquely divided by the serene Tungabhadra River into two distinct sides: the temple side, steeped in history and spirituality, and the hippie side, known for its laid-back vibe and scenic cafés. Since Zostel is located on the hippie side, we chose to stay within that area for our first day.

We stopped at the charming Laughing Buddha Café, a cozy spot with low seating and stunning views of the lush paddy fields. The ambiance was peaceful, and our lunch-refreshing lemon nana and perfectly grilled fish-was simply delightful.

Recharged after the meal, we set off to explore Anegundi village and Pampa Sarovar. In Anegundi, we visited Chintamani, the sacred site where Lord Ram is believed to have first met Sugriva. It's also where one can find the legendary footprint of Lord Ram. Pampa Sarovar, tranquil and spiritual, is said to be the abode of Shabari, who lovingly offered berries to Lord Ram during his journey.

After returning to Zostel and freshening up, we wrapped up the day in the cozy lounge with a relaxed game of Jenga, accompanied by some delicious grilled chicken for dinner. It was the perfect end to a day filled with discovery, serenity, and good food.

Day 2: Exploring the temple side of Hampi

Day 2 was all about deeper exploration, and we set out early to beat the afternoon heat. Hampi's temple circuit is a fascinating network of ancient marvels, best experienced by starting at the iconic Vittala Temple and concluding at the revered Virupaksha Temple.

At Vittala Temple, you can either walk the 1 km stretch or opt for an electric buggy ride. We chose the shuttle for convenience, and it was well worth it. The highlight of the temple complex is the magnificent Stone Chariot, famously featured on the ₹50 note-a true architectural gem.

Due to the rising temperatures, we skipped the remaining archaeological sites and headed straight to Virupaksha Temple, soaking in its spiritual aura before pausing for lunch.

We stopped at the serene Mango Tree Restaurant, a lovely spot nestled in nature, and indulged in a lavish vegetarian thali that was both hearty and delicious.

On our way back to the hotel, the Christmas Eve festivities had already begun. The streets were aglow with twinkling lights and cheerful decorations, adding a magical touch to the evening. After freshening up and slipping into our festive outfits, we returned to the lounge for another round of Jenga, this time paired with steaming hot tea and crispy chicken pakoras.

The night unfolded beautifully with live music, laughter, and good vibes. We ended the day with a light dinner and a quiet moment of gratitude for the experiences that made it so memorable.

Day 3: Headed back home

Early in the morning, we had our breakfast and drove back to home sweet home! The lively road trip from Bangalore, the grandeur of the ruins, the sunset at Tungabhadra - they will be etched in my memories forever.

The Benjabi Recommendations:

1. Stay at Zostel, Hampi

2. Visit the laid back cafes of hampi like Launghing buddha, german bakery, funky monkey café or mango tree

3. You should try the coracle ride if you can

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-By The Benjabi Affair

A Bengali girl and a Punjabi boy having found their common love for travel and tea