HAMPI

South India

Profile:

Hampi is a small town in the Ballari district of Karnataka and a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. With monuments and ruins dating back to the 14th Century Vijayanagara empire and a host of native species of flora and fauna, Hampi is both a history buff’s paradise as well a nature tripper’s haven. The splashes of green fields and boulders found strewn across the town’s landscape add to its rustic charm. Hampi also draws a large number of pilgrims.

History & Culture The discovery of certain artefacts, edicts and paintings suggests Hampi pre-dates the Vijayanagara empire as well and can even be pushed back to the Mauryan period (322 BC –182 BC). The town has been ruled over by several dynasties since then. The Vijayanagara empire with Hampi as its seat of power was established in the 14th Century and flourished until the battle of Talikota in 1565 AD. Hampi was left in ruins in the battle. Remains exca...vated since reveal the existence of ancient temples, markets, tanks, an aqueduct and several stone inscriptions. Several Hindu and Jain temples as well as Ashokan rock edicts from earlier periods are found along the Tungabadhra river. Read more