The ancient ruins of Hampi was named by the New York Times as one of the top 20 destinations in the world in 2019. We agree! This Unesco World Heritage site is a wonder to visit. At present, it is not overrun with tourists, but this might change soon. This magnificent walled city in a mysterious boulder-strewn landscape was described by European visitors in the 1400s as "like a second paradise." One Persian traveler stated that it had "no equal anywhere else in the world." Ancient travelers report that the city had "gardens full of trees and sweet scented herbs" and that its markets were brimming with pearls, rubies, diamonds and other precious stones. The king was reputed to have "40,000 horsemen and 400 elephants and dromedaries." You can still visit the magnificent elephant stables and parade ground and imagine the fantastic pageantry of the festivals held in the empire of Vijanagara. With Rome, it was one of the largest city complexes on the planet. You will need a guide to even scratch the surface of this vast complex of temples, palaces, elephant stables, harems and fortresses. You also want to learn something about the culture, which is fascinating. We highly recommend our guide, Hussen, who gave us the most marvelous tour of the ruins and regaled us with stories of the Hindu gods and goddesses. Born in Hampi, and registered as a tourist guide with a company called Hampi7guides.com, Hussen is a superlative guide. You can reach him at guidehussen@gmail.com. There is also a good book entitled "Hampi Vijanagara" by American anthropologist John M. Fritz and British archaeologist George Michell. You can buy it at the ruins. Hussen took us to a disabled man in front of one of the palaces to purchase it -- a token of the very thoughtful tour he provided. PS Wear very comfortable close toed shoes for some serious walking around the ruins.

Hampi is a gem of the 15th-century period. The group of monuments is many stories tell to travelers. each one monument can tell the different stories of the Vijaya Nagara Dynasty. When I go in there in the tome of the Hampi festival season, so there is a very rush time to visit in the festival season. Because a good traveler can study and enjoy every bit of the attractions. so if you want to enjoy the monuments and the stories behind the monuments. You should go nonfestive season and find a good guide. Travelers must visit Virupaksha temple, Anjanadri Hills, Vitahla Temple the three monuments never miss the trip. the stone chariot and the 56 pillars in Vitahla temple the pillars produce the 56 different sounds. Virupaksha temple mirror image the architectural marvelous in the 15 century. Anjanadrihills is given the stunning view of the Hampi village. Many other monuments are in there. But these 3 are my favorite. When you go to the Hampi festival season you should take care of you otherwise no one can care you even you go in a group because of the heavy rush of local peoples and the travelers.

Hampi’s ancient monuments, ruins, markets and temples will transport you 500 years backwards. Makes you to reflect upon the the rich glory of South India and how it thrived economically, and culturally under the great emperor Srikrishnadevaraya. A must visit to understand India’s rich history, culture, art and civilisation. Royal enclave, Lotus mahal arena, Virupaksha temple, Vittala temple,Krishna temple & markets , Underground shiva temple, Hazarama temple are some of the best and must visit. We were a family group of 25 and during this 2 full days trip , hired a local tourist guide Mr.Vijay ( +91 94803 83066 ) , He is a certified state tourism department guide with multilingual fluency. He was authentic, knowledgable, cool and patient with our large group . We had great experiences. Highly recommend him as a good guide can help us get a grip on the vast history and to have lasting memories.