Celebrate life

Last week, three of our esteemed guests reached out to us with unique requests. One couple sought the perfect spot to celebrate their anniversary, prioritizing their health-conscious lifestyle over traditional restaurant outings. In response, we curated a luxurious holiday package featuring wellness breaks and spa treatments, culminating in a romantic dinner overlooking the serene beauty of Lake Como, Italy.Another family approached us to commemorate their son's transition from school to college, acknowledging his passion for football. Understanding their desire for an unforgettable experience, we arranged a personalized tour of football stadiums in Spain and Portugal, allowing them to immerse themselves in the sport they love.Lastly, a loving husband sought to surprise his wife on her birthday, desiring an experience beyond the ordinary. With careful consideration, we organized an exclusive island-hopping adventure aboard a private yacht, granting them the freedom to explore wherever their hearts desired.Celebrating life's special moments, both for oneself and loved ones, takes on a new level of significance when coupled with travel. These bespoke experiences not only create cherished memories but also foster deeper connections and moments of pure joy.

I admire individuals who have mastered the delicate balance between work and personal life, dedicating time both to themselves and their loved ones. Typically, I wouldn't fuss over my own birthday celebrations. It would simply be another day, with business as usual: a trip to the office, greetings from colleagues, and an evening spent at home with my family. However, the recent lockdown experiences have prompted a shift in my perspective. Suddenly, I find myself longing to celebrate every special occasion in my life and my family's with friends and loved ones. One of the most cherished ways to do so is by embarking on a holiday or gifting them one. Despite the risk of sounding clichéd, the essence of celebration, lies in creating lasting memories and treasured moments, rather than acquiring material possessions.With this sentiment in mind, I decided to mark my birthday differently this year. I treated myself and my family to a luxurious holiday in Karnataka at Evolve Back Hampi. Having previously visited Hampi and fallen deeply in love with its charm, I was eager to share the experience with my loved ones. It struck me as surprising that despite the significant number of foreign tourists flocking to Hampi, many Indian travelers have yet to discover its wonders.I meticulously planned our trip, and soon enough, Veena, Sudhir, my daughter Sara, and my mother joined me on the journey to Hampi. Opting to stay at Evolve Back's Kamalapura Palace Hotel, we indulged in the opulence of a stunning pool villa - the epitome of comfort and relaxation. As we lounged by the pool, enveloped in the serene beauty of Hampi, a profound sense of gratitude washed over me. I realized how fortunate I was to celebrate life's precious moments in such a breathtaking setting.

Our days in Hampi were filled with exploration and discovery as we ventured out to visit its iconic landmarks. Armed with good walking shoes and a knowledgeable guide by our side, our first stop was the Virupaksha temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this ancient temple is not merely a place of worship but a living embodiment of history and devotion. The outstanding feature is its towering gopuram, adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant sculptures. The temple's sanctum sanctorum houses the sacred lingam of Lord Virupaksha, where devotees offer their prayers with unwavering faith.The temple complex is a treasure trove of architectural marvels, offering a glimpse into Hampi's rich history, with ancient ruins and monuments dotting the landscape. We took blessings from the iconic elephant Lakshmi tethered within the temple premises and were awestruck to note the advanced technology of ancient India. The architecture is such that a pinhole camera effect is created to see the gopuram from inside. Over the next three days, In addition to the Virupaksha Temple, we also explored the majestic Hemakuta Hill, dotted with ancient temples and offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The Hazara Rama Temple, adorned with intricate bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the Ramayana, left us in awe of its artistic brilliance. It was such a simple idea that in the days when books and computer data was non existent, the stories worth telling were carved on the walls to carry forward for the next generation, like an open air library! A leisurely stroll along the riverside promenade offered moments of serenity amidst the bustling city, allowing us to soak in the beauty of the Tungabhadra River and its surrounding scenery.

At every turn around the corner in Hampi, there is always awe-inspiring architecture and intricate sculptures. Our next stop was one of the most popular sites in Hampi, the magnificent Vittala temple. We were captivated by the grandeur of its stone chariot and enchanted by the melodic tones of its musical pillars. Our guide then pulled outa. Fifty rupee note and we posed for the perfect picture with the stone chariot in front of us and the fifty rupee note in hand. Beyond its historical treasures, Hampi charmed us with its natural beauty and rugged landscapes. The balancing rocks, precariously perched amidst the rocky terrain, seemed to defy gravity and beckoned us to explore further. We embarked on adventurous treks, soaking in the breathtaking views and immersing ourselves in the raw beauty of Hampi's wilderness.No visit to Hampi is complete without exploring the majestic ruins of the Royal Enclosure, where the remains of palaces, elephant stables, and ceremonial platforms offer glimpses into the opulence of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Lotus Mahal, with its exquisite Indo-Islamic architecture, and the Queen's Bath, a stunning example of ancient engineering, are also must-visit attractions.

But Hampi is not just about visiting monuments. I am always captivated by its natural beauty and I can never have enough of it . The landscape of Hampi is a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, with its rugged terrain, majestic boulders, and serene riverbanks creating a surreal and enchanting atmosphere. The massive granite boulders seem to defy gravity, precariously balanced atop one another as if placed by the hand of a giant sculptor.These boulders, scattered across the landscape have been carved over millions of years by the forces of nature. But beyond their aesthetic appeal, these boulders also hold a deeper significance, serving as a playground for adventurers and rock climbers from around the world.

All in all, the trip to Hampi proved to be thoroughly satisfying. On our way back to the airport, we fondly recounted the happy memories gathered over the last few days. We reminisced about sipping old-fashioned lemon water from a vendor on the road, haggling over souvenirs, taking refreshing dips in our pool, witnessing the breathtaking sunset from atop the hill while admiring the boulder-strewn landscape, and even finding solace sitting on the steps of the ancient monuments to rest our tired feet.

At Veena World, we witness these moments of joy on every tour, whether it’s a meticulously planned private holiday for our guests or one of our escorted group tours. Our beloved tourists capture memories of a lifetime as they celebrate their birthdays, anniversaries, or other special occasions with us.You can also gift happiness to your loved ones with a Veena World gift card. After all, to travel is to celebrate life!