India - Hampi Tourist Information Guide - Places To Visit Travel Advice

India - Things To Do In Hampi - Travel Advice

Hampi - A paradise without a Beach

One of the most important sacred places and interesting South India, as both Hampi and its surroundings are full of ruins and temples, more than 500, some better preserved than others. And, back in the twelfth to the fifteenth centuries, the then capital of the Vijayanagara Empire was a megalopolis in the Middle Ages had more than 500,000 inhabitants, making it the second largest city in the world then, and that fell due to the invasions of the Mongols.

Today Hampi is just a small town on the banks of a sacred river, to which pilgrims come to wash and purify themselves in a similar manner, although on a smaller scale to what is happening hundreds of miles north on its big brother, the Varanassi majestically on the banks of the Ganges.

Hampi History - To give a little history, I explained that Hampi was the birthplace of Hindu greatest empire of all time, it is said that this empire had about 2000 war elephants, thousands of soldiers and a strength never shot down by any other empire. The strength of this empire was such that even in Sri Lanka pay taxes. Many years passed until the enemies were able to find the exact city of Hampi, and it was a foolish mistake. By invading the peoples of the area, the Hindu empire attacked and butchered the people who did not undergo or who posed a threat. The Mughals surrounded the position, although it took longer to arrive, found their way to the gates of the empire in Hampi, and ended up destroying a whole.

The rest of the time in Hampi was special super general, I visited the Lake where we could swim peacefully as it is an artificial lake, visited the temple of Hannum other day, I walked along the river, bathed in the well, I visited some of the ruins, which are huge and a lot and generally had a week of total relaxation, my plans were well calculated to the end of my visit to India and did not have any hurry to go anywhere.

Stone houses, some built between columns of an ancient temple, many painted white by pedestrian streets that run all sorts of characters, as pilgrims from all over India come to Hampi each with their traditional costumes, some motorcycle and rickshaw and many cows, tourist shops, tailors, restaurants and guest houses, and temples, look where you look there are temples.

The main temple of the ancient Vijayanagara called Virupaksha, is now in very good condition and is both now and in the past a religious center around which Hampi is today. These place Hindu pilgrims come to honor their gods and spend the night in their stone floors.

Hampi main temple full of life during the day, pilgrims praying, walking, eating, singing and, as always, sharing space with the sacred cows.

It's a real experience to approach the temple at dusk, as a party of pilgrims make their stay in the same and after dinner (the food is distributed free by the temple) come together to sing a lot, while others chat with their throw new friends or to sleep on the stone floor, something unthinkable for us but normal to them, as even having bed at home, most choose to sleep on the floor, while others sleep on a bed of ropes intertwined that take to the streets to keep cool, so when you walk from the 22 through the streets of Hampi is finding one with beds and mosquito nets on doors of homes and bodies scattered lumps appear on the floor, above the temple .

The main temple of Hampi at night, where pilgrims find shelter at night, when after dinner and sing their advantage to lie on hard ground, which the Indians are accustomed as many of them do not use sleeping facilities.

To visit all the temples would take several days for a stroll through the village, and discover in every corner ancestral monument, another to walk around the river and climb the rocks that dot the landscape, huge boulders and rounded red for which there is sometimes built temples from which you can enjoy a beautiful sunset, and at least a third day to venture away from knowing the temples, for which it is advisable to take a conveyance, which can be a rickshaw , one for the more sporty bike or a scooter that can be rented all day and is a fun way to learn and self-place and the surrounding villages.

Other side of the river - The other side of the river is a very quiet place, crossing the boats leave at 6 pm with the fall of the sun. Other side of the river got many Guest Houses at a great price, ranging between 150 and 600 rupees. Travellers who have been here before will know that staying on the other side of river is cheap and quiet.

Take a boat and go to the other side of the river for 15 rupees.

Granite rocks -The area around Hampi is impressive. Huge rocks carved and others that are giant pieces start in the old style, with wooden wedges to split them into two. The dozens of temples in the area there are built with these stones without much regard for ground resistance that is common to see temples that twist till they drop.

They reproduce the same interrogation from all over India. There is something that has attracted much attention. Most Indians do not have a clue where Spain is, many have heard of Spain but not located on the map and less embarrassing to ask if you go far away. Most of them are staring trying to search the hard drive of your head any trace of this country. It is amusing to see that in many parts of India where like football, former colonies, when the word Spain appoints respond with that soccer is David Villa. It is the most familiar name but not always pronounce it right.

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India - Gwalior - Temple Visit - Travel Advice

India - Places To Visit In Gwalior Travel Advice

City founded in the fourth century by Prince Suraj Sen in honor of a healer who healed him of leprosy. It is fairly quiet and occupies a strategic place in the side of a hill. The landmark is the medieval fortress that Emperor Babur described as the pearl from the strengths of India.

It is an impregnable fortress located high on a hill 100 m above the city that has a completely walled enclosure. The walls surrounding it are 10 m high and 3 km long and are dotted with circular towers with cupolas of turquoise tiles. It has two entrances: the north gate, which is reached by a steep slope, and the south gate of Urvai, much more accessible. It houses several buildings and sites.

Man Mandir Palace - is Indian style and was built by Man Singh. It consists of two open courtyards surrounded by rooms on two floors that remain of the ancient mosaic tiles with elephants, tigers and crocodiles. There are two underground floors without lighting it is advisable to carry a torch.

Sasbahu Temples - known as the temples of the mother and daughter. The first was built to honor a dancer and then his daughter Vishnu did another side a little smaller dedicated to Shiva. Inside there are several sculptures of dancers and the roof is supported by massive columns.

Jai Vilas Palace and Scindia Museum, is Italian style and was built by the Maharajah Jayajirao using prisoners to do so. Inside, the carpet is largest in Asia that was made by the accused for 12 years. Its rooms are decorated with stuffed tigers objects and eccentric as a railroad in the dining room that used to serve brandy and cigars after dinner.

Teli Ka Mandir - is the oldest temple complex and is dedicated to the god Vishnu. The British used it as soda and coffee factory.

Rock Carvings represent the nude figures of the 24 masters or Tirthankars Jains. The most impressive are on the road that climbs from Urvai door were defaced by Babur's army and restored later.

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India - Khajuraho Temples Travel Advice

 Places To Visit In Khajuraho Temples - Travel Advice

It is a small town - dynasty of Chandela kings in the tenth century and is famous worldwide for its temples Hindus and Jains. They are considered one of the best examples of erotic art in the world and were declared a World Heritage Site in 1986.

There is a Tourist Office on Main Road and other information in an enclosure located north of the western temples where you can also hire guides.

They are situated in a walled enclosure surrounded by large vegetation and stay away from large population centers could survive the destruction of the Mongol Empire. They were built between the tenth and twelfth sandstone and granite on elevated platforms and are guided by the cardinal points thus be divided into western and eastern areas. More than 80 temples are decorated with floral motifs, animals and scenes of the gods but without doubt the most striking are its erotic sculptures depicting scenes from the Kama Sutra. After centuries of neglect were discovered by the English army and declared a World Heritage Site in 1986.

In the west the main temples are located 

Varaha is dedicated to the god Vishnu as a boar represented by an enormous statue finely carved sandstone.
Lakshmi, is a small shrine which is closed to the public.

Lakshmana- is one of the oldest buildings and the best preserved. It is dedicated to Vishnu and friezes are carved with images of battles and orgies with animals.

Kandariya Mahadev Temple - is the largest of the group and has almost 900 erotic statues dedicated to Shiva.

Mahadeva- is a small temple dedicated to Shiva that is now in ruins. It houses one of the best sculptures of the whole: Sardul, half-lion half mythical beast any other creature.

Jagadamba Devi temple - dedicated to various gods with various sizes of women inside.

Chitragupta- the only temple dedicated to the sun god Surya. Inside there are important sculptures of elephants and hunting scenes.

Vishvanath and Nandi - accessed by a road guarded by statues of elephants and lions.

Matangesvara is outside the enclosure and is the only one still in use for the faithful. Inside is a statue of Linga, Shiva's phallic image.

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Tirumala - How To Reach Tirumala From Tirupati? Travel Advice

Lord Shree Tirumala Venkateshwara Temple

From Tirupati, Tirumala is located 22 miles away in a beautiful hill at 1000 meters altitude, but one must first reach Alipiri, where is the entry to this beautiful hill.

Access to the hill of Tirumala, Lord Shree Venkateshwara hill

The simple and fastest way is, go by in a vehicle. Currently there are two roads, one upstream and one downstream for safe driving. This path passes through a dense Forrest area with bougainvillea flowers with many viewpoints and this area is banned to drink, smoking and spitting.

The second option is to go on foot and the walking Most of the faithful, which is probably the best path in India, but to reach tirumala by walking, you have to walk for 9 miles and about 3550 steps with continuous ups and downs, but yes, the organization of the TTD which has some 12000 people to manage this business, has enabled places to rest, sanitation, places to eat and drink, shade, and before embarking on the journey uphill tourists need to deposit their luggage at Alpiri Walk. Suitcases are then sent to the CRO Mantapam near Tirumala. You can also get the service free-of-charge.

You will find a special bus service in Alpiri to Tirumala. However you can also hire a private taxi for a smooth and comfortable journey.

If you have decided to visit Tirumala backup train / air tickets your hotel and other facilities necessary both in advance. You can buy a complete package of Tirupati by inclusion of all these facilities as well.

In Tirupati weather conditions that vary depending on the season. Experience high summer humidity and heat while still fun winter here. So it is important to consider the weather conditions while planning your travel.
It's advisable to take Sudarshan token for darshan free or paid as soon as possible after you reach the city.
You are expected to take a bath and put on clean cloths before entering the temple.

While being in the queue is not necessary that all members of your family will be waiting in the queue. One can stand in a queue while others can relax in the accommodations offered by TTD.

It would be better to plan your trip during the week days. During the weekend days and holidays you may find the heavy rush in the temple.

Carrying electronics items like camera and mobile phones inside the temple are prohibited. So keep those things in your hotel room or deposit in any one TTD counters.

After lord shree venkateshwara darshan in tirumala there are many other famous temples to visit on this beautiful hill and all are nearby that has great spiritual significance.

Taking all the above points into account you can enjoy your trip to Tirupati. A visit to this holy land will surely please the mind and soul.

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The five supreme Lingas representing the five elements

The five supreme Lingas are located at the following locations - must visit these lingas at least once in a life time 

1. Prithvi Lingam (Kanchi near Chennai) 

Ekambareswarar temple
Kamakshi devi
Adi Kamakshi temple
Kanchi Kamakoti peetham

2.Jala Lingam (near Srirangam Tiruchi)Jambukeshwara temple
Akhilandeshwari temple
Kaveri River

3. Agni Lingam (Tiruvannamalai, Tamilnaddu)
Arunachaleswara temple
Adi Annamalai temple
Arunachalam hill

4. Vayu Lingam (Sri Kalahasthi near tirupathy)
Srikalahastheswar temple
Bhakta Kannappa temple
Suvarna mukhi river

5. Akasa Lingam (Chidambaram in Tamilnadu, can travel from Srirangam
to Chennai via this place)Nataraja temple
Siva Kama Sundari temple


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