Group of Monuments at Hampi
India ·
Description
Hampi is the magnificent skeleton of the Vijayanagara Empire. For two centuries it was one of the world's richest cities, until sultans sacked it in 1565. Today, stone temples emerge among rounded pink granite boulders, stone elephants guard entrances, and Vittala temple's chariot seems about to depart. It's India at its most dreamlike.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
Hampi was capital of southern India's last great Hindu empire. Ruins include temples, palaces, elephant stables and bazaars. The granite boulder landscape adds a unique setting.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
For being capital of southern India's last great Hindu empire with ruins in a unique boulder landscape.
It was inscribed in 1986 under criteria (i), (iii) and (iv).
The Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646); Hampi was its capital during its peak.
Minimum 2-3 days; the site is very extensive and you need to move by bicycle or motorbike.
Millions of years of granite erosion; the landscape looks from another planet.