Most people see travel as a series of perfect sunsets. But as any seasoned traveller knows, it’s actually a test of endurance. My recent trip to Hampi was a masterclass in that reality.
Instead of my usual solo run on the KTM 390 Adventure, I was behind the wheel of my Hyundai Exter, joined by two friends and a toddler.
The mission: A 3-night deep dive into the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire.
The 4:40 AM Launch
We started from the Mahalunge area of Pune at exactly 4:40 AM on January 23rd.
The Strategy: Hit the highway before the city wakes up. By clearing Pune early, we managed to cover a massive chunk of distance by breakfast time. When you’re travelling with a kid, “distance covered” while they’re asleep is your biggest win. Day 1 was dedicated purely to the drive and settling into our base in Hospet, Karnataka.
The Holiday Weekend Rescue: Sindhu Travels
Planning a trip over a long holiday weekend is a gamble. We found ourselves struggling with accommodation until Sindhu Travels stepped in. They were a lifesaver, managing a last-minute booking for us at Hotel Priyadarshani Classic in Hospet when everything else was looking impossible. It’s a reminder that having a reliable travel partner in your contacts is a vital part of your touring kit.
The Stay: Hotel Priyadarshini Classic, Hospet
We stayed at Priyadarshini Classic. While the room itself was a decent base, the service left much to be desired—especially when travelling with a child who had specific needs. It’s a good reminder to always over-pack your own Portable Travel Kettle or Insulated Food Jars when the hotel service is a question mark.
Navigating the Ruins (Strategy vs. Reality)
We spent Jan 24 and 25 exploring the North and South of Hampi.
Jan 24: The Royal and The Divine (South Hampi)
We started early to beat the midday heat and the local rush. We hired a guide for this leg, and it was worth every bit of the history he shared.
- Saasivekaalu Ganesha: Seeing this monolithic 8-foot Ganesha is the perfect way to start. The “mustard seed” belly and the serpent belt are reminders of the intricate craftsmanship of 1506 AD.
- Lakshmi Narasimha Temple: The scale of the half-man, half-lion monolith is humbling. It’s a core piece of the royal landscape.
- Zenana Enclosure: A quieter, walled area once reserved for royal ladies. The Lotus Mahal here is a stunning example of Indo-Islamic architecture.
- Vijaya Vitthala Temple & The Stone Chariot: This is the heart of Hampi. Walking through the musical pillars and standing before the iconic Stone Chariot feels like stepping into a postcard.
- Tungabhadra River Ride: We ended the day with a Coracle ride. There is nothing like spinning gently on a “basket boat” while the ruins glow in the evening light.
Jan 25: The Ancient Echoes (North Hampi & Anegundi)
On the second day, we ditched the guide and roamed at our own pace—a much-needed “relaxed mode.”
- Pampa Sarovar: One of the five holy lakes of India. It’s a peaceful, spiritual site tucked away in the boulders.
- Gagan Mahal (Anegundi): Once a residence for the Vijayanagara kings, its yellow-ochre Indo-Islamic arches are a beautiful contrast to the grey stone of Hampi.
- Virupaksha Temple: We ended our journey at the oldest functional temple in Hampi. We went specifically to see Laxmi the elephant, but travel has a way of teaching you patience—by the time we reached, the doors had already closed for the day.
The Bittersweet “Misses”
Even with the best planning, Hampi has its own rhythm. We made it to the Virupaksha Temple to see Laxmi the elephant, but as we reached the door, it closed right in front of us. Seeing the door shut on a “bucket list” moment is a classic traveller’s heartbreak.
Between my growing cold/throat infection and the toddler’s sudden strike against eating, we also had to skip the Hilltop Hanuman Mandir. In touring, your “itinerary” is always secondary to the health of the crew.
Traveller’s Gear Pick: Even in January, the Hampi sun is relentless. If you’re visiting Hampi, these are non-negotiable.
Note: These are the products I carried with me.
The Fever-Fueled Return
The drive back on Jan 26th was a blur. My voice was completely choked, and I was running a high fever. Yet, weirdly enough, being behind the wheel was a relief. There is something about the focus required for a long-distance drive that silences the noise of being sick. My voice was gone, but the lust for travel was still in total control.
The Hampi chronicles are closed, but the gear is already being packed for the next adventure. Where do you think the Exter should go next? Drop your suggestions in the comments, and stay tuned for the next story from the road.
