Hampi
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi was the center of the Vijayanagar empire and one of the richest cities in India before its destruction in 1565. Its ruins now lie across a vast 4,100 hectares in Karnataka, the giant sandstone boulders and temples surrounded by paddy fields and farmlands.
Maintaining its spiritual significance, Hampi attracts Hindu pilgrims and travelers to its holy temples, while its forts, royal complexes, shrines, gateways, defence check posts, and stables showcase the advanced civilization of the Vijaynagar rulers.