My February this year started with a trip Hampi, a historic place in northern Karnataka, earlier the Vijayanagara kingdom. As every traveller would do, I read a few reviews, asked around people and browsed through photographs a week before my husband and I were to land up in “The Abode”(as described by websites. If you wonder that the previous line sounds sarcastic – Yes, it is!
Hampi to my eye was nothing more than overrated historic ruins that have been made outrageously famous because the research was conducted by non-Indians. This line might provoke a ‘What? – Aishwarya is so tasteless’ feeling, but trust me, until you reach that place, you would never realize that it is nothing close to what has been described or photographed.
So, the culprit was me who pushed my husband to plan the trip. Whilst I enjoyed the trip, my stay and all that, I still wonder, what did I come back with? We initially saw a photo library full of the most beautiful pictures with awesome lighting and angles. Kudos to the photographer! We went and found that, the spot looked nowhere close to what we saw. Yes, photographs deceive.
Monuments open only form 9am – 5pm, when its sunny in an area full of rocks and sand, all you feel while travelling are heat waves on you. After walking and scaling the stairs and rocks of those completely unmaintained monuments you walk out to find a small shop in the corner selling water for Rs.50. (You have no choice). And place after place which includes things like Queens Bath, Market and all that looks the same – deserted and ruined.
It wouldn look good if I don credit a few places that had excellent art work like a stepped tank, some chariot and a Rama temple, but it still remains unbelievable to me as to how this place has gained great popularity. Being a Madrasi, I would say going to Mahabalipuram is a much beautiful experience where enough refreshments, shelters and shades make your visit comfortable.
I wouldn discount the entire experience as my taste lies more towards beaches and islands and maybe it is my under knowledge that makes me write this. But that doesn’t take away the fact that Hampi is a completely overrated spot. My suggestion – do not stay for more than a day and a half. Rather spend your time in Bangalore - Shopping!!
Hampi to my eye was nothing more than overrated historic ruins that have been made outrageously famous because the research was conducted by non-Indians. This line might provoke a ‘What? – Aishwarya is so tasteless’ feeling, but trust me, until you reach that place, you would never realize that it is nothing close to what has been described or photographed.
So, the culprit was me who pushed my husband to plan the trip. Whilst I enjoyed the trip, my stay and all that, I still wonder, what did I come back with? We initially saw a photo library full of the most beautiful pictures with awesome lighting and angles. Kudos to the photographer! We went and found that, the spot looked nowhere close to what we saw. Yes, photographs deceive.
Monuments open only form 9am – 5pm, when its sunny in an area full of rocks and sand, all you feel while travelling are heat waves on you. After walking and scaling the stairs and rocks of those completely unmaintained monuments you walk out to find a small shop in the corner selling water for Rs.50. (You have no choice). And place after place which includes things like Queens Bath, Market and all that looks the same – deserted and ruined.
It wouldn look good if I don credit a few places that had excellent art work like a stepped tank, some chariot and a Rama temple, but it still remains unbelievable to me as to how this place has gained great popularity. Being a Madrasi, I would say going to Mahabalipuram is a much beautiful experience where enough refreshments, shelters and shades make your visit comfortable.
I wouldn discount the entire experience as my taste lies more towards beaches and islands and maybe it is my under knowledge that makes me write this. But that doesn’t take away the fact that Hampi is a completely overrated spot. My suggestion – do not stay for more than a day and a half. Rather spend your time in Bangalore - Shopping!!
