TLOW diary | Week 8 – Hampi

So this was the second trip of my life, but the first with TLOW. I was with three of my friends and the best part is I met one of my friends after 5 years, thanks to TLOW for this. My last trip was solo, but decided to take the next one with friends and I couldn’t have asked for more. This was the best weekend of my life.

It was so well organised and within a span of two and a half days, these guys covered up everything possible and made sure we had a good time and did not miss anything. To begin with, staying at a cool guest house with such a beautiful view of Hampi. Just imagine you wake up to the view of a lake making the mornings mesmerizing! The lake where we got to see elephants and not to forget, the adventure of crossing the lake. Different people crossing the lake in their own possible ways. They took us through ferry and also gave us the ride of coracle (the round boats).

So boating done, though the lake was a small one, it was worth it. Then begins our first day, MOPED is the word. 12 people, 6 MOPEDS and a ride to remember. These roads of Hampi, the whole lane covered by the coconut trees. If you have seen the movie Dear Zindagi, you will keep thinking of snaps for the movie. And then, a cherry on the cakes – Rains. We were lucky enough to get rains. Riding on such great roads and that too in such superb weather, one of the best moments.

tlow

Then we headed towards the Sonapur river/reservoir. The advantage of going with TLOW was that, they took us to spectacular spots. At the top of the world, you are, the cold winds touching your face, the sweet sound of water, some nice faces & new friends. There was a moment when everyone just fell silent & letting this sink in. Lying there, feeling so happy and peaceful. I doubt I would have visited this place if I went on my own. In one word – Awestruck.

And guys, you wouldn’t want to miss capturing these moments. So TLOW will take care of this too. They will capture every emotion of yours and I can guarantee that when you see these pics after months or years, you will feel like it was just yesterday. The next we embarked was the famous Monkey Temple. Crazy 12 people, all getting drenched in rains, climbed all the way top of the temple. 575 steps.

A person like me who is afraid of heights, even did this in the company of some fearless people. I really appreciate TLOW for encouraging me and making us do this. After all this adventure, back to the guest house with some more shopping on the way. After getting freshen up, we were all then seated in the dining area. To tell you more about the guest house, it is a sweet little one with its dining area being very cool. The low seating where we all gathered and got cozy and the night began.

So from TLOW, two guys Sid and Dhruv joined us and then we were all getting to know each other. I questioned them a lot about how TLOW was founded and all its history. The story of each and every traveller and must say, every story is an inspiring one. Some magical moments with people who were strangers a while back but your companions for this journey. We spent the night playing UNO and Jenga with some cool music. Music completely fitting to our moods and giving us more energy and hope for the next day.

Then began our second day, a more happening one. We all woke up early, had some Hampi tea and were all excited because this was the day of a new adventure – Cycling, WOW! Cycling almost after 8 years and I am grateful to TLOW. Cycling bought some gushing memories of my childhood and well we were all kids again. TLOW rented some cycles for all of us and we were all set to go. They even got a guide for us who was a localite. This proved to be a good decision.

As a localite, he knew each and every corner of the place and guided us perfectly. We took stops at every point we were told to and visited every spot, created some sweet memories. The day went by filled with excitement  & then we headed for lunch at a very famous place called – Mango tree. The ambience, as well as the food, was awesome.

Then after this tiring expedition, we come back to the guest house, rested for a while and then some of us went to see the sunset and had a beautiful evening. Everyone then spent time in some shopping in the local market & chilling at the guest house sharing pics with our co-travellers. The night was again all about chit chatting & playing games. Dinner at a fancy cafe in the vicinity – UMA cafe if you want Sheesha. Headed back and went straight to bed as we were all so tired.

Back of our minds, we had the thought that only a day left for this journey to end. None of us felt like going back. Hampi already touched our hearts. We were all away from our work life, the 9-5 jobs & the nuisance of the cities. So no network, no internet, detached from the world but lost in nature. All I can say is, we are going back with some memories and experiences feeling so happy and content.

Nikita, Pune

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