|
|
The gateway to the village square
|
Anegondi was the capital of the region, before it was shifted to Hampi. In fact this was the core of a tiny kingdom that eventually expanded into the Vijayanagar Empire covering the whole of south India. Currently Anegondi is sleepy village with a principally farming community inhibiting it. This is located at the opposite bank of the river where the Hampi village is located. The easiest way to reach Anegondi from Hampi is by crossing the river by the coracles.
There are many attractions here though not as mind-blowing place like Hampi. Anegondi has a big fort encircling it. Many parts of it is in ruins, nevertheless the remains are interesting, for example, the fort gates.
The ambient of Anegondi is refreshing for the ones who like a peaceful place to soak themselves in a rural ambient and tour at their own pace. Other attractions include Anjeneyadri (the hill top Hanuman temple), Pampa Sarovar (a tiny shrine and a sacred tank), Gagan Mahal (a small old palace), Rishimukh Hill (a fantastic place for who are into spirituality like chanting vedas etc), a ruined ancient stone bridge crossing the river, Chandramouliswara Temple near the ruined bridge, The Ranganatha Temple, further up caves with prehistoric cave paintings and a number of other small and big temples.
Nava Brindavan , the sacred place of Sri Raghavedhra sect is located in Anegondi.
|
|
The best thing I felt about the Anegondi is the. Anjaneyadri hill experience. This is fantastic place in offering the panoramic view of the Vijayanagar capital area.
|
The second thing is about the lazy walk in the paddy fields. A fantastic place to spend an evening (be a bit alert that you are a bit far from your base in Hampi. Staying back too late may make it difficult for you to navigate through the dark places, especially if you are on a stroll).
The connectivity within Anegondi is a bit tricky. There are some occasional local bus services connecting various places. The best way is to bring your bicycle/moped along when you cross the ferry to Anegondi. There are no fuel stations in Anegondi as of now. So fill tank to the brim when you start from Hampi. If you are hard pressed, go to the tiny mechanics shop just close to the Gagan Mahal at the Anegondi Square. He can offer a bottle or two of petrol, of course at a slightly high price.
Hoova Café (flower café!) next to the Gagan Mahal serves homely Indian food.
