Wednesday 18 November 2015

                                     HAMPI   NOV  2015


It was a treat to be in Hampi in Nov 2015.
We took a flight from Delhi to Bangalore on 10 Nov 2015. Next day on 11 Nov we took the night train " Hampi Exp" departing at 2200 hours to Hospet. It arrives there at 07.10 hours and you have full day to yourself.
Similarly,Hampi Exp Train departs at 21.00 hours to reach Bangalore City at 06.10 hours.

At Hospet we had a pick up from Railway Station to our place of stay HERITAGE RESORT HAMPI. It was 7 km from Hospet train station.
We found the Resort to be the best place to stay. It has big rooms, very well laid out facilities. A exceedingly inviting swimming pool, very well spread out buffet for all meals, caring staff and very serene ambiance.
See these pics of the resort.
You can read my Review of Resort at trip adviser.









The resort also has local performance in the evening at Pool side,  of local performers giving stories from epics.




We choose to go around in a local transport which can take us to all places. Some may find it very uncomfortable but it has the ability to go at most places where a 4 wheeler may not be able to go. This was our transport for next 3 days of our stay.


The name Hampi can also mean "champion".
At Hampi there could be no better place than the Hemakuta Hill, which consists of a large number of temples, archways and pavilions being guarded by the tall wide stoned walls, the ruins of which can still be seen here.







Start the day by seeing the smaller Ganesha ,see its back in which the mother Parvati is holding the Ganesha.



The view  from Hemkuta Hills is fascinating of many temples and largest temple Virupaksha.

Three Headed Nandi


Roof Painting in Orignal

Pillars of Temple
After temple visit,  walk through the old Bazzar which is still under excavation. Walk to other side to see a single stone Nanadi.  
Single Stone Nandi



Nandi Bazzar






Rama Temple










                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                         Kondarama Baazar


                                By Boat from Rama Temple to Vithala  Temple


Stone Chariot

Vithala  Temple

Stone Carvings

With Guide Nagraja 


Last thing on Day 1 was the Monolithic Ganesha. This huge Ganesha is also known as Mustard Ganesha, as the Mustard Trader financed its construction for all devotees.

Bouders at Hhampi



DAY 2
Second day we went across the Tungbhdra River.  The first thing we did was to climb the 600 odd steps to Anjana Hills.This Hampi Temple is located 4 km from Hampi and is believed to be the birth place of Lord Hanuman.

Route to Hill Top

View from Top


There after we went to Pampasarovar. It is believed that Godess Pravati took her birth from Lotus Flower here in this pool.




Pampa Srovar


Day 3

On day 3,  we went around the Place Area of the city.
The First thing we saw was monolithic Narsiman. It was damaged and thereafter restored by ASI.




The above picture is of Shiva which is 12 feet in height with its base of 3 feet in water.



Spice Bazaar Inside

Complete Spice Bazaar

Stone Donation Box with drawings

Krishna temple

Having seen the Krishna temple we moved towards the ruins of the Palace. On the way we were shown two rocks which are called Two Sisters. It is believed that these are two sisters who were talking ill of Hampi and were converted into Rocks. 





This is called Underground Shiva Temple. Actually it was at ground level. With floods the mud was deposited all over. The farmers started cultivating on it. However ASI go  a hint of this temple and excavated it. In excavation they had to dig out lower than normal ground level, thus it is called underground Shiva temple. You can see old script on stone here.





The Royal Place Ruins are the next. It also houses the HAZAR RAMA TEMPLE. The temple has complete depiction of Ramayan The depiction is in 3 Tier stone plates. If you know the Ramayana you can go around once and understand it , else go around three times to see full Ramayana.


Second Center Plate Sita wanting Golden Deer.

Killing  of Ravna by Ram



                                            Outer wall of Temple showing Procession and activities

Original one of most beautiful water Pond with a system to fill with river water.



This is Queens summer place. It has water pipes in the walls. The well on the right was used to draw water and fill the tanks above in roof,the water then came down through the pipes in the walls to cool the building.


                                                    Royal elephant Stables. there were 11 elephants

                    Place for Keepers of Royal elephants


this is the high place from where the King used to see the Dussera Procession. The walls show that dignitaries from Arab Land, China, Mongolia, who used to come for trading.



This is stone door for Place which was opened and   closed by elephant




                                                                 This is Queens private swimming Poll. Upper floor had place to change clothes. 
With this we finished the Hampi Tour. 


Guide   Nagaraj  Mob No 9480254627 can speak English, Hindi and Local Language. He is very good.
Paid Rs3500 with great bargain for 3 days. Normal rate in season is Rs1400- 1800 per day.

Auto driver Nagesh  Mob No 9480254627. May not know English or Hindi but is always on time.
paid Rs 2500 for 3 Days , after bargain.Normal is Rs 900-1200 per day.