Anegundi- Cradle Of The Glorious Krishnadevaraya Empire

One of the oldest villages in Karnataka, Anegundi is a village older than the town of Hampi, a settlement that dates back to the erstwhile Chalukyas and Nayaka kings. Anegundi is located at the Northern banks of the Tungabadra river. The word Anegundi means 'Elephant Pit in Kannada' and is believed to be the place where elephants of the Vijayanagara kings were placed, opposite the majestic Capital of the Vijayanagara empire. According to popular legend, this settlement is also the monkey kingdom of Kishkindha, or the forest where numerous monkeys reside, in the revered Ramayana epic. Other places of interest are the Anjanadri Hill, birthplace of Hanuman, the monkey-god and the mountain Rishimuka, also an important part of the Ramayana. Anegundi is home to one of the oldest plateaus on the planet, estimated to be over 3,000 million years old.

Adding to its historical significance is that Anegundi is also the cradle of the glorious krishnadevaraya dynasty, most famous ruler of the Vijayanagara age. One can visit Anegundi via flight, road or rail. Visitors can fly to Lellary-Torangally from Bangalore and drive to Anegundi. Tourists can also avail state transport buses from Gadag and Hospet to Anegundi.

The closest railway station is Hospet, about 18 kilometres from Anegundi where tourists from Bangalore, Hubli and Bijapur can alight. Anegundi requires tourists to alight at Hospet, drive to Talawarghatta and cross the Tungabadra river on a coracle.

The best time to visit Anegundi is between October and March. Some of the popular tourist destinations in this village are as follows.

Anegundi Fort

Attraction: Battle station of the Vijayanagara empire The fort has many gates, with a Durga temple at the entrance to one of the gates. The Anegundi fort also houses tombs holding the royal family, courtiers, soldiers and other important members of the King's court. One can also visit the famous Ganesha cave temple.
It is believed that the Vijayanagara Kings and soldiers used to pray at the Ganesha temple before every battle. One can also visit the Pampa Sarovar and the Lakshmi temple. Descendants of the royal Vijayanagra empire still reside in the village of Anegundi, close to this fort.

Navabrindavana

Attraction: Island, housing the tombs of the Madhava saints Located at the Tungabhadra River, in close proximity to Anegundi in the Koppal District of Karnataka, Navabrindavana is famous for the nine Brindavanas or tombs of the nine famous Madhva saints, including that of venerable Vyasatirtha.
	Tourists can reach Navabrindavana on a coracle from Anegundi by crossing the River Tungabhadra. Nimvapuram is a village located close to the Island and is believed to have the cremated remains of the monkey King Bali.

The Archaeological Museum

Attraction: Sculptures and artefacts from the Vijayanagara dynasty This museum, like other edifices in Karnataka houses a collection of finely carved sculptures and artefacts from the ruins of the Vijayanagara palaces, forts and temples and houses neolithic tools, sixteenth century weaponry and a large floor model of the of the Vijayanagar ruins.

Hanuman Temple

Attraction: A unique temple dedicated to the Lord of monkeys, Hanuman Perched on top of the prominent Anjanadri Hill, the Hanuman temple is a sacred structure dedicated to the monkey God Hanuman. One can witness fine architecture and carvings depicting scenes from the life of the Lord of monkeys. Visit Anegundi for an enriching and fun-filled vacation with friends and family.