With the help of my loving family, my best friend and I finally ticked Hampi off our travel list. And we practiced 'Dolce Far Niente' italian for the sweetness of doing nothing. Away from the hustle bustle and gadgetry, a couple days spend on the boulders of the mighty Tungabhadra river was a dream come true.
Like most places in India, Hampi is not an easy place to reach. One can get here, provided you are up for a long journey. Hubli is the closest airport and from there it is a 4 - 6 hours journey to the boulders.We chose to to take an overnight train to Hubli and hired a cab to take us there which cost us around INR3000.
Hampi is a place of rich history and a glorious past of the Vijayanagra empire. The sightseeing places are across the river. A coracle ride to the other side is joyous. On learning that it was my first coracle ride, our coracle rider was kind enought to show us some tricks,also spinning the boat with child like enthusiasm. I hired a rickshaw for couple of hours to take from one place to another. Roads are well made and its a comfortable ride. The stone chariot one sees in every picture promoting Hampi is mesmerising to see in person. Intricate stone carvings on each and every direction. Some of the walls have ancient scriptures carved in stone. The stories of the queen dancing in her private chambers with more than a thousand diyas illuminating the entire palace adorned with marigold flowers forces you to go back in time and imagine the sights. Music was made by thumping the stone pillars, our guide was gracious to give us a short preview.The interior is cooler in temperature. The folklore is plenty. The stories of kings, queens, the lavish bazaars, gems trading, music, art and culture echos how vibrant this city once was. Locals are helpful. My mobile network was poor, when another rickshaw driver saw me frantically trying to get in touch with our driver, he came up to me and just offered to use his phone.
We were staying at Hampi Boulders. The moment you step in there your fatigue just vanishes. Small cottages by the river, makes sure everywhere you look you are surrounded by serenity of nature. It took us a while to find this hotel, they have no signage to get here. All you do is enter through a large brown gate, when looked at you are trespassing a private property. No boards screaming out "hey, heres your home for the next couple of days". When I asked why, they say, they choose to keep this property low key. As you drive past those gates, what seemed barren entrance transforms itself to a jungle orchard with trees almost drooping with the weight of their blooming flowers. We stayed in Otters cottage overlooking the river. Waking up to the sound of flowing water is mesmerising. The sunrise is beautiful. I spent my morning sipping on my chai and listening chirping birds. The nature trail walks offered to all hotel guests is must try. Bamboo bridges take you across boulders to view a magnificent sunrise/sunset. The hotel tariff included all meals, and bon fire dinner under the stars. They grow organic vegetables and fruits in the property and hence the food is delicious and homemade. They have a rock pool which keeps the water quite cool in the sun. The staff is very helpful.
Such wonderful 3 days spent here. I will definitely want to go back spend a couple of chilled out days after the monsoons. More than the sights i loved the hotel experience.
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