Had planned a trip with all kinds of places to see the different elements that make the country.
Started with day trip to Nandi Hill and Bhoga Nandishwara Temple, to get some rest as they arrived only round 01:00 AM. Like this as it is an easy trip not to far and quite relaxed but also giving a good impression of the temples. In the evening we needed to go to wedding reception as the niece of the lady cleaning my apartment was getting married. First time in all the weddings that we got extra instructions 😁. At the end of our dinner some of the girls sitting opposite to use came over and as they had made enough eye contact with Lars they came to explain how to eat rice with your fingers. Turned out he didn't mix it enough with the curry, so first time I saw someone else busy with his food. Unfortunately no pictures from this.
Next day we started for Hampi this time with a driver to make sure it would be a holiday for me also. Relaxed drive with no surprises or anything special on the way. With lunch could see the value of having Prasad as driver as he found the perfect place to have lunch, as he would do more times during the trip.
Unfortunately Lars was too tired the next day to join us for the architecture tour around Hampi. A good tour with lot of new things also for me from our guide.
Gon learned how to take out the gras in the Indian way.
For the evening we had taken the sunset and local dinner option. This was done by an auto driver who took us first to a high temple with good view over the area. Unfortunately also here no real sunset as the clouds at the horizon made that impossible. Next to that turned out I was setting up my tripod while it was not allowed, so also no real good photos. Still nice panorama.
Next day short trip to Hubli as it was too far to get in time for our stay at Off the Grid. So relaxed drive and easy stay at hotel in Hubli.
As said next stop for two nights at Off the Grid which is a place in the forrest where you go for nature experience. No phone or internet connection, limited power and hot water by the bucket. But nice walks, beautiful environment and good local food again. Had been here before and like the place very much. Guys can take you for nice hikes with real views and leeches. Didn't have any here, only later experienced how it feels.
I know I have said a lot about views but also here you get silent if you see the morning mist in the valley, difficult to stop and find the perfect picture as every moment it changes and seems unique.
Still took quite some with the phone
Next morning visited the bird sanctuary and got in the front of the boat the right view on the birds. Stays difficult to catch them during the flight, but happy with the results.
Overall real holiday with quite a difference in experiences. For me it showed a lot of the beauty, hospitality and differences that I like in India.
For the photos see the Holiday trip photo page