Changes coming to Hampi

Wanderer22

Is Hampi poised to become a tourist attraction rivaling the Taj? A new shopping complex has been started close to the bazaar. Big changes are happening at the Vithala temple in the form of a new lighting system that will turn night into day. The temple known for its musical columns has had flood lights set into the court yards and individual monuments are destined for lighting effects. Unfortunately some of the electrical work appears to be badly done with cables poorly concealed and large ugly metal junction boxes in plain view next to the temple wall. Come on guys you can do better. ... This is a world heritage site!

There have been meetings at top levels of government but the agenda seems unclear and more interested in getting rid of undesirables prior to development. Three departments meet to save Hampi

Can there be any doubt that a bunch of five star hotels will soon be popping up at Hampi?

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phreako1

indeed very poorly done

JeRiKo1

bettern than drilling new holes to conceal the cables

Karma Queen

nooooo

ladyrunner

Oh my gawd...what an irony. This is the very reason I went to Hampi...to see the rustic, the quaint and naturally the age old charm of a historic site. Why do these people want to spoil such a beautiful notion of a peaceful place? Btw anyone going to Hampi simply has to visit the Mango Restaurant where the food is to die for and the ~ 0.5 mile walk to the place through banana plantations simply a delight. We did it both at night with just the guiding light of a lantern (and you though Blair Witch Project was scary) as well as during the daytime.

abracax

Don't worry - all of that stuff will be whacked during the next monsoon.

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elizabethcoleman

I agree the Mango restaurant is amazing, walk is definitely worth it...the food is great, served on banana leaves overlooking amazing country views.

On another note, what a shame they are introducing all the modern technology to Hampi...it rustisicity is part of the charm...mood lighting will ruin it!! Hopefully, as someone suggested, the monsoon season will wash all the shoddy wiring away!

Can't believe they would even think of lighting up the temples at night etc - surely this is contra religious beliefs? Turning sacred temples into tacky tourist attractions?! Someone needs to write a letter to the dept. of cultural affairs. Anyone with me?

GoanCanuck

>> Can't believe they would even think of lighting up the temples at night etc - surely this is contra religious beliefs? <<


No, it is not against the Hindu religion to do so.

crvlvr

The indian tourism board needs to learn one thing. Its not how well they light the monument that is important. (Lights won't be tuned on due to power shortages anyways) they should instead focus on improving the transporation to and from these hard to reach palces. I was in Goa during NYE, and it seemed impossible to get bus tickets to Hampi. After walking from one ticket reseller to another (all who just got on the fhone and called the (probably the same) bus operator to check to see if there were seats. After about half an hour of walking I gave up and decided to save Hampi for another day.

GoanCanuck

It's good you walked away because the bus ride to Hampi is awful. The train journey is far better although the train runs only three times a week. Lots of Europeans staying in Vagator, Baga, Candolim and other beaches usually pool in and hire a Qualis or Sumo(Indian SUV) tourist taxi to ferry them to Hampi and back. This option is the best under the given circumstances.

bijapuri

Hampi will never come close to the TaJ for tourist lure, rest assured.

1. everyone on earth has heard of the TaJ, statistically, no one has heard of Hampi.
2.The TaJ can be seen in a few hours. Heck, it can be seen in one second, technically, if you just want to see it from the door. Hampi takes a long time.
3. the TaJ is wheelchair accessable, sort of.
4. you need know absoluely nuthin about nuthin to "get it" at the TaJ. You need to know a bit about Hindu art to get Hampi.
5.TaJ is a few hours from Delhi, major air hub and multimillion perpled city. Hampi is next to . . .
6. The TaJ is easily controlled by a few entry points. Hampi can't be contained, and therefore can't be maximized for commerce.

And the number one (or 7th) reason: Those dang hippies!!!!!

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machadinha

A train to Hospet then a bus on to Hampi used to be pretty straightforward if I remember correctly. Don't know about Goa-Hospet connections however.

According to the article that's exactly what they want to crack down on...

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Dr Funkenstein

Yeah, that bus journey's not much fun.

There's an entry in my journal called '14 hours in a luggage rack' that describes it.

I hope they don't ruin Hampi. Who needs mood lighting when you can watch the sun set from the roof of Matanga Hill temple?

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