Gagan Mahal And Matanga Hill - Hampi Karnataka | Trippyigloo

 

The view from the top is interesting, especially from the eastern side where you can get an aerial view of the Achyuta Raya’s Temple complex; at south, the cart trail and Turthu Canal winding through the banana plantations; at north the chain of hills and the river that flows along its ridges; at west the Hampi settlement with the tower of Virupaksha Temple dominating.

The whole Matanga Hill tour is free of entrance fees or camera charges. Carrying a small pocket torch is a sensible thing as this is not a well-lit area. However don't loiter around at the top till the last visitor has left the scene. The ascent can take about thirty minutes. The rooftop of the Veerabhadra Temple at the summit is the ideal place for the sunrise and sunset of Hampi. Avoid climbing the hill during the hot part of the day. Relatively a larger crowd trickled in to bid goodbye to the sun than to witness the sunrise. The west most edge of the temple rooftop is the prime real estate in the sunset affair. First come first served is the rule and squat on the western edge if possible. Only the motivated ones make it to the top for the sunrise, as it requires you to wake up at least by five in the morning and start trekking up. In either case see to that you are among a group as a matter of prudence.

 

Matanga Hill is an important location in indu mythology, Ramayana. The place was a heritage of Sage Mathanga. It is said the Monkey prince Valli killed a demon called Dundhuvi which was a buffalo and threw the corpse on to the sacred Matanga Hill, angry by this act of rage, Matanga threw a curse on Vali that he could never take a step on the soil of this hill. Few years later, Mayavi, the son of Dundhuvi, challenged Vali, who was responsible for his father's death. Their battle grew intense leading Vali to chase Mayavi into a cave. Vali's brother Sugreeva took charge of the cave's entrance. After sometime, thinking that Vali is killed, Sugreeva closed down the gates. Furious by this act, Vali later emerged from the cave and trying to kill Sugreeva for this betrayal. On arrival of Lord Rama, Vali was killed and Sugreeva was crowned as the king of monkeys.

 

Anegundi is located on the northern bank of River Tungabhadra. It is situated at a distance of 3 km from Hampi and can only be reached by private vehicles or by crossing the river.

There is no public transport that operates between Hampi and Anegundi. Visitors can hire a two-wheeler or auto rickshaw to reach Anegundi from Hampi. Another way is to cross the River Tungabhadra and reach Anegundi.

By Air: Anegundi is a place that has no airport of its own. Visitors who want to reach there by flight have to fly to Ballari (Bellary). Anegundi is situated at a distance of about 35 km from Bellary. It can be reached by buses or other means of local transport.

By Rail: Anegundi does not have a railway station. The nearest railway station is located at the town of Hospet. One can take a bus or taxi to reach Anegundi from Hospet.

By Road: Anegundi is connected through the road network. There are regular buses that operate between Anegundi and Hospet. Hospet is located at a distance of 40 km from Anegundi. There are taxis available for hire from Hospet to Anegundi.