Hampi in Color

Instead of taking a tuk-tuk to visit the other attractions, I decide to go on a guided bike tour in 33 degrees ^^ Interestingly, our guide rides ahead on a scooter, supposedly to be able to transport someone in case of emergency. It was a really good decision, firstly because of all the information, and secondly, I won't be asked for a single photo in the safety of our group. What have I remembered:

Hampi had a king who won 11 battles and had three wives. He was only allowed to take a woman with him after capturing the respective city. Hampi was a flourishing and wealthy metropolis at that time with 4000 temples and a natural protective wall due to volcanic activity. This is how the bizarre rock formations were created, which were also used for temples and sculptures. Ghanes (the elephant), for example, is a 4-meter-high stone figure. It was modeled from a single giant rock, which rests on a natural foundation. Only then was the temple built around the sculpture. At that time, many statues had gold chains and diamond jewelry.

In addition, Hampi had seven different bazaars, such as the diamond and spice bazaars. Back then, there was still trust, because the stalls were simply folded together with all the riches, and no one dared to steal anything. Ghanes' image was immortalized at various places, and the corresponding location determined its respective name. For example, there is the Mustard Seed-Ghanes at the Spice Bazaar and the Peanut-Ghanes at the Nut Bazaar ^^ The wealth of the city was also its downfall. A sultan and his army looted the treasures and took all the gold. In doing so, they damaged statues and temples knowing that even a small injury would make them unholy. That's why many sculptures are missing trunk, fingers, hands, or ornaments. They are also not restored because the spiritual essence does not return. In a way, it is fortunate for the present time, as impressively well-preserved structures have remained.

Elephants were used to transport the huge stones for the buildings. But there were also specially trained pachyderms that executed people. If a secret of the city was revealed to an enemy, it was punishable by death. For this purpose, the animals were trained to crush people beneath their feet... CRUEL. However, elephants also served as a means of transport for the royal family. There are covered parking spaces for the riding companions at the royal temple and the summer house :) In a way, these are huge garages for elephants.

Only 40 years ago, many remnants of the city were discovered because the jungle had spread protectively over the structures. That's why our guide also had to move with his family because his house was directly on an overgrown bazaar. The road leading to the central tower will soon be removed because there are still 8 steps to the former road underneath. It is suspected that there are also two elephants on either side of the stairs, probably with broken trunks.

Our guide also organizes a very special lunch for us. A woman used to own a restaurant, but it was destroyed in an earthquake in 2011. Now she cooks at home and serves it in the park next to the queen's bath. If that's not unique. There is Thali...the Indian version of Dahl Bat and it is served on a plate made of palm leaves to make the dishes easier to clean. As soon as lunch is over, everyone sets off. However, I stay in the beautiful park with the shade-giving trees. As soon as I am alone again, the hassle with the photos starts again. There is no 'please' or understanding from the pushy Indians until I eventually lose my patience and angrily ride back to the city on my bike. In the hotel, I take a short break and then set off again. My path leads me to a former guard post on a mountain. From here, there is a great 360 degree view of Hampi and the rock formations. At night, the tower is illuminated and creates a mystical atmosphere. I go inside one last time and see many people getting ready to sleep on the floor. In retrospect, I learn that they are believers who have come here on a pilgrimage, have washed in the river, and are now spending a night in the temple.