Hampi is the most searched destination in Karnataka. The world heritage sites, the ruins, the history and everything else about the grand Vijayanagara empire has attracted tourists from all over the world. The temples, the huge compounds, the chants that you hear in the morning and the evening, and the grandeur is worth experiencing.
However, there is a physical and experiential ‘other side’ of Hampi. The one that will amaze you by its mere existence. When we were planning our trip to Hampi, many friends had advised us to not miss this other side. So on our last day at Hampi, we crossed a small stream of the magnificent Tungabhadra River to reach the opposite side of the river.
Small motored boats ply between the two banks of the river and it takes just five minutes to cross the stream. You may have to wait to grab a place on the boat. It was encouraging to see children, going to school using these boats. It is also possible to load a cycle or a bike on these boats to be transported to the other bank. Coracles can also be seen on the river though we did not take one.
This part of Hampi has a very different look and feel. Once on the other side, it will feel as if you are visiting a new place. Small restaurants, shacks, bakery shops, and lots of shopping stalls will take you by surprise. As we walked along, paddy fields on one side made the area look very beautiful.
You can rent bikes to explore the area. There is no restriction on meat and alcohol in this part of the city. We spotted graffiti on many walls and this place seemed a melting pot of many cultures. I also got to know that many foreigners stay in this part of the city for their academic research. That explains the lifestyle and the easy pace on this side of the city.
Leaving you with some pictures and like everyone says – you have to experience what it means.
I visited Hampi early this year and this post is a part of series. The small city in North Karnataka has a lot of historical significance and is too grand and beautiful to be described in just a travelogue. Read the rest of the posts here. Happy Travelling!
happiness and food 
I remember reading your earlier posts on Hampi too… So rich in architecture and history. Lovely captures 🙂
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Thanks, Raji!
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I remember the pictures you posted earlier. It is good to have some time traveling. Liked the little advert, and casual ambience of the restaurant pic too.
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Thank you, Pratikshya. The place is even more beautiful.
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Lovely pictures Parul. Do you have any of those boats?
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It was a simple boat. I got a picture of the coracle. 🙂
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Aw this is the cutest ever.
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Lovely clicks, seeing the coconuts trees feels close to home (here in Kerala). Adding Hampi to my list of travel with a note about the ‘other side’. 🙂
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You should add it. And yes, with the coconut trees, it’s home for me too 😄
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Lovely photos! Have been planning to visit Hampi for quite some time! Thanks for sharing, Parul! That restaurant’s decor is so charming! Show us a photo of the boat!
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Ha ha! Let me coracle picture up tomorrow. Though we sat in the motored boat 😉
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My Hampi plans are jinxed! 😦 I so want to visit it for its architecture. Now that I have read this, even the ‘other side’ is added to my list 🙂 Thanks for sharing Parul!
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Hampi is a photographer’s paradise. If you check out the other posts on Hampi, you will see I couldn’t get enough of them. I plan to visit again someday. Thank you for stopping by.
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haven’t been to the other side yet. Revealing.
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You will be surprised. It’s very different in all aspects.
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Lovely captures Parul! I’ve never been to Hampi and definitely never heard of the other side. Adding this to my bucket list. You’ve given a lovely peek into Hampi’s other side!
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Thanks, Kala. Hampi is so intriguing that I can do again.
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Oh wow! Such beautiful clicks. You know I got into one of those coracles when I had made a trip to Mekedatu. The current was swift and I was really scared that this damn thing would turn over tossing me into the raging Cauvery. 🙂 This really looks lovely. I have never been to Hampi and I will come back to this post when I plan to visit this place.
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Thanks, Rachna! The novice photographer in me went crazy there. A paradise sorts.
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I have heard so much about Hampi that now I really have to plan a trip there..maybe once M is a little older…you changed your website design a little, did you? Looks nice..
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Show her history of India when she grows up. Yes, I did. Posted for a review on BAR too. Looks like you missed seeing this. Hope you are well.
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Point noted..
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Ha ha! Thanks:)
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Fantastic photographs. It looks just the kind of quiet town we’d like to visit and enjoy!
Pinned! 🙂
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Oh it’s very quiet and you will love it Corinne.
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Beautiful pictures! I would love to visit here some day – thanks for sharing your travels, Parul!
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Come to India and we can do a trip together, Traci 🙂
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Well, this is one place closest from mine and somehow, I have not been there yet 😦 So, now there’s more to see! I will soon visit it 🙂
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Please do! What an awesome one.
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Is the last photo entirely real? I mean without any touch ups? The reason why I am asking this is it looks like a picture postcard with the hues and lighting. I like those round shaped boats which go revolving in the river. The first time I saw them was 10 years ago when I visited the river bank near Srirangapatnam.
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Thanks, Anamika. I have just cropped a bit, used a basic filter but no touch ups. That Sun is there and so is the wire that you see in the sky. 🙂 The scene was beautiful.
That’s a coracle.
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Some really beautiful pics. The last one takes the cake :).
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Thanks Aseem! How did you find the blog’s new look? 🙂
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Some really beautiful pics, Parul! I liked the one of the coracle.
And the new blog look is fabulous, okay? 😃
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Thank you, Mithila! I’m glad you liked the new look. I was very skeptical. 🙂
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