Hampi

Hampi was once the glorious capital of the mighty Vijayanagar Empire (1336 – 1565), which extended across most of southern India. The Vijayanagar Kings were great patrons of art and architecture as evidenced by the vast ruins of Hampi. In an effort to resurrect this abandoned capital, the Indian government has been involved in the excavation, protection and restoration of the ruins, which are spread over an area of twenty six square kilometres. The terrain is dominated by rocky hills and drained by the Tungabhadra river.