Akka Tangi Gudda or Akka Thangi Gudda is a formation of two gigantic rocks. It is located at Kaddirampura, just near the main road that leads from Hampi to Kamlapur. It is a natural arrangement of rocks that have been standing at the site from ancient ages.
The rock formation is considered to be an important landmark of Hampi and is a famous sight on the way to the ancient town. It attracts a large number of tourists who love to get photographed near the massive stones.
Quick Facts
- Timing: From dawn to dusk on all days of the week
- Entry Fee: No entry fee required
- Photography: Allowed
- Video Camera: Allowed
- Visit Duration: About 20 to 30 min
- Best time to visit: From November to February
Meaning of Akka Tangi Gudda, Hampi
Akka Tangi Gudda is the name given to two giant boulders that are in a leaning position against each other. As a result of their leaning, the two boulders make a huge archway like formation. One can actually pass under the archway.
Akka Tangi Gudda means ‘sister stones’ in the local dialect. As such, these two leaning boulders are also referred to as ‘Sister Stones.’ The spot is also referred to as the ‘hill of the sisters.’
Legend Associated with Akka Tangi Gudda, Hampi
It is said that every stone in Hampi carries a story within itself. Akka Tangi Gudda adds weight to this belief. There are several stories and folklore associated with Akka Tangi Gudda. They mainly deal with the cause of the peculiar rock formation and how they came into existence.
According to one of the most popular legends regarding the rock formation, the two similar looking boulders that form Akka Tangi Gudda were actually two sisters.
These two sisters once visited Hampi when the town was at the peak of its glory. They became jealous on seeing the beautiful town and said something bad about it.
The reigning deity of the city came to know about the sisters ridiculing the town. The deity was enraged and in her fit of anger the Goddess cursed the two sisters and turned them into stones.
Since then, the two sisters have been standing as two boulders on the road of Hampi. The Akka Tangi Gudda is also known as the ‘Jealous Sisters’ of Hampi.
Present Condition of Akka Tangi Gudda, Hampi
The boulders that form Akka Tangi Gudda have been standing near the road to Hampi for several centuries now. The twin boulders have been enduring the trials of rough weather since the ancient times. Yet they have always stood there like strong sentinels.
However, in the recent past one of the gigantic rocks of Akka Tangi Gudda developed a split and collapsed partly. The middle portion of the affected boulder could not sustain for long and finally gave way. After withstanding the ravages of time for such a long period, the boulder split into two by a natural process.
It is being said that the crack occurred as a response to several factors. The extreme weather conditions of scorching summers and dipping winters and the vibrations resulting from heavy vehicular traffic on the adjacent road are considered to be the main causes of this incident.
The sinking of the soil on which the rocks have been standing for such a long time has also contributed to the widening of the crack and the splitting of the rock.
Akka Tangi Gudda is a famous spot for photography by tourists. It also offers shelter and shade from the scorching sun and rain. The massive stones are also a location for adventure sports such as rock climbing and rappelling activities organised during the annual Hampi Festival.
How to reach Akka Tangi Gudda
Akka Tangi Gudda stands on the Hampi-Kamlapur road. The famous spot is on the way to Hampi. It is easily accessible by vehicles as it is located just next to the main road.
By Air
As the town of Hampi does not have an airport, visitors cannot reach it directly by flight. The nearest airport is located in the town of Ballari (Bellary). Ballary is situated at a distance of around 64 km from Hampi. Visitors can reach Ballari by taking a flight and then proceed to Hampi by hiring means of local transport.
By Rail
Since Hampi has no railway station of its own, it is not directly connected by the rail network. The nearest railway station can be found in the city of Hosapete (Hospet). The Hospet Junction Railway Station is connected to several other towns and cities of Karnataka by means of regular trains.
Hosapete stands at a distance of around 10 km from Hampi. One of the easiest ways to reach Hampi from Hosapete is to board a bus. There are a few other means of local transport also to reach Hampi from Hosapete.
By Road
Hampi has a good road network and is well connected to many towns and cities in Karnataka by the road network. A number of government and private buses travel between Hampi and several towns and cities in the state.
Visitors can also hire private cars, cabs or other vehicles Bengaluru (Bangalore) or Mysuru (Mysore) to travel to Hampi.
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