Hanuman Temple. Durga Temple: Anegundi

Situated on the other side of the Tungabadhra River, Anegundi heritage village offers nothing in particularly to see however it does make a great bike ride around the ancient town which can be seen in flat 10 minutes! Interestingly around the town there are few sites that might tempt you to explore.

HANUMAN TEMPLE:

As mentioned earlier, Hampi has a close association with the incident of Ramayana. One of the important evidences that pinpoints this fact is the Monkey Temple, which is located at a serene spot on Anjanadri Hill in Anegundi on the other side of Virupaksha Temple crossing the Tungabadhra river.

This Hanuman Temple is located 4 km from Hampi and is believed to be the birth place of Lord Hanuman. This Monkey Temple is basically a small concrete structure consisting of a granite carved statue of Lord Hanuman along with a small shrine of Lord Rama and his wife Devi Sita. As you reach the main site after climbing 500 odd steps you will come into a courtyard with a breathtaking view of the surroundings. On you left there are few rocks. Climb them for more better view. Supposedly one of the best places to see the sunset, we could not stay that long due to our journey back to our hotel.

Carry enough water, tit-bits to much and yes a hat to cover your head!

Some of the other places to visit near the Monkey Temple include Pampa Sarovara Laxmi Temple, Bukkaâ Aquaduct, Anegondi Fort and Rishyamukha Sarovara.

DURGA TEMPLE

Located on a small hillock, and almost out of sight from the road, the temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. However, since this temple is situated at the base of a fort, it is also believed to derive its name from the local word for fort, which is ‘Durg’. At one time, it seems to have been a deity installed by the kings for the protection of the fort.

The temple is a small one, and from what we heard, was largely ignored by the local populace after the decline of the Vijayanagar Empire.

Look out for the huge banyan tree in the main courtyard of the temple, a stunning sight for photographers, with colourful clothes hanging from the tress tied by people for blessings. This is one of the top Hampi temples located on Hippie side.