Hampi

Nowhere else can you find such a profusion of monuments as around Hampi. The magnificent world heritage sites at Hampi and Pattadakkal, the cave temples of Badami the exquisite temples at Aihole and the stately Forts, Domes and minarets of Bijapur resurrect the state's history and cultural affluence. These peerless wonders are eloquent reminders of a rich heritage. Add to this list the Kudala Sangama, Tungabhadra Dam historical town and fortress of Anegundi, unique Sloth Bear sanctuary all of which reflects the regions history and glory.

Hampi an ancient city with isolated ruins scattered among impossibly balanced wind-smoothed boulders and immense stretches of verdant landscape is the backdrop to the largest complex of ruins in India. Capital of one of India's most formidable empires, the powerful Vijayanagara, whose rule stretched from the Arabian Sea to the Indian Ocean was home to a population of half a million, and protected by more than a million soldiers.

The ruins are spread over an area more than 26 sq.kms. Protected by the tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the north and by rocky granite ridges on the other three sides. It may not have been military shrewdness alone that made the God-conscious Vijayanagara kings to settle for this fierce landscape and build on it one of the great imperial cities of medieval times. The area has had older, legendary significance as well. It was believed to have been the site of the monkey kingdom of Kishkindha associated with the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. The presence of a large number of monkeys, still considered sacred, seems to testify to that.

Hampi is an excursion back into time. The area is simply stunning and you will be in awe of the millions of boulders surrounding the area. However, within this arid landscape lies a little oasis with lush palm, banana and mango trees nestled near the river. Featuring over 121 temples and other monuments, Hampi is a great place to have Indiana Jones style adventure spend a few days wandering around and discovering the rich, vibrant history while also having a bit of your time.