Why Hampi ought to Be On Your India Itinerary | Pathbeat Audio Tours and Stories
You’ve already started mapping out your adventure through India, a country as diverse as it is dynamic. But while you’re planning the grand (.. yet bit intimidating :)) tour, are you also looking for that one destination that can be both an unforgettable part of a larger journey and a perfect, rejuvenating escape from the city grind? Your answer is here: Hampi! A destination that you MUST NOT MISS.
This is where you’ll find Hampi. It’s the legendary capital of a lost empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with colossal ruins that stand silently against a surreal landscape of giant boulders. But its magic isn’t just for international travelers on a grand tour; it’s also the ideal weekend escape for those looking to swap the hustle of urban life for an experience that’s both deeply historical and refreshingly offbeat.
Photo by Adarsh Sudheesan on Unsplash
Just a comfortable overnight journey away for many in South India, Hampi offers a complete change of history, nature and spirituality. Imagine a weekend where you can spend your morning exploring magnificent temples and your afternoon bouldering on rocks millions of years old. This unique blend of awe-inspiring history and serene, laid-back charm is what sets Hampi apart. It’s an experience that promises to be the highlight of your Indian adventure, whether it’s a part of a month-long trip or just a two-day break.
Ready to see why this ancient city deserves a prime spot on your itinerary? Read on to discover the ten reasons why you need to visit Hampi.
READ MORE: Interested in a Hampi Itinerary? Consider these places to visit.
The Vijayanagara Story: Walking Through the Last Great Hindu Empire
When you step onto the boulder-strewn landscape of Hampi, and you are not just treading on ancient earth; you are actually walking through a pivotal chapter of India’s history. This is the story of a kingdom that rose from nothing, a testament to resilience and unwavering resolve. It is perhaps the strongest kingdom formed by natives of India in medieval India. And it is the reason, why thousands of temples and native culture of southern India remained relatively protected in an era of invasions filled with religious fervor.
Credits: Chavakiran, Wikipedia
Of this empire, the most significant ruler was the legendary Krishnadeva Raya. Note that all rulers of Vijayanagar were called Raya. Krishnadeva Raya was a contemporary of a significant event of the Indian subcontinent – the arrival of Babur from Uzbekistan. Of the Raya, Babur wrote the vast Vijayanagar armies were the most powerful of Hindustan.
