Hampi... I was dreaming about this place from a long time. I visited Hampi two days before Christmas of 2007. That long weekend (22nd Dec to 25th Dec) we visited Chitradurga, Hampi, Mantralaya and Vani Vilasa Pura Dam.
The journey started with a wonderful drive from Bangalore to Chitradurga on 22nd. The distance is around 200 Kms and the 80% of the road is in fantastic condition. It takes around 3 hours from Nelamangala. Chitradurga is famous for the fort built by 'Madakari Nayaka', who used to rule that region. Also there is a place called Chandragiri Caves, which was the hiding place of kings during the wars and difficult times.
On 23rd Morning we drove towards Hampi. Hampi is nearly 140 Kms from Chitradurga. Needless to say, this is a UNESCO world heritage site. Ruins of Vijayanagara Empire are spread across few sq Kms. Where ever you see or go, there will be a ruined old temple or some broken idol or some age old stone 'mantapa'. All these structures are built by solid granite stone. They have wonderful carvings all around.
These wonderful monuments are not really maintained well. In most of the temples one can walk and touch the idol wearing sandals / shoes and no one is bothered. Most of the roads are in bad shape. People treat these places of historical importance as mere picnic spots.
Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple and Stone Chariot, Narasimha Idol, Kamala Mahal, Hazara Rama Temple, Summer Palace etc are the places to see.
We started our journey towards Mantralaya at 5.30 PM. Mantralaya is around 220+ Kms from Chitradurga.
On 24th, got up at 4.30 in the morning and visited Raghavendra Swami Temple. We also went to a nearby (25 Kms) temple called 'Pancha Mukhi'. After having lunch in Raghavendra Swami temple, we drove back to Chitradurga via Bellari. The journey of around 250 Kms took nearly 7 hours and we reached Chitradurga at 7.30 PM.
On 25th, while coming back to Bangalore, we visited Chandragiri Caves in Chitradurga and a beautiful dam built by Sir. M.Vishweshwaraiah at Vani Vilasa Pura.
Route we followed:
Bangalore -> Nelamangala -> Tumkur -> Chitradurga -> Hospet -> Hampi -> Raichur -> Mantralaya -> Bellari -> Chitradurga -> Vani Vilasa Pura -> Hiriyuru -> Tumkur -> Bangalore.
Total Distance Covered: 1500 Kms
Suggestions: Avoid Summer time. Better to make your own arrangements for food. Hire a proper guide. Book your accommodation in advance if planning to stay overnight.
Avoid LONG WEEKENDS and HOLIDAYS.
PHOTOS:
Link to HAMPI photos.
Link to OTHER photos.
The journey started with a wonderful drive from Bangalore to Chitradurga on 22nd. The distance is around 200 Kms and the 80% of the road is in fantastic condition. It takes around 3 hours from Nelamangala. Chitradurga is famous for the fort built by 'Madakari Nayaka', who used to rule that region. Also there is a place called Chandragiri Caves, which was the hiding place of kings during the wars and difficult times.
On 23rd Morning we drove towards Hampi. Hampi is nearly 140 Kms from Chitradurga. Needless to say, this is a UNESCO world heritage site. Ruins of Vijayanagara Empire are spread across few sq Kms. Where ever you see or go, there will be a ruined old temple or some broken idol or some age old stone 'mantapa'. All these structures are built by solid granite stone. They have wonderful carvings all around.
These wonderful monuments are not really maintained well. In most of the temples one can walk and touch the idol wearing sandals / shoes and no one is bothered. Most of the roads are in bad shape. People treat these places of historical importance as mere picnic spots.
Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple and Stone Chariot, Narasimha Idol, Kamala Mahal, Hazara Rama Temple, Summer Palace etc are the places to see.
We started our journey towards Mantralaya at 5.30 PM. Mantralaya is around 220+ Kms from Chitradurga.
On 24th, got up at 4.30 in the morning and visited Raghavendra Swami Temple. We also went to a nearby (25 Kms) temple called 'Pancha Mukhi'. After having lunch in Raghavendra Swami temple, we drove back to Chitradurga via Bellari. The journey of around 250 Kms took nearly 7 hours and we reached Chitradurga at 7.30 PM.
On 25th, while coming back to Bangalore, we visited Chandragiri Caves in Chitradurga and a beautiful dam built by Sir. M.Vishweshwaraiah at Vani Vilasa Pura.
Route we followed:
Bangalore -> Nelamangala -> Tumkur -> Chitradurga -> Hospet -> Hampi -> Raichur -> Mantralaya -> Bellari -> Chitradurga -> Vani Vilasa Pura -> Hiriyuru -> Tumkur -> Bangalore.
Total Distance Covered: 1500 Kms
Suggestions: Avoid Summer time. Better to make your own arrangements for food. Hire a proper guide. Book your accommodation in advance if planning to stay overnight.
Avoid LONG WEEKENDS and HOLIDAYS.
PHOTOS:
Link to HAMPI photos.
Link to OTHER photos.
