KatchutravelsThis post explores Anegondi, a small rural town on the banks of the Tunghabadra river in Hampi. This was from a trip in 2012, hence the series ‘Blast from the Past’ I thought it makes for showing the beautiful rural charms of India.
How did I decide to go? -I happened to read about Anegondi in an Outlook Traveller article [October 2012 edition] and immediately decided that this place would be a great weekend destination to go from Bangalore. The train (Train # 16592) starts at 10 pm on Fridays from the city railway station and reaches Hospet/Munirabad the next morning by about 8 in the morning.
Robbery Central– The train passes through Hindupur/Dharmavaram, which is apparently a spot for frequent train robberies. I experienced a robbery in front of me, and could not catch the robber. My only advice is to pull down your train window (I travel Non AC Sleeper most of the times) and don’t encourage any stranger-without a reservation to sit in your vicinity (Those 6+2 seats). If you can travel in the AC compartments, it does create one extra layer against these train thefts.
Things of Interest- If you have time, try going to the following places during your stay at Anegundi
a) Anjanadri Hill– Birthplace of Hanuman (Coming up in Part-2)
b) Gangavathi- Another village 12 km from Anegondi. A circus operates there. Should be fun seeing these art forms from the yester years, given that we don’t see them enough in cities.
c) Long walk to the river. Just a beautiful walk through the country side.
d) Coracle Ride to the Temple side– To get to the beautiful Vithala and Virupaksha Temple
e) Chai-Chillum-Chappathi Trail– If you head to Virpappur Gaddi, say hello to the hippies. If they don’t wave back, they are probably on hash/Marijuana and on their own trip!
f) Odomos Trail– Mosquitoes have the best nightlife post sunset, so don’t plan too many activities in the evening that involves you being outside. Check with your host on the situation/season for mosquito menace.
Here’s a brief glimpse into my journey to Anegondi from Munirabad railway station in photos.
On an auto through the hills. From Munirabad to Anegundi
Home is not far away! Anegundi approaching!
We slayed the hills on an auto! Cant imagine any other place where autos operate on a hill
The beautiful fields and boulders enroute Anegundi
The scenic countryside enroute Anegundi
Hanuman’s home town! There’s only one boss here!
The beautiful portico of the Uramma Heritage Home in Anegondi (Hampi-Karnataka-India)
If you are on a budget and want to stay in a similar artistic property, you could try out Peshagar House, which is part of the same group.
The comfortable beds of Uramma Heritage Homes-Anegondi-Hampi
Beautiful and spacious rooms at Uramma Heritage Cottages
To book into the spacious cottages of Uramma, head here
If you want a guide and a detailed trip to some of the points, you could use my friend Basava (Call him at 9482328777), who is a tour guide roaming around in a Himalayan Enfield.
Read the next post which talks about the morning trip to Anjanadri Hill here
