Day 89: Rest day in Hampi

Breathtaking stuff

We weren’t disappointed as we headed out to explore the ruins of Vijayanagar today at Hampi.

Sarina surveys the view  

We set out on our bikes, heading to the long colonnade of the bazaar. A little climb up the steps at the end and we crest a hill to see the breathtaking sight of Achyutaraya Temple nestled in amongst the banana trees. It was like dropping in to the set of The Jungle Book with King Louie swinging round a tree. 

The view of Achyutaraya Temple from above

We cycled round and explored from ground level and, close up, the stonemasonary was incredible. It must have taken hundreds of masons over many, many years to create this. Every pillar is carved with ornate pictures and patterns, the overhanging roof pieces are all curved on the front and then detailed on the back. Each pillar has a separate smaller pillar in front, carved from the same piece of stone. Amazing.

So much carving  

We set off along the river to the Vijaya Vittala Temple, the jewel in the Vijayanaga crown, with the world famous stone Carr at its entrance. To be honest, it wasn’t quite as impressive as what we’d just seen, but we’ve ticked it off.

Tiger sketching with an audience of student bankers

The famed stone cart

An amazing day exploring a historic civilisation I’d never heard of a couple of weeks ago. I think I’ll view Hampton Court Palace in a different light now - it’s a similar age, and doing quite well! (It helps to not get invaded by a Deccan syndicate.)