HAMPI
At Hampi, the past come alive, Whispering winds, magnificent ruins, travel and scents of a bygone era all linger fresh here. And they virtually transport you to a world of kings, battle and long forgotten marvels. Welcome to the world’s largest open-air museum – Hampi Karnataka. Hampi was the capital city of the magnificent Vijayanagar Empire. Founded by Harihara and Bukka in 1336, it fell to the rulers of Northern India in 1565 after the Battle of Talikota, and subsequently lapsed into decline and abandonment. The once-proud city of victory is now a city of desolation. However, the ruins of these historical monuments have stood the ravages of man and time and still evoke memories of regal splendour. Hampi – amidst an awesome boulder strewn landscape along the banks of the Tungabhadra River, Hampi was one of the glittering showpieces of India’s might in the 15th century. There were opulent palaces, marvelous temples, massive fortifications, baths, markets, aquaducts, pavilions and st

ANEGUNDI
Just across the Tungabhadra river is the fortress town of Anegundi, pre-dating the Vijayanagar Empire and its capital city. More ancient than Hampi, Anegundi lies in the mythical kingdom of Kishkinda, ruled by the monkey-king Sugriva of Ramayana fame. Anjanadri hill, near Anegundi, is believed to be the birthplace of the monkey-god Hanuman. Anegundi and its tranquil environs are dotted with forgotten temples and fortifications. The dilapidated Huchappayana Matha Temple, near the river, is worth a peek for its black stone lathe-turned pillars and fine panels of dancers. The other places of interest are the sacred Pampa Sarovar, Aramane (a ruined palace) and the Ranganath Temple, It is said to have one of the oldest plateaus on the planet, estimated to be 3,000 million years old. So, only local story-tellers refer to Anegundi as the maternal home of Bhoodevi (Mother Earth). Neolithic history is represented in this region by Mourya Mane, a several-thousand-year-old ‘Stone Age Colony’