About this walk
The wealthy, prosperous medieval empire of Vijayanagara built towering temples and sprawling bazaars through the 1300s - 1500s. On this walk, explore the architectural brilliance of Vijayanagara, reflecting its wealth, prestige and extraordinarily talented artisans. You can also enjoy the beautiful Tungabhadra river with a coracle ride.
Walk coverage
Meet at the Yeduru Basavanna (monolithic Nandi statue)
Enjoy a short hike to the gorgeous ruins of the Achyutaraya temple. Exit the temple through the ruins of a medieval bazaar (Courtesans’ Street) and reach the banks of the Tungabhadra river.
Visit the riverside Kodanda Rama temple, where Rama crowned Sugriva the king of the Kishkinda. You can also visit the Yantrodharaka Hanuman temple, which shows lord Hanuman uniquely in a six-sided star (yantra)
Board your coracle boat and enjoy a lovely ride in the Tungabhadra river.
(Optional) You can alight from your coracle and explore a small rocky outcrop that houses the “Koti Lingams” - hundreds of miniature Shiva Lingams carved into the rock. There are also numerous small shrines dating from the Vijayanagara period. To explore this optional area, you will need to duck under some boulders and clamber over rocks! You will enjoy the sight and the sound of the Tungabhadra river from these serene rocks.
Ride the coracle to the Purandara dasa mandapam, where the prolific poet Purandara dasa is said to have composed Carnatic songs that are still sung today
Enter the Vitthala temple and explore this grand abandoned temple that shows the glory of Vijaynagara. In terms of size and beauty, it is considered the epitome of Vijayanagara temple architecture.
Start Point: Yeduru Basavanna Nandi Statue
End Point: Vitthala Temple
Timing and Duration
Approximately 3 hours, starting at 8 am or at 2 pm. However, we do have room to modify the start time per your convenience.
Costs
INR 1250 per person for 7-10 persons
INR 1500 per person for 5-6 persons
INR 2000 per person for 3-4 persons
INR 2600 per person for 2 persons
INR 5000 for a solo traveller
Prior reservation is mandatory. Payment online prior to the tour. Email deepa@magictoursofindia.com or WhatsApp wa.me/+919867707414
Inclusions
Knowledgeable guide, personalised walk, coracle ride and all taxes.
Exclusions
Entrances, camera fees, tips, transport, water/refreshments.
Tour Notes
To climb to the Achyutaraya Temple, you will walk up approximately 100 uneven rock cut steps, and a short sandy path. There is a further 700-800 m through the bazaar ruins (Courtesans Street) to reach the river bank. If you would like to skip Achyutaraya and the bazaar, ask our guide to take you directly from the monolithic Nandi to the Kodanda Rama Temple on relatively flatter ground.
Kodanda Rama and Yantrodharaka Hanuman are active temples. Please dress modestly if you plan to enter them. Shoes have to be taken off in temples.
Wear comfortable shoes and use sun protection. We will provide life jackets for the coracle ride.