In what turned out to be a last minute travel with "on the verge" of missing the train, I went out for a 2 day trip to Hampi. Hampi is located around 12 km from Hosapete, a city in Ballari district in Karnataka.
People may ask what is there to see the ruins. But, only when you visit you will be able to feel, how a dynasty known for building traditions of South and Central India came together got destroyed and every architectural beauty got decimated.
Hampi got declared as a UNESCO Heritage site in 1986. Located near the Tungabadra river, Hampi was once a wealthy and a grand city. Trading was a major activity which attracted traders from Portugese and Persians.
Known as King of Kings, Vijayanagara empire flourished during Krishna Deva Raya period and this empire served as a barrier from Muslim invasion in to the South. Krishna Deva Raya's successors however tasted defeat. After the defeat in the hands of the coalition of Muslim sultanates, the Vijayanagara empire fell and its capital was conquered, pillaged and all the Hindu architectural buildings, temples were demolished and the ruins were thrown in to the river(circa 1565).
If one plans for a Hampi trip, you will need at least a bare minimum of 3 days to see around the town. And if you are inclined to the art - photography, you will need at least 5 days. The sun falling on the pillars of mantapas, the structural beauties, monolithic stones, boulders - everything is a beauty to see | visit. If you have seen the new INR 50 rupee note, you could see the Stone chariot.
I took a 2 day off and started off on a train from Chennai - Hubbali (via Hosapet). The train is a bi-weekly express. My co-traveler who is a passionate photographer and I reached Hosapet at the midnight 1.40 am. We got in to an auto and reached Hampi by around 230 am and stayed in Kamalapura, 4 kms from Hampi.
The tour was organized by leading Monument Photographer, Professor, ex-banker, Mr Ramanidharan. All I had to do is just travel. He took care of all the 6 of us(4 of them were already there 2 days earlier). He explained every monument and gave us tips as to how to capture light and in which angle.
Ramani sir must have visited Hampi at least 25 times. He knew the length and breadth of entire Hampi. If any one is interested in Hampi, and in addition you are a photographer, plan a trip.
The beauty of Hampi is that, when you leave the city, it sports a smile and says "Visit me again".
Some of the photos displayed here. Copyright - Hema.
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
Pattabirama Temple - Axial mantapas
Pattabirama Temple - View for another entrance
Sunset from Hemakoota Hills
Sunset from Hemakoota Hills - Light Hues
Sunset from Hemakoota Hills
Virupaksha Temple - Pillar view
Enjoy your trip to Hampi!
