INCREDIBLE HAMPI

"The fascinating ruins of Vijayanagar, near the village of Hampi, are set in a strange sublime boulder-strewn landscape that resonates with a magical air. This was once capital of one of the largest Hindu empires in Indian History" (Lonely Planet)

I have never seen a landscape like this in my life. I watched the sunset yesterday on a hill surrounded by the most beautiful ruins and giant goliathic rocks around me.

In the day me, Peculiar Petulia and Margate went on an adventure 24k bikeride to Hospet(nearest town for ATM) and back (as suggested by PP-Well done-fab idea!), and I just cannot describe the lanscape -words don't do it (pics will help!). Green green green! Paddy fields, palm trees, beautiful locals with white teeth gleaming in the most welcoming ear to ear smiles!

Yesterday we had a great trip to the lake(as recommended by Tim-well done!) in a truck which you would normally expect to see sheep goats or chickens, so of course what did we do-we all imitated Goats sheep and chickens on the way to the lake and had some curious onlookers. I can't think why. On the return journey 2 local boys jumped and hung on the back-(see the pic of one of them)When we got there we all sucked in huge amounts of air in wonder. It was beauitful, incredible and huge. And you could swim in it!!!

I have been blessed by an elephant in the main temple in Hampi. You give him 2 rupees (in his trunk-no joke) and then he swings his trunk over the top of your head! I then went to the various shrines in the temple and was blessed again with saffron in the 'third eye' region.

Today (our last day) we went to visit some of the incredible temples which included the Vittala Temple upon which there are numerous pillars which are also instruments and play notes!! AMAZING.

We are getting a bus later this evening to Gokarna and we are going to visit a couple of the beaches on the way down to Kerela...