Beauty of Hampi

DAY 1

09:00 AM to 12:00 PM: Sacred Area of Hampi 

Sacred Center as the name suggests is the religion center of Hampi, a number of ancient temples and structures are in this area. The sacred area is spread over in a South West – North East direction along the southern bank of Tungabhadra river.  We already covered some sites within the Sacred area yesterday, we will continue from where we left of today.  

The lifeline of Hampi is the mighty river Tungabhadra. She is the basis and origin of everything in Hampi. She has witnessed the boulders hills form over millions of years, she has seen early humans settle on her banks, she has seen many a sages and mystics, she has seen the rise and fall of one of the greatest empires in India. On this tour get a glimpse into thousands of years of History as it unfolded on banks of this mighty river. Learn about the rituals, festivals celebrated along the river. Learn about the birth of carnatic music and Haridasa movement. Visit the most beautiful and intricate of all temples in Hampi – Vijaya Vittala Temple & Stone Chariot.

Monuments Covered: Sasivekalu Ganesha, Double Stories Mantapa, Moola Virupaksha, Manmata Kunda, Virupaksha Temple & Hampi Bazaar, Vittala Temple (Ranga Mantapa Musical Columns, Stone Chariot, Kalyana mantapa), Pushkarnini, Narasimha Monolith.

02:00 PM to 04:30 PM: Urban Core of Hampi 

After lunch break we continue our exploration with the Urban Core area. This area was the Citadel of the Vijayanagara kings, it encompasses courtly and military structures of the core zone. 

Here we have basements of palaces, administrative buildings, underground chambers, aqueducts, military structures etc. We will learn about social lives of people in the city through art, we will learn about festivals celebrated, irrigation and sanitation plans of the city. 

Monuments Covered: Queens Bath, Mahanavami Dibba, Aqueduct, Secret chambers, Stepwell tank, Audience Hall, Public Bath, Hazara Rama Temple, Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, Underground Shiva Temple, Nobleman’s Quarters.

05:00 PM: Return to Hotel/Resort in Hampi

Overnight stay at Hotel/Resort

DAY 2

8:30 AM to 02:00 PM: Mythical Landscape Tour

Meet your tour leader at the start point which is Anegundi Village. Depending on how far your resort/hotel is from the start point, please plan to leave early.  We will coordinate your pickup on the day of the tour. 

Hike up a hill – Our adventure starts as we climb boulder hill and learn to navigate our way through this unique landscape. Once at the top enjoy stunning views from a vantage point. Learn about the geology and unique eco-systems that it supports. 

Moped Ride through Villages – We enjoy ride through quaint villages making stops to meet people, drink chai, see prehistoric cave paintings and more.  The meandering village roads cutting through the lush rural farmland is a delight! 

Coracle Boat Ride – These round boats made of Bamboo have been in use here for over a thousand years. The fishing community depend on them even today to fish, ferry passengers and earn additional income by ferrying tourists. Enjoy a ride on the coracle boat in a safe manner. 

Village Walk & Community – Take a walking tour through an ancient village, meet people within the community, learn about their livelihoods. Meet craftswomen who turn agricultural waste into beautiful products, and learn how to weave like them.  

Home Cooked Lunch with local family –  We visit a local family who will be hosting us for lunch.  The lunch will be home cooked with locally sourced organic ingredients.  Rest assured this will be the best meal you’ve had on this trip.  The meal highlights the local cuisine and recreates recipes from the Vijayanagara era. 

02:00 PM – End the tour at Anegundi Village. From here you can proceed to your hotel/resort and take the rest of the day to yourselves.