Hampi- the erstwhile Vijayanagar kingdom, now in ruins is a definte must-see for anybody touring India. We left for Hampi in a car from Hubli.Its about a 4 hour drive.. reasonably good roads.. scenic too. We reached Hampi by midday. Since we were planning to return to Hubli by nightfall.. we had only a few hours at our disposal. We bought a guide book.. but the whole place was so vast.. that we didn't know where to start. Our best investment for the trip was a local guide.. who offered us an hour's tour for a mere 100 bucks..an irresitible offer! This guy was briliant.. took us all around the place.. explaining the significance of this and that.. took our photos (ensuring that both of us figured in all the photos.. instead of i-take-u-u-take-me). the entire experience left us in awe. One shudders to think how this kingdom must have existed in its times of finery. Brilliant architecture.. especially the dancing hall with "musical pillars" and the imposing idols of worship.
Devbagh Beach- A beach resort on an island off the coast of Karwar..a perfect getaway from the city. We went by bus to Karwar.. from there the tour operators organized a ferry till the island. Is like getting into paradise.. as the boat steers you closer to the island... breathtaking views everywhere!. We stayed in quaint little cottages and cabins. The food was amazing.. cooked by the local chefs.Most of all..the privacy is the best part. The beach is for the most part isolated..letting you soak in the sun (and rain . in our case). Plus we were treated with the works.. Banana boat drive, Beach volleyball..etc..All in all.. Fantabulous!
Gokarna-Temple town on the west coast. This town has its mention in mythology and is sacred to Shivites. It has four beaches..dotted with innumerable resorts. We choose the lesser known Kudle beach to stay.. and we were rewarded with a plush resort, unbelievable privacy, awesome scenery and a number of phoren tourists! The beach was inviting.. and we had a blast. We explored the sleepy town the next day..cant forget the temple street with enterprising pujaris!..
BR Hills- a canopy of a forest atop a hill near the town of Mysore with an organised eco-tourism unit and a wildlife santuary. This place is dense jungle, cut off from the world. surrounded by tribal hamlets and beasts of the wild. We choose the monsoon month of september to visit this place..not the best of decisions if you hate getting wet and dirty as you tred through the forest. The jeep safaris were thrilling as were the night's stay in tents (with no electricity) amidst calls of the wild.
Interesting post... I can see that you put a lot of hard work on your blog. I'm sure I'd visit here more often. George from weekend breaks.
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