In the land of Chalukyas - Badami / Aihole and Hampi !
Tour diary
22.3.24 Kolkata (2015 hrs - IST- Indigo) - Bengaluru (22 55 hrs - IST)
23.3.24 Bengaluru (05 50 hrs - IST) - Hubli (07 15 hrs IST)
23.3.24 Badami >Pattadakal> Badami : Night Halt at Badami
24.3.24 Badami >Banashankari>Mahakote>Aihole>Vijapura>Badami: Night Halt at Badami
25.3.24 Badami >Hampi>Night Halt at Hampi
26.3.24 Hampi>Hubli Airport (2030) > Delhi (2310) Night Halt at Airport
27.3.24 Delhi Airport (0700 hrs))> CCU (0900 hrs)
All the articles were taken from two wonderful blogs in Tourplanner group of FB (
Ankita Jana and Pratik Mukherjee)
( Ankita Jana - https://www.facebook.com/groups/tourplannermagazine/permalink/2611020482383587/?mibextid=oFDknk)
23.3.24
Temple City - Badami > Pattadakal>Badami
We have booked a 4+1 seater sedan car to remain with us for 4 days from Gozocab (driver is from Hubli. The deal is Hubli to Hubli ). They took around Rs 11,500 for the 4 days tour (plus driver allowance of Rs 250 per day) plus GST, excluding toll charges.It takes around 2.15 hours to reach Badami. Before reaching Badami, we had out breakfast at a restaurant and had Dosa. The Sambar here is little sweet. We have booked KSTDC hotel (Hotel Mayura Chalukya Badami - AC Semi Deluxe Double room @ Rs 2000 + GST). We reached the hotel at 1015 hours. They kindly let us in although the check in time is 1200 hours. This hotel is reasonably good. There is a large restaurant next to the reception.
The history of Badami starts from the mythological age. A demon named Vatapi lived in this region. Badami is named after him. When the demon Vatapi was there, there was also Agastya Muni. The water body in front of the Badami cave/Bhutanath temple is named Agastya Lake. The demon Vatapi died. because of Agastya Muni . Badami was actually most prosperous during the Chalukya period. Pulakeshi I was the first independent ruler of the Chalukya dynasty.
After the fall of the Chalukya dynasty, Badami was ruled by the Pallavas, Rashtrakutas, Kalyan Chalukyas (another branch), Kalachuris and Vijayanagara kings. It was also attacked by the Khilji and Tughlaq sultans during the reign of Badami. The Vijayanagara kings fought many wars with the Bahmani Shah dynasty of Bijapur. Finally, the Bahmanis kept the border up to the North of Krishna River and the Vijayanagara border up to the South of the Krishna River. After that, Badami came under the Mughals, Marathas, and Tipu Sultan. Finally, when it came into the hands of the British government, they included Badami in the Bombay Presidency.
Badami
Then we left by our car at 10.50 am after freshening up. Please note that all sites in Badami, Pattadakal, and Aihole open at 8 am. So there is no point in rushing out at 7am.
First we visited Badami Cave Temples (1-2-3-4). Just in front of Badami Cave 1 is Jama Masjid and Agastya Lake.After that we took our car to go to the Archaeological Museum and parked our car just in front of it (if you walk along the Lake, then also you can reach the museum. You have to pass through a small slum to reach it. On the left hand side of the museum is hiking trail which will take you to Northern Badami Fort area - Upper Shivalaya Temple and Lower Shivalaya Temple. It will take around 30-45 minutes go to the top. There is also a lot of monkey, so be careful with yourself and your camera. There are not so many monkeys towards the Badami caves. There is a wonderful view from the top of the Agastya Lake and Badami cave.
Then we took our car and got down after 300 metres 'near' Bhutanath Temple (main temple) and Vishnu Temple (behind Bhutanath). The most picturesque area of Badami from the Bhutanath Temple.The sculptures in the Badami caves are quite good and there is a eighteen-armed dancing statue of Nataraja. Other notable sculptures include Harihara, Vishnu's Trivikrama avatar, Varaha avatar, Vishnu reclining on the serpent Ananta, Mahavira, Parshvanatha and the first Jain tirthankara Bahubali.These are all in the same area, quite close by.
Of the four caves in Badami, the first cave is dedicated to Shiva, the second cave to Vishnu, the third cave to Harihara (i.e., both Shiva and Vishnu), and the fourth cave to Jainism.
Keep a bottle of water in your hand, as you will not find any shops on the way. You will however get dome sugar cane juice.
Pattadakal
Of these, only the Virupaksha temple is worshipped. The rest are heritage sites. It is worth mentioning that all these temples of Pattadakal are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Badami cave temples, the Aihole Durga temple are listed in UNESCO as extensions of this Pattadakal site. And all of these are contributions of the Chalukya Empire.
Inside the temple we met a differently abled person from whom we bought a picture and he also explained us about the bas reliefs in the temple.
Additional information:
- Pattadakal is located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India.
- It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The temples were built by the Chalukya dynasty, who ruled over Karnataka from the 6th to the 8th centuries.
- The most famous temple in Pattadakal is the Virupaksha temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
- The other temples in Pattadakal include the Kadasiddheshwara temple, the Jambulingeshwara temple, the Galganath temple, the Chandrashekhar temple, the Sangameshwar temple, the Kashi Vishwanath temple, the Mallikarjuna temple, and the Papanatha temple.
- Pattadakal is a popular tourist destination, and is a great place to learn about the history and architecture of the Chalukya dynasty. In this complex one can see both Dravidian and North Indian style of temple architecture
- If you want, you can call KSTDC hotel in advance and order dinner (KSTDC Badami Hotel contact no 8970650024)
24.3.24
Badami>Banashankari> Mahakote>Temple City of Aihole>Bijapur>Badami
Banashankari & Mahakote
As I was heading towards Aihole past Pattadakal , we learnt that the river's name was Malaprabha. This tributary of the Krishna River flows right past the Pattadakal temple site. Yes, this is the Malaprabha River where Parashurama washed his axe after killing the Kshatriyas and the river water turned red with blood. Seeing this, a woman cried out in fear, "Aiyo hole" (blood)! And that's how Aihole got its name (according to legend).
Aihole
After about 45 minutes, we arrived in Aihole. First, we saw an ancient Jain temple, just outside of Aihole (within 2 Km from Aihole), out of nowhere. Then I headed towards the main attractions of Aihole. Aihole is known as the oldest school of temple sculpture. In all, there are about 125 temples in this small place. It is not possible to visit all of them, so here is a list of the notable temples.
Then a small road on your right, before reaching main Durga Temple complex, will take you to Huccimalli Temple complex and Ravana Phadi Cave Temple complex. The second one should not be missed by any means. Just beside this road is another road which takes you to The Jain Temple on Meguti Hill .
Then you will reach the main Durga Temple Complex (famous, well-known, renowned; this is the famous hemispherical temple that resembles a Shivalinga) with the Aihole Museum. We had our breakfast (Idly and Dosa) outside this Temple Complex. Idly Vada is Rs 30.
The main temple is the Durga Temple, which I can assure you will leave you awestruck. The Durga Temple complex has a total of 12 temples, of which 7 are notable.Inside this temple complex is Jyotirlinga Temple Complex, Galganath Temple Complex, Virabhadraeshwara Temple, Trimbakeshwar Temple Complex, Mallikarjuna Temple Complex, Huchchappa Temple Complex, Kunti Temple Complex. It is open from 6 am to 6 pm. The museum inside is open from 9 am to 6 pm. The Jyotirlinga Temple Complex is a great place for photography.
Here are some additional details about Aihole:
- Aihole is located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India.
- It is about 35 kilometers from Badami and 14 kilometers from Pattadakal.
Bijapur
I learnt, there is no language problem in Bijapur. Everyone understands and speaks Hindi well. It is actually on the border of Maharashtra. Because after Bijapur, the train will enter Maharashtra and end at Solapur. If you come by train , you can leave the luggage in the cloakroom. It costs only Rs 20 for 24 hours. You have to pay when you take your luggage. You will also need your ticket PNR number. However, the cloakroom here is a small room with a table, where I left my backpack. I didn't see anyone else's luggage.
There are two ways to do sightseeing in Bijapur. One is by tanga and the other is by auto. It will take more time by tanga and will cost more, around Rs 800. Auto will take Rs 600-650 in January 2023. If you want to see Sangeet Mahal and Shat Kabar, it is better to take an auto because these two places are far outside the city.
The first thing you will see when you come out of the station is the Gol Gumbaz. The round dome-shaped inverted bowl on top is very well visible. Even though it seems close, it is quite a walk. It is the iconic architecture of Bijapur, also known as the Taj Mahal of the South. Wherever you go in Bijapur, you will see pictures of it. Even the name of the train is dedicated to it.
A Brief History of Bijapur:
History is endless, and one can go on and on about it. So, I will keep it short. After the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Kalachuris, and Hoysalas, Bijapur came under the rule of the Bahmani Sultanate. The Bahmani Empire was arguably the most powerful independent Muslim kingdom in South India. After the fall of the Bahmani Empire, it broke up into 5 parts, and Bijapur fell under the control of the Adil Shahi dynasty. Adil Shah dynasty ruled Bijapur almost independently. The name of all the 9 rulers of Adil Shahi dynasty end with Adil Shah.
Ibrahim Adil Shah II made significant improvements to Bijapur, fortifying the city with a moat for security. Most of the architecture that can be seen today was built during the reigns of Mohammed Adil Shah (7th Sultan) and Ali Adil Shah II (8th Sultan). The Gol Gumbaz was built during the reign of Mohammed Adil Shah. Under these two Sultans, Bijapur rose to prominence in the South.
It was said that Bijapur was the Agra of the South. From water supply to hospitals, markets, education, and everything else necessary for civic life, this city had it all. However, towards the end, Ali Adil Shah II struggled to deal with the Marathas on one side and the Mughals on the other, and eventually died. Bijapur then fell into the hands of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
Due to his death, Ali Adil Shah-II was buried in the unfinished Bara Kaman. Bijapur did not remain in Mughal hands for long either. During the Mughal decline, Bijapur came under the control of the Nizam of Hyderabad, but they could not hold it for long due to the Maratha supremacy. The game of changing hands finally ended when it came under the control of the British from the Maratha Peshwas. However, everything worth seeing in Bijapur was built during the Adil Shahi rule. The Mughals or the Nizams had no significant contributions.
| Government | Monarchy |
|---|---|
| Sultan | |
• 1490–1510 | Yusuf Adil Shah |
• 1510–1534 | Ismail Adil Shah |
• 1534 | Mallu Adil Shah |
• 1534–1558 | Ibrahim Adil Shah I |
• 1558–1579[6] | Ali Adil Shah I |
• 1580–1627 | Ibrahim Adil Shah II |
• 1627–1656 | Mohammed Adil Shah |
• 1656–1672 | Ali Adil Shah II |
• 1672–1686 | Sikandar Adil Shah |
Here are some additional details about Bijapur:
- The city was originally known as Vijayapura, which means "City of Victory."
- The Adil Shahi dynasty ruled Bijapur for nearly 200 years, from 1489 to 1686.
- Bijapur is famous for its beautiful architecture, including the Gol Gumbaz, Ibrahim Rouza, and Jumma Masjid.Gol Gombuz started before Taj Mahal.
- The city was once a major center of trade and commerce.
- Bijapur is a popular tourist destination, and is known as the "Agra of the South."
- Gol Gumbaz
- Jama Masjid
- Asar Mahal
- Gagan Mahal
- Baraha Kaman
- Jod Gumbaz
- Ali Burj Gate / Haydar (Upper) Burj
- Malik-e-Maidan (Famous Cannon)
- Ibrahim Rouza
- Taj Baoli (Gate locked for suicides)
- Saat Manzil (Government office, not allowed to enter)
- Shat Gombuj
- Sangit Nari Mahal
- Gol Gumbaz: First, I saw the Gol Gumbaz. It is known for its massive dome, which is one of the largest in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entry fee was Rs 40 (approx) per head. The Gol Gumbaz or tomb of Muhammad Adil Shah II is the largest and most impressive building in Bijapur. I was most amazed by the Whispering Gallery of Gol Gumbaz. This whispering gallery on the sixth floor is a wide gallery around the dome, which has extraordinary acoustic properties, i.e. ten times the echo can be heard.
- Jama Masjid: This is our next destination. Its beautiful arches, charming corridors, beautiful hall and a large onion dome are a classic example of Adil Shahi architecture.The Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India and was built by Ibrahim Adil Shah II (The greatest of Adil Shah Dynasty) in the 17th century (completed in 1626). It is a beautiful example of Indo-Islamic architecture and is known for its large dome and minarets.
- Asar Mahal : Next destination was Asar Mahal. It was originally a hall of justice.Constructed under the guidance of Mohammed Adil Shah, it was set up in 1646. Apart from the Hall of Justice, Asar Mahal also served as a unique place to preserve the hair that came from the Prophet’s beard.But entry is barred to the visitors
- Gagan Mahal: Next destination was Gagan Mahal. It was a royal residence. The Gagan Mahal is a four-story palace that was built by Ibrahim Adil Shah II for his wife, Chand Bibi. It is known for its beautiful gardens and its unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles.
- Baraha Kaman: Next destination was Barah Kaman. An unfinished tomb of Ali Adil Shah II. The Baraha Kaman is has 12 arches - probably begun on his accession to the throne in 1656 and intended to rival Gol Gumbaz, the tomb of his father, Muhammad Adil Shah.
- Jod Gumbaz: Next destination was the Jod Gumbaz is a tomb that was built by Ibrahim Adil Shah II for his two sons. It is known for its unique double-dome design. Women are not allowed to enter Jod Gumbaz , so they have to be seen from outside.
- Ali Burz Gun/Hyder Burj / Upli Burj : Then I proceeded to Ali Burz Gun. On top of Upli Burj there are two guns of huge size. This tower was used for monitoring purposes. One needs to climb the circular stairs to reach the top. However except for this tower there is very little evidence of the citadel wall in this area due to rampant construction.The Ali Burj Gate and Haydar (Upper) Burj are two of the main gates of the Bijapur Fort. They are both known for their impressive size.
- Malik-e-Maidan : Then I went to see Malik-e-Maidan.Ali Adil Shah I used the cannon in the Battle of Talikota. It is one of the largest cannons in the world and is still in working condition.The cannon was cast in 1549 by a Persian engineer Muhammad Bin Husain Rumi, then serving Sultan Burhan Nizam Shah I of Ahmednagar.The Sultan presented the Cannon to his Son-in-Law, Sultan Ali Adil Shah I of Bijapur.
- Ibrahim Rouza: Then I finally went to see the famous Ibrahim Rouza. It closes at 17.40 hrs. When we reached it was 5.41 hrs and just closed. The exterior is most spectacular.The entrance fee was Rs 35 per head approx. Ibrahim Rouza is a tomb that was built by Ibrahim Adil Shah II for his wife, Taj Sultana. It is known for its beautiful architecture and its intricate carvings. The Ibrahim Rouza is rated as on one of the most beautifully proportioned Islamic monuments in India and an inspiration for the Taj Mahal.
We did not have time for anything else. Except for the Music Palace and the Sixty Graves, all the other places are quite close to each other.
Mehtar Mahal:
The Mehtar Mahal is a palace that was built by Ibrahim Adil Shah II for his chief eunuch. It is known for its beautiful gardens and its intricate carvings.
Taj Baoli:
The Taj Baoli is a stepwell that was built by Ibrahim Adil Shah II. It is known for its beautiful architecture and its intricate carvings.
Sangit Nari Mahal :
The Sangeet Mahal is a palace built in the 16th century by the Adil Shahi dynasty. It is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful architecture.The Sangit Nari Mahal is a palace that was built by Ibrahim Adil Shah II for his dancing girls. It is known for its beautiful gardens and its intricate carvings.
Shat Kabar:
The Shat Kabar is a tomb complex built in the 16th century by the Adil Shahi dynasty. It is the burial place of Ibrahim Adil Shah II and his family. The Shat Gombuj is a complex of 60 tombs that were built by the Adil Shahi dynasty. It is known for its beautiful architecture and its intricate carvings.
"Let me say a few things about Shat Kabar, because very few people go there. Here, Afzal Khan killed his 63 wives and buried them. Afzal Khan was the chief commander of Ali Adil Shah II. His astrologer predicted his death before the war with the Marathas. So he killed all his wives so that they could not marry again. On the other hand, Afzal Khan was really killed by the Maratha army, namely Shivaji, in Pratapgarh."
## There are several food shops in front of Bara Kaman. I had lunch at a vegetarian restaurant on the footpath facing Bara Kaman. The name is Yedayyur Siddhalingeshwara. I was a little confused whether the name is of a hotel or a temple!! The auto driver showed it to me. Pure Kannada Thali for Rs 50 . This thali consists of Jowar roti, rice, papad, rasam, sambar, curd, pickle, three more vegetables, and some powdered colored chutney powder. I ate a lot. Take as much as you want until your stomach is full. The price is still the same Rs 50 . Even if it is vegetarian, it tastes quite good because the vegetables have a different taste.
## Pearl Hotel : If you think you will eat Sultani food in a Sultani place, then go to Pearl Hotel. This hotel is famous for biryani and falooda. It is very close to Gol Gumbaz.The biryani in Bijapur is made in the Hyderabadi style.
### Sajjanabasa Bhajanalay, Laxmi Maratha Khanavali : If you want to eat Marathi Thali, then go to Sajjanabasa Bhajanalay, Laxmi Maratha Khanavali. Although I don't like Marathi Thali because it is very spicy and the taste of the vegetables is not as good as South Indian Thali, I mean I personally don't like it.
1. KSTDC Hotel Mayura Chalukya Badami:
- The hotel is good with spacious and clean rooms.Try to get rooms in the main building, which are AC double bed semi-deluxe rooms.Avoid suites as they have a monkey problem. Suites are annex hotel.
- There was a water shortage in the bathroom at night, and no one was available at the reception before 7 AM. Service is slow and and staffs are not attentive to your instruction
- Clarks Inn Hotel offers rooms with a view of Badami Fort for around Rs 1500 (with taxes). It is around 1.5 Km from KSTDC. KSTDC Mayura Yatrinivas Hotel in Aihole is also a good option.
2. Room Rates and Booking:
The semi-deluxe Double AC room rate was Rs 2,000 without GST (excluding breakfast). I booked through KSTDC' s website only. Call the hotel and confirm your booking.Remind them two days before your arrival.
3. Transportation:
- My plan was from Hubli to Hubli
- You can fly to Hubli Airport / Belgaon via Bengaluru and then take a car/bus/train to Badami.
- From Kolkata, you can take the Amaravati Express (18047) to Hospet (HPT) and then visit Hampi, Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal, and Bijapur.
- You can also take a bus from Gadag (GDG) to Badami (83 km, 2 hours).
- Gadag also has 5 good temples, a bird sanctuary, and a fort to see.
4. Train Journey:
- The Down Gol Gumbaz Express (16536) leaves Bijapur (BJP) at 4:55 PM and arrives in Badami (BDM) at 7:15 PM. It reaches Bengaluru (SBC) at 8 AM and Mysore at 11 AM.
- This train does not have a pantry, so bring your own dinner.
- You can have idli at Gadag station.
- The sleeper fare from Badami to Bengaluru is Rs 330.The 3AC fare is Rs 905.The sleeper fare from Bijapur to Badami on the Down Gol Gumbaz Express is Rs 140.
5. Auto Rickshaw Rates and number :
- It will cost you Rs 800-1000 to travel around Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole in an auto for a whole day.
- Manjunath: +916360666219 (also on WhatsApp)
- Chidananda: +919380114970
- Javed : +918792225091. He told me to refer him" you can go with him without any worries. He loves to show his hometown, Bijapur, to visitors."
6. Opening and closing times
All sites in Badami open at 8:00 AM.
The cave temples and museum open at 9:00 AM.
Everything closes at 5:30 PM.
Pattadakal is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Aihole is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The best time to visit is during the winter, but you can easily visit from October to March.
The monsoon season has a unique charm of its own.
7. Entry fees
- You will need to pay an entry fee of 15 rupees for the Badami Museum.
- It costs Rs 30 approx to enter the Badami Cave Temples and the Pattadakal Temple Complex.
- In Aihole, it costs Rs 30 to enter the Durga Temple Complex only.
- It costs an additional Rs 10 to enter the museum inside the Durga Temple.
- There is no entry fee for any other place.
- However, do not throw away your tickets.
8. Estimated cost
- The estimated cost of visiting Badami, Pattadakal, and Aihole is Rs 3000 per person.
- This includes non-AC train fare from Bijapur to Badami, auto rickshaw sightseeing, vegetarian breakfast + lunch + dinner + drinking water.
- Costs are as of July 2019/2023
10. Bijapur has now been renamed Vijayapura. The best train to go from Bengaluru to Bijapur is the Gol Gumbaz Express (16535). It leaves from Mysore (MYS) and goes to Yesvantpur (YPR) via KSR Bengaluru (Bangalore Central Station aka SBC) at 7:10pm and reaches Bijapur (BJP) at 9:20am. The non-AC fare is Rs.375 and the 3AC fare is Rs.1020. Another train is the Basava Express (17307). These two trains are available every day. There are also two more trains on Monday morning and a train at 5am on Friday and Sunday.
11. All tourist places in Bijapur are open every day, from 10am to 6pm on average. I cannot say for sure about national holidays.
12. Solo Travelers: Bijapur is a safe place for solo travelers. Even women can travel solo or in groups. There is no language barrier at all. You can confidently speak Hindi or English.
13. Accommodation: If you need to stay in Bijapur, I recommend Hotel Pearl - www.hotelpearlbijapur.com. It good reviews everywhere. You can get an AC room for 1200-1300 rupees. You can also stay at the government KSTDC Hotel Maurya Adil Shahi Bijapur. The rent is about the same, but it is an older hotel with poor reviews. In comparison, the government hotel in Badami is much better, as I stayed there myself. After booking, search Google for the phone number and call to confirm your booking and room rent.To be safe, call two days before you arrive to remind them that you are coming.
14. Entry Fees: You only need to pay entry fees at two places: Ibrahim Rouza and Gol Gumbaz. There is no entry fee anywhere else. You have to pay an additional 10 rupees to enter the museum in front of Gol Gumbaz.
15. Cloakroom: There is a cloakroom facility at the gate of Gol Gumbaz.You can keep your luggage here if you don't want to leave it in the cloakroom at the railway station.
16. Alternate Plan:
- If you want to explore the Bahmani Sultanate thoroughly, spend a night in Bijapur. In that case, include Bidar, Gulbarga, and Bijapur in your plan. Take a direct train from Bangalore to Bidar.It is an overnight journey. Bidar is very close to Hyderabad, you can also start from Hyderabad.
- It is a three and a half hour journey. After exploring Bidar, go to Gulbarga (station name Kalaburgi).
- Only two DEMU trains run.From Gulbarga, go to Bijapur.There are four trains.It takes about five and a half hours.If you visit these three places, you will have covered a significant portion of the Bahmani Sultanate.
25.3.24
Badami> Hampi
Hampi is a small village near Bangalore that was once the capital of the Vijaynagar Empire. While most people who visit Bangalore go to Nandi Hills or Ooty, Hampi is a much less visited destination. This post is for those who love historical places.
How to get to Hampi from Bangalore :
Take the Hampi Express night train from Bangalore City Station (Bangalore SBC) or Yeshwanthpur. You will get off at Hospet Station (also called Hosapete). The train arrives in Bangalore City at 10:05 PM and Yeshwanthpur a little later. The train fare is INR 240 for sleeper and INR 640 for AC.
There are buses from Majestic to Hospet. The fare is around INR 600-700. I heard there is a direct bus from Majestic to Hampi Bazaar. It runs once a day.
You will reach Hampi at 7 AM. If the train is late, it will be 8 AM maximum.
Take an auto from Hospet to Hampi. It costs INR 200. Fixed rate. You can also ask your hotel staff to send an auto for you.
What to see and do in Hampi:
Do you know that there is beauty even in roughness? The real example of this is Hampi. There are small rocky hills or mounds all around. The weathered stones are placed on top of each other in such a way that it seems as if someone has randomly placed them and created their own beauty. Hampi is located in the middle of these small mounds. This was the capital of the Chola Empire, Vijaynagar. Many movies have been shot here. Even Jackie Chan's movie The Myth was supposedly shot here. While I was roaming around, I felt like, I had come to the ancient Roman civilization in the pages of a book like Volubilis of Morocco or Ephesus of Turkey. 2 days is enough to see Hampi in a relaxed manner. The main point of interest are as follows :
- Virupaksha Temple: This is the most famous temple in Hampi. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. But this is not the main tourist destination.
- Vittala Temple: This temple is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures. This is the main tourist destination. There is a massive stone chariot that is said to have been used to carry the idol of Lord Vishnu.
- Royal Centre
- Lotus Mahal: This is a beautiful palace that was built in the shape of a lotus flower.
- Elephant Stables: These stables were used to house the elephants of the Vijaynagar Empire.
- Queen's Bath: This is a beautiful bathing complex that was built for the queens of the Vijaynagar Empire.
- Coracle (circular boat) riding
Here are some additional details about Hampi:
- It was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from the 14th to the 16th centuries.
- The city is known for its ruins of temples, palaces and other structures.
- Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tips for visiting Hampi:
- The best time to visit Hampi is from October to March.The weather is pleasant during this time.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Carry a hat and sunscreen as it can get very hot in Hampi.
- Drink plenty of water as it can get very dehydrating.
- There are also a number of restaurants in Hampi, serving a variety of cuisines.
- To get around Hampi, you can hire a bicycle, motorcycle or car.
- You can also take a guided tour of Hampi.
Where to stay:
- Hampi Bazar or village : This is a small village with mostly homestays and guesthouses around Virupaksha temple. Some have AC. It can get very quiet after 8 pm, and most restaurants close by 9 pm. If you want to stay in Hampi, Rocky Guest House is a good option. The owner, Mr. Rakesh, is very friendly and helpful. The rooms have AC and hot water showers.
- Virupapura Gadde: This is an "island" on the other side of the Tungabhadra River from Hampi. It has a few more options for accommodation, including bars and restaurants. Many foreigners preferred to stay here. Since there is hardly any water, your can actually cross the river by foot. Coracle is not required to cross the river in March 2024, when I went. I am told you can loger stay at this side. This has been de-populated. But you hire an auto to go to Kishkinda/ Hanuman hills for Rs 600 from this side.
- Hospet: This is a town with several good hotels, including the Clarks Inn.
Additional information:
- Hampi village/Bazar is a great place to experience the local culture.
- Book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
- Be sure to ask about the amenities included in your room, such as AC and hot water.
- If you are staying in Hampi village, be aware that it can get very quiet at night.
- Be aware that there are no ATMs.
#North Hampi (other side of the river) - which has a few spots - You can cover it in half a day #The Tungabhadra River
Hire an auto. South Hampi can be bargained down to INR 800. North Hampi can be negotiated to Rs 1000.
South Hampi
South Hampi has all the ruins. The ancient temples, old market, palace, the queen's bathing pool are all in South Hampi. In fact, the whole of Hampi has so many old broken temples and historic sites that you'll feel like every spot is worth seeing. The hotels there will give you a map and tell you about the spots, so you can see them accordingly. Virupaksha temple and Vittala temple is in south Hampi
North Hampi
Just from the ferry ghat near the Virupaksha temple in South Hampi, take a boat to the other side and from there take an auto to Kishkinda and come back. Auto fare can be negotiated to INR 600. It is around 20 Km from South Hampi. The real place to see in North Hampi is Kishkinda Mountain, where Hanuman was born. You can get a grand view of the whole of Hampi from the top of the mountain and you can also visit the Hanuman temple. You have to climb 574 steps to get to the top. The steps are in good condition, and some parts are covered with nets to protect them from monkeys. But the monkeys here are not as aggressive as the ones in Ayodhya.
There is also a Durga temple and a Pampa devi (Parvati) temple in North Hampi. You can also visit these two. The Pampa devi Temple in North Hampi is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Pampa devi, who is an incarnation of the goddess Parvati. The temple is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, and it is one of the most important temples in the Hampi region. The temple is known for its architecture and its peaceful atmosphere. There is also Pampa Sarovar
Tungabhadra River Cruise:
Coracle is a small, round-bottomed boats. You should definitely get on one and see all the sights on both sides of the river. It will cost INR 700-800 per person. Be sure to bargain, they will initially ask for an exorbitant fare.
You won't be able to reach the temples or sights on the other side of the river by land, because you have to walk over very rough stones and you won't be able to get close to the other side of the river. Even if you go by the river, you will have to hold the boatman's hand to get to some of the spots. Especially if you want to go to Koti Linga.
Part 1: Coracle Ride on the Tungabhadra River
One could start with a coracle ride on the Tungabhadra River, which cost Rs 800 per person for an hour. It will be a unique experience. You can see the ruins of temples like Kotilingeswara (Lord Shiva), Surya, and Lakshmi Narayana. On the day of Shivratri, many pilgrims come here to offer prayers and celebrate with great pomp. There is hardly any water in Tungabhadra River during this time. We were told there is another part of the river, from where one can still ride the Coracle. We did not have time to do that. But the ferry crossing by Coracle, in front of Virupaksha temple is not possible, due to lack of water. You can cross by foot from one part of the river.
Part 2: Exploring the Breathtaking Temples of Hampi
After freshening up, we left to see the Virupaksha temple by foot., which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. This temple is located within the Hemakunta Hill Temple Complex. Built during the reign of King Devaraya II of the Vijayanagara Empire, this temple is a testament to history. There is a resident elephant inside the temple complex, which will bless you if you pay Rs 20 !
From there, we saw the architectural marvels of the Krishna Deva Raya era, including the Kadalekalu Ganesha and Krishna Mandir and Narasimha Mandir just 200 metres outside the exit of temple complex on an elevation.
By then, it was almost afternoon, and we set off for major major attraction of Hampi, the Vittala Temple. On the way to Vittala temple falls Royal Centre and other ruins, but we reserved it for the last day.
The temple, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featured on the Rs 50 note, is a sight to behold. One can also walk for 2 Km to reach the Vittala temple, we were told. But if you take the road, it is quite a distance.
We spent lot of time at Vittala temple and left the temple only when it is time to close.Once you buy the ticket an electric car (golf cart) will take you to the temple.
On the way back to our hotel we met a lady, solo traveller, from Gurgaon. We had our dinner at nearby Archana Guest House. There you will get even Italian , Israeli cuisine. The food is very good. It has a homestay also. It has one of the best locations in Hampi.
After eating, we drifted off to sleep, dreaming of history.
Additional Information:
- You can stay in a budget-friendly guesthouses in Hampi Bazar area
- There are many restaurants in Hampi serving a variety of cuisines. You can get non veg also.Most ofthe foreigners stay here. It is much more interesting to stay here than in Hospet.
- You can hire a bicycle or motorcycle to explore Hampi.
- There are many things to do in Hampi besides visiting temples, such as hiking, bouldering, and coracle rides.
26.3.24
- Woke up early and went to the other side of the river (crossed the river walking) to Virupapura Gadde. It is more or less a deserted area. There is an interesting hippie Sun set point in this side. Then spending some time, I returned back to my hotel , got fresh, and checked out of the hotel by 8.30 AM. You can have breakfast at many places in the Bazar area, which is just 50 metres from our hotel, on that road itself. It is very very conveniently located.
- Then we went to see the Royal Centre, Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables. It took almost 3 hours.
- Then we left for Kishkindha Hill, the birthplace of Hanuman in the Ramayana. It is more than 20 Km by road. We Crossed the Tungabhadra River via a large bridge, admiring the blue water on both sides.
- We ascended the 550 stairs of the hill, along with hundreds of other devotees. There were full on monkey (Rhesus Macaque) and Langur (hanuman) and visited the Hanuman Temple at the top of the hill.
- We did not have time to Climb Matanga Hill, which had a challenging path but offered breathtaking views from the top. Nor did we got to see the Tungabhadra Dam.
- The weather was hot and sunny, so be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat.
- It is important to be physically fit to climb the hills.
- There are many restaurants and shops near the temples and tourist attractions.
Key points:
- Load shedding is common during the rainy season, so it is better to visit in the winter.
- Even with an AC room, load shedding can be an issue as only fans and lights will run on solar power.
- Nights are cold due to the rocky terrain.
5. Here, it doesn't get dark before 7:15 pm in the summer. So, you will get a lot of time to roam around.
6. There is a Matunga hill in Hampi . The road is quite bad. Some parts can even be called dangerous. There are no proper stairs like in Kishkindha. If you climb Matunga, you will see a beautiful sunset. If you are unfit, don't try to climb it.
7. There are no ATMs here. But you will find wi-fi in the hotels.
8. Carry a water bottle with you before climbing Kishkinda. ... Once you start climbing the 574 steps, you will realize that you have made a mistake by not bringing one, because you will not find a single water bottle shop on the way up.
9. If you are staying in Virupura gadde, then you must go to the Israeli cafe. Many foreigners come to Hampi, so you will find Israeli cuisine, continental cuisine, Iranian cuisine, and Mexican cuisine. If you want to try a variety of food, then definitely try it.
10 Rocky Guest House: Rent per day :
Double bed AC room: INR 1800 including tax, Non-AC room: INR 800
Contact: Mr. Rakesh, Ph: 9449763221
11 Auto and car rentals: Available from hotels and guesthouses. Rates are similar to booking from outside. Helpful for getting around Hampi
12. Communication : English is widely spoken, even by auto drivers. Hindi is also understood Communication is generally not a problem
13. Water : Hotel Provides one bottle of water per day. Bring your own bottle for free RO water Bottled water is not offered in the restaurant. Cold drinks are sold at a premium
14. Entry fees : Vittala Mandi - Purchase a ticket for INR 30 at the entrance. Keep the ticket safe. It is required for entry to other attractions.
Virupaksha Temple : Entry fee: Free. Shoe storage: INR 2
27.3.24
We took the morning flight at 7 am and reached Kolkata at 9 am and went straight to my office.
Link
পর্ব ২ ও ৩ চাক্ষুষ অভিজ্ঞতা উপভোগের জন্য https://youtu.be/sWoH_qixYPo
No comments:
Post a Comment