As famous is Hampi for its Temples and ruins, so is it known for its beautiful treks and amazing sunrises and sunsets!
Here's presenting to you the four astounding experiences we had during our getaway to Hampi.
So, our first day to Hampi ended with this easy trek to Malyavanta Ragunath Temple. As titled, it is Lord Ram's temple. It is located 6kms from the city centre. Super secluded and has least human presence.
Rickshaws/Bikes go onto the top of the hill.
The Indian Mythology states the tale as - Lord Ram and Lakshman stayed here while in search of Goddess Sita, during the rainy season.
Be super alerted of the huge number of monkeys.
Though we missed on this amazing sunrise visit, knowing that it is known for its dawn view, this place is surely a treat to the eyes at any point of time.
So, this hill is on the Hippie Island. You might need to take a 5-min speed boat across River Tungabhadra costing Rs.20/- to reach Hippie Island, if you're staying in the Ruins side of the city.
Our last day in Hampi began at 3.30am, as we had this humongous task of trekking Matanga Hill and reach the peak for the glorious sunrise.
It is a quite tough climb, and takes about an hour and a half (if you're as blind as us to trek through wrong, difficult paths, as it was 4am pitch-dark)
The Epic Ramayana states that, this is the place where Sugreeva and Vali had a fight.
Last, but not the least, we ended our Hampi with a magnificent sunset at the Hemakuta Hills, which is located just beside the main Virupaksha Temple.
The Sunset here is mind-blowing!!!!!! And you wouldn't want to miss out on this one!
We ended our second day by the banks of Tungabhadra River, enjoying the serene sunset!
The White structure- is the Temple on top of the hill, and that's the view from the base.
It is a trek and climb of 600 steep steps to reach the peak and visit this Hanuman Temple.
This place is known to be the birth place of Lord Hanuman, according to Hindu Mythology.
You might as well, wouldn't mind crawling to reach the hill-top! :P
You need to beware if you're starting your trek in the dark, since there are numerous tough, slippery, steep and rocky routes to the peak.
And, you wouldn't want to carry anything but your mobile for flash light and a bottle of water.
Also, there is a Matanga Devi Temple on the peak. Do pay it a visit as well!
This is a flat and an easy trek!
Hindu mythology states that, Goddess Pampa impressed Shiva with impressed by her dedication. Shiva agreed to marry her. On the day of their marriage, the Gods rained gold on this hill. Hema in the Sanskrit language means gold.
And bingo! You see the golden rays showering allover!
Important Information:
1. No ATMs in Hampi and most people accept only cash.
2. Beware of talking or paying heed to random people.
3. No network for most Sim Cards, except BSNL or wifi.
4. Know the history a bit :D