In Anegundi stands the regal palace, Gagan Mahal, which belonged to the rulers of the Vijayanagara empire. Also known as the Old Palace, the charming building is believed to have been constructed in the 16th century. Designed in an Indo-Islamic architectural style, the yellow-ochre palace is a sight to behold. With four towers, decorated balconies and protruding arched windows, the palace, locals say, was constructed as a residence for queens and other royal family members. It also had a pool and a smart water drainage system, which was used to keep it cool during summer. Though most parts of the palace are in ruins today, some have managed to survive and offer glimpses of the magnificence of the buildings in its heyday. The ancient palace is now just a shadow of its original self. However, it still retains an old world charm and attracts visitors on the Hampi trail. Once the abode of kings and queens, the Gagan Mahal now serves as the local administrations’ building.
Mantaga Hill is one of the major places to visit in Hampi. It is probably the highest point in Hampi, hilltop which is the best spot to get an aerial view of Hampi and its environs. If one walks around the foothill in a clockwise direction, it leads to the bus stand. At the northern side is the Hampi Bazaar. The north of the hill at the Kodanda Rama Temple, on the banks of Tungabhadra river is located. The eastern side of the hill is the border for Achyuta Raya Temple. The south of the hill is the Turthu Canal , the peak is located at the southern part of the Matanga Hill. The northern part of the hill is perfect for trekking enthusiasts which also helps in connecting the Hampi Bazaar to the Achyuta Raya Temple on the other side of the hill. Matanga Hills is a great place for photography enthusiasts. On any given time of the day, you can find people with high end cameras in their hands clicking the aerial view. The sunset and sunrise are the perfect time to capture this scenic beauty.
The view from the top is interesting, especially from the eastern side where you can get an aerial view of the Achyuta Raya’s Temple complex; at south, the cart trail and Turthu Canal winding through the banana plantations; at north the chain of hills and the river that flows along its ridges; at west the Hampi settlement with the tower of Virupaksha Temple dominating.
The whole Matanga Hill tour is free of entrance fees or camera charges. Carrying a small pocket torch is a sensible thing as this is not a well-lit area. However don't loiter around at the top till the last visitor has left the scene. The ascent can take about thirty minutes. The rooftop of the Veerabhadra Temple at the summit is the ideal place for the sunrise and sunset of Hampi. Avoid climbing the hill during the hot part of the day. Relatively a larger crowd trickled in to bid goodbye to the sun than to witness the sunrise. The west most edge of the temple rooftop is the prime real estate in the sunset affair. First come first served is the rule and squat on the western edge if possible. Only the motivated ones make it to the top for the sunrise, as it requires you to wake up at least by five in the morning and start trekking up. In either case see to that you are among a group as a matter of prudence.
Matanga Hill is an important location in indu mythology, Ramayana. The place was a heritage of Sage Mathanga. It is said the Monkey prince Valli killed a demon called Dundhuvi which was a buffalo and threw the corpse on to the sacred Matanga Hill, angry by this act of rage, Matanga threw a curse on Vali that he could never take a step on the soil of this hill. Few years later, Mayavi, the son of Dundhuvi, challenged Vali, who was responsible for his father's death. Their battle grew intense leading Vali to chase Mayavi into a cave. Vali's brother Sugreeva took charge of the cave's entrance. After sometime, thinking that Vali is killed, Sugreeva closed down the gates. Furious by this act, Vali later emerged from the cave and trying to kill Sugreeva for this betrayal. On arrival of Lord Rama, Vali was killed and Sugreeva was crowned as the king of monkeys.
Anegundi is located on the northern bank of River Tungabhadra. It is situated at a distance of 3 km from Hampi and can only be reached by private vehicles or by crossing the river.
There is no public transport that operates between Hampi and Anegundi. Visitors can hire a two-wheeler or auto rickshaw to reach Anegundi from Hampi. Another way is to cross the River Tungabhadra and reach Anegundi.
By Air: Anegundi is a place that has no airport of its own. Visitors who want to reach there by flight have to fly to Ballari (Bellary). Anegundi is situated at a distance of about 35 km from Bellary. It can be reached by buses or other means of local transport.
By Rail: Anegundi does not have a railway station. The nearest railway station is located at the town of Hospet. One can take a bus or taxi to reach Anegundi from Hospet.
By Road: Anegundi is connected through the road network. There are regular buses that operate between Anegundi and Hospet. Hospet is located at a distance of 40 km from Anegundi. There are taxis available for hire from Hospet to Anegundi.
