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 15^th century. There were opulent palaces, marvelous temples, massive fortifications, baths, markets, aquaducts, pavilions and stables for royal elephants. The city’s merchants traded in diamonds, pearls, fine silks, brocades, horses and much more.

Most of the important structures and ruins are located in two areas, which are generally referred to as the Royal centre and the sacred centre contains structures that seem to have been primarily for ceremonial use.

What to see:- Virupaksha Temple, Ganesh Images, Laxminarasimha, Badavilinga, Elephant Stables, Pushkarni, Lotus Mahal, Vijay Vitala Temple, Stone Chariot, Hazara Rama Temple, Mahanavami Dibba, Queens’s Bath, Krishna Temple