The plan was simple: rent a bicycle or bike and explore. But once we saw the map and the distances between sites, cycling all day felt a bit ambitious, and renting a two-wheeler was expensive. So, we opted for an auto-rickshaw instead. It turned out to be a great choice—no need to worry about parking, and the driver even agreed to be our guide.
Our auto driver was quite sentimental. He introduced himself as Tausif, but quickly added, “From today, my name is Punith,” in honor of the late actor Puneeth Rajkumar, who had recently passed away. The streets were filled with people mourning, with large posters, candles, and flowers in tribute to the actor.
Hiring the auto was the best decision, especially if you’re a first-time visitor to Hampi. He took us to all the key sites I had on my list, and his added historical insights were a nice bonus. It’s hard to choose a favorite among all the incredible places we saw, but the Lotus Mahal, Ugra Narasimha, and the iconic Stone Chariot that once moved are definitely at the top.
The best part? Entry to most sites is free, with only one requiring a ticket. The engineering and craftsmanship from 700 years ago left me in awe, making me wonder how they achieved such feats back then.
Of course, all the historical information is readily available online, so I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.
PHOTOS
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