Weekend drive to Hampi

Hampi is a popular tourist destination in Karnataka, India. My first visit to Hampi was in 2017 with my one of my friend. Our trip was completely dedicated to photography in Hampi. Continue reading for know the places to visit and photograph in Hampi.

We read many blogs and articles before visiting Hampi just to understand and plan the places to see, mode of travel and type of photography we can do. Some of photographs we posted here to understand you how beautiful it is. If you don’t have interest in photography, you can still visit to Hampi. On the bank of Tungabhadra river is perfect destination for relaxation and feel the village living.

Virupaksha temple

When we drove into Hampi, our first stop was at the Virupaksha temple. The temple is located on the banks of the river Tungabhadra. Virupaksha temple is one of the biggest and oldest temple in Hampi. After entering of the main gate of the temple we saw a small queue for entering to the main temple. We collect our tickets and got to enter to the main temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also known as Shri Lokeswara Maha Sila Prasada.

Saasivekaalu Ganesha Temple at Hemakuta Hill

We left Virupaksha temple and reached at Saasivekaalu Ganesha Temple around 11 am. We saw some kids are going to school. This statue of the temple is one of the finest specimens of Indian Sculptures. There are several interesting story with Lord Ganesha in Hindu mythology, who was a foodie.One day he ate too much and worried that his stomach would burst, he picked up a snake and tied it around his belly, the same thing represent in the statue.

Watch Tower, Lotus Temple and Elephant Stable

The watch tower is located in the corner at Zanana Enclosure. The royal ladies would not come in front of common people so they could stand on the tower and look at the royal ceremony.

Lotus Mahal also known as Kamal Mahal and Chitragani Mahal. The shape of the structure gave the Mahal its name.It is located inside the Zenana enclosure. It belongs the no religious type of structures found in hampi.

Elephant Stable is a grand building with 11 large room with high ceiling where the royal elephants of Vijayanagara Empire reside.

The Stone Chariot at Vittala temple

Considered as the most popular attraction of Hampi this chariot is located within the Vittala Temple complex. This stunning piece of architecture is famous stone chariot in india.In front of the chariot two elephants are positioned as if they are pulling the chariot. If you are a photographer you have to wait to take a perfect shot because lots of people use to take selfie with the chariot.

Anjanadri Hill

At the top of the hill is the temple dedicated for Hanuman, the monkey warrior god. Anjanadri Parvatha is said to be the birth place of Lord Hanuman. One has to climb about 500 steps the summit. The climb is safe and quite easy because of the stairway right to the top. The view from the hilltop is marvelous. Patches of paddy fields looks like a solved jigsaw puzzle, coconut tree plantations and the whole of the ruins sites is visible stretching into the horizon.

Sanapur lake

Sanapur lake is a lovely place to relax and enjoy the nature. There is a lovely scenic bend along this lake, great for just sitting around and dipping your tired limbs in water. The lake is quite full during the monsoons and if it is not, just enjoy dangling your legs over the water. You can see lots of coracle boat in the lake and you can take a ride too.

Royal Enclosure

A huge area that has a royal pavilion that was used by the kings to witness various festivals. It is here that you can find a secret meeting room used by the king. Also contained with this area are a huge public swimming pool and an artistic step-well.

Hemakuta Hill

we decided to spend time in Hemakuta Hill till sunset, and drive to the railway station later at night. The view of the setting sun from Hemakuta is just awesome. The best time to plan this trail is during sunset when the rays over these temples create a mesmerising effect – a memory that even now, remains imprinted in my mind.