Hampi on Wheels!

Quick HighFactors:

• Explore Hampi, the legacy of the Vijayanagar Empire
• Visit iconic monuments such as Stone Chariot, Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Lotus Mahal, Monolithic Nandi, etc.
• Beautiful sunset at the Hanuman Temple, terrific views at the Matanga Hills, exploring Pushkarnis and other ruins
• Coracle rides, treks, and bike rides to savour the lovely Hippie Island
• Expert trek leads, excited fellow travellers- new friends to make!
• Perfect weekend getaway for adventure junkies and history geeks!

Have you ever wondered if the hauntingly beautiful sites in films like Sholay really exist? Have you ever found yourself in a place that is uber-dramatic in its natural form? Ever wanted to trace back to the kind of people who lived there and the lives that they must have lead?

Hikerwolf has got the perfect weekend planned out for you if you answered yes! This unknown journey is the combination of 'sightseeing' as well as soaking yourself in its historical environs. Here’s your chance to walk in the imperial city of the Vijayanagar Empire – a legacy left behind by royalty, their houses of worship, wisdom and pleasure.

Brief Itinerary:

Day 1: Assemble at Hosapete. Post breakfast head towards Hampi and check-in. Start the day with sightseeing at Hampi. We cover the sacred temples of Hampi and sacred sites like Hampi Bazaar, Hemakuta Hills Virupaksha Temple, Monolithic Nandi, Purandara Dasara Mandapa, Varaha Temple, Kings Balance, Kondandarama Temple, Sule Bazaar, Achutaraya Temple, Stone Chariot, Vitthal Temple. Evening at Matanga Hills at one’s own discretion. Late evening free to hop around the amazing cafes in Hampi.

Day 2: Post breakfast Check out by 8 am and transfer to the other side of the Tungabhadra River, the Hippie Island via Coracle ride or Ferry. Check-in and get on the bikes to explore the island and places like Gagan Mahal, Pampa Sarovar, Laxmi Temple, Hachapa Mantapa etc. Evening at Hanuman Temple Hills- Anegundi. Explore cafes in the area by the late evening. Call it a day.

Day 3: Checkout post breakfast by 8:00 am and move back to Hampi to explore the Royale Center of the Vijayanagar Kings' on Bicycles. The other places include Mustard Ganesha, Krishna Temples, Badavi lingam, Ugranarsimha and Under Ground Temple, Pushkarni, Lotus Mahal, Elephant stables, Jajari Rama Temple and Watch Tower. Leave from Hampi and reach Hosapete by 5:00 pm. The trip ends, with memories to take home.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1:

Get ready for this unknown journey!

Do you love landscapes, sunrise, sunset and hilltop? Who Doesn’t?!

The day will include sightseeing and the most mesmerizing view of Matanga hills. This combination of history and adventure makes this place so enthralling.

The history of the land predates that of the capital city. Much of it is intertwined with myth and folklore. The name itself is derived from the legend of Goddess Parvati’s human birth as Princess Pampa, and her long penance to win Shiva’s attention. Hence Pampavati, corrupted to Hampe and Hampi.

 We start our journey with the Hampi Bazar and explore Monolithic Nandi, Purandara Dasara Mandapa, Varaha Temple, Kings Balance, Kondandarama Temple, Sule Bazaar, Hemakuta Hills, Achutaraya Temple and last but not the least, the UNESCO heritage, well-known for its exceptional architecture and unmatched craftsmanship. Indeed, the most famous Vithala temple of Hampi!

That's not all, we will then head to the Matanga hills. The hill is a trekker's dream and offers pleasant views of the entire town. Later that evening, we will go cafe hopping and call it a day!

Day 2:

A trip to Hampi is incomplete without visiting the other side of the river. History and culture apart, the Coracle Ride across the river Tungabhadra is one of the most fun rides in Hampi!

The village is an island by the name of Virupapaur Gaddebetter, but better known as Hippie Island. We will be crossing the river to reach Hippie Island in a coracle and then rent a bike to drive on the beautiful roads of the Hippie Island and ride all way to the lake and canal while enjoying the majestic view of the place!

Also, we will be visiting the most famous Hanuman temple to catch the mesmerizing sunset.

The day will be full of tales from myth and legends, and a few historic episodes. We will also visit a few famous historic places like Gagan Mahal, Pampa Sarovara, Laxmi Palace, Hachapa Mantampa etc.

Places that we will be visiting:

1) Gagan Mahal
Gagan Mahal is also known as the Old Palace. The Gagan Mahal displays the exceptional skill of the engineers who existed over 500 years ago. The palace was built with such brilliant architectural planning that it remained cool even in the blazing summer months of the South.

2) Hachappa Mantapa
The cream of Hampi, overflowing with the nostalgia of the imperial Vijayanagar empire. Hachappa Mantapa is a reconstructed pavilion, tucked away in a thick banana plantation, lined by a palm trail.

3) The monolithic Nandi
The largest statue in Hampi. This monolithic structure, which is 6.7 m in height, has the lord sitting cross-legged position on the coil of a giant seven-headed snake Adishesha!

4) Pushkarnis
The most beautiful ruins of Hampi are the Pushkarnis or the ancient water tanks. Hampi’s majestic temples have accompanying stepped tanks or basins used for ceremonial purposes. These water reservoirs were also called Tirtha, Kalyani, Pushkarni, Pukhuri, Talab, etc. Some of these tanks are said to possess magical powers that cured diseases, after a dip.

We will also visit smaller places such as Baddavaligam, Mustered Ganesh and underground temples.

5) Lotus Mahal
Last but not least the famous Lotus mahal otherwise called the Kamal Mahal or Chitragani Mahal. A remarkable design, that is the main highlight of the palace. It is one of the few structures in Hampi that remain undamaged by invasions.

Inclusions:

• Accommodation on double or triple Sharing Basis.
• Entry Fees to Monuments and Palaces
• Breakfast
• Local Travelling (from Hosapete and back)
• Cycle on rent
• Bike on rent
• Sightseeing
• Hikerwolf Expertise
• Boat transfer towards Hippie Island and back
• Hikerwolf’s Goodie bag

Exclusions:

• Lunch & Dinner
• Insurance
• Cost of Coracle ride
• Anything not included in inclusions