Hampi

Hampi is a world heritage site with amazing ruins from one of the largest Hindu empires in Indian history. The ruins are separated into two areas, the sacred center and the royal center. We took a day long tour through these ruins and they were incedible. It was amazing to turn the corner and see another temple, bathing area, or set of arches with such intricate architecture from so long ago. Many of the temples and statues were carved from a single stone.  There were also some ruins that had a Muslim influence. Walking through the ruins is very hot as the sun is intense and there is not much shade.

We are staying at a guest house around the Hampi Bazar. This area is full of hippy tourists, both young and old.  Today I saw a male backpacker walking around Hampi with the same shirt that I bought a few weeks ago in India. It is a purple shirt that I thought was clearly feminine, but he could pull it off because of his laid back style. I thought that it was really funny how you could not tell from behind if a tourist was male or female because the guys wore the same baggy pants as the girls and many of them had long hair.

The vibe around Hampi is very relaxed. There is no rush to get anywhere and people are always friendly enough to stop and talk.

The Hampi Bazar area is a village full of affordable accommodation, shops, and restaurants (the majority of which are either on a rooftop or outside). The shopping is really good. They sell your typical crazy Ali Baba pants that only the tourists wear as well as quality silver jewelry, leather bags and wallets (made from camel), hand made wall hangings, and clothing.Many of the stores will have samples of clothing on display in the store and you can have your own clothing tailored in the style and fabric that you choose. This was especially important for me because I have been having trouble getting clothes that are long enough to fit my arms and legs. I had a skirt and shirt made for me at one store.

At night we went for dinner at a place called Mango Tree then went back for lunch the next day. This restaurant is a short walk from the main street through a banana plantation and it is located under an enormous mango tree by the riverbank. In keeping with the vibe of Hampi, the restaurant is very chill and there are short tables with cushions to sit on the ground and eat.  You have to remove your shoes at the door as everyone is barefoot. It was restaurant had a good atmosphere during both of our meals there.

Hampi has a ban on alcohol although the restaurants, cafes, and shops are open late and the ban does not affect the nightlife. There is live music most nights.