The lost land of champions

Tripoto
Photo of The lost land of champions 1/9 by Susmita Mukherjee
A mantapa for wedding at the Vitthala village
Photo of The lost land of champions 2/9 by Susmita Mukherjee
A stone door outside the Royal Treasury
Photo of The lost land of champions 3/9 by Susmita Mukherjee
An image of a Sumo wrestler
Photo of The lost land of champions 4/9 by Susmita Mukherjee
Patterns from Lotus Mahal
Photo of The lost land of champions 5/9 by Susmita Mukherjee
A sculpture at the entrance of horse market
Photo of The lost land of champions 6/9 by Susmita Mukherjee
Gayatri, a 19-year-old driver
Photo of The lost land of champions 7/9 by Susmita Mukherjee
Priest of the Shiva temple
Photo of The lost land of champions 8/9 by Susmita Mukherjee
Rock formations
Photo of The lost land of champions 9/9 by Susmita Mukherjee
Rock formations at Matanga Hill

One of the many meanings of the term 'Hampi' is 'Champion'. Indeed, the rule of King Krishna Deva Rai was indeed the age of champions with trade, literature and architecture flourishing under his rule. Even today, Hampi's ancient archaeological site champions the cause of women. The girls from the neighbouring villages have found a vocation in helping the huge number of tourists thronging to the popular destination. They ferry the tourists in battery-run vehicles (eco-friendly transport provided by the Karnataka state government) at a nominal price. There are very few places to stay while at Hampi, mine was sponsored by the Hyatt Place (thanks to them). There are some really good and economical places to board at across the Tungabhadra river. Of course, it might a good idea to skip your visit in the monsoon as the river swells quite a scary bit. On toher days, it might serve you ell to take a local ferry (round boat) trip across the river.