Hampi

Hampi - the name evokes visions of poetry in stone. Travel along the rocky landscape with the thunderous Tungabhadra alongside and you will come to Hampi. The seat of the famous Vijayanagar Empire in Central India, Hampi today stands in mute testament of the skills of its craftsmen and artists.

Hampi is a World Heritage Centre, preserving for posterity the ruins of glory and beauty. The Annual Vijayanagar Festival or Hampi festival is an extravaganza of music and dance, as a tribute to the grandeur of the bygone empire.

Spread over a large area, the ruins of Hampi are an indication of the mastery and genius of earlier times. It is sad to see how badly the carved structures were attacked and destroyed. The Virupaksha Temple is a majestic structure with a tall tower on its eastern front. A must see in Hampi is the Vithala Temple Complex, with its 56 musical pillars.

Hampi is famous for the Stone chariot, with stone wheels that revolve. You will also find a protected monument - The Purandara Dasara Mantapa. Check out the elaborate carvings on the plinths of the House of Victory. This magnificent monument was built to commemorate one of the victories of King Krishnadevaraya.

The private temple of the royal family is rich with scenes of the Ramayana carved on the inside walls. Another example of architectural marvel at Hampi is the Lotus Mahal - an elaborate summer palace for the queen, with natural air conditioning.

Hampi also boasts of a large 9 feet statue of Lord Ganesh carved out of a single stone. The arched corridors of the Queen's Bath and Elephant Stables are worth visiting too. You will find a huge monolith of Ugra Narasimha - a fiery avatar of Lord Krishna.

Vijayanagar Festival

The Government of Karnataka hosts an annual Hampi Festival in November-December. It is an extravaganza of dance and music, fireworks and drama. The other festivals held here are the Virupaksha Car Festival in January-February and the Aradhana Music Festival.