Out Of The Blue

Chapter 17

Gauravi's POV

The journey commenced with a pickup from the hotel in Bangalore, the beautiful landscape unfolded outside the window, on road leading to Chitradurga.

The arrival at Chitradurga Fort was met with awe as the imposing structure stood against the backdrop of rocky hills. The fort, a historical giant with many doors and carvings, welcomed me into its embrace.

I traversed the fort's passages, imagining the lives that once thrived within these walls.

The absence of a guide allowed my imagination to run wild, constructing narratives that echoed through time.

The road to Hampi beckoned, promising a continuation of the historical saga. The overnight stay at the hotel became a tranquil interlude, a moment to unwind and prepare for the days that would unfold like chapters in a captivating novel.

The journey had just begun, and I was excited for the next day.

As the golden rays of dawn painted the landscape, I embarked on the second day of my journey through Karnataka—a voyage into the heart of history, Hampi.

Breakfast at the hotel was a prelude to the day's adventure, a nourishing beginning that hinted at the discoveries awaiting me.

The wheels turned, carrying me to the Group of Monuments at Hampi, nestled along the southern bank of the River Tungabhadra.

The very thought of exploring the ruins of the medieval city of Vijayanagar filled me with anticipation, as I yearned to decipher the tales embedded in every weathered stone.

Amidst a surreal and boulder-strewn landscape, Vijayanagara, the City of Victory, stood as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—a testament to glories, triumphs, and tragedies of a bygone era.

The remnants of this once-majestic city, despite facing the ravages of time and the marauding Moghul invaders in the 16th century, retained an awe-inspiring presence that left me spellbound.

The day's itinerary unfolded like chapters in a captivating novel, each site promising a glimpse into the rich tapestry of history. The Hazara Rama Temple, with its intricate carvings, whispered the tales of devotion that echoed through the centuries. As I stood before the King's Balance, imagining the weight of history measured in regal moments, a sense of reverence washed over me.

The Mahanavami Dibba, an elevated platform where ancient rulers once witnessed grand celebrations, stood as a silent spectator to the passage of time. The Royal Enclosures, once the seat of power, echoed with the whispers of courtly intrigues and royal machinations. I felt as if the stones themselves retained the memories of an era long past.

Then we went to see the Statue of Ugra Narasimha Temple, a colossal representation of the fierce deity, instilled both awe and serenity. I felt a connection to a spiritual heritage that transcended the boundaries of time. It was an awesome experience. I came to know that the statue was very famous all over the world as many foreigners were also there. I wanted to buy the souvenir from the places to keep them at our home and to gift them to the loved ones.

Virupaksha Temple, a living testament to centuries of worship, exuded a timeless charm. The echoes of prayers and rituals seemed to resonate within its sacred walls, inviting me to be a part of a spiritual continuum that stretched across the ages. The Lotus Mahal, with its delicate architecture, unfolded as a poetic interlude—a moment of delicate beauty amid the rugged grandeur.