The Hindu : Karnataka News : Plan to make tourists' Hampi visit memorable

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 08, 2005

Karnataka

Karnataka

Plan to make tourists' Hampi visit memorable

By M. Ahiraj

A file photo of fourists admiring the Ugra Narasimha idol at Hampi.

HAMPI, APRIL 7. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) are likely to sign a memorandum of understanding on plying buses within the World Heritage Site of Hampi. The proposal is aimed at providing transportation to tourists to go from one historical monument to another. The idea, if implemented, will prevent the movement of private vehicles within the heritage site to a great extent.

All popular monuments at Hampi are spread over an area of about 30 sq. km.

Tourists have been finding it difficult to cover the distance on foot.

A preliminary meeting was held between S.V.P. Halkatti, Superintending Archaeologist of ASI (Karnataka Circle), and officials of the KSRTC, led by Bhaskar Rao, Director (Security and Vigilance), at Hospet on Wednesday. The plan is to ply buses between Virupaksha Temple and the Vijaya Vithala temple complex,via `Kadlekal' and `Sasivekal' Ganesh idols, Ugra Narasimha, Queen's bath, Mahanavami Dibba, Lotus Mahal, the elephant stables, and Hazara Rama Temple. The tourists can board these buses, which will make circuit trips, and alight at the places of their choice before moving on to another monument.

The proposal is in addition to the Hospet-Hampi-Hospet package tour organised by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation. Official sources told The Hindu that Mr. Bhaskar Rao and his team of officials were taken round the site and the monuments where the bus connection will be provided.

The team also viewed the illuminated Vijaya Vithala Temple, which houses the musical pillars and the stone chariot.

To start with, Mr. Halkatti urged the KSRTC officials to run minibuses to Vijaya Vithala Temple, sources said.

Mr. Bhaskar Rao instructed his team of officials to work out the cost of the proposal and the fares from one point to another and also for one round trip.

Basic amenities, such as drinking water, soft drinks and snacks, could be made available to thetourists at some of the points on the proposed route.

A qualified guide could also be arranged.

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