EXPERIENCES IN THE FAIRY TALE LAND OF FLINTSTONES – HAMPI
An ancient city with a myriad of antiquities. Boulders add to the beauty of the city like Ferraro Rocher does to a chocolate cake. A UNESCO world heritage temple, lush green paddy fields, palm trees, chic and cozy cafes and coracle boat rides beckon! Here is a list of the top 12 things that we think you should do in this mystical place-
- UNESCO World Heritage Temples
At Hampi, heritage and pilgrimage enjoy a synergic bond like no other. Hampi was the ancient capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, an empire famous for dazzling architecture and rustic ambiance accentuating authenticity. There are various trails like Virupaksha, Vijaya Vittala Temple, Royal and Zenana enclosure. Hire a guide and time travel to one of India’s oldest settlement
The iconic stone Chariot at Vijayavittalla Temple
Lotus Mahal inside Zenana enclosure
Symmetrical beauty of Lotus Mahal
Clearly inspired from Bollywood
- Let the rocks rock your travel!
Imagine a city strewn with thousands of boulders, each with its own heritage and history. Fascinating right? A trip around Hampi helps you realize how the rocks help ameliorate the overall beauty of the town making it one of the most rustic places in the country.
Walk back in time…..amidst the boulders and ruins.
- Cycle around or rent a scooter
Ola? Uber? No! The best way to explore the town is by renting a cycle or scooter. Experience nostalgia as you cycle or scooter your way through the town. Take in all the old world charm that Hampi has to offer. There are numerous temples and ruins spread all over Hampi. Mark your own trails; stumble across some lesser known jewels of Hampi or just drive aimlessly around the paddy fields.
- Stay on the hippie island
Hippie, the island of huts, hammocks and happiness. Hippe Island is a tiny island across the Tungabhadra river. Ditch the five star hotels and stay in one of the huts with hammocks overlooking the paddy fields and boulders. The vibes in Hippie Island is infectious! Share travel stories with fellow travelers from around the world or just laze on a hammock and soak in the beauty of the boulder town.
- Take a coracle boat road on the Tungabhadra River
Coracle boat or Dongi is a bowl shaped boat made of locally sourced materials and rowed with one paddle. A coracle boat ride is an adventure in itself… marvel at the ruins of once a mighty empire. As the boatmen spin the boat you can feel the entire city revolving around you!
- Trek up to Anjanadri(monkey hill) or Mathanga hill for the most gorgeous sunsets and views of the city.
Sunsets and panaromic views of the city tend to reinvigorate a sense of tranquility and peace. Monkey hill is on Anegudi side and has newly built steps; it takes 565steps to reach the hill top. According to the Legend, Lord Hanuman was born here. The sunset point boasts the most gorgeous view of the city.
Alternatively, you can trek to Matanga hill. The steps are old and moderately difficult as you climb.600 odd steps and boulders to reach the vantage point.
If you are not up to trekking, walk up to the Hemakuta hill complex. Sit on one of the rocks and watch the sun go down.
Chasing sunsets!
- Café hoppin’
Eat at small, colorful cafes; you’ll be surprised to see the variety of cuisine they offer –from Italian to Israeli. The cafes in Hampi are colorful with graffiti painted walls and most of them have sit down seating. Soothe your aching muscles at Mango Tree after a tiring day of temple visits. They serve the best veg thali’s in town.
The stack of shoes and the que explain famous this place is!
The lip smacking veg thali
- Shop at Hampi Bazaar
The best shopping malls are the streets that sell authentic products. Hampi offers a wide range of jewellery, colorful shirts, harem pants and artifacts. It’s always a good idea to negotiate a price before you buy.
- Rock climbing
Are you one for adventure and adrenaline? Are you someone who likes challenge? Then Boulder climbing is what you need. It is very famous in Hampi especially across the Tungabhadra River. As you climb large rocks, your fingers and body will ache but the sweat is worth it as you will feel extremely accomplished at the end of it!
- Visit the Sanapur lake
Sanpur Lake is a lesser explored part of Hampi. Placid blue waters surrounded by boulders,it offers spectacular views of rocky mountains. It on one side is the lush green paddy fields in the valley and on the other were these huge boulders just stacked on each other. Best time to visit this place is during sunset.
- Meet Lakshmi, the temple elephant and get her blessings
Lakshmi is the temple elephant, a majestic being that has become one with Hampi’s culture. You can see her bathing in the morning. If you visit the temple, give her a coin, and pat,she will give you her blessing.
- When in Hampi, try the wine made in Hampi.
French wine, yum right? Well, if you can’t go to France go to Hampi. KRSMA wines are made in Hampi, in one the finest vineyards in India. They are exquisite in taste and quality. Try their signature Cabernet Sauvignon and thank us later!
Have you been to Hampi? Do share your experiences in the comments section. We would love to hear from you.
Love
Saaks Viv
The secret ingredient is always love
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30 Comments
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Hello,
I have recently been to Hampi as well. Missed doing a couple of things you mentioned in this post. However, we are planning another trip soon. I have blogged about my trip here: http://www.sthuthishetty.com/traveldairy/pampa-kshetrahampi-day2/ . Pleas do check out 🙂
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This is a wonderful description of Hampi. I loved your photographs especially the last one. 🙂 Hampi is really a wonderful place. Just back from there and the memories are still fresh!!
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Lovely post. Hampi was the first place where I solo traveled to.
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Hampi is one of the places I really want to see on the UNESCO World Heritage List.. and this just makes me want to go more. It looks like it in such amazing condition – and those details.
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Hampi is one of place I am desperate to visit, It is great place and you covered so well
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Coracle boat or Dongi is a bowl shaped boat looking very interesting.. Hope u had a great time together
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Hampi is the pride of Karnataka ! Everyone must visit this place once in their lifetime
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I have visited this place as a kid and have so many fond memories
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I love Hampi for its ancient ruins well written po
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Hampi is a beautiful place.. All the pics are beautiful
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I can’t wait to visit Hampi! Your post inspires me to visit there soon! You witnessed great sunset
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Such a lovely and detailed description of a travelogue..for traveloholics like me, Hampi is indeed a delight!
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Hampi looks so good in your pictures.. The archeological site and coracle boat ride are a must to do apart from cafe hopping.
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Hampi is really exotic place to visit. Getting to know about such historical places is really an experience
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Wow awesome place and amazing clicks. Really love your travelogue. Thanks for sharing.
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This is one amazing post. I did get back few memories from our family trip to hampi. We are so lucky to have such rich heritage
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Wow.. Loved your pictures. So well clicked
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Awesome post! Thanks for sharing all this information and things to do in Hampi, it’s on our travel destination list. Loved all your pictures.
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What beautiful pictures and I have been listening a lot about Hampi as a travel destination so this blog is just what I needed to head there.
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Heard a lot about beautiful and famous places of hampi. All pictures looks too beautiful and amazing and now this place is also on my travel list. Wish to visit here soon. Thanks for sharing a lot about this fantastic place.
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Looks beautiful in every way. Love the round boat ride the most
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That’s beautiful place and the boat ride you have at Sanapur lake looks exciting
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Oh goodness, just love all your pictures. It’s tempted me to visit Hampi real soon.
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OMG this is the must visit place I will definitely go now
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Hampi is best place and truly I loved it and photos are so good
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I have been to Hampi. I was speechless when I roamed around its ruins.
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Hampi is such a beautiful Place. Loved the pictures shared here. Amazing !
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This looks like a wonderful place to visit. I have not been to Hampi but your post definitely gives me strong travel goals. In fact, I really like your blog for the varied experiences that you have shared here basis your travels.
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Wow, hampi is really an wonderful place.. The pics are beyond beautiful.. Will plan a trip soon..
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Hampi a must place on travel list. Lovely post with such larger than life images. Love the rich heritage, wish to visit it soon.
