Hampi - Where Time Stands Still..
The world's largest open air museum - Hampi is a place where past comes alive. Hampi was the capital of Vijayanagar Empire and its ruins have stood the ravages of man and time and still evoke memories of regal splendour. Whispering winds, magnificent ruins and traces of a by gone era all lingers fresh in Hampi.
Amidst a boulder strewn landscape along the banks of the Thungabhadra, Hampi is one of the glittering showpeices of India's cultural heritage. Hampi is a major tourist destination in Karnataka today. Hampi with the opulent palaces, temples, and fortifications can amaze even those with no inclination towards art and culture! Amongst the many attractions in Hampi the most prominent one is the Virupaksha Temple, a Shiva temple which is the only temple in Hampi still in use.
Daroji Bear Sanctuary - Hampi
The rock-strewn hillocks that stretch between Daroji of Sandur taluk and Ramasagar of Hospet Taluk in Bellary district about 20 kms from Hampi monuments have been the abode of Indian Sloth Bears since ages.
Daroji Bear Sanctuary was instated in 1994 in Hampi and the sanctuary has proved to be a suitable habitat for the Indian Sloth Bears in a span of few years. It is estimated that about 120 Sloth Bears are living in this sanctuary.
Lotus Mahal - Hampi
Lotus Mahal a popular monument in Hampi is a visually appealing structure with two levels, a open pavilion and an open balcony. The mahal derives its name from its beautifully arranged cusped arches that resembles the petals of a lotus.
Vijaya Vithala Temple - Hampi
The Vijaya Vithala temple is the crowning glory of Hampi. With a magnificent stone chariot and an impressive pillared ranga mandapa with its 56 musical pillars that chimes with musical notes when struck is the highlight of the Temple. The stone chariot located inside the campus of the temple is most photograohed structure in Hampi and is an iconic structure of Hampi.
Distaces from Major Cities..
