Hampi was once the ancient capital of the Hindu Vijayanagara empire (the City of Victory). Today Hampi is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and it is an amazing place even in its ruined state.Vast stretches of boulder-strewn hills make the backdrop of Hampi unique.
Today attractions include the Virupaksha Temple which is dedicated to Virupaksha, a form of Lord Vishnu. The temple houses shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddesses Pampa and Bhuvaneswari. Parts of the temple are thought to be from the 11th or 12th century. Interestingly when a ray of light passes from the east through a hole near the sanctum, the shadow formed on the wall looks like a miniature shadow of the temple tower.
To the south of Virupaksha Temple, on top of the Hemkuta Hills, are the early ruins of Jain temples and the 6.7metre tall monolith of 'Ugra Narasimha' with head of a lion and body of a man. He is seated under a canopy carved like a seven-hooded snake. This was made in 1528 during the reign of Krishnadevaraya and it was carved from a single boulder.
The Vithala temple is a World Heritage monument with beautiful sculptural work originating from the time of Vijayanagar Empire. It has 56 'Musical Pillars', that can be tapped to make music.In the temple courtyard can be found an ornate stone chariot with an image of Garuda, the Bird-God and also a 9 metre tall statue of Lord Ganesha.The Lotus Mahal Palace shows a blend of the Hindu and Muslim style of architecture.
The palace has a two storied pavilion situated in the 'ladies' section' of the palace.The structure of the Queens Bath is 1.8m deep and 15 metre square and its interior is very ornate and elegant. It has decorated arched corridors and projecting balconies. Behind the legendary elephant stables, is one of the oldest gateways of the old capital and it is known as 'Singara Hebbagilu' (the beautiful door). It was once the main entrance to into the city.
The 15th century Hazara Rama Temple has beautifully carved pillars in its hall that depict incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The sculptures on the exterior of the hall show the main events that happened in the epic Ramayana. The Achuta Raya Temple is also known as the Tirvengalanatha temple and it was built during reign of Achuta Deva Raya.The temple is in ruins now, but the erotic sculptures carved on the columns near the main gateway are still intact and can be seen.