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Hampi. A mythical landscape, littered with huge granite boulders balanced precariously on top of each other bound by mythology and history. Bisected by the Tungabhadra and ancient irrigation canals that create a sliver of blue and green across the rugged terrain, this is a land imbued with the presence of gods, goddesses and heroes. Scattered among this is the ruins of a once magnificent city. Described as the ‘the best provided city in the world’ the ruins of Hampi is a destination in itself. One that the discerning traveler will relish exploring one leaf at a time.
In this Blog on Hampi we dive back into its history and mythology to bring to you fascinating tales and anecdotes from South India’s largest, wealthiest and most powerful kingdom. While excavating and shifting through the sands of time we invite you to share with us your experiences of this surreal realm.
The landscape of Hampi is deceptively barren. The imposing boulders on the bone-dry plains create an illusion that life here has abandoned verve. After all, the monuments of Hampi have abandonment writ large on them. But it’s not all melancholy. All landscapes are not lush but that’s no testimony to lack of joie de vivre…
The Battle of Talikota in 1565 was the absolute downfall of the Vijayanagara Empire and the wide-scale plundering and desecration of the temples in Hampi. The combined forces of the Deccan sultanates overpowered Rama Raya, the last king of the Vijayanagara Empire, whose mid-battle beheading sent the Vijaynagar troops into disarray. The Battle of Talikota…
Evolve Back is proud to have been chosen as a ‘Monument Mithra’ by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India, under their ‘Adopt A Heritage’ campaign. ‘Adopt A Heritage’ is a novel campaign rolled out by the Ministry of Tourism in 2017. Its purpose is to involve the private sector in adopting one or more…
When we speak of historically significant empires, the Romans and the Greeks come first to mind. However, in the mid-1300s, with the foundation of the Vijayanagara Empire, India witnessed the rise of a line of kings who would hold sway over a kingdom larger than Austria, for 250 years. In 1330, northern India was in…
It is no understatement to say that India is a country that reeks of artistic heritage and cultural traditions which literally exist in its nooks and corners. Villages and towns that are seemingly non-descript are home to traditional art and craft forms that more often than not date back centuries. Kinnal village that is situated…
Hampi is not your run-of-the-mill travel destination. The ruins of the Vijaynagara Empire cast an eerie beauty over this quiet town making even the most impassive tourist believe in time travel. The five-tiered gopuram (gateway) of the Vitthala complex, the royal elephant stables, the sweet-sounding pillars of the Sangeetha Mandapam, the sprawling royal palace, the…
At some point in our lives, with numerous backgrounds we would have watched some of the most beautiful sun-rises giving us hope for the day and setting suns giving us a promise of tomorrow. But watching a sun- rise or a sun -set with a mythological background is very erratic and contrasting unless we choose…
At the hole where he went in Red-Eye called to Wrinkle-Skin. Hear what little Red-Eye saith:“Nag, come up and dance with death! ”Eye to eye and head to head, (Keep the measure, Nag.) This shall end when one is dead; (At thy pleasure, Nag.) Turn for turn and twist for twist — (Run and hide…
While looking for offbeat places in a destination, I stumbled upon the Nava Brindavana. This is where there are nine small structures constructed for nine saints as a final resting place for them. A short boat ride will bring you to the place as it is amidst an island. The ride is scenic and all…
Fernão Nunes, a Portuguese horse trader, arrived in Vijayanagara (circa. 1535) when Achyuta Deva Raya had succeeded Krishna Deva Raya as the king. A decade or so earlier, Domingo Paes witnessed the golden age of the Vijayanagara Empire under Krishna Deva Raya. Fernão Nunes beheld a glorious kingdom as well; but the rule of Achyuta…