Hampi holidays

The medieval capital of the Vijaynagar empire, Hampi was once enormously wealthy and regarded as greater than Rome in the 15th century. It also held a monopoly of trade in spices and cotton. Today, the surreal boulder-strewn landscape, on the southern banks of the Tungabhadra river, is dotted with the impressive ruins of more than 500 monuments, including beautiful temples. The fortification's walls enclose magnificent palaces, royal apartments and treasury buildings. With long walks amid the palace complexes and breathtaking views from hilltop shrines, the best way to enjoy this site is to explore on foot over a period of several days.