Do you ever wish to travel beyond and cross the Tungabhadra river when you visit Hampi? Well if you do, you might just be able to explore a place that is even older than Hampi. Anegundi village, on the northern bank of the Tungabhadra River, is part of one of the oldest plateaus on earth. You have to travel past rocky terrains with banana plantations on both sides and paddy fields, to reach Anegundi. Once you reach the village you realize it’s a backpackers’ haven- strewn with gems from history and lost natural habitats. Read on to know more about the unexplored beauty of Anegundi village in Karnataka.
Anegundi Village In Karnataka Is As Old As Our Planet Itself?
Geologists are of the view that the Anegundi Village and the area around it are as old as our planet Earth. Local legends reveal the village to be existing for more than 4 billion years now. The region is also said to have been the monkey kingdom of Kishkinda from the Ramayana. In fact, the naturally abundant Anjanadri Hill is known to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. Another legend says that once the rulers of Vijayanagar used Anegundi as a base for the elephants. So the village derives its name from ‘Aanai’ which means elephant in their local language. As soon as you approach Anegundi, the land overflows with green. The lush green paddy fields and dense coconut trees are nature’s magic at its best in Karnataka.
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Anegundi Village In Karnataka, A Role Model In Sustainable Rural Tourism?
This semi-rural village in Karnataka is also a role model in heritage and sustainable rural tourism. The strong, agrarian, and inherent crafts culture of Anegundi makes them convert old, unused houses into business incubators, without ruining their original beauty. Through this, the lives of the local populace enjoy self-employment opportunities. They also excel in riverside landscaping, restoration of ghats, beautification of streets, fencing, and much more. From organic farming to performing arts education, the village has various other ventures as well. Owing to all of this, In 2021, the Karnataka state government announced plans to set up Karnataka’s first Craft Tourism Village in Anegundi.
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Explore Neolithic Paintings And Architectural Monuments
The statue of Sri Krishnadevaraya welcomes you at the main gate of Anegundi village. This mute witness to time is one of the most famous rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire who lived in the 16th century. One of the major historical attractions of the village in Karnataka is the Navabrindavanam. It is the oldest samadhi and dates back to 1324. It is also a famous pilgrimage place for the Hindus. Apart from this, history lovers will find The Gagan Mahal very interesting.
It’s a simple structure right in the middle of the village but if you are looking closer- the finer points of its architectural design will stun you. The rock formations too are very popular tourist attractions here. So if want to explore the royal lineage of the Vijayanagara empire or untouched nature, do not skip Anegundi village in Karnataka!
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