Tuesday 9 April 2013

The Journey - Pride of the South-Hospet

Hampi: A World Heritage Site

If dreams were made out of stone, it would be Hampi. Hampi has been classified as a World Heritage Center and is one of the major tourist destinations in India.
  
Hampi, the seat of the famed Vijayanagara empire was the capital of the largest empire in post-moghul India, covering several states. The Vijayanagara empire stretched over at least three states -Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. The destruction of Vijayanagar by marauding Moghul invaders was sudden, shocking and absolute.
Although in ruins today, this capital city once boasted riches known far beyond the shores of India. The ruins of Hampi of the 14th Century lies scattered in about 26 sq. km area, amidst giant boulders and vegetation.
Protected by the tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the north and rocky granite ridges on the other three sides, the ruins silently narrate the story of grandeur splendor and fabulous wealth.
The splendid remains of palaces and gateways of the broken city tells a tale of man's infinite talent and power of creativity together with his capacity for senseless destruction. A visit to Hampi is a sojourn into the past. Most of the important structures and ruins are located in two areas, which are generally referred to as the Royal Centre and the Sacred Centre.
A visit to Anegundi village by traversing the gushing Tunga Badra river on a coracle is an experience that provides the guests with a glimpse into the traditional country life in Karnataka.


Day 5 -  Hospet
06:00 am:Arrive at Hospet
08:30 am:After breakfast, depart for Hampi sightseeing: Virupaksha
Temple, Queens's bath, Elephant stables, local crafts bazaar, Royal enclosure, Hazara Rama Temple.
01:00 pm:Return to The Golden Chariot for lunch
04:30 pm:Depart for sightseeing Vittala Temple with the beautiful Stone Chariot.
08:00 pm:Back on board The Golden Chariot
Dinner on board The Golden Chariot

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