Hampi

Nov 29 – 2

http://picasaweb.google.com/MarkSNewell/HampiTheBeachesAgondaOm#

Hampi has to be one of the most recommended destinations by fellow travelers, enough so that we added it to our plans. We were not disappointed. The site reminds me of Joshua Tree with massive rounded granite boulders strewn about, only here there are hundreds of temples, some dating back more than a thousand years, dotting the landscape. It's an epic place, and in its day is said to have rivaled any of the most magnificent European cities, including Rome. We found the 'scene' to be quite relaxed and loved the feeling at our guesthouse, the Goan Corner. Picture a slackline strung between a few palms, a view out on to rice fields in the process of being harvested and backed by a stunning ridge of orange boulders the size of houses, and the warm glow of sunset and tanned bodies. Hampi is super big with rock climbers who flock here for the phenomenal bouldering. In the evenings a family atmosphere pervades and stories are shared.

Our days in Hampi were quite warm as we ventured out to visit some of temple ruins. A river cuts through one side of Hampi and is still plied by the traditional woven round basket 'boat'. Dara and I rented a moped as a heat beating strategy and had a blast tootling around in this ancient, surreal land.