Hampi

Ah, Hampi, beautiful, magical Hampi. This little village set in an arena of ancient temples and oddly shaped boulders mixed with a river and pilgrims has a special place now in our hearts. In advance I was not so sure, if a 12 hours journey overnight in a state bus would be worth the it. But even though the travel was horrific, we would not have wanted to miss this place. Peaceful and quiet and Paul was boulder-happy.

Hampi - Ancient temples & boulders

We arrive in the early hours of Thursday morning, significantly shaken by the bus ride conducted by a mad driver over uneven windy roads. After sorting out our accommodation and a little catch up sleep, we rent a scooter, a bouldering mat and go on a little reckie.

Hampi is a bouldering mekka in India and it is easy to see why. Thousands of boulders everywhere, small, large, next to each other or strangely balanced on top of each other. Needless to say that a bouldering mat draws attention and attracts other climbers like moths to the light. Within half a day we have met a French Girl, Sophie, and a young English climber called Matt.

On the quest to find good routes

Paul's drawing a crowd of locals

Paul's in heaven and we spent most of the time walking around trying to find the routes on the sketchy topo. I mainly take a back seat together with Melissa, Matts girlfriend, as the routes are quite though and I am simply not good enough. But there is so much to see and discover, reminders of temples wherever you go plus the amazing wildlife - monkeys, parrots, butterflies, caterpillars, you name it. This is without a doubt the most beautiful place we have seen in India so far.

Paying the temple elephant a visit

We spent 4 relaxing days in Hampi, before we embark on a monstrous 48 hours train journey back up north to Jaisalmer.

Street magicians