Hampi

Hampi is an archaeological site in Vijayanagara district, India, spreading across more than 4100 hectares and containing over 1600 structures built from local granite, including temples, palaces, and water reservoirs. The layout unfolds across hills, plains, and riverbanks, with pathways connecting columned halls, public baths, and fortification walls surrounded by gray and reddish boulder landscapes.

Around 1500, the city ranked among the largest in the world after Beijing and drew merchants from Persia and Portugal. The site was abandoned in 1565 following a military defeat and remained largely untouched until its rediscovery in the 19th century.

Pilgrims arrive to pray and perform rituals at active temples like Virupaksha, while the stone pavilions serve as gathering spots during religious festivals. Local vendors sell handwoven textiles and traditional reed baskets in the lanes between monuments, offering travelers a direct glimpse of regional craftsmanship.

Multiple entry points with parking areas provide access to different zones, while local guides speaking several languages assist in exploring the monuments. Comfortable footwear is advisable due to uneven paths and stairs, and early morning or late afternoon hours offer more pleasant temperatures for longer walks.

Massive granite boulders form natural fortifications across the landscape, while structures were cleverly integrated into the rocky terrain. Some pillars produce musical tones when tapped lightly, a technique stonemasons used during construction to test the quality of the granite.