A Trip Towards History - Hampi

"Okay kids, pack your things and buckle up. We're going on a road trip. It's gonna get bumpy!"

"A road trip? But- but Ann, I have travel sickness. I feel nauseated and sick"

"Oh well, that's life, Kid. You're gonna have to do some things which may feel uncomfortable to reach your desired destination."

"Wow, Ann, you're soo wise."

"Oh, yes. I totally did not steal it from the internet."

So... Yes, I'm traveling! And the first stop we make is at Hampi. Hampi? Where's that? Why would I go there? It doesn't sound classy enough. Oh, trust me, Kid, Hampi is a work of art.

Hampi. It's a town in North Karnataka, India. It's an old old old village and is even mentioned in the Hindu mythology of Ramayana.

How did I feel as soon as we entered this ancient beauty? How did it feel to walk over the land which was once walked on by Lord Rama? Well, I was sleeping when we entered. So, um yeah, I cannot answer that, sorry.

But that is not the only history that Hampi holds. It was the capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire, in the 14th century. When the Portuguese were in India, they referred to Hampi as one of the richest and grand cities. Flashbacks of 6th-grade history? Same. But, here's some "class" about this city. Hampi is a UNESCO world heritage site. You guys remember UNESCO, right? The organization that internationally recognizes and protects the art. Yes, Hampi is under that. So the next time you visit it, don't forget to brag about that to your friends.

And now, here's our first location in Hampi- The Virupaksha Temple:

Now, from the Vijayanagara Empire, an emperor known as Deva Raya II (no, not your Tenali Rama Krishna Deva Raya) built a temple known as the Virupaksha temple, devoted to Lord Shiva. It is the only preserved and maintained temple, the others were destroyed by the Bahmani sultanates.

Not going to lie here, this temple was magnificent. As soon as it was in sight, the huge gopura of the temple in the background of the bright blue sky was truly mesmerizing. Here's a picture of it for you:

Okay, moving on. The most famous is- Stone Chariot:

Do you all know the 50 rupee note? Ever observed the picture present on it? No? You should. That image which looks like a historical monument is the symbol of Hampi. It is the Stone Chariot. It was built by our favorite Tenali Rama's king, Krishnadevaraya. It has been inspired by the Konark Sun Temple of Odisha. Yes, King Krishnadevaraya himself visited the Sun Temple.

When I went to see the Chariot, it was during sunset. With its glorious architecture and beauty, the sunset was just a chef's kiss.

On the way to the Chariot, we find some remains of a mandapam and a well to cleanse before entering. These are just proofs that Hampi was once a spectacular city with devoted citizens. But unfortunately, with the upbringing of technology (and the struggle for independence) we could have lost its history...

But, to be honest, seeing the playful citizens of this town, it has not lost its colors. The lush greenery and lakes are found here, with the locals playing and working. Even though I could not interact with them; it was crystal clear that they cared for humanity and culture.

The way they waved at us from the rickshaw; The way their school walls were painted; The way the children helped us with directions. It was unbelievable to me that such towns with such purity exist.

And fortunately, with organizations such as UNESCO, and such cities being internationally protected, history is being preserved. There are many untold cities like Hampi. Some of them might be on your way to your hometown or just an hour's drive from your home. I urge you to visit such places.

Beaches and high-tech cities are present everywhere, and so are such historical cities. The difference? Everyone knows the high-tech cities, but very few know about the wonders and works of art.

See you tomorrow! Wait tomorrow? Yes, we've got another magical place to visit. So now rest and strap up for tomorrow!

Signed,

Ann.