Hampi, the world’s largest open air museum. Once the capital city of the powerful south Indian Vijayanagara Empire. Today a city of the ruins of the 14th century spread over 36 sqkm. Over 1500 monuments set amidst an awesome boulder-strewn landscape along the banks of the Tungabhadra river 12km away from the sleepy town of Hospet in Bellary district.

Such was the grandeur of this rich capital city that a 15th century Persian ambassador remarked: "The city is such that the pupil of the eye has never seen a place like it, and the ear of intelligence has never been informed that there existed anything to equal it in the world." And further, a Portuguese visitor exclaimed: “This was a city whose merchants offered diamonds, pearls, fine silks, brocades, horses, and, every sort of thing on earth."

At Hampi, one can see the remnants of opulent palaces, marvellous temples, massive fortifications, baths, markets, aquaducts, pavilions, stables for royal elephants, and elegantly carved pillars. A visit to Hampi is a sojourn into the past.

The best way to experience this World Heritage Site is to take a leisurely stroll through the eloquent ruins that are located in two areas, the Royal Centre and the Sacred Centre. The Royal Centre is in the southwest part of the site and the Sacred Centre is situated on the northern edge of the city along the banks of the holy Tungabhadra river.

The ruins of Hampi are extensive and fascinating enough to absorb your attention for several days. There is always something new to discover in Hampi. If you are in a hurry, a day or two will suffice to see all the important structures. Photography and archaeology buffs should plan on staying a little longer.

And when you do, stay at the Karnataka Hotels, Hampi. The only such facility within the World Heritage Site area. Making it the most convenient stay arrangement here. More than a basic hotel, Karnataka Hotels, Hampi provides Air conditioned and non air conditioned rooms and also serves hot meals at almost anytime of the day. The Hotel also arranges Hampi Sight Seeing trips and has access to the best of tourist guides who speak fluent English.