THE ROAD TRIP BEGINS
Equipped with road maps and the zeal to make the most of a warm weekend, my friend and I set out to explore Hampi a place buried under the ravages of time for centuries. We took to the road from Bengaluru. After gliding past the slick SH 19 State Highway, our first pit stop was Bellary unintentionally so I must add, since we lost our way. We were then directed towards Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary by the locals, who asked us to enter the destination via the neighbouring town of Kamalpur. The way to the sanctuary is well marked with caked dung of livestock like lambs, goats and cows. Follow the trail and you are there within a short span. Otherwise, it can be a difficult task to trudge along the dirt road in the absence of any proper directional sign. Once near Daroj, a friendly forest official treated us with snacks after a long, tiring journey. If luck is on your side, you might also spot bears in the far-flung forest.
A WARM WELCOME
The heat and dust can get to you at some point, so make sure you’re well hydrated at all times. The locals however, seem oblivious to the harsh weather conditions — we saw little children tightly holding their satchels to their chests walking bare-feet to schools, while their mothers carried heavy pitchers of drinking water over their heads. They were very warm and friendly too.
A BRUSH WITH HISTORY
Upon reaching the historical town, I first fetched my camera to capture the skies at the Sunset View Point at Hemakuta hill top. After that, we took a long walk over the hills at the Vittala Temple, famous for its stone-chariot. The large stone slabs, tall and slender columns, intricately sculpted pillars, monumental architectural designs, beautiful figurines and fine engravings amazed us.
Our next stop was at the Achyuta Raya’s Temple on Courtesan’s Street, dotted with finely carved pillars on either side. The towering remnants, stone pavements and unfinished blocks on the road we were told, were once an integral part of a market place called Sule Bazaar or the Prostitute’s Market. Back in the day, the place would buzz with merchants selling sparkling gems, pearls, ivory and other valuables or metallic stuff.
Last but not the least, we visited the Rani Mahal, the Pan Supari Bazar and the Elephant Stable to sign off our travel-diary on a satisfactory note. On our way out, we spotted a rectangular tank embanked with steps, containing water. It’s called Pushkarani, meaning “pond” in English. It instantly reminded me of the Great Bath from the millennia-old Harappan civilisation beautifully etched-out with figurines of elephants in a systematic series, the tank is adorned with a creative pattern built around it. Archives suggest that a boat festival would annually be hosted on this water surface.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The scenic view from the Tungabhadra river tributary was beautiful. We spontaneously checked into a cosy cafe called The Goan Corner which is a happy hideaway in this part of the town. Located on the opposite side of the gurgling Tungabhadra, we heard from a serving waiter that it is a favourite retreat for all foreign jet-setters. We took a leisurely 10-15 minute stroll across the green paddy fields to make way to this picturesque coffee-shop. But what about our hungry stomachs? There were a chain of modestly-priced restaurants lined up in the temple town. We watched with ample amusement how a rich regional delicacy called gunta pongal was being prepared under a thatched roof and then ladled out to a crowd of eagerly-waiting guests who made a patient beeline to sample it. So missing out on that would be entirely our loss!
ETCHED IN THE MEMORY
Hampi just refuses to fade away from my memory with its rich reservoir of scattered rocks and relics lying all over its territory. With the evening's dark curtain falling over slowly, my wrist-watch showed six sharp to declare the closing time of Hampi's doors upon its dazed explorers. Bidding adieu we only promised to come back... some other time, some other day.
Must Do: We suggest renting a car for those who like to rough it out at road trips. But two-wheelers from the Konkan coastline of Goa frequent in droves to Hampi too. Even Harley-Davidson rallies along this stretch are a common affair.
What to carry: The eye-catching stone carvings by the herd of local craftsmen really make a purchase worth one’s wallet. It truly reflects the ethnic culture of the hub itself. So loosen your purse strings to buy and gift the hand-stitched blankets to your loved ones. Don’t forget to collect some for your own keepsake too.
