Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is locally known as Karadi, and is home to its namesake, the sloth bear. The only residential place in India for this magnificent animal in the wild, it can be an interesting addition to the itinerary of any wildlife-enthusiast. Its outcrop of rocks, tumbled boulders and caves make this place a secure shelter for the bear population to flourish. Being omnivorous, bears feed on fruits, tubers, honey, insects and termites present in the forest. The sanctuary is situated about 15 km from Hampi and is the only one in North Karnataka. Established in 1994, in the eastern plains of the state, the sanctuary proved to be a dependable habitat for the unique sloth bear in a few years. About 120 bears are estimated to live here and one can also sight leopards, hyena, jackals, wild boars, porcupine, pangolins, star tortoise, monitor lizard, mongoose, pea fowls, partridges, painted spur hen, quails. About 90 species of birds and 27 species of butterflies have also been identified in this sanctuary.

Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Lotus Mahal

Lotus Mahal is one of the most famous architectural landmarks in Hampi. Its lotus-like structure immediately endears it to visitors and is a must-visit place. This building lies within the Zenana Enclosure, which was a segregated area used by royal women of the Vijayanagara dynasty. Also known as Kamal Mahal or Chitragani Mahal, the exquisite structure of the building boasts a central dome that is carved like a lotus bud. The passages and the balcony are also covered with a dome resembling an open lotus bud. The curves of the palace reflect an Islamic style of architecture while the multi-layered roof design is reminiscent of Indo-style of buildings. The palace is a two-storeyed structure and has been symmetrically designed. Surrounded by a rectangular wall, it has four towers in a pyramidal shape that look like a lotus as well. The walls and pillars both have beautiful carvings of birds and sea creatures on them.

Lotus Mahal

Matanga Hill

Located at the centre of Hampi, the Matanga Hill is the highest point in the area and offers breathtaking views of the ruins. The north part of the hill slopes down to the Tungabhadra river, just where the Kodanda Rama Temple is located. On its eastern edge stands the Achyutaraya Temple, constructed in 1534. One of the last of the large temples built here, it has a sculpture of Lord Krishna dancing with a snake. The large central hall of the temple has many such beautiful sculptures. On top of the hill is the Veerabhadra Temple, with many winding paths leading up to it. It generally takes about 30 mins to reach the top and the views of sunrise and sunset from here are breathtaking. While a stepped path leads to the top, adventure-seekers can take the tougher and steeper trekker's trail as well. Locals say that the steps to the top were constructed during the Vijayanagara era and it seems like an irony that they survived the vagaries of time, nature and man, while the empire's other icons, are in ruins today. Matanga Hill is also popular for its links with Hindu mythology. According to the epic Ramayana, this is where monkey king Sugriva had hidden with Lord Hanuman, to save himself from the wrath of his brother Bali.

Matanga Hill