HAMPI, INDIA - HISTORY & HERITAGE

The stone carved chariot is a shrine to Garuda.


Hampi is a city of ruins.  And it's absolutely awesome! A UNESCO World Heritage site for good reason, it was once the capital of the Vijayanagra empire, a wealthy & powerful empire that existed from the 1300's to the 1600's. Though the ruins appeared alot more ancient to me.


I had never heard of Hampi until l was travelling between Kerala & Goa, India. A fellow backpacker recommended going there, a little out of my way, it is inland from the west coast in the state of Karnataka. And l am so delighted that l did. What a gob-smacking surprise!

Visually stunning, the magnificent temples & monuments contrast against the rock riddled landscape. It is awe-inspiring to walk amongst the grandeur & beauty of the religious & royal structures. The site covers about 25 sq km & it is necessary to hire a tuk tuk. Archaeologists & architecture enthusiasts could lose themselves while discovering & exploring everything that historic Hampi has to offer.

Sunrise & sunset sets a wonderful golden glow & energy over the town & its surroundings. It's beautiful viewed from central hill. Now that Hampi is a small rural town, it feels like life has remained unchanged for centuries. In the cool of the evening, the young men play cricket amongst the ruins. And l have fond memories of observing village life & watching the cricket. Their passion for cricket in India is obsessive, or even fanatical. Every TV or radio broadcast in every home, bar or restaurant is tuned into the cricket. And l eventually succombed to their joy in cricket, it's unavoidable. So l always enjoyed watching the children play, anywhere there is room to bowl a ball.

It is a very dry heat in Hampi, 40 odd degrees in the summer. Because it is a religious area, there is no alcohol or meat allowed in the town. Being an Aussie, it was difficult to get through the heat of the day on chai & water alone. There are many roof top restaurants that catch a breeze & offer spectacular views. But overall, the food is disappointing in Hampi.
 A short tuk tuk ride to a neighbouring town can find a cold beer.

There is a wonderful volunteering opportunity at the Hampi Children's Trust. It was begun by a local man & an English man. It is genuine & sincere. The children are educated & fed 3 meals a day. A worthy place to donate school items if time does not allow time to volunteer. Information is easily available & the school  is easily found.

The nearest train station is Hospet about 15 km away. From there, all trains head in all directions. Hampi is well worth the visit & the effort to get there. Accommodation is nothing special but there is an island in the river with some pleasant stays. It is free to enter most historical sites & costs a few rupees in others. Some charge a camera fee but the photos are always sensational stand outs & the experience of Hampi is priceless.

www.shakespearestravel.com