February 1

Today is our last day in Hampi. We were undecided what we were going to do. Breakfast arrived: Couscous with carrots, Indian curry leaves & spices- savory, having the sour lime pickle on the side; sweet Sheera or Suji Halwa- it is a traditional Indian pudding of semolina with sugar and cashews (we had this before at our buffet breakfast.); and a bowl of sweet green grapes. Yummy breakfast!!! We also decided to go on about Hampi – to places we had not been to before – walking.

We packed all our stuff and checked out of our homestay. (They are letting us keep our luggage here until we leave. Our train isn't until tonight.) First, we go to the big area that encompasses the Royal Center. But we see stuff on “the other side of the street”. Starting with the Bhima Gateway. This was a military gateway, and the carvings were of men “wrestling”. Some of it had been reconstructed. Next there was Panarama Platform. This was a great, overlooking view of the Nobleman's Palaces. All that remains is basically the foundations, but you got a sweeping view of the buildings and could imagine the hustle and bustle of military. All throughout this area are carvings, but most are in the boulders. 

Next, we went to Sri Mahadeva Shiva Gudi. It had the most ornately decorated linga. Then we went the ticket office area. Here we took a bathroom break (one of the best public restroom facilities that we discovered two days ago, when we bought tickets here), and bought some water.

Now we take a road off, on the side and came to Tenali Rama Mantapa. This is also an overlook spot, but you can see into some of the Royal Center area. We actually caught a nice breeze up here and just sat a bit. Next we went through a banana plantation (this is where the road goes). Then we came out and to another ruin – Adi Venkateswara Temple. It is actually still in use, and the idol inside is decorated with cloth and has places for incense. There were some carvings in the boulders here, too. Next was the Hodeya Bagilu. It had some more carvings, but of the pillars of the temple. 

From here we arrived back at the main street that goes right to the Hampi Bazaar. This area has been even more decorated for the upcoming celebration. We wind our way back down to town and had locals wanting selfies with us again. Made it Gopi Restaurant. It was two pm and we still have five hours before we need to be in Hosapete for our train. So we started with drinks: me a watermelon juice and a Coke, Jeff a cashewnut shake and a Sprite. Then we had a couple of starters: Garlic Potatoes, and Onion Pakoda (this one was more like onion balls, but still great tasting). Then we had a Nutella Pancake (actually more like a crepe). Finished and we decided we were ready to move on, early. Our tuk-tuk driver was at the restaurant so we asked if we could go earlier (5pm) to Hosapete. He said okay. We did walk back to our homestay – we need to get in extra steps because we won't get them tomorrow. We arrived back at our homestay at five, collected our things and said goodbyes to Karin and Shakuntala.

Loaded up into the tuk-tuk and to arrived in Hosapete at the train station, by 515ish. We found the AC lounge and hung out. Our train was late arriving – one hour and fifteen minutes, but we got on – no problems. I'm going to end this blog here. Good day – our last in Hampi!!