Go around in circles

Think Hampi and visions ofu00a0 magnificent ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire instantly flood the mind. History usually takes centre stage on such a heritage-inspired trips.

While you're at it, we suggest you don't miss the chance to attempt a river crossing on the basket-like boat, the coracle.
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Try sitting in one of these circular shaped country boats and you might be forgiven to believe you are seated in a huge floating basket.



This transport readies you for any kind of amusement park ride. The huge craft ferries people and sometimes livestock (not the heavy kinds).

Usually six-seven feet in diameter, coracles are made of bamboo, cane, plastic sheets with a coating of bitumen (tar) to make it water proof. On an average a coracle takes about six-eight people.

At Hampi, there are three points from where you can enjoy coracle crossings.
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The first point is near the Virupaksha Temple, a bathing ghat adjacent to this site where you can use coracles to cross the Virupapurgadde.
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The second spot is in front of the Kodandarama Temple, also a bathing ghat.

The third and most important spot to hop on one of these is near the Vittala Temple, to reach Anegondi (one-time capital of the Vijayanagara Empire).
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It's your ticket to visit the Hanuman temple and Sita Sarovar. A note of caution, don't try coracling unattended, you'll find yourself going around in circles, quite literally!

Coracle rides can be taken at Hampi. One-way fare costsu00a0 between from Rs 2-5 per head. The rate can go up to Rs 10 for bicycles and Rs 15 for two-wheelers.