Hampi II

Hampi has turned out to be one of my favourite travel destination. This trip combined the pleasure of a relaxed vacation, numerous photo ops and great weather. This is my second visit to Hampi, and a short one. I did not shoot much, but the number of keepers from the 2 gigs I shot were high. Personally, that is both satisfying and a good sign – shoot less, but keep more. I used my Canon 70-200mm f/4L extensively, and also tested my new Crumpler 6 Million Dollar Home. The bag performed great, and I am more than happy with my purchase.

One thing that was a new for me on this trip was the theppa (coracle) ride. But for the fact that the sun was directly above us, the ride was magical. Our boatman, a young boy of probably 18, was full of stories. I took his mobile number because I have to do that boat ride again – I saw so many photo ops on  the way that I must go there once more when the light is better!

After the thepa, we climbed up 500 steps to the Monkey Temple. This is where Lord Hanuman is said to have been born. We got there just in time to catch a very pretty sunset. The climb was tiring, and I was happier than the monkeys when we got down and had those bananas. No shooting star trails this time, but did manage to shoot the picture perfect sunrise the next morning. Oh, the magic of Hampi! See it for yourself