Don't worry, Be Hampi

This year, I promised myself one thing- “what happens in life, good or bad, I would never turn down an offer of a weekend getaway”. Yes, life is uncertain and as many of us call it “Life is a biatch”. Some of the travelling quote leaves you in complete “aww” – “If traveling was free, you would never see me again”.  Indeed yes, some trips are pocket pinching whereas some are underdog. Staying in Bangalore has been quite beneficial, where you are well-connected to most of the tourist destinations such as Gokarna, Karwar, Hampi, Pondicherry and many more. Yes, the place has well-constructed highways for bikers and road-trip crazy fellas. When the long weekend arrives, half of the world goes insane here. We just wish to leave everything and started planning, visiting Tripadvisor, Makemytrip and what not to crack ahead the best deals. I didn’t want to miss the chance of making my long weekend a memorable one. So, I said yes to road trip Hampi plan. I was supposed to wait for the travel plan to Hampi by another group, but it was too late… I didn’t want to miss this chance. We started our journey at 1 AM scaling through night. Bangalore-Bellary highway is one of the best highways we have driven so far. We reached Hampi bazaar by 7:40 AM all thanks to the perfect highway of Bangalore-Bellary.

Hampi is the temple town situated in North Karnataka and located in the ruins of Vijayanagara city. Vijayanagara city was the former capital of Vijayanagar Empire. Hampi- the temple town has been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Site*. The town continues to hold historical and religious importance. Virupaksha Temple is one of the oldest temples situated in Hampi. This temple is situated in the heart of Hampi bazar, nearby to the bus stop (buses from Hosapet drop you here) and many places to stay. The temple has a unique feature- there is a spot inside the temple where you can view the inverted image of the temple. The temple also houses a cute elephant, who does the best namaskar to the Lord in the temple. The elephant also blesses everyone in the temple, and walks back to his stable. You can also walk in the backyard of the temple and enjoy the water tank situated there. A few metres apart, there is Tungabhadra River separating the Hampi village (old Hampi) from the Hampi city (new Hampi). The water level at present is low in the river, so the river can be crossed by jumping stones (quite thrilling I tell you). However, there are boats available for people who don’t prefer adventurous way.

Well, the good thing about Hampi is that all the monuments are situated close-by. You can hire a moped or scooty and begin exploring Hampi. Begin your expedition from Virupaksha Temple in Hampi bazar, drive uphill to Krishna market, Jain temples, Hazara Rama Temple complex, Vittala Temple and many more temples and monuments. These groups of monuments can be covered in a day. Stone chariot at Vittala temple is one of the famous attractions, as it takes you back to your history books. Vittala temple is known for its musical pillars, about 56 musical pillars known as SAREGAMA pillars. Musical notes are heard when all the pillars are tapped together in sync. The temple is also comprises of maha mantapa, ranga mantapa, and other festival halls. You can spend your evening at the sunset point, amidst the landscape view of Hampi. After the sunset, you can go back to the hotel freshen up and head for dinner to one of the most famous restaurants- Mango tree.

Note- There is no network access in the village, the only connection you could have is through the Wi-fi connection. BSNL and Vodafone are connections provided a bit of connectivity in the village. Most of the hotels and homestays provide Wi-Fi connection but you should be lucky enough to have them in fully-functional condition.

Next morning, rise up early cross the river and venture the Hampi city. Anjaney temple is one of the famous temples situated in the city. The temple has a total of 575 steps that leaves you panting for a while. But, the view from every pit shop you take while climbing up is breath-taking. Hampi city is one of the places where you can party with folks. It has a better night life in comparison to village side. Laughing Buddha and German Bakery are few of the famous cafes to spend your evenings.

Note- The hotels are quite average, so don’t keep your expectations high. The temperature is quite hot, so keep yourself better hydrated with sugarcane juice, coconut water and fruits. Wear cotton clothes for your comfort, the climate is quite hot. I would suggest wear comfortable shoes, preferably sports shoes or shoes which provide well-cushioning to the feet, as there is a lot of walking involved across the ruins of Vijayanagara. Don’t forget to carry your cameras; you are yet to experience some of the scenic landscapes in Hampi.

[*World Heritage Site is a landmark or area which has been officially recognized by the United Nations, mainly United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The sites are selected on the basis of cultural, historic, scientific significance and are protected by international treaties. In India, there are about 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (last updated in July 2016). – Source: Wikipedia]

Ugra Narasimha Temple

Elephant Stables

Mango Tree restaurant - Interiors

Somewhere nearby Jain Temples

Queen's bath 

Dance arena

Entrance to Vittala temple

Stone chariot

Kalyan Mantapa

Somewhere around Vittala Temple complex

Vittala Temple during sunset

Sunset point

Capture from sunset point

Inside Virupaksha Temple

Top view from Anjaney Temple

2017 on the card

The last day of the year, every one busy planning and prepping around for the big bash. It is one of the most hyperactive day of the year. Women are sleeping in the couches, allowing the lady to do whatever she feels like… oh…half of the day soaked in pedicure, and other half of the day immersed in make-up. Men are busying drooling about alcohol and women, to be precise. Then there was Ashima working on her pottery skills. Recently, she started pursuing her hobby or say love for pottery in the form of weekend hobby classes.

Her WhatsApp beeps, on the screen it flashed Ayaan. She ignored and it was obvious why. Ayaan is her cousin who has recently shifted to the city which never sleeps- Mumbai. He was super excited about the upcoming New Year, and being a newbie in the city brought immense pleasure to the kid.

“Why can’t you reply to the text?” Ayaan over the phone

“Cz I have better work to do than listen to your girlfriend stories” replied Ashima

“Oh! Please. Atleast mine are better than your friendship crap stories” Ayaan teased her

“Ok…ok… Now tell me what happened?” Ashima irritated with the statement

“Well, we are planning to go out for a party and you have to join as this is the last day of your bachelorhood year di” Ayaan laughed

“Umm…shut up. I don’t want to come and I am cooking dinner today…so you come home” Ashima replied

“No please, don’t be a spoil sport. Please I beg you di… please please…” Ayaan begged Ashima

“Ok fine, I will join… but I’ll be a little late. In the meanwhile, you guys start your kiddo type party” Ashima teased him

“Ha.. haa.. not funny anymore. Ok cool, come safe and call me once you start” Ayaan disconnected

Ashima loved cooking for her cousins, she was the elder one in the sibling clan and was getting married in the coming year. She wasn’t aware of the fact that all her cousins were throwing her a bachelorette party on the New Year’s Eve. At 7 PM, Ashima dropped a text to Ayaan that she is leaving for his place.

At 10 PM, Ayaan pacing around the balcony… troubled, Ashima hasn’t reached till now. With all the traffic jams around the place, she should have reached by 9 PM. Ayaan phone started ringing, an unknown call… he started to panic and pant heavily.

“Hello, is this Ayaan?” other side of the phone

“Ayaan” he replied

“Ashima Kapoor met with an accident and has been admitted in our hospital in emergency. Her last dialed number was yours. May I know are you a relative of hers? You should come down to the hospital immediately” the nurse kept on talking

Ayaan collapsed

All the cousins, Ishmeet, Vihaan, Naina, Mehak gathered around Ayaan and heard the lady screamed over the phone. Ayaan gained some conscious and narrated to his cousin about the accident. Everyone rushed to the hospital. Sitting in the auto, Ayaan was trying hard not to think anything wrong. He prayed for Ashima to be alright. Every passing second, his heart sank with the thought blood stained kurta of his sister. He blamed himself for forcing her to join in for the party. The phone started to ring again and this time it was Ashima’s fiancé. 

Ayaan gathered all the strength and answered the phone, only to hear the news. 

"Be the Alisha for your passion"

"Every other person is traveling, every other person has a photography page, every other person is a blogger... in the race of being different, we ended up being the same person in a different skin."

The lines she read in her blogger's meet-up, Alisha was a blogger claiming to be distinct... Umm.. looking for some more adjectives to define her life. She had been raised in the one of the defense families of India. Yet, she was self-made woman writing to the world. She was a child at heart, matured for her age and a complete entertainer.

"I have been waiting to talk to you, where are you?" asked Tasneem

"I was on cloud 9" joked Alisha

"Haa haa, not funny. Tell me where are you?" Tasneem inquired again

"I am at a blogger's meet in Mumbai" replied Alisha

"About the vacation?" asked Tasneem

"Are we going?" asked Alisha

"You idiot, don't answer a question with a question. Bloody blogger" shouted Tasneem

"He he... ya we are going, I would see you at Chennai on Friday. We have our flight from Chennai scheduled Saturday morning. Anything else Ma'am" laughed Alisha

"Super cool, do u know I have a date tonight." excited Tasneem

"Huh! well, you would be at work instead of date tonight" laughed Alisha

"Why the hell would you say that. He said he will meet me tonight" angry Tasneem

"Ha ha, ya why not. I was kidding. See you on Friday" signed off Alisha

At midnight, Alisha woke up to the ring of her hotel room phone beep.

"You are the worst person ever" shouted Tasneem at the other end

"Middle of the night you called me to tell me something, I know is wrong. I am awesome. But, what happened?" calm Alisha

"He did not come, he wasn't granted leave by his commanding officer. You are not my friend" upset Tasneem

"Ha ha... I was kidding, I never knew.." laughed and laughed Alisha

Friday at Chennai... two friends hugged each other... ate the lavish buffet saying good bye to work out and embracing vacation mode. The other name for Alisha was "positivity", full of life and an aura which made guys go weak in their knees. She settled for someone more important than a life partner... She settled for "Friends". She touched innumerable souls, making some decisions, guiding some and bring happiness in everyone's life. She made a choice between her passion and profession, every one was glad she chose passion... distributing ample of time for herself.

"Be the Alisha for your passion"

"Let's get lost together"

“Are you seeing someone?” inquired her mom

“No, and how many times are you going to ask me the same question?” replied Jonita

“I am just asking to confirm, iss mein naraz hone wali baat nai hai beta” mom smiled

“Main naraz nai hun maa, but aap har baar ek hi sawaal kyu puchte ho. Aapko hamesha yeh bolun ki maa I m a failure in love” raged Jonita

“What did you just say? Why are being so negative about the marriage thing? Did we force you to do anything?” a swarm of question fired on Jonita

“Aap nai samjh rahe mumma, I never told that you are forcing thing or me. But, sorry I don’t agree to the concept of marrying a stranger” replied Jonita

“I also married your dad, he was a stranger and I had no idea what I was doing in life. I wanted to work, but I had responsibilities for which I gave up my dreams. Kabhi maine tumhe kaha ki give up your dreams. I also want you to experience the feeling of being loved. But beta kuch cheezen nai hoti hain humare haath mein” , here goes mom lecture

Dad enters the room in a heated conversation and everything subsides. Jonita drowns in her Kindle, reading ‘Into the Wild’.

“I am tired of this girl, kabhi baat hi nai karti apne problems ke bare mein. When you won’t tell us about it, how we would sense it or provide you with a solution” worried mom speaks to dad

“Ok, chalo… let’s make a deal. I would travel to any place I want for few months and no one will ask me to return and all that crap. In case, he wants to travel with me… he can choose a place and we would come to know about each other. Done?” Jonita in super-excited tone looks at her dad

“Yeh kya baat hai, India hai yeh… Tumhe yeh nai samjh aaraha kya?” Dad replied

“Wohi main keh rahi hun mom dad, India hai… I want to know his life… whether he loves mountains or sand, whether he loves seafood or thukpa, whether he loves cars or bikes, whether he is a book lover or just another photographer as a hobby. Aap mat baat karo Aunty se, I would talk to Sameer about this if you agree” Jonita tried explaining herself

The next moment, Sameer and Jonita were traveling to their favorite destination- Mcleodganj in the Northern part of India….

‘Hijr-e-yaara na satha bewajah’ playing the  background…

“You haven’t heard of this song?” Sameer asked Jonita in complete shock

“No, I haven’t.. But, I feel I kinda like it” Jonita smiled

“I knew it. Coke Studio is my favourite” Sameer replied

“Mine too, but any day… Coldplay” Jonita laughed

“English gaano ki baat nai ho rahi hai, bewakoof” Sameer laughed

Jonita was busy crossing every checklist point and giving marks to Sameer. It seemed like Sameer would win this competition… She secretly kept staring at him, while he was busy playing his guitar at the camp fire…

“For the first time, I want to lose in life… and I would love to lose my heart to Sameer” (message sent)- Jonita

“ J “ her Mom replied

Cheers to Vegas of India

“For the kind attention of the passengers flying to Goa, you are requested to proceed towards the Gate no.14 “

With the announcement, all the passengers headed towards departure terminal gate. There came minion dressed hurricane running towards terminal gate.

“Here, my boarding pass. I hope they didn’t leave me.” catching her breath Anagha uttered to the security

Rushing to the bus, she dashed into one of the cutest guy. Anagha busy cursing herself for doing this again. “Why it's me, who's falling or bumping into someone? You silly girl. Keep calm”. The guy stood there looking at this girl, busy talking to herself, struggling with her things. He lifted her book and handed onto her. Still going unnoticed.

“Is she crazy? She could have said thank you at least” thought Jatin

Boarding the flight to Goa, Jatin and Anagha were heading for their vacation. Anagha was heading for her friend’s bachelorette and Jatin was heading for another mandatory defense vacation in Goa with coursemates.

That evening at Anjuna, a group of crew cut fellows playing beach volleyball made Elisha go weak in her knees. Elisha, was Anagha’s friend who was getting married soon.

“Anagha, yaar they are so handsome. I guess they are from the defense force” Elisha pinched Anagha busy reading at the beach front basking in the sun

“Oh! Ok” Anagha replied

“Let’s talk to them” Elisha in excitement

“Are you crazy?” Anagha in confusion

“I am getting married… I am in Goa and I can do anything. Now, let’s go” Elisha dragged her

“Hi, can we join you guys?” Elisha asked one of the guys in aviators

“Hi Ma’am, sure” said Arpit

“Call everyone, Anagha.. We will play a match. Who ever wins party tonight on them” Elisha announced

“Deal Ma’am. This is Arpit, from Dehradun” smiled Aviator Arpit

The match began and bored Anagha headed back, followed by Jatin.

“Hey, I saw you at the airport.. We were on the same flight. I am Jatin. I am the guy who helped you and you didn’t even say thank you.” conversation initiated by Jatin

“Ok, I am so sorry. Thank you and so … you are that folk.. Who would say … if I tell you, I'll have to kill you” laughed Anagha

“Cliche, who uses that today” laughed Jatin

“What would you like to have, Ma’am?” asked Jatin

“Breezer, cranberry” Anagha replied

“What..?? Seriously, you are in Goa” Jatin laughed uncontrollably

“Yes, but breezer” smiled Anagha

The chemistry sparking between the two… He convinced her and she settled for beer…

“Cheers to Elisha’s bachelorette…” Anagha too high on him.

“Drink it out my friend… Goa is the Vegas of India” both of them laughed hard

“I have never dated anyone, but I would definately want to date someone.. I want to experience what’s so hype about all this?” drunk Anagha utters

“Oh lady, frankly speaking there is nothing great about it. You become puppets for each other” Jatin replied

“How many have you dated?” asked Anagha

“You don’t want to know this” winked Jatin

“Innumerable… which is why I don’t trust any of your kind. Handsome as hell, casanovas..” Anagha irritated

“Is the alcohol speaking the truth?” Jatin laughed on

Anagha leaned forward and kissed him...lying in his arms for the rest of night.

One of the best memories Anagha had from her Goa diaries

Turning new leaf

“I hope we can close this assignment by this week”, John (Leandra’s manager)

“Yes, we would… It would be in the next cover of Mumbai Mirror. We are almost done with the photo session. We are working on the cover interview. I would get back to you on Wednesday.” Leandra dropped a text to John

“Sounds cool and I hope it doesn’t get messy like the Roadshow event last month” John replied

Deep in thoughts, Leandra was busy working her ass off. This project was her baby and she wanted to take the next leap with it. She had been running across the city, with photographers. She was the one working one every single detail of the assignment. An assignment which she chose to do- Fishermen of Bombay. It was that plunge she wanted to take deep inside the Media world.

“I want the story line and interview details to be in sync with the pictures, I need to finish it by Tuesday.” Leandra commanding Piyush

“Chill dude, we will do it and before your big day” Piyush replied with a smile

Late night working at office on Monday, almost through completion. Tuesday was a big day for Leandra. She hadn’t been home for two days, sleeping in office, shower in office and all she knew was she had to do this. 

Tuesday morning- Leandra was all set for the presentation and John was in a good mood today. She hoped for the best and with her team she walked in the conference room. The presentation began, the board seems pretty much impressed. John was still not convinced and he asked her to rework, putting every other project for her on hold. He announced that it wasn’t the one he would buy and left the room. An angry Leandra, packed her stuff and headed home.

“John wasn’t angry, he wanted something unusual from you. He knows you are the best” texted Piyush trying to convince her

On the other side, Leandra was busy packing her stuff- books, glasses, shorts, slippers, toiletries, snacks. What else… Ummm… ok I would stop by the bakery on the way.

“One box of red velvet cupcakes” Leandra ordered at her favorite bakery

“Anything else, ma’am” asked the counter guy

“No, that would be all. umm. ok, one birthday candle and one cap” replied Leandra

Walking to her car, her next stop would be the departmental store on the highway. She was making her mind conversation. Yes, she was. I should hit the reach the place by 11:30. Let’s roll.

Leandra was driving all through to her birthday destination. She was heading to this heavenly abode, driving all the way towards Pune. The clock struck 12 midnight, she stopped by lit a candle, sang happy birthday for herself, made a toast under the star-lit sky and ate those mini cupcakes. 

Turning into new leaf, she sat there on the bonnet of her car drinking her coffee. She realized all the hard work she did, yes, she deserved a break from everything. Her phone wont ring until she switched it on and she would be at peace. 

She started off her journey asked, driving all the way alone… Coldplay was her inspiration that birthday night… ‘Lights will guide you home’

She was home... Home of her thoughts... Home to her dreams.... 

She was too sleepy, at the break of dawn…she stopped by… puffed fog … standing at the cliff and breathing fresh like never. 

She switched on her phone, called her mom, “Mom good morning, thank you for bringing me into this world”.

“Where are you? We called you last night, are you ok?” a swarm of questions her mom asked

“Yes, mumma. I am fine, was in a meeting which failed badly after my three months of effort. Anyways, I am heading to Pondicherry. I wanted to celebrate it with myself” replied Leandra

“Seriously? If that’s the case then yes, go ahead, enjoy it. Call us when you reach and send us pictures” her mom replied

“Bye Maa” Leandra disconnected

She got lost in the mountains of Western Ghats to find herself. Being born again at an age of 27.

Live for your passion

"What plans dude tonight, it's Friday? ", the excited Ishika asked

"Well, I am in dilemma" replied Vanshaj

*ping *ping *ping

"Why?"

"What happened?"

"This doesn't suit you"

And here we go... no one can beat Ishika with the messaging thing. Growing up in a small town, she has faced really hard time in life, judging and drifting between right and wrong, good and bad. A girl who is facing the world with all courage she has. At times, enraged by the things happening around her, at work or home. She wants to talk all day long, she wants to be heard... she is scared of the silence inside her. She is scared of every smile on her face... yes that's sums her rude, stone-hearted attitude towards everyone.

"Remember, that Stand-up comedy I was telling you the other day. I want to go for that but I am nervous or rather in two minds." replied Vanshaj

Vanshaj on the other hand was like "Jack of all trades", he was a happy soul. He wanted to do everything in life and maybe he wished for a day with 34 hours. That extension would be enough for him to pen down thoughts on Paris, make people laugh, manage outings, drink to death and dance to sign-off the day.

"I think you should go" replied Ishika

"Let's see" - Vanshaj


Two hours later,

"Where are you going then?" - asked Ishika

"I am still thinking about it." replied Vanshaj

"Yaar, you should go at least you ll come to know about your performance." Ishika trying to motivate Vanshaj (that's funny how she manages to motivate others and fails to pull-out for herself)

"Ok fine, will go" convinced Vanshaj

Minutes later

"Will you join?" asked Vanshaj

"Umm.. I am busy with work, but what time you leave?" replied Ishika

"In about half an hour" texted Vanshaj

"Ok I will finish work and meet you at the place" last text Ishika sent Vanshaj


Battling the traffic, running off to a cafe is the ultimate escape on a Friday. A hungry girl grabbed a packet of biscuits and juice trying to reach out the elevator ASAP. Her twisted ankle wasn't doing any good to hear, but making it worse with every step she took. Ishika managed to reach the cafe- location for comedy nights... Friday night. She was delighted being at an event which she had never been a part of. All thanks to Vanshaj she thought in her mind conversation. When she entered the cafe, she saw Vanshaj fidgeting nervously with his phone. A smile exchanged and he starts introducing to every performer tonight. Whoa, a huge applause to us that we chose sitting in that cafe on a Friday night (thougth Ishika). With the start of event, a so-called Stand-up comedy open-mic ... it wasn't funny at all. But then thanks to the talented people with great comic timing, Ishika could not stop laughing. It was after months that Ishika was laughing her heart out. On the other hand, Vanshaj was the only "young" guy in the room waiting anxiously for his turn. Yes, he was second last performer of the night. Everything went well...ya.. Vanshaj screwed it, but she wasn't suppose to tell him this though he was amazing being a "newbie". He just wanted to finish it off, without even cracking up some of his best punches. (She was like what the hell dude, why not the funnier ones).

It was over and Ishika was jaw-locked, suffering from the pain as she didn't laugh her heart out since ages. In her subconscious mind, she is all lala-lala.. thank you Vanshaj for inviting me over. Vanshaj on the other hand is troubled with his performance. On the way back home, Ishika was busy cheering him up for his first stand-up comedy act.

In the middle of conversation, Ishika said "I think you should do this"

"Why do you say this? it wasn't that good" Vanshaj still cursing his bad jokes

"When you know you are good at it, make it your passion. It will keep you going" Ishika and her motivational lines gosh... she reads way lot

The conversations, planned-unplanned meets and failure sums up the bonding Ishika and Vanshaj shared. She wanted him to break the chains and rule with mic in hand. He wanted to be perfect. Well, the endless conversation and motivation kept the souls alive. She managed to fed in him that he was great, which was actually true. At the corner of her heart, she wished she had the same passion for colors, palette and canvas. Ishika saw the spark in his eyes when he stood for himself. Yet, she fails to see the fire in herself.