Ruins of Hampi, Karnataka

Ruins of Hampi, Karnataka


Ruins of Hampi, Karnataka

Hampi was the capital of the erstwhile Vijayanagar Empire and known to be one of the richest cities of its time. Located on the shores of the Tungbhadra River in Karnataka, Hampi is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its stone carved structure, built in marvelous Dravidian style architecture, temples and monuments.

The magnificent city of ruins, Hampi, is not far from Banglore. A World Heritage Center, Hampi is the most beautiful and evocative of all the ruins in Karnataka. One can still glimpse the splendor of Vijayanagar one of the largest empires in the history of india - in its ruins. The Vijaynagar Kings were great patrons of Art & Architecture as evident by the vast ruins of Hampi.

Hampi, the land of surprises was founded in the middle of 14th Century by two local princes, Hakka & Bukka. The Vijaynagar Empire came to be celebrated for it's might and wealth and as a show piece of Imperial magnificence.

Although in ruins today, this capital city once boasted riches known far beyond the shores of India. The ruins of Hampi of the 14th Century lie scattered in about a 26 sq.km area, amidst giant boulders and vegetation. Protected by the tempestuous river Tungbhadra in the north and rocky granite ridges on the other three sides, the ruins silently narrate the story of grandeur splendor and fabulous wealth.

Ruins of Hampi, Karnataka

The splendid remains of palaces and the gateways of the broken city tell a tale of men with infinite talent and the power of creativity together with their capacity for senseless destruction. The Vijaynagar Festival organized by the Government of Karnataka in December recreates the grandeur of the bygone era.

Hampi is the former capital of the Vijaynagara Empire in northern Karnataka. The site, located near Hospet, was originally a religious center that may have predated the establishment of the city. The village contains several of the monument of the old ceremonial streets of the ruins.

On a commanding site, stands the temple of Malyavanta Raghunathswamy. It is built in the Dravidian style. Strange - looking fishes and marine monsters carved along its outer walls are worth noticing. 

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