Destination Features

Hampi was the capital of the erstwhile Vijayanagar Empire. In its heyday it was a magnificent city with countless temples and palaces.  Today all that is left are the ruins but they still have their own charm. Hospet is the nearest railway station. From Hospet you can take the govt buses or autos to reach Hampi.

Hampi signifies the golden era of Hindu reign in India, with Vijaynagar rulers establishing their capital.  The peak of development took place under the reign of Krishndevaraya, who laid the foundation to most of the edifices.  A barren rocky hillocks were converted with great ingenuity by artisans of the era.  They gave life to the useless rocks and carved a niche for themselves and the architects.  World's best diamonds were mined in the deccan plateau over which Vijaynagar rulers had supremacy.  Hampi was the only diamond trading bazaar, which attracted traders from all over the world.  In fact, Brazilian diamonds were imported to India and then passed of as Indian Diamond in the International markets.  Along with the decline of Vijaynagar empire, diamond trading vanished from India.  In fact Hampi is known as Pompei of the east because of the town planning with neat roads,drainage, sanitation, ventilation and water supply.  The bazaars were well laid out with all the goodies. In fact there was a SULE bazaar, meaning harlot street to cater to the labourers who toiled day in and day out away from the families.  No wonder Prostitution is considered to be the oldest profession.  It co-existed without any controversy, but without the succor of AIDS thankfully.

Nowerdays Rock climbing has picked up with foreigners looking at crevices and other odd areas if they can find any hidden treasures of the rulers. LOL.  It is well know fact that in case of surprise attack by the enemies all wealth was stored away in safety by royalty.  They would claim back the hidden wealth if they survived, otherwise it is left to the mercy of luck for the discoverers. Maybe one day we will hear about the discovery of the hidden wealth of the Vijaynagar rulers.  Enjoy your trip and check out the ruins of the vijaynagar era, which is now declared a world heritage by UNO