Just across the Tungabhadra River is the fortress town Anegundi, pre-dating Vijayanagara and the city’s 14th-century headquarters. More ancient than Hampi, Anegundi lies in the mythical kingdom of Kishkinda, ruled by monkey king Sugriva (from the Epic Ramayana). The Anjaneya Hill is, believed to be the birthplace of the monkey god Hanuman, can be easily spotted from Anegundi, thanks to the temple at the hilltop and a white trail of steps zigzagging all the way to the top. Anegundi and its tranquil surroundings are dotted with forgotten temples and fortifications. The dilapidated Huchappayana Matha Temple, near the river, is worth a visit for its black stone lathe-turned pillars and fine panels of dancers. The other places of tourist interest are the sacred Pampa Sarovara, Chintamani Temple and the Ranganatha Temple.
Attractions in Anegundi
- Anjanadri Hill: Climb 570 steps to visit Anjaneya Temple, said to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman.
- Anegundi Fort: Ancient fort housing a Durga temple and a Ganesha temple. Vijayanagara Kings would offer prayers here before setting out for any war.
- Gagan Mahal: 16th-century Indo-Islamic style building constructed for women from royal family to witness festivities in Hampi
- Onake Kindi Cave Paintings
- Kishkinda Water Park: A commercial theme park and recreational facility
- Sanapur Lake: Large lake behind Kishkinda Water Park
- Tazia Procession: Held by the Muslim community in Anegundi during Muharram
- Hachchappa Mantapa: Reconstructed, two-storied pavilion with sculptured pillars.
- Pampa Sarovar: Holy pond full of lily flowers, houses Lakshmi Temple and Shiva Temple
- Bird watching and fishing in Tungabhadra river
- Hampi: Hop on a boat and explore ruins and temples of Hampi on the other side of the river
- Several Temples: Sunset Temple, Shiva Temple, Anjaneya Temple etc
How to reach Anegundi:
Option 1: Visiting Anegundi along with Hampi: It is best reached through a boat ride across the river near Vijaya Vittala temple from Hampi. Road access is possible but will be 20 kms by road from Hampi. Hampi is 350 kms from Bengaluru and can be reached via road, rail or air. Hosapete is the nearest railway station (15 kms from Hampi)
Option 2: Anegundi is 357 kms from Bengaluru and can also be reached directly by road via Koppala city. Trains are available till Koppala city (45 kms from Anegundi).
For both options, Vidyanagar airport is the closest airport (40 kms from Hampi) and has daily flights from Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Several buses are available from Bengaluru to reach Hampi/Koppal.
Stay: Several hotels and resorts are available in Hampi, Hosapete, Koppala and Anegundi area.