¤ About Hampi
"Vijayanagara" is such that the pupil of they eye has never seen a place like it.." so eulogized Abdul Razaq, a Muslim envoy who visited Hampi, the erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagara kingdom, in 1443. You can still glimpse the splendour of Vijayanagara in its ruins. The Virupaksha Temple rises majestically at the western end of a 700m long street that was once the famous Hampi bazaar. This is the only temple at Hampi that is still used for worship. Nearby is the 6.7 m tall monolith of Ugra Narasimha, seated under a canopy of a seven hooded snake. The most splendid monument of Hampi is undoubtly the Vithala Temple Complex.

The 56 pillars in the main hall produce musical notes when struck. To the east of the hall is the famous Stone Chariot with stone wheels that actually revolve! Hampi is full of such surprises. Like the King's Balance, where ruling kings were weighed against grain, gold or money which was then distributed to the poor. Or the Queen's Bath, with its arched corridors, projecting balconies and lotus - shaped fountains. Or even the Lotus Mahal in the 'Zenana' enclosure. A beautiful Two-Storied place with recessed archways set in geometric regularity and opening out to the sun and the wind like the petals of a flower. The imposing Elephant Stables have arched entrances and domes. And in the Royal Enclosure of the city is the Hazara Rama Temple. Explore Hampi at your own pace. Its monuments - like its centuries old patience and wisdom must be savoured bit by bit.

¤ Major Tourist Attractions of Hampi
Vithala Temple Complex - It is probably the biggest of all tourist attractions in Hampi. The splendid monument comprises of 56 musical pillars. At the east of the area stands a stone chariot with stone wheels, which actually revolve. All these and the richly carved basement are chiseled out of a single rock.

Virupaksha Temple: Lord Virupaksha, a form of Lord Shiva was the family deity of the Vijayanagar kings. King Krishnadeva Raya used to visit the temple after every successful conquest. These tales of the Ramayana are carved on two of the inside walls of the temple.

King's Balance - This is a balance where the kings were weight against grains and jewels, which were to be distributed among, the poor during the festivals.

Lotus Mahal - It was the air-cooled summer palace of the queens. The structure complete with arc ways set in geometric regularity showcases a beautiful blend of hindu and Islamic architecture.