Hampi also referred to as the Group of Monuments at Hampi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in east-central Karnataka, India.[1] It became the centre of the Hindu Vijayanagara Empire capital in the 14th-century. Actually Hampi is a place like no other and so are the activities that you can indulge in when here. Test yourself at bouldering over the hills, ride a bicycle all across the village, row a coracle in the calm waters of River Tungabhadra, spot some Indian sloth bears or get blessed by an elephant.
Hampi is a boulderers' heaven. it has emerged as the country's hotspot for anyone with a love for the sport. While the more experienced ones can get bouldering and rock climbing equipment from one of the many stores and travel operators in the village, newbies can learn sport tactics with experts who often camp by the boulders. A closely-guarded secret, bouldering in Hampi came into spotlight with Pilgrimage, the much acclaimed climbing movie by Chris Sharma, Katie Brown and Nate Gold; climbers from all over the world made Hampi a favourite soon after its release.
Wildlife lovers can head off the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary for jungle safaris. The sanctuary is some 20 km away from Hampi and doubles up as a conservation centre for the Indian sloth bear. Perfect to escape to from the more touristy lanes of Hampi, it is quite offbeat and houses more than 100 sloth bears, 90 bird species and an impressive variety of butterflies as well. You can either drive across the sanctuary or sit in the watch tower with a pair of binoculars and picnic lunch. Great place for kids.
. Crossing River Tungabhadra to reach Anegundi, the hippie side of Hampi and back, becomes all the more inviting when you wade across it in a coracle. Watch a brilliant sunset, visit the drum circle and other live music sessions on the other side, photograph the Hampi ruins that look all the more fascinating from across the river or just enjoy some calm, away from the touristy clamour of the village in one.
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