Nostalgia

On February 28 2006 · 1 Comment · In Diary, Photography, Travel

The Virupaksha Temple from a distance, Hampi

One year ago I was here, in Hampi, Karnataka State, India. It’s inland from Goa, well and truly on the tourist trail, but nevertheless stunning, enchanting, and relaxed. Huge rocks are scattered around the landscape (after supposedly having been flung down by the gods in a show of strength), wrinkled old Sadhus crouch in the hills, cows lounge about the place, and stunning temples are to be seen wherever you look. India was a truly unforgettable place that I will never forget. I’d love to go back one day, but the question is – is anything ever as good the second time around?


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  • Bee

    Beautiful picture Nathan! I like the point of view, free of new construction. This is how I remember Hampi. I was there in 1987. Spent about a week sauntering around the ruins, groves and hillsides beyond. There were no gates, no entrance fees, no rock climbers, no tour buses, no bridges, no airports, no highways, no vendor stalls, no lights, no loudspeakers, no vista restaurants and only mere rumors of hermit Sadhus in the hills. Local children wandered about proudly showing you how to “play” the musical pillars in Vitthalla, asking no fee for their wisdom. Lazy conversations were had in informal cafes, meals served on banana leaves, no forks, no plates. Women washed clothing, and buffalo wallowed in the Tungabhadra near the site where the grand staircase is now. The stepped tank lay hidden underground, long ago buried and no one the wiser. There were blistering hot days when not a soul stirred; even the dogs knew better. There were glorious sunsets and quiet, muggy nights under the stars… just you, the moon, a paraffin candle, a few new friends and those unimaginable boulders tossed down by the Gods.

    If you want to go back Nathan… go back soon.

    -BD