Visits to the Hampi region can be divided into three sections:
- Virupaksha temples - Vitala, on the way Matanga Hill viewpoint (1st day)
- Royal region (Lotus temple, royal elephantarium) (1st day)
- Other side - Anjanea Hill - second viewpoint (2nd day)
Day 1 of Hampi (part 1): Virupaksha Temple - Matanga Hill - Vitala Temple
It is advisable to start your walk with the first rays of the sun (6-7 hours), being sure to eat before going out. That way you will explore most of the sites not under the scorching sun. You will have lunch at the end of this stage, around 12-13 hours.
The Virupaksha Temple can be explored at any other time, as the settlements are a stone's throw away. Therefore, the way is in the opposite direction from Virupaksha (on the map on the left to the right). Virupaksha temple was left behind us. First pointer to Matanga Hill (forward), Vitala to the left. Goes forward to Matanga hill.
We move forward, up the stairs.
There will be a sign for Vitala Temple - go ahead. In fact, Vitala Temple can be reached along the river and through Matanga Hill. But we'll leave the route along the river for the second day.
After climbing the steps, the road will go to the right, skirting a mound of rocks - this is Matanga Hill.
On the left will be the descent to the temple, on the right will be the steps to Matanga Hill
At the top of Matanga Hill offers a 360-degree view of the entire Hampi region.
Descending from Matanga Hill (on the way up), we arrive at the Achyutaraya Temple complex. We pass through it and then go parallel to the river. The Temple of Vitala will already be slightly visible.
After visiting the Vital Temple, we take the long road. There will be a rickshaw stand ahead. From this place to the royal region is about 6 km, so it is better to take a rickshaw. On the way to the royal region there is one single very good "cafe". The food is not expensive and tasty. But this is if you go on foot or pay for a simple rickshaw.
Day 1 tour of Hampi (part 2): Hampi's Royal Quarter - Lotus Temple and Royal Elephant Hall
We navigated on foot. So after visiting the Vitala Temple, we had a delicious lunch and rest in the shade at the aforementioned cafe. The royal quarter fell already in the afternoon and midday sun. It was kind of hot. But no less interesting. The Royal Elephantarium and the Lotus Temple are located in the same area with a paid admission of 600 rupees per person. We did not visit. We explored other free, equally beautiful sites in the area. We also returned on foot to Virupaksha temple around 5 pm. In one day walked about 15 km. Tired, but happy with the walk. A tip from experience: you should take a rickshaw from Vital Temple to the Royal Quarter. But then take a sachet of food with you. There are no other cafes anywhere along the way. And you have to eat lunch to be able to make it all the way.
As a summary, we can say that the Virupaksha-Vitala region is the most significant. Walking, this route on foot, climbing the Matanga hill, you will feel the local atmosphere as much as possible. Entrance to the temple Vitala and the Royal Elephant Temple costs 600 rupees per person (about 300 USD), but you do not need to go into them, everything is conventionally "the same" everywhere.
Day 2 in Hampi: Anjanea Hill
The route at first glance is not particularly clear, but it turned out to be interesting in the end. Here we try a new attraction - the local river crossing. One way is all civilized - a boat, and the other way - "homemade floating saucer!" About it all in order)
Just past the Virupaksha temple, there is a crossing to the other side. We go around the temple, pass by the pool, and head toward the river.
We reach the river and look for a place to cross - not a crowd of people, but the boat. Because people are just standing there, washing...
The crossing costs 150 rupees/person (about 70 uah), it takes 2 minutes to swim! Interesting is the moment of boarding, when people are pressed, like sprats in a can)
After swimming to the other shore, you can take the road to the left - it will be a long way around and is on the map. Or you can go straight from the shore, along the rice fields (indicated in the photo), directly to the mountain of rocks. And climb up these rocks, there is no special road, but there are a lot of hollows. After crossing this mountain, we come out to the same road, if we had gone to the left of the river crossing.
Once on the road, follow it to the right to the beginning of the ascent to Anjanea Hill, which is more than 600 steps up. This climb is visible from many parts of Hampi, you can't miss it.
It goes up the stairs with a roof, so it's not too hot even at noon. The view is beautiful - the view of Matanga Hill, Virupaksha Temple, etc.
Back along the same road back to the river, then we turn left (crossing 2 in the photo). We go around the mountain of rocks and see the miracle boat at the end of the road. The price is 200 rupees/person - the boat will float even if there is 1 person. If you are 2, 3 people, the price will be 400, 600 rupees / per boat. You have to bargain. At this crossing you will be brought to the bank opposite, but to get to the road in the direction of Virupaksha temple, you still have to jump for 15 minutes on the rocks. Thus, you will be able to walk all the way along the river. Recall, on the first day we could turn left and go to Vitala temple along the path along the river, and we turned right and went through Matanga Hill. Now our route is looped and the Hampi region is explored comprehensively)
Hampi is ancient India. Many temples and places for rituals, drawings on the stones, etc. A must-see for travel lovers. The entire route described is on foot - there is no rickshaw anywhere. The internet and locals advise to take a cab or rickshaw. What do you see along the roads? The whole route is designed so that you can walk and come back in half a day. The evening spent near Virupaksha temple - local village, sunset at the observation deck, feeding monkeys... Relaxation was a success, despite the dust, garbage and in some places intrusive locals.
Add new comment