Matanga hill with Veerabhadra Temple at the top.
Matanga hill is at the centre of Hampi. Being the highest point, it offers best spot to get an aerial view of Hampi and it’s environs.
The climb is moderate-to-difficult. It consists of some steps to begin with, gets tougher as we climb through stray rock clusters and boulders.
The prominent approach is from the east-end of Hampi Bazar.
The 360 degree views from the top are mesmerising – On the east, the grand Achyuta Raya Temple and Achuta Raya market; On the west, great Virupaksha temple and grand Hampi Bazar! On the north, it’s the south bank of river Tungabhadra and Kodanda Rama Temple. On the south, it’s farm lands and Canal.
Matanga Hill is referred to in Ramayana. Rishi Mathanga used to do Tapas (penance) here. King Vali (Bali) couldn’t step-on to the hill due to a curse. Therefore Sugriva along with his troops used to live in Matanga Hill.
Matanga Hill – a great place to behold Hampi!
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/CbsXLvuggrmxBs3U6
#drive #hampi #nature #heritage
About Hampi:
Hampi (Kishkinda), Karnataka is situated on the banks of river Tungabhadra 340 km north of Bengaluru.
With more than 1,600 monuments covering ~40 sq kms, Hampi is a World Heritage Site and World’s Largest Open-air Museum.
Hampi, referred to as Kishkinda in Ramayana, has ancient history traceable to thousands of years.
Most of the current day ruins were built by Vijayanagara kings during 1336 – 1565 CE.
Hampi at one time was most prosperous and considered to be the largest city in the World. As per the chronicles of European and Persian travellers, Hampi had dedicated trading markets for diamonds, pearls, silks, brocades, and had opulent palaces, marvelous temples, royal quarters, embassies for foreign emissaries, massive fortifications, large pools, baths, water management systems, aquaducts, pavilions, stables, riverside features, pillared halls, Mandapas, memorial structures, gateways and defence check posts.
Hampi – it’s a living museum!
