Stay In Hampi And Trek To Vitthala Temple; Leaving Hampi For Bengaluru

Stay In Hampi And Trek To Vitthala Temple; Leaving Hampi For Bengaluru

Having reached Hampi on a Saturday and having checked in Rocky Guest House there were fewer revelations with far away the desk of aviation. The guest house personnel going by the name Mr Lakshman got me on line with owner Mr Rakesh Singh who later divulged that three generations had been born and brought up in Hampi and family's tree one could trace to Rajasthan. Lakshman was helpful in nick of time dispensing mineral water which was of a brand that was not contaminated. If ever one ventures out of home one has to watch out for accommodation one stays, the food one takes and water one drinks.  

Here ATMs Disappear In Thin Air

From 2018 what had changed in Hampi was the turnout of people flocking Virupaksha Temple (Lord Shiva Temple) and nearby areas. ATMs and State Bank Of India branch had been done away with and this incovenienced the tourists and making them negotiate a ride to Kamlapur and that too to gain ATM Advantage was a tall order. In Kamlapur there were in all four ATMs, some functioning and some gathering dust for ages. A malfunctioning ATM can lead to series of issues and here caution is the buzzword. After returning from Kamlapur with notable mention of the road that leads to the same from Hampi and this set of road evokes curiosity as well as praise. Evergreen to the last mile, this stretch is wonder of wonders. 

Anjanadri Betta One More Time

Settled for dinner from Prince cafeteria and early next day set out on a mission to access Anjanadri Betta one more time.  The time I entered sanctum sanctorum and the time I left the collection of devotees wasn't that tall considering it was a holiday with more geared to stay at home. Before noon sets in I settle for grub from Annapurna cafe and restaurant run by brother-sister duo. The cafeteria neat and tidy till the last stretch, the cuisine that is prepared and deft skills employed for the same is something to applause. There is least application of spice and the food that is served is soft on stomach

Leaving For Vitthala Temple

Start on foot at 3.50 PM from Hampi. There are directions to Vitthala Temple, Achyutaraya Temple and Yeduru Basavarana.  Vendors of tea, cap and fruits take a fair space.  A little later go past  the board giving directions to  YANTRODHARAKA HANUMAN TEMPLE. Few minutes  later some trying to board a boat on Tungabhadra River. At 4.07 we are in Achyutarapura. On a board places impeccably mentioned in and around  Achyutarapura. At 4.07 we reach Varaha Temple. At 4.12 reach Sugriva Cave. Sugriva cave is one of narrow caves found among the many boulders that make up the hillocks of Hampi area. Here in proximity are  banana plantations. 

Reaching Vitthala Temple

At 4.25 we reach notings made on Vijayanagara Architecture. Reach Vitthala Temple at 4.30. The Vitthala Temple represents the highest watermark of the Vijaynagara style of art and architecture. The temple is said to be built under the patronage of Devaraya II (1422-46CE) on the basis of a reference in Uttara Narasimha Purana. The entry to the temple is from side way as well with no entry fee whatsoever. After exiting from here Virupaksha Temple is 2.3 kms. While coming back from Vitthala Temple sighting of a board

-Beware of crocodiles

- No swimming. Deadly whirlpools in the river. A little later when I reach Kodandarama Swamy Temple I take coconut water from Ramavilas centre. Make it to Hampi before 6 PM sets in. One is too exhausted by taking this trek and I settle for ORSL Electrolyte Orange Drink. 

The ride from Hampi to Hospet to Bengaluru

From Hampi Hospet is 13 kms. The ride is on Kamlapur Road with  banana plantations making appearance now and then. Go past The Hampi Bazar Banana silk. Plots for sale. RGRA approved plots. The ride is through a colony with well maintained road. 

Sightings On The Way; Reaching Hospet Central Bus Stand

Sight the world famous DODLA milk van. Go past Asirvad Micro Finance Ltd Mannapuram Finance Ltd. Go past Banaras Pan Centre. As these notings are made one appears flustered with no porters at Hospet Central bus stand.  One has to trudge to Platform One. Next to Platform One Mr Kanchan Gowda guides me about Airavat bus service. The wait at Platform One brings forth the image of an India where everytime KSRTC bus used to come the number of passengers waiting to get in outstripped  the number of seats available. 

Wind Plants In Good Numbers

AIRAVAT bus starts a little after 4.45 PM. No sooner the bus leaves there are sighting of wind plants and this bringing in detail the stride The State Of Karnataka has taken to get to clean air.  Kudligi comes at 5.15.  Some could be seen carrying SBI Passbooks which has to be updated to get to the bottom of transactions. And transactions could be anything under the sun

What Distance Keeps Apart Mangalore, Shivamogga And Chitradurga

At 5.40 Mangalore is 375 kms, Shivamogga 162 and Chitradurga 80. Reach Chikajogihalli at 5.45. At 6.10 reach Mudala Machikere. At 6.23 Mangalore 317, Shivamogga 126 and Chitradurga 20.  Here thinking about Ajmer Shatabdi Train emanating from Ajmer and reaching New Delhi. Thinking as well about Morbi in Gujarat. Mr Mahesh Shankar who is seated next to me and has an eye for detail tells me about Yantrodharaka Temple (Lord Hanuman Temple) on way to Vitthala Temple. At 6.28 wind power plants in a row could be seen. At 6.30 there are  directions to Mangalore, Davangere and Chitradurga.  At 6.32 directions as well to Chitradurga, Turuvanur and Bengaluru. If hoarding of Spoorthi Delicacy are there so are other hoardings signifying the import of travelling in AIRAVAT BUS which are serviced at regular interval thereby enlisting cheers. The bus makes it to Majestic well after 10.40 with the ride in Bengaluru through Raj Kumar Road and Rajaji Nagar. 

Interaction Was Quite Broad

Interaction with Mr Mahesh was  broad and quite gratifying. He had been invited by IIT Delhi for a conference in recent past. Though quite impressed by wide well maintained roads of Delhi, he could not get the opportunity to be face to face with traffic temperament of city as much of the commute was accomplished by metro. During a stopover at Kamat Refreshment Centre (Kamat Refreshment Centre Is In Nashik In Maharashtra State As Well) we waded into other areas of interest with issues that least invite controversy and ire and issues that raise 24 ×7 vigil and desire. 

YEDU KONDALWADA VENKATRAMNA GOVINDA GOVINDA