Happy, Healthy, and HOT in Hampi

Hampi is famous for its ancient ruins and boulder-strewn landscape. It was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 15th century and was home to half a million inhabitants and 1500 elephants. It’s currently population is less than 3000 and there’s only one elephant. It is divided into a Royal Center, where the Vijayanagara King and Queen lived, and a Sacred Center, which is where most of the temples are located. Most of it is free to explore, but you can also hire guides and do various types of tours. Aside from being fascinating and gorgeous, it is also hotter than hell in Hampi.

This post is mostly a photo story. Enjoy!

Just a typical vista in Hampi

Why, what long horns you have, Mr. Ox

Virupaksha Temple, built in the 7th century to honor the Hindu god Shiva. A UNESCO World Heritage site.

A marathon was held in Hampi while we were there. Cost to run the marathon? $2 USD

Some of many ruins in Hampi

A shrine to the goddess Mahalaxmi

A super friendly local child

She wanted to play, play, play

Our favorite Hampi restaurant, The Mango Tree

Thali at the Mango Tree

Typical sight in Hampi: threshold decorated elaborately with chalk, sandals outside, motorbike

The Tungabhadra River that flows through Hampi

This artifact is probably about 300 years old and it’s just chillin’ in the river… WHAT?!

Woman bathing, fully clothed, in the river. This is very common all over India.

Coconut meat

Thought this was funny for a few reasons

Lakshimi Narasmiha sculpture

Holy cows and holy temples

Sunsets in Hampi are breathtaking

We did a half day bike tour of the ruins and it was so stinking’ hot

Monolithic sculpture of Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, dated back to 1500 AD

Banana vendor

I wanted a photo of these little girls because I loved their brightly colored dresses. They were happy to oblige, and then…

…their entire family also wanted to be in the photo.

Sugar cane juice in the making. It’s damn good.

Nandi the bull, Hindu god Shiva’s ride

An ancient stepped tank

Ruins from 1500 AD. They obviously utilized elephants, camels, and horses back then.

Banoffee pie, a strange but tasty dessert made with coconut, cashews, sugar, and milk

Indian women climbing the hill

A pillar showing the 10 incarnations of Shiva

Hampi

Saris laid out to dry after being washed in the river

Jubilation

Climbing the 610 steps to the Hanuman/Monkey Temple

View from the top of the Hanuman/Monkey Temple

Staircase leading to the top of the Hanuman/Monkey Temple

We were in Hampi during India’s Independence Day. Apparently there was a parade in the morning while we were asleep, but nothing else happened to commemorate the holiday.