| Virupapur Gaddi Excursion 28 January 2008 |
On 28 January we took a short walk upstream along the Tungabhadra River, passing a few
small temples and a ghat where women were washing clothes in the river. In a few minutes we
reached the landing for the coracle which ferries passengers, motorbikes and bicycles across
the river to Virupapur Gaddi.
small temples and a ghat where women were washing clothes in the river. In a few minutes we
reached the landing for the coracle which ferries passengers, motorbikes and bicycles across
the river to Virupapur Gaddi.
The Tungabhadra River a short way upstream from Hampi Bazaar. From here
we crossed the river by coracle to the small settlement of Virupapur Gaddi.
we crossed the river by coracle to the small settlement of Virupapur Gaddi.
The coracle is made from split bamboo and
woven thatch, then a layer of old sugar sacks is
sewn on onto the outside and coated with tar.
woven thatch, then a layer of old sugar sacks is
sewn on onto the outside and coated with tar.
We walked through Virupapur Gaddi, which consists mainly of a few low-cost guesthouses
and restaurants, and little else. It is said to be favored by some travelers because of the
easy availability of drugs and the laid-back atmosphere.
and restaurants, and little else. It is said to be favored by some travelers because of the
easy availability of drugs and the laid-back atmosphere.
The Virupapur Gaddi police outpost.
Internet cafe, phone service, and
travel agency in Virupapur Gaddi.
travel agency in Virupapur Gaddi.
After continuing our walk for about half an hour we came to some rice paddies and
discovered the remains of ancient aqueduct, then arrived at a paved road which we were told
goes to Hospet.
discovered the remains of ancient aqueduct, then arrived at a paved road which we were told
goes to Hospet.
Doing laundry and bathing in the Tungabhadra River.
Passengers on the coracle to Virupapur Gaddi.
Rice paddy near Virupapur Gaddi.
Ancient aqueduct near Virupapur Gaddi.
After getting to the paved road we returned the way we had come, with a stop for lunch at
restaurants in Virupapur Gaddi with beautiful views of the river.
restaurants in Virupapur Gaddi with beautiful views of the river.
Virupapur Gaddi seems like a pleasant quiet inexpensive place to escape from anything you
want to escape. However its location is not convenient for experiencing Hampi Bazaar
and/or exploring the archaeological wonders of the area.
want to escape. However its location is not convenient for experiencing Hampi Bazaar
and/or exploring the archaeological wonders of the area.