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India 🇮🇳: Amazing Hampi

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Hampi is a UNESCO world heritage site in the state of Karnataka. Back in the days it used to be a rich kingdom and one of the largest medieval city areas after Beijing. Trade with Persians and Europe (ok, just the Portuguese really) flourished. Eventually the city was destroyed by muslims leaving rather impressive ruins to visit. I really enjoyed my time there – not just the temples, but the amazing landscape and nice vibe.

Beer penalty on the bus 😐

I took an overnight bus from Goa to Hampi. Pretty comfortable and direct. There is also a train option in daytime. Just before departure i got a text from the bus operator that there should be no alcohol brought on board… Well, a little late for me.

And as if by magic, the police came through the bus barely an hour into the journey. He asked for penalty. I asked how much. He said give me anything. I gave him 80Rp (1$). Done. Pure shenanigans… 🍻 💲 👮 🇮🇳 🤣

Taking a stroll (in an oven)

After a quick shower at the guesthouse, my first day took me on a stroll through banana and coconut plantations, past a bathing elephant, to waterfall (mini one as dry season) and over to swimming spot by a river.

It was truly hot as hell, but the water in the river amazing and the countryside stunning beyond believe. The trek was well off the beaten path and involved quite a bit of bouldering on the many rocks laying around.

Once i crossed the river, i finally got a drink – one coconut 🥥 & one liter of water 🥤 straight up. The local boys were interested in doing a bit more business with me by selling LSA seeds – Lysergic acid amide. I hadn’t really come across this hallucinogenic, but it functions similar to LSD. 🌈 🌈 🌈 Thanks, but no thanks.

Visit to Hippie island

This time i intended to cross the river by boat rather than swimming. So i headed for hippie island – just on the opposite river bank as Hampi village.

There are few places offering accommodation, yoga and climbing. I just enjoyed some tasty chicken chilly and a coke in a very relaxed environment.

Exploring Hampi’s sights

You have a long list of places to visit in Hampi – a mix of temples and palaces. Many people go by bike or tuk tuk. I just walked.

You really feel more like in ancient italy than india walking about this place. Truly different and once you have seen it all close up, head for Mathanga hill and take in the panorama for sunset. Really breathtaking.

The selfie 🐘 at Sri Virupaksha Temple

The temple is right in the heart of Hampie and i think worth a visit. Watch out with the monkeys. They are quite naughty.

In the temple you will find an elephant (not 9/10am in morning when he is bathing in the nearby river). Hand the elephant Rp10. He will pass it on to his mahout and pose for a selfie with you.

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Going wild v2

My last day was just half a day really and it took me back into nature. I crossed over to Hippie island again and headed east. Amazing bouldering as i literally fought my way through bush and rock.

Eventually i had to give up and return. Price tag: a few scratches and a ripped pant. Worth it? Definitely!

On the way was a campground where i not only got cold water 💦, but also bumped into a german climber. He had been here for 8w already to do technical climbing. Even a fractured leg wasnt enough motivation to return to Germany.

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