Ruins of Hampi
Hampi – the capital of the beautiful Vijayanagara Empire of medievel period, which was based in a vast, boulder-strewn region on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Founded in 1336 by Harihara and Bukka, the city was pillaged for six months before being abandoned when it was conquered by the Muslim Deccan rulers in 1565. The formerly prosperous metropolis is now a desolate one. However, the ruins of these historical landmarks have weathered man’s ravages and the passage of time, and they continue to conjure thoughts of the splendour of a bygone era.
Classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this historic town is also the “World’s Largest Open-air Museum” and covers an area of nearly 29 sq km. At its pinnacle, the Vijayanagara Empire was incredibly affluent and thought to be larger than Rome with palaces larger than those in Lisbon. There were lavish palaces, magnificent temples, strongholds, baths, markets, aquaducts, pavilions, stables for royal elephants, and pillars with exquisite carvings. In this city, traders dealt in beautiful silks, brocades, horses, pearls, diamonds, and pearl jewellery.
The majority of the significant buildings and ruins are concentrated in two locations refferred as the Royal Centre and the Sacred Centre. Structures that appear to have been palaces, baths, pavilions, royal stables, and temples for ceremonial usage may be found in the Royal Centre, which is located in the south-western area of the site. Along the banks of the revered Tungabhadra River, the Sacred Centre borders the Virupaksha Temple and the Hampi Bazaar.
The large and interesting Hampi ruins can hold your interest for several days.
