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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.
I spend quite a lot of time exploring rabbit holes on the Internet. During one such adventure, I stumbled across a long forgotten book— Hampi Ruins by Albert Henry Longhurst. I’ve always been interested in history and this book offered a time travelling experience; much-needed respite from the dreariness of my everyday life. During my…
Ironically, an almond is called Badami in Kannada, a native language in Karnataka state where Badami is located. Just as Badami (the almond) is a delicacy for our tongue, Badami (the place) is a delicacy to our eyes! Badami is located in the Bagalkot district in northern Karnataka. It’s about three hour by road from the…
All through the nearly two-and-a-half century rule of the Vijayanagara Empire, we know of the opulence of the kings. Even during the reign of Achyuta Deva Raya, when the kingdom’s halcyon days were on the wane, historical documents outline the great wealth of the royalty. For instance, everyday household items—basins, spoons, utensils, among others—were inlaid…
“It is among the woven nests (of the Baya weaver) that we find the highest examples of avian architecture.” – Douglas Dewar, Jungle Folk: Indian Natural History Sketches It has been an unusually rainy summer. The view outside the window has transformed dramatically into a vivid shade of green that no artificial sprinklers or garden…
Hampi’s grandeurs are many and have multiple aspects to boast about, be it for its richness in culture or for its preservation of heritage at Vijaya Vittala and Virupaksha temples; or be it the Lotus Mahal and Elephants’ shelters which make for good visits. However, for a taste of meditativeness that can only arise from…
Deep in the Deccan hinterlands, on the shores of Tungabhadra, the land which has witnessed one of the great kingdoms to prosper – the Vijayanagara Empire, is now home to a beautiful family of Spotted Owlets who are living harmoniously side by side with the family of Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace, Hampi. This family of…
In India, most rivers are revered – some perhaps, legends claim, were born from the heavens themselves, other rivers are transformed humans who have performed great deeds, or wish to serve mankind. There are as many myths as there are rivers, sometimes more – as rivers like the Ganges, have more than one story in…
Travelling to Hampi for the first time, one cannot help but remark upon the incredible boulder-strewn landscape. As far as the eye can see, there are massive piles of rocks – like a pebble game played by giants on a checkered board of farmlands and villages. Imagination aside, the geological history of this landscape is…
Anyone who has seen Hampi can tell you that walking is the only way to enjoy its richness. On my way to Hampi, after my only visit as a young girl fifteen years before, I was determined to walk around all day to make the most of the next two days. Anyone who has seen…
The elephant, like no other animal, has dominated the cultural and religious landscape of India for more than three millennia. Valued for their strength, intelligence and nobility they have been carved onto the wall of our greatest temples and eulogized in epic, religious and secular literature. In fact one can state with authority that the…