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Published: February 24th 2007
We really liked Hampi. The surrounding boulder-strewn landscape alone makes the visit here well worth it. This medium-sized village, has a peaceful (for India) air about it, helped by a partial road block on autorickshaws and other vehicles. The town has almost the same number of travellers as residents, partially due to its proximity to the crowds in Goa. There are lots of chillout cafes serving water-free fruit juices, decent food alternatives and lots of floor cushions to laze around on. It was chillout time for us too.
This is not just a place to laze, Hampi was once the site of one of the largest empires in Indian history - the 16th century Vijayanagar empire. It's thought that half a million people lived in this city at the height of the empire, more than in any other city in the world at this time. London was just a village back then! The regional spice trade and cotton industry made Hampi such a prosperous place and the land was deeply spiritual according to the advisors at the time. Thankfully the climate has not been too harsh on the ornately carved temples and palaces which took two days to explore and
photograph!
Our highlights were listening to the musical pillars at Malyavanta Raghunatha temple complex. When hit the pillars create different musical notes depending on their size - a sort of early glockenspiel. Many hundreds of musicians stood by their pillars and together their ensemble was like an ancient orchestra. They used to decorate the temple with ornate cloth hung from hooks carved into the walls which are visible today. The hall is also decorated with ornate carvings depicting Hindu gods and scenes from the Karma Sutra. We were also treated to an awesome view of the surrounding landscape from the summit of the temple complex.
The stone chariat at Vittala temple with its turning wheels was pretty ingenious, apparently based on the Sun temple at Konark, it is an iconic image of Hampi. One of the memorable sites was the Islamic-styled architecture of the Queens' Bath - what an elaborate way to complete your ablutions.
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Ganesh Kumaran
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Cool !!!!
Hi Taylor, It is really nice to hear such specialties of hampi from you.hmm well, we guys should have known about its famousness :)... I called you after your mail..but the cell no u gave is switched off...okie mine is 9900126446..Keep Going...Enjoy well you are holidays...:)..All the best.By the way,I am Ganesh from Thanjavur currently in bangalore..