Experience - Orange County

Experience
the
Awakening
of an Empire
Orange County, Hampi-Experiences
Orange County, Hampi is inspired by the architectural splendor and imagination of the Vijayanagara kings.
You will experience the radiance of this once prominent empire in the walks and visits we have designed for you.
They are themed around the most significant and engaging aspects of its history, mythology, architecture, commerce
and political life, which come alive in its striking monuments, magnificent temples and soul-stirring landscapes.
Prepare to Partake in an Awakening!
Spirit of Hampi Experiences
The Raya Trail (Morning)
Vithalapura Walk (Morning)
Kishkinda Trek (Evening)
Virupaksha Trail (Evening)
Vithalapura Walk (Morning)
A walk through the ancient market and the temples of Vithalapura – a Hampi suburb known for its temple pillars that make
musical notes.
About the Walk:
Hampi had many suburbs (puras). They were self-sufficient settlements centered around a temple and a main market.
This walk will take you on a journey through the Vithalapura Bazaar that leads to the famous Vijaya Vittala temple – once a
pilgrim centre for the devotees and saints of Lord Vishnu. Though considered a pinnacle of temple architecture, this
temple complex remains a historical enigma as we don’t know when the original shrine was built. This is the same temple
renowned for its musical stone pillars.
Category:
Art, Architecture, History
Places to Visit:
Gejja Mantapa, Kudure Gombe Mantapa, Vithalapura Bazaar, Kalyani, Vijaya Vittala Temple
Duration:
3 hours
Difficulty Level:
Easy
For more information Call: +91 (0) 80 4191 1170/71 | Mail: [email protected]
Virupaksha Trail (Evening)
A leisurely but enlivening walk up the Hemakuta hill – home to many temples built across centuries and sacred to the Kings
(Rayas) of Vijayanagara.
About the Walk:
Hemakuta, a gently sloping hillock beside the river Tungabhadra, is considered sacred since ancient times.
This was the hill where Lord Shiva meditated while Goddess Pampa tried to win him over through her devotion. At the
base of the hill is the centuries old Virupaksha, the holy temple of the early Kings of the Vijayanagara empire in the 14 th
century. As we go up the hill, we are greeted by the sight of many older temples, small and large , each with a story and a
style of their own. The other end of the slope has two huge idols of Lord Ganesha – monoliths from the 16 th century. Their
sheer size has a calming effect on pilgrims. The very beautiful Krishna temple and the huge monolith of God Narasimha form
the end of the trail. This trail will reveal to you a lot about these temples and the legends surrounding them. It will also let
you enjoy glorious sunset views over the hills.
Category:
Mythology, Philosophy, Art & Architecture, History
Places to Visit:
Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Bazaar, Manmantha Tank, Kampilaraya Temple, Sasivekalu Ganesha, Kadalekalu Ganesha, Krishna
Temple, Lakshmi Narasimha, Badavi Linga
Duration:
3.5 hours
Difficulty Level:
Easy
For more information Call: +91 (0) 80 4191 1170/71 | Mail: [email protected]
The Raya Trail (Morning)
The story of the Hampi royalty – the palaces they lived in, the temples where they worshiped and the important city
structures they built and worked in.
About the Walk:
This trail will take you back five hundred years to the life and times of the Rayas – the emperors of South India.
Join this walk to learn more about these 14 th century kingdoms and the Rayas who ruled over them, countering foreign
invasions and uniting South India for nearly two centuries. You will come to know more about their lifestyles: the palaces
they lived in, the temples they worshiped at, the huge structures they built for cultural festivals, the stables for their
elephants and the like.
Category:
History, Architecture
Places to Visit:
Devaraya’s Palace, Royal Mint, Audience Hall, Secret Chamber, Stepped Tank, Mahanavami Dibba (Great Platform), Hazara
Rama Temple, Queens’ Bath & Palaces, Elephant Stables and Kamala Mantapa also known as Chitrangi (Lotus Mahal)
Duration:
3.5 hours
Difficulty Level:
Easy
For more information Call: +91 (0) 80 4191 1170/71 | Mail: [email protected]
Kishkinda Trek (Evening)
A riverside hike over the boulders as you journey into the mythical land of Kishkinda.
About the Walk:
Kishkinda is the land of the mythical Monkey (Vanar) Brothers – Vali and Sugriva – whose story forms an important chapter
in the great Hindu epic – Ramayana.
The boulders of Hampi & Anegundi, two cities on either side of the river Tungabhadra that represent Kishkinda, was their
home. Enjoy the trek as you climb these boulders beside the river and listen to the colorful tales of these two mighty
brothers, who were friends at first but later became bitter enemies. This trek will also let you catch some lovely views of
Hampi by the river, especially at sunset.
Category:
Hiking, Mythology, Photography
Places to Visit:
Kodandarama Temple, Chakratirtha, Kampa Bhupa Marga, Sugriva’s Cave, Sita Sarovar
Duration:
2 hours
Difficulty Level:
Medium
For more information Call: +91 (0) 80 4191 1170/71 | Mail: [email protected]
Rates & Terms
Vehicles:
* Guests will be chauffered in a fully air-conditioned 10-seater Tempo Traveller, for the thematic tours.
Timing:
* The Morning Tours will commence at 7:30 AM and the Evening Tours will commence at 3:30 PM.
Introductory Presentation:
* There will be a 10 minute 'Introduction to Hampi' presentation every morning at 7:15 AM and every evening at 3:15 PM,
before guests depart for the tours.
Pricing:
* Each tour can be availed at Rs. 800 per tour per person (inclusive of all taxes) - a special rate only for this
Introductory Period.
* Private Guided Tours can be availed at a cost of Rs. 4000 (inclusive of all taxes). Guests will need to use their own
vehicles for the same. The maximum number of people allowed is 6.
* Guests can also use our vehicle for Private Guided Tours at a cost of Rs. 5000 (inclusive of all taxes). It seats 4 adults and
1 child.