Hampi: an ancient city among granite hills

In Hampi, the architecture is easy to lose among the huge rounded boulders: temple towers, colonnades and paths are embedded in the rocky landscape. The site is better thought of as the remains of a large city rather than as a single monument.

Traces of Vijayanagara

The Hampi complex in Karnataka is associated with the history of the Vijayanagar Empire and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. There are temples, city buildings and traces of streets along which markets were once located.

How to read space

Pay attention to the columned pavilions and wide streets next to the temples. Local granite became an important building material and linked the buildings to the surrounding hills. Different parts of the complex had different functions, so it is helpful to look at a map of the area.

Tips for walking

Monuments are scattered over a large area: choose several places and leave time for the road between them. Check the weather, bring water and shoes for uneven surfaces. At active sanctuaries, please follow local dress and photograph regulations.