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.