Travel Blogs

April 22 2021

Secrets of Hippie Island – Hampi

Ketan Meena Patoliya India, Karnataka, South India, Travel Blogs Anegundi, Coracle boat ride, Hippie Island, Pampa Sarovar, Sanapur Lake, Sanapur Waterfalls, Shabari, Tungabhadra river 0

In this continuation blog of natural beauties in Hampi, I will introduce you to some of the Secrets of Hippie Island – Hampi. Which is also referred to as the ‘Mini Goa‘ of South India. Hippie island is located on the north side of the Tungabhadra river. One can reach here by 2 ways. One is by the ferry boat. The ferry point is located at a 5 minutes walkable distance from the Virupaksha Temple. Another way is by road. (Details are below)

Hippie island is an ideal place for solo travellers. People from all around the world visit Hippie island during the winter season. It has so many amazing cafes. And, Each cafe will give you a different ambience and unique interior inside. You can have chat with your friends, or with strangers. The nightlife at Hippie island is very amusing.

Bike trip to Hippie Island

One of the best adventures you can have on Hippie island is to do a bike ride through the boulders. If you are travelling to Hippie island via road from South Hampi, then you have to drive through Bukkasagara to cross the Bukkasagar bridge over the Tungabhadra river. Crossing the bridge will lead you to the Anegundi. This whole drive is about 40 KMs, and the roads are in very good condition. Believe me, driving on this route is one of the best drives I ever had. You will be really fascinated with the huge boulders on your way.

During this bike trip, you will witness the local villages and the lifestyle in the Hampi region. Crossing the Bukkasagar bridge is another alluring experience you’ll have. During the Ramayana, Hippie island was considered the main Kishkindha empire. The birthplace of Lord Hanuman i.e. Anjaneya Hill is also located in Hippie island only.

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Pampa Sarovar (Lake)

Pampa is a sacred lake located in the Anegundi area of Hippie island. It is said that ‘Pampa‘ a form of Parvati, Lord Shiva’s wife, performed an austerity here to get married to Lord Shiva. And because of that, this lake was known as Pampa Sarovar.

According to Ramayana, while searching for his wife Seeta, Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana passes through this lake. Where one of his true devotees was waiting for him for so many years. And that devotee was the Shabari. We all are familiar with the story of Shabari and her berries. That how she used to pluck fresh berries from the forest every day. She used to taste the berries first, keeping the sweet berries aside for Lord Rama and discarding the bitter ones. Following this routine every day and waiting eagerly about the arrival of Lord Rama for so many years. Shabari is the best example of faith, patience, and dedication. Indeed, Shabari was a true devotee.

Sanapur Lake

A coracle boat ride is one of the best highlights of Hampi. You can do a Coracle boat ride at either the Tungabhadra river or at the Sanapur lake. Doing this boat ride at Sanpur lake will give you an astounding feeling because the lake is surrounded by huge boulders. One can also have the fun of cliff jumping and swimming at Sanapur lake.

A coracle boat is also be called a Basket boat because of its shallow circular shape. It can easily accommodate 6-7 person in a single ride. The boat ride cost per person would be 200-300 rupees for 30 minutes.

Sanapur Waterfalls

After having a thrilling Coracle boat ride at Sanapur lake, we guys headed towards the Sanapur waterfalls. This waterfall is located 2 KMs from Sanapur lake. This is one of the hidden waterfalls, as very few people know about this waterfall. This waterfall is a part of the Tungabhadra river.

Secrets of Hippie Island - Hampi — Sunset at Sanapur Waterfalls

Though the waterfall is very small, the surrounding around the waterfall is very pleasing. You will definitely have quality time with your friends or your loved ones. Watching the sunset from this waterfall is a cherry on a cake.

Check out the YouTube vlog on The Secrets Hippie Island

April 18 2021

A Runaway to Goa

Mamta Deladia Goa, Travel Blogs, West India 1

The realization of how minuscule you are,
Is the beginning of your modesty.
– Mamta Deladia

Yes, yes even I was in GOA. Locked down under 1 roof for the entire year really got it out of me. Goa is the only place currently open for tourism and mind you, I took the opportunity to be “unlocked”.

Mine was an impromptu trip to this land of beaches. One of my friend was planned to visit Goa. I just made one in the morning, packed my bags and boarded the flight in the afternoon. It was just so great to look out of the window (of the car) and for a change see the moving trees and cloud.

We didn’t have any plan for the places to visit. We both decided to just relax and figure out right there. Just the initial location was set and we moved to South Goa.

So, I won’t bore you with writing like William Wordsworth as you all know the bla bla bla stuff. I will share with you the new places that we visited, and are worth going if you are not so typical “Internet traveller”

Day 1:

Relax and enjoy the welcoming sunset
Dinner- at Palolem (which was at walking distance, just climb few rocks and spooky trail)

Day 2:

8.30 am- We got down at the beach and had a little fun until the sun started hitting hard.

Breakfast at the cottage.
Later we just were deciding where to go today. We consulted the locals for better knowledge.
We hired a bike (as usual)

We moved more towards the south and visited

Netravali
Surla Waterfall
Galgi Bagh Beach (Turtle Nesting Beach)
Talpolem Beach

Netravalli

It is at a 32 km distance from Palolem. It is a Wildlife Sanctuary covering huge lands and multiple waterfalls along the trail. Our location was Bubbling Lake (the locals call it Budbudya Tadao). The speciality is that the lake generates bubbles within when anyone claps near the lake. It is a manmade lake, but the bubbling effect was an added Nature’s Gift. Of course, it has science to explain the rippling effect with the sound waves omitted.

Unfortunately, due to summers, the lake was not filled and didn’t show much effect. But we enjoyed the walking trails alongside the reduced waterfalls. Which just made us imagine the beauty it will hold during the rainy season. Hence, even if we didn’t get the bubbles, the knowledge of knowing the place and the trails are just amazing. Going during the Rainy Season will surely be the best.

Surla Waterfalls

It was the farthest (115 kms) but we wanted to visit, hence made the most of it. We knew that the waterfall won’t be active due to Summers, but we just loved the roads hence just accelerated towards it. The waterfall was very beautiful with fresh water below.

We so much wanted to jump, but we both didn’t know swimming hence didn’t want to risk our life’s here. Enjoyed some time here and left. On our way back we had so-called dinner at only visible local stall. We didn’t have proper food. Hence if you visit this site. Please carry your own food, so that you can spend a long time here.

Day 3:

This day first half we rested. Early morning beach visit and breakfast at the cottage.

Galgi Bagh:

We visited this beach early morning suggested by locals. The turtles run towards the sea. During sunset, the turtles come back to the beach for nesting. We got to see a few thankfully. The beach is too huge to roam, but we got hungry by afternoon and there was no food available anywhere. Hence as the day was about to set, we asked the local again. They suggested that you would get 1 shack at Talpolem beach.

Talpolem Beach:

We visited this beach in search of food. Thankfully it had 1 beach restaurant. We had really good food(pizza but it was too amazing) and enjoyed the sunset. We got to look around foreign locals who were resting at Talpolem, they were enjoying the regular dips in the sea and we were gossiping about how much we should learn swimming.

We were told there was a headphone party (Silent Noise) nearby, but unfortunate that it was not open yet due to COVID. Ended the day by again visiting Palolem for dinner.

Day 4:

Relaxing again in the morning and this day we checked out and decided to move to North Goa for the remaining 2 days of our trip.

We reached and visited Bharat café at Tito’s junction and while having our lunch we were looking for a villa or BnB for our stay. We got a good deal for a nearby place to stay for 2 nights and checked in. We didn’t want to go far so that we avoided travelling more.

We freshened up and moved out in the evening just for a stroll in the ever-alive lane of Tito’s. We looked for new places to visit nearby and for the evening we visited Hammerzz, A Luxury Nightclub at Baga. Music was so good. Worth the visit and near to our place.

Day 5:

We had an indoor day time today and during the evening, we visited Purple Martini for drinks and brunch. Enjoyed the sunset from there.

Roamed a little at Anjuna and came back. For dinner, we decided to visit Favela Greenhouse Bar and Bistro. They have their Inhouse Drinks Caipirinha’s (Must Try). With Jazzy music and amazing food (Mini Kadala Sliders), the night was spent superb.

Day 6:

The trip ended travelling back to the airport.

Being here I untethered myself from all exhaustion and vent spleen about my job and it was crazy.

Stay Courtesy:
South Goa: Pacific Sunset View Resort
North Goa: Villa Fatima Comforts

March 31 2021

Sunrise and Sunset points in Hampi

Ketan Meena Patoliya India, Karnataka, South India, Travel Blogs Anjaneya Hill, Hemakuta Hill, Malyavanta Hill, Matanga Hill, Sunrise and Sunset points in Hampi 0

In all my previous blogs in this Hampi series, I have introduced you to all the ancient temples and monuments in Hampi along with its imposing historical stories. However, Hampi also has another delightful side in terms of nature’s beauty. So, in my current and next blog, I will articulate the beautiful picture of Hampi in terms of nature.

Hampi is heaven if you are a Sunset or a Sunrise lover. Watching Sunrise/Sunset from the middle of the boulders is a unique and outstanding feeling. In this blog, I will highlight a few famous and hidden Sunrise and Sunset points in Hampi.

Matanga Hill:

Matanga hill is the highest hill in Hampi. And this hill is very famous among the tourists. One has to climb through the boulders for about 30-40 minutes. The climb is not difficult though. Anyone with good physical fitness can climb this hill easily. The trail for the climbing starts just beside the Achyutaraya temple. From the top one can see the stunning glimpse of the Achyutaraya temple. Also, This hill will give you a view of the whole Hampi from the top. Matanga Hill is famous for both Sunset and Sunrise.

Sunrise and Sunset points in Hampi — Sunrise from Matanga Hill

According to the story of Ramayana, once this hill was the heritage of saint Matanga. The Vanara king Vali killed a buffalo demon called Dhundhavi and thrown his corpse on Matanga hill. Saint Matanga got angry at Vali for this act and cursed him that he could never climb the Matanga hill. And if he ever tries, he will be dead.

Later, Dhundhavi’s son Mayavi fought with Vali to take vengeance. During the battle, Vali chased him to one of the caves. He asked his brother Sugriva to be a guard at the gate of the cave and instructed him to close the door if he doesn’t come out in 15 days. The battle between Vali and Mayavi last for more than a month. Then Sugriva saw red blood coming out of the cave. He closes the door of the cave with a big stone assuming that Vali has been killed. But Vali was alive, it was Mayavi who got killed.

Later Vali returned to the Kishkindha and he got furious at Sungriva for closing the door of the cave. And ran after him to kill him. At that time Sugriva took refuge at Matanga hill as Vali could not climb it because of the curse given by Saint Matanga.

Hemakuta Hill:

Hemakuta hill is a very famous hill for watching Sunset in Hampi. The climb for this hill is very easy as compare to Matanga hill. The climb starts beside the Sasivekalu Ganesha temple. From there it just takes 10 minutes to reach the top. A Group of temples are situated at the top of Hemakuta Hill. Most of them are dedicated to Lord Shiva.

According to the mythological story, Lord Shiva did austerity on this hill before marrying the local girl Pampa (Parvati). He was very impressed with the dedication of Pampa and agreed to marry her. On this occasion, Lord Shiva rained the gold on this hill. In the Sanskrit language, Gold means Hema, And since then this hill is known as Hemakuta hill. It is also said that Lord Shiva killed the Kama (the God of Love) on this hill because he tried to distract Lord Shiva from his austerity.

Malyavanta Hill:

Malyavanta hill is very famous for Malyavanta Raghunath Temple. It is said that before marching towards Lanka to do battle with the demon Ravana, Lord Rama along with his brother Lakshmana stayed on this hill during the Chaturmas. Chaturmas is a holy period of four months in Hindu culture.

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Very few tourists know about this hill for Sunrise and Sunset. Just beside the Malyavanta Raghunath Temple, a small trail goes towards the Malyavanta Hill. It is about 10-15 minutes of climb. Seeing the Sun rising from the middle of the boulders is one of the unique and beautiful experience one can have from this hill.

Anjaneya Hill:

This hill is located at the northern side of Hampi across the Tungabhadra river. This hill is also known as the birthplace of Lord Hanuman who is known as the Monkey God. Hanuman is also called Anjaneya because of his mother’s name i.e. Anjani. Hence this hill is known as Anjaneya Hill.

There are around 550 solid staircases to reach the top which will take nearly 45 minutes. There is a temple of Lord Hanuman at the top of the hill. From the top one can see the marvellous view of northern parts of Hampi i.e. Anegundi, Tungabhadra river, Pampa Sarovar. This hill is very famous for Sunset. Sunrise can only be witnessed during those days when sunrise timing is after 6 AM, as the temple opens at 6 AM.

So these all are the places where you can watch beautiful Sunrise and Sunset in Hampi. Along with its historical background, Hampi does have an alluring natural beauty as well. I hope you have enjoyed reading this blog. In my next blog, I will show you some glimpse of North Hampi which is also known as Hippie Island.

Stay tuned 🙂

January 19 2021

Harihar fort – A complete guide

Ketan Meena Patoliya India, Maharashtra, Travel Blogs, West India Harihar Fort 0

Height: 3676 ft
Difficulty level: Moderate
Best time to visit: July-February

Facts about the Harihar fort:

Harihar Fort is also known as Harshagad. This fort was built between the 12th – 13th centuries during the Yadava Dynasty in India. Later in the 17th century, this fort was surrendered along with some other forts of Pune to Khan Zamam, an Amir during the Mughal Empire. In the 19th century, this fort was captured by Britishers along with some other nearby forts.

This fort is very popular among trekkers due to its rock-cut staircases. This patch has a climb of 60 meters. And this is a very thrilling and challenging experience one can have. On the top of the fort, you’ll witness the temples of Lord Hanumana and Lord Shiva. You’ll also witness a couple of water tanks nearby on the top of the fort. From the top of the fort, one can see the Bhaskargad fort, Anjaneri fort, Brahmgiri hills, Brahma Parvat, and many more other forts.

Where to start the climbing?

There are 2 routes to climb the Harihar fort
1. Harshewadi village route: The Harshewadi route is a simple route and it is also recommended for beginners. The average time to climb from Harshewadi is 1.5 to 2 hours from base to top.
2. Nirgudpada village route: The Nirgudpada route is a bit challenging as compared to the Harshewadi route. The average time to climb from Nirgudpada is 2 to 2.5 hours from base to top.

How to reach the base villages?

Nearest railway station: Igatpuri or Nashik Road
Nearest bus station: Igatpuri or Nashik Road
Nearest airport: Mumbai

More places to visit near Harihar fort:

Trambakeshwar Jyotirlinga temple
Vaitarna lake camping
Anjaneri fort
Bhaskargad fort
Brahmagiri hills
Dugarwadi waterfalls
Resorts in Igatpuri