Hampi

A road trip to Hampi! Ann-Sofie, Mieke, Helen and I left early Monday morning from Pune and drove to Hampi in Karnataka. Hampi is the capital of the Vijayanagar empire established in 1336 A.D. The Vijayanagar empire was the largest pre-Moghul empire in India and governed the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. The ruins of Hampi now remain after the savage massacre of the Vijayanagar empire by Moghul invaders.

We stayed at the Shanthi Cottages located on the opposite of the river and the ruins. We had a wonderful week. Hampi is located in an absolutely beautiful setting. Here we are at breakfast overlooking the rice paddy fields.

Boulders are scattered throughout Hampi among the ruins and rice paddy fields . . .

Here is the landscape of Hampi before you cross the river to the ruins.

Downtown Hampi and Hampi Bazaar.

Of course there are a lot of photos from this amazing place as well as our stops in Badami (to see the sandstone caves) and Bijapur (to see the Jami Masjid and mausoleum). Click on the collage below to see all the photos!