Beyond Hampi - A twist to your regular Hampi Vacation

A private patio with swingbeds overlooking the paddy fields, palms and a landscape of boulders.
A peaceful walk thru paddies to the river bank.
An early morning lakeside bicycle ride.
Let the relaxed vibe of Hampi Island hit you !!!
It will be as much Tranquil or as much Hippie as you want.

Try this - Go to any travel agent, travel portal or google (for our slothful readers) and ask them about the places to visit in Karnataka. All of them, unanimously, will suggest you the ruined remains of Hampi. Once the capital of Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi is a village in the northern Karnataka about 13 km from the town of Hospet, the nearest railhead. Located along the banks of the Tungabhadra River, the remaining ruins of Hampi also known as Group of Monuments at Hampi is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Task #2: Again go to any travel agent or travel portal and ask them about the options for sightseeing in and around Hampi. They will bring out the newly printed flashy pamphlets with all the information about the places in Hampi. Even though the pamphlets are new, the information will be same as you would have got it, 10-15 years ago. Most of them will take you to the tried and tested places like Virupaksha Temple, Vithala Temple Complex, Tungabhadra River, Shivlinga, and Zanana Enclosure among other touristy places. But Hampi is much beyond these famous places. We at HFL present to you what we are known for, taking you on a tour past Hampi. Definitely a road less travelled.

Virupapur Gadde- A rural location but famous as ‘Hippie Hideout (for obvious reasons)’, Virupapur Gadde is located near Virupaksha Temple but on the other side of the river Tungabhadra. This place is filled with lodges and paddy-facing cottages. The place is a delight for the bouldering enthusiasts. Adventure freaks can satisfy their adrenaline rush over here. Some of the guest houses even offer it as a complimentary service. Do enquire about it. Given the risk involved, if you are trying it for the first time, do it under proper guidance.

Shanthi Guest House

Anjaneya Hill - For all those Ramayan lovers or Ram and Hanuman worshippers, a visit to Anjaneya Hill is a must. Hanuman, the monkey god was born to Anjana thus he got the name as Anjaneya and his birthplace came to be known as Anjaneyadri or Anjaneya Hill. The place can be reached from Hampi by crossing the river on a coracle. There is a whitewashed temple on the hill top, which helps in making the hill easily spottable. A white path of zig -zag steps leads to the temple. The journey to the top of the hill takes about 45 minutes. Everyday Ramayan is recited inside the temple in Hindi and not in the local Kannada language. If it is not a special occasion the temple is thronged by very few people, thus giving you ample opportunities to soak into divine blessings. The panoramic view from the top of the hill is absolutely breathtaking. Who knows, it might even kindle the poet in you and pen down a beautiful prose.

Sanapur Lake - Created as the man-made lake reservoir of the Tungabhadra river, Sanapur Lake is one place which will evaporate all off your worries, tension and sorrows to infinity. Though the place doesn’t hold any historical importance but it is a must visit place for all tourists going on an off-beat Hampi trail. Lake is a delight for the shutter bugs as the place offers scenic sunrise and panoramic sunset and nature's other offerings in between and beyond. The place also houses some of the cheap accommodation options for Hampi travellers.

Sanapur Lake

Anegundi - The older brother of Hampi, Anegundi is located on the northern bank of Tungabhadra River. It is considered to be one of the oldest plateaus of the world dating back 3000 million years ago. Hence many localities refer to this place as the maternal home of mother Earth. This place also holds relevance to all mythology lovers, as this place is believed to be the monkey kingdom of Kishkindha in epic Ramayana. 

The best way to experience Anegundi is to stay at Uramma Heritages Homes or Cottages - A rural hospitality initiative aimed at restoring old properties by keeping their unique architecture and heritage intact. 

For all those people who have already visited Hampi next time try the above off beat destinations and for those who are yet to visit it, do include these destinations into your itinerary as it leave you stupendous.