Pattadakal Badami and Hampi
Definitely it was a trip of lifetime. I was not happy person to leave Hampi at the end of trip, such an amazing place it is.
We (Manoj, Rajanikanth and myself) started (group of three) from Bangalore @ 11.30 PM on 25th Jan,2007 by Hubli Express. We had reached Hubli on 26th Morning (republic day) @ 8.30 AM. We had taken light breakfast in near by hotel at Hubli bus station. We caught a bus to Bagalkot and get down at Kulageri cross (appx 2 Hrs journey). From there another bus (appx 13 Kms) to reach Badami. We had taken a room there, we dropped our luggage and freshen-up. Immediately we completed Lunch and started to Pattadakal. Chalukya’s built it during 730-45AD. There was a huge complex of temples, with finest architecture. Only Virupakha temple was functioning at Pattadakal. There was an huge monolithic bull infront of Virupaksha temple. We took around 2.5 Hrs to cover the whole complex. The complex was built on the banks of Malaprabha River. From there we wanted to go Aihole to visit Durga temple, but there was no transportation available to Aihole. It was a pity situation. From Pattadakal itself we were back to Badami and started climbing the Redstone hill (other side of Badami caves). There were some temples on the way to top of hill. Sunset was amazing from the top of hill. The way to top of hill was a bit tricky but very scenic one. On the next day early morning @6.30 AM we started for Badami caves. Red stones caves are so scenic in the morning rays of sun. There were so many monkeys on the way, may be in few hundreds. We are the first visitors to the caves on 27th Jan. Nataraja statue in the cave no-1 with 18 hand was awesome. We got a bus (heading to Mantralaya) for Ilkal @ 10.15 AM. From there one more bus to reach Hospet. We arrived in Hospet @4 PM, after. After 30 long minutes (As we were so much excited to reach Hampi) wait we got a bus for Hampi (13 Km’s from Hospet).. Finally we were there in Hampi and got a roadside hotel and immediately left the room for some live action. We first visited huge monolithic Bull, knowingly Yeduru Basavanna (Other end of Hampi main street). From there we went to Achyutaraya Temple. Which was almost vanished, some renovation work is going on. After 10-15 minutes…started climbing Matanga Hill. Don’t miss the view of Achutaraya complex from top of Matanga . One can see 80% of Hampi from this peak. This is the top most peak in Hampi. Sunset is too good and enjoy the view of Virupaksha temple. After sunset we started walking down the hill. On the way to hotel, we had some tea and few mirchi bhajia. We had our dinner in a small hotel at around 9.00 PM Then of course for sleep.On 28th morning, we started at 6.00 AM. Virupasha temple complex is the only one temple which is functioning in Hampi. Don’t forget to watch Inverted image of Big gopura (One can watch this in mornings only, as the direction of sun changes in the noon). There is no special tool/equipment for inverted view…We can see one hole( From where sun rays are coming). After that we had some breakfast and taken three cycles and started with Sasivekalu Ganesha. Which was an 2.4 Mts high monolithic statue. Here I m providing the sequence in which one can effectively the most of Hampi.
Day 1
· Hampi bazaar
· Monolithic bull
· Achyutaraya Complex
· Matanga Hill
Day 2
· Virupaksha Temple
· Sasive Kalu Ganesha
· Balakrishna Temple
· Lakshmi Narasimha
· Badava Linga
· The Underground Temple
· Guard’s quarters
· Hazara Rama temple
· Elephent Stables
· Royal enclosure
· Mahanavami Dibba
· Mint
· Pushkarani or the Stepped Tank
· Aqueducts and Canals
· lotus mahal
· Queens Bath
· Saraswati Temple
· Octagonal bath
· Octagonal Water pavilion
· Bhima’s Gate
· Gajjala Mandapa
· Tungabhadra River
· Anegondi· Vittala temple
. The Kings’ balance
· Sugriva's Cave
Virupaksha Temple, Vitthala temple, Elephant stable, Hazara rama temple, Mint area, Ugra/Lakshmi Narasimha, Pushkarini are the places on must visit.
At last wonderful day come to an end. We started to Hospet at 7 PM. As per our schedule, we got the Hampi Express to Bangalore. Must visit place for any nature lover. Have u visited Hampi ?. If not pack your bags and start now!
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