This huge monolithic statue of Lord Ganesh stands at the foothills of Hemakuta. The name Sasivekalu Ganesha literally means 'Mustard seed Ganesha'. This name was probably given since the fingers on the feet of Ganesh's statue looks like spherical grains and someone referred to them as Sasive kalu. Most people do not go and see the back of this Ganesh where there is a mysterious lady carved out...

After visiting Ganesh statue, we climb the Hemakuta hill (about 100 steps) from the top of which stunning landscapes of Hampi open all around us. We pass by temples, boulders, gateways, stone carvings, pre-Vijayanagara temples etc. before climbing down on the other side towards Virupaksha temple.

This is the biggest living temple in Hampi with Hemakuta hill on one side and Tungabadra river on the other side. The Raja gopura, ancient Kitchen area, kalyana mantapa, an elephant blessing the devotees, a huge temple tank outside the north gate, a pin-hole camera with inverted temple tower image, etc are some the visulas that this temple is famous for..

From Virupaksha we walk through the ancient Hampi Bazaar towards Matanga hill. From there we walk along the banks of the river Tungabhadra appreciating the landscapes apart from the religious and secular architecture on the way. It is about one hour walk up to Vittala temple. We also have the option of doing a Coracle ride in the Tungabhadra river for about 15 minutes.

This temple houses the best features of Vijayanagara architecture including the iconic Stone Chariot.

A very ornate bath built for the royal ladies during Vijayanagar regime. Looking very sedate on the outside, the inner architecture is quite mesmerizing. The meaning of what meant Royal Luxury of the 16th century kind can be better understood here.

This is part of the King's enclosure which is in total ruins. It is here that the world famous Dasara procession has its origin. The ruins in this block incude - Mahanavami dibba with a profusion of scultptures all around and a fabulous view from the top, an ancient King's court, the ruins of a palace, stone aqua ducts which brought water from the the nearby tank once upon a time, ruins of servant quarters, remains of water bodies, a secret underground meeting place, and above all, a stunning water tank which takes your breath away!

As the name suggests, there are 100s of Ramayana stories exquisitely carved on the walls of the temple. This is the only temple found in the Royal Enclosure whih was frequented by the King of the day back in 16th century when it was built.

Lotus mahal which is enclosed in the Zenana is a must-see in Hampi. This beautiful day-time palace was built by the King to let his consorts spend the day here. Imagine a hot day with cool and perfumed water being sprayed by the pipes in the ceiling! This was the cooling effect employed to keep the queens relaxed during the day.

Nowhere in the world perhaps would you see stables built for Royal Elephants in Stone! Such was the royal treatment given to the Royal Elephants during that time! The facade of these 11 stables is picture-perfect!

Lakshmi Narasimha Statue is a jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring work in Hampi. See it to believe it! Badavi Linga beside that is among the top 10 Shiva Lingas of the country.

Sunset view from the top of this hill is one of the most alluring visuals that can stay in your memory for a long time.