For our last day in Hampi, we crossed the Tungabhadra River in a coracle boat manoeuvred by a very young boy-boatman. The rounded boat, made or bamboo and shaped like a flat basket was costly at 50 rupees per head. Nevertheless, the 3 minutes spinning ride was worth every penny.
Many tourists rent a motorcycle. We didn't. We wandered through the boulder-strewn landscape and explored the other side of the river. The road was muddy due to some heavy rain the night before but we were wearing good walking shoes. One of the main events on that side of the river was the Anjaneya hill. We strolled into that direction and politely rejected countless offers from the tuk-tuk drivers along the way.
We climbed up the 575 white steps zigzagging to the top of Anjaneya hill. At the top, we found the birthplace of Hanuman and a temple dedicated to the monkey warrior god. Monkeys were everywhere. Jumping from rocks to trees. Eating bananas in the weirdest positions. Staring at us and preying at our backpack.
The view from the hilltop was postcard material. Padded rice fields, coconut plantations and ancient ruins surrounded by unconquerable hills made of millions of boulder heads were stretching in the horizon.
After soaking up the spirituality of the holy temple, we headed back to the village, north of the river.
For lunch, based on trip advisor reviews, we settled at the Laughing Buddha for its chilled-out atmosphere. Not sure if it was the view overlooking Hampi, Bob Marley music played in the background or the psychedelic posters hanging on the walls but we almost fell asleep. The food and drink were more expensive, but they did serve Kingfisher - Goa famous beer.
As we left that hipster's paradise, the coracle boat wasn't running anymore. A regular boat, capable to ferry up to 20 passengers, was crossing the river. The price ranged from Rs 20 to Rs 30 up to the mood of the boatmen. We argued and paid Rs 20.
On the Hampi bazaar side, we ventured, once last time in and around the Virupaksha Temple. The sanctuary is the only active place of worship in Hampi and an important pilgrimage centre for the worshipers of Lord Shiva. Lakshmi, the temple elephant we saw the day before, was wandering around.
After a few selfies with Indian or being to join families for their group photos, we left the Virupaksha Temple by the 50-metre high Gopuram - monumental tower by the entrance of a temple.
To finish the day, we took the last drink on the roof terrace of our guest house to witness the whimsical sunset over the temples, the rocky river and the Heritage village.
Ou séjourner à Hampi?
A Hampi, vous pouvez trouver des logements à un prix raisonnable que ce soit à Hampi Bazaar ou de l'autre côté de la rivière dans l'une des habitations offrant une ambiance chaleureuse avec des vues splendides sur les champs de riz et la rivière.
Nous avons décidé de dormir au coeur d'Hampi Bazaar. C'était proche des temples principaux et nous ne dépendions pas du bateau pour traverser la rivière. Au coucher du soleil, les bateaux s'arrêtent et un trajet en taxi très couteuse semble alors la seule option pour atteindre l'autre rive.
Une option décente et bon marché est la Gopi Guest House mais souvenez-vous pas de viande et pas d'alcool n'est servi sur cette rive et n'espérez pas un luxueux air-conditionné, un bain ou un wifi rapide. En retour, vous aurez un bon lit, une douche chaude, une nourriture végétarienne bon marché et une terrasse sur le toit offrant une très belle vue sur les temples. Nous avons réservé par booking et nous avons eu le petit-déjeuner gratuit ainsi que le trajet de la gare vers le logement.
Where to eat in Hampi?
Gopi Guest House
The Mango Tree
The laughing Buddha