Emperors of Vijayanagara (Hampi) and the Royal Emblem – These photos were taken at the Virupaksha Temple Area in Hampi during the Guided Tour conducted by Krishna, an authorized Tourist Guide.
Royal Emblem consists of a Sun, Moon, Dagger, and a Wild Boar.
Rs. 450 per person, including cycle rent charges, I paid for a Guided Cycle Tour in Hampi conducted by Krishna, an Authorized Tourist Guide.
Office Timings: 8 am – 6 pm
The office is situated in the Virupaksha Temple area near Hampi Bazaar.
Guided Cycle Tour Timings: 9:30 am to 2 pm. One has to reach the maximum by 9:15 am at the office gate.
After a guided cycle tour one day during the Hospet visit, I visited the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) office situated at Shivananda Complex, College Road near the Hospet bus stand. Upon the query about tours, I was given a pamphlet and a brief narration – there are tour packages with guide facilities available for Hampi and nearby sightseeing.
Non-AC Bus Rs. 300 per person and AC Bus Rs. 350 per person (minimum 6 people required).
Departure: 9:30 am and Arrival: 7:00 pm
21* places in Hampi and T.B. Dam will be shown.
* Sri Virupaksha Temple, Kadale Kalu Ganesha, Sasuve Kalu Ganesha, Krishna Temple, Ugra Narasimha, Badavi Linga, Udhana Veerabhadra Temple, Under Ground Temple, Mint Area, Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stable, Watch Tower, Hazar Rama Temple, Palace Area, Pushkarni, Queens Bath, Kings Balance, Purandaradasa Mantappa, Vittala Temple (musical pillar), Stone Chariot, Museum
There is Anegundi sightseeing also – Daily.
Visiting places: Anjanadribetta, Pampa Sarovara, Durgadevi, Lakshmi Temple, Navabrundavana, Kishkinda Resort
Non-AC Bus Rs. 400 per person and AC Bus Rs. 450 per person (minimum 10 people required).
Departure: 9:00 am and Arrival: 6:00 pm
Other than the above said there are two more tours.
Fantastic knowledge. Thanks for sharing – said I.
Virupapur Gaddi is across the Tungabhadra River on the other side of Hampi. Opposite Shanti Guest House on the right-hand side, on top of a hill, is Sunset Point – one of the best places to watch the Sunset. Matanga Hill at Hampi, another one of the best places to watch the sunset, is visible from this location and Hampi as well. In short must-visit place for Sunset watching and even for boulder climbing.
Sanapur Lake is approx. 2 km from Virupapur Gaddi (another side of Hampi across the Tungabhadra River). Once you are on the main road turn left and drive or walk for one km approx. till you reach a village/marketplace. A right turn will straight take you towards Sanapur Lake. You may sit quietly with your friends anywhere near boulders present around the lake or you may walk or drive your scooter but it is sure Sanapur Lake is one of the best places to spend an evening and watch the sunset as well. Many tourists in groups you will find reaching by evening to spend quality time together. A must-visit place especially during evening hours. I have visited the lake during the early morning hours too but the evening hours at Sanapur Lake are one of the best for sure.
Nava Brindavan (The Nine Brindavanas) is an island having samadhis of nine great saints. To reach one has to hire a motorboat service from *Anegundi. Rs. 20/- per person to and fro the charges. It is about a 5-7 minute long unforgettable motorboat ride over the Tungabhadra River. After reaching the island, one has to walk approx. 50 meters to reach Nava Brindavan to offer prayers.
*Anegundi is approx. 6-7 km distance from Virupapur Gaddi (the other side of Hampi across the Tungabhadra River).
This photo was taken during a visit to Nava Brindavan by a motorboat at Anegundi in Karnataka. Knowledge was enhanced by the boatman about the temples, and during the temple visits, locals further enhanced knowledge by showing Sugriva‘s cave where Lord Rama, for the first time, met Sugriva and the place inside the cave where they sat and talked. And also the exact location of nearby temples, as per locals, from where Lord Rama shot an arrow at Vali, fighting with Sugriva on the other side of the Tungabhadra River.
These temples are at Anegundi approx. 6-7 km from Virupapur Gaddi (the other side of Hampi across the Tungabhadra River), popularly known as Chintamani Temple. A must-visit location to know the history of Vali and Sugriva’s fight.
Anjani Parvat (Hill) is approx. 3-4 km from Virupapur Gaddi (the other side of Hampi across the Tungabhadra River), and is one of the best places to watch the Sunrise.
Lord Shri Hanuman ji was born 17,87,000 years before 2013 in Anjani Parvat, Kishkindha. Here, Anjani did penance for 7000 years. Kishkindha is the name of the kingdom of Bali. Here, 33 crore deities of Sanatan culture reside in the form of monkeys and bears. Anjani Parvat is the origin place of devotion.
We started our TVS Scooty from Virupapur Gaddi (the other side of Hampi across the Tungabhadra River) at 5 am to reach Anjana Hill. It was dark and cold as well. We were not sure about the exact location except for the direction to follow: Turn right once on the main road and follow the road to reach Anjana Hill – The Birthplace of Lord Hanuman.
Soon after riding for approx. 1 Km, we saw white lights going up towards a hilltop. We were almost sure that it must be Anjana Hill, and yes, we were correct. Anjana Hill is on the left-hand side of the road.
In short: Anjana Hill is situated between Hanumana Halli and Anegundi approx. 3-4 km from Virupapur Gaddi.
15 minutes approx. journey by scooter.
I was surprised to see more tourists already there, sipping a cup of tea at a makeshift shop. Very good. We too requested two cups of tea (Rs. 10/each) and parked our scooters. After tea, we started climbing the stairs. 600 approx. At 5:45 am, we reached the top of Anjana Hill.
History is written on the wall, which says – Lord Hanuman was born 17,87,000 years ago.
Knowledge enhanced. Slowly-slowly, more tourists arrived, and we all sat all around big rocks to watch the Sun and its rise. Finally, at 7:00 am the wish was fulfilled. We also saw a few students with their teacher offering water to Sun. 8 am was temple aarti time. A student blew the conch to announce – it was prayer time. Everybody assembles inside the temple.
Altogether, it was a nice early morning tour to watch the Sunrise and to be present during prayer hours.
Anjana Hill – One of the best Sunrise points nearby Hampi for sure.
Virupapur Gaddi is across the Tungabhadra River, where most of the travelers stay during the Hampi visit. We were in need of cash, and someone suggested there is an ATM at Hampi, but it was not working. Where is the next ATM?
Anegundi – we were told. And if that is also not working, then we have to drive a few more km to reach Gangavathi.
How far is Anegundi?
6 – 7 km from Virupapur Gaddi.
We started our TVS Scooty and reached within minutes. After the ATM, as it was afternoon hours, we decided to have lunch. A few meters further and a left turn, and on the right side opposite Nanjanagudu Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, we saw Sri Tulasi Garden/Tulasi Hotel.
Only a few seats left. We grab our seats. Within minutes, a plantain leaf, commonly known as a banana leaf, was placed on top of our table, and water to wash it, and later food was served by two ladies.
The best thing about this restaurant is that it serves traditional food. As per personal five years of travel, I have seen that wherever traditional food is served, people prefer to have it. If I am visiting a state, I wish to have traditional state food. A tough wish, but is fulfilled a few times.
The food was coming straight from the kitchen. It was hot and very tasty. As the restaurant was very busy, I was unable to know the names of the food served, but yes, I thoroughly enjoyed the food.
Cost – Rs. 80/- unlimited.
Another best thing about the restaurant – it is open from 6:30 morning hours till 10 in the night. Great for travelers.