Temples and boulders

We have found a little slice of heaven in Hampi. Hampi is scattered with ruins from the Hindu civilizations that created the commercial trading center of southern India in the 14th and 15th centuries. Magestic temples and bazaars are hidden amongst the gravity-defying, boulder-strewn landscape. Hampi itself is a small town that exists on the current tourism brought by the ruins. The main stretch is abuzz with guides, shops and restaurants all vying for your business. We are staying along a small strip of guesthouses on the opposite side of the river, accessible only by a small old boat. The town is crawling with travelers, many of whom find it hard to leave this beautiful site, so we have found a nice community here. By day we set out to explore the amazing temples and scenery by bicycle or foot, and then the evening is spent sharing dinner with some new friends. The area is scattered with rice paddies, banana plantations, palm trees, and huge granite boulders. It is a quiet, sleepy town compared to the busy cities we have experienced thus far. So, now it has been nearly a week that we have spent here in Hampi, relishing every moment of the tranquil setting.