I had never done a solo trip before. Hampi was also not supposed to be solo trip but it happened to be my very first solo trip.
I was going to join a group who were going to for this offbeat trip to this place. I had seen the pictures of Hampi on Instagram before. I immediately signed up for this. But the group cancelled their plan just three days before the trip. So I decided that I will go alone.
Two days before the trip, I booked my bus tickets through Redbus. I didn't get a ticket for sleeper bus hence had to settle for AC/semi sleeper one. I booked return ticket the same way. Bus ticket was Rs. 1500 one way. I had to book stay for one night. I booked one room at a homestay through airbnb for Rs. 800 per night.
One 14th of December, I boarded my bus at 6:00 pm from Hanuman Nagar bus stop in Andheri. These buses leave from Borivali. It is always recommended to travel by sleeper buses for such long journeys.
The bus reached Hospet at around 9:00 am. I took auto rickshaw to go to Hampi. It is recommended to take KSRTC bus to reach Hampi since Auto rickshaw drivers will try to charge you Rs. 200-300. So go to KSRTC bus stand and get into bus for Hampi.
The auto rickshaw driver dropped me at my guesthouse 'Padma Guest house'. Sagar, who manages the guesthouse is a good host. I checked in my room. They provided me with a full english breakfast for an additional cost of Rs. 100.
I left for sight seeing. First was the Virupaksha Temple. This temple is centrally located and is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha which is a form of Loard Shiva.
On north side of the temple, river Tungabhadra flows. There are boats available for crossing this river to go to Hippie Island.
After crossing river, I got a bike on rent for Rs. 250 to explore the hippie island.
I went on driving to reach Sanapur Lake. It's huge reservoir in Tungabhadra left canal
After lunch at a small cafe, I rode on to a small village named 'Anegundi'.
Then I rode on to see Hanuman Temple at the top of Anjanadri hill (Anjaneya hill). This is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. There are about 575 steps that you have to climb to reach the temple.
After riding back to the river crossing in the evening, I returned the bike and did my dinner at Mango tree restaurant. This is a very famous restaurant in Hampi and they do serve good food.
I had decided to watch the sunrise from Matanga Hill the next morning. I woke up at 5:30 am and headed for this trek to Matanga hill after having a cup of tea.
It's a trek of about 20-30 minutes and not so difficult for the one who has a good experience of treks. It is important to keep the track of path because it is easy to get lost. It is advisable to carry water.
Before descending, I spent about an hour on the hill clicking pictures of the sunrise and surroundings. After finishing breakfast, I checked out and kept my bags at the homestay. I decided to see the ruins. I started walking along the banks of Tungabhadra.
A further walk led me to Pushkarani and then Achyutaraya Temple.
Then I headed to see Vijaya Vitthala Temple which is a must see place in Hampi.
One the way to Vijaya Vitthala temple, you will see many ruins, King's balance and also Sugriva's (lord Hanuman's brother) cave.
After lunch, I went out to see other ruins and Royal enclosure in southern part of Hampi.
I came back to my homestay in the evening, collected my backpack and got the bus for Hospet.
I boarded into my bus for Mumbai at around 6:30 pm and reached Mumbai in next day in the morning at 9:00 am.
You can never get enough of Hampi. This place is so rich in history and culture that two days can never be enough to explore this fully. You just want to roam around amidst the boulders, temples and ruins. I was so in love with Hampi that I visited this place again the following year. That's a story for another time :)