Beautiful temples, palaces, royal pavilions, bastions and markets seem to come alive in the minds when one lets his imagination wander while meandering through the relics of Hampi.
The austere, grandiose city of Hampi was the last capital of the great Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagar. The Dravidian temples and palaces built by the rich Dravidian princes ceaselessly won the admiration of the travellers between the 14th & 16th Century.
Conquered and plundered by the Deccan Muslim Confederacy in the year 1565, the city was abandoned post mass pillage. Yet, the charisma of the architecture continues to amaze the visitors to date with the boulder-strewn hills and planes that are spread over a 10 square mile expanse. With over 500 monuments, visiting Hampi can be a fulfilling experience for any traveller.
Located in the southern state of Karnataka in India, Hampi is well connected with rail with Hospet Station just about 13 KMs away. With the nearest Airport at Bangalore, it is also well connected by road from most major cities in the vicinity.
Hampi is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the world famous Virupaksha and Vitthala temples. Most of the ruins are located just south of the mighty Tungabhadra river and one can enjoy a boat ride in the backdrop of magical mountains and ruins.
Last but not the least, the famous Anjaneya Temple Hampi atop a mountain is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman and climbing 570 steps to reach it is an experience in itself with mesmerizing views that invigorate the devotees with fresh energy.
To sum it up, Hampi is a must visit for anyone who loves to explore and its marvellous architecture albeit in ruins is a fantasy come true for any traveller.
Awesome post! Keep up the great work! 🙂