Travel to the once-glorious empire, Humpi during the Holi weekend

Ruins in Hampi

Welcome to the land of ruins. That is only if you're ready to give yourself a break from the rush of city life, and head to a place where time has stood still ever since the Vijayanagar empire was defeated by a coalition of Muslim sultanates. In circa 1500, this was the wealthiest city of India; today, it's simply Hampi.

The view from the Monkey Temple

Yogesh Chande and Priyank Deshmukh, founders of The Legend of Bombay Bards, have been organising bicycle tours around the metropolis and sharing stories of its lesser-known sights and sounds. This weekend, they have decided to step outside the city to tell stories about the lost kingdom of Hampi.

Ruins from the Vijayanagar empire;

"Hampi is a place that's dear to Priyank and me. We've been there a number of times and have many stories to tell. There are legends and folklores that make a place unique. We have now decided to share these tales with those who love to travel like we do," says Chande.

Yogesh Chande

The itinerary is simple, yet exciting. After putting up at a hotel in Hospet, you will leave for Kishkindha, the land of the monkey warriors. If you are well-versed with the Ramayana or even remember fragments of what your grandmother once told you, you'll be able to figure that this location was the kingdom of the monkey king Sugriva. A short trek later, atop Anjaneya mountain is the Monkey Temple, considered to be the birthplace of Hanuman.

The tour will take you back to the days when Krishnadevaraya was king and reigning with full fervour. Besides watching a sunset on Matanga Hill, a boat ride to the Hippie Island across Tungabhadra river is also a part of the itinerary. You can explore the latter on bikes or mopeds because "that really brings out the child in everyone", Chande adds.

On: March 1 to 4, 5.30 pm onwards meeting point Andheri Bisleri Junction, Andheri East.
Log on to: eventshigh.com
Call: 9699986348
Cost: Rs.14,999 per person

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