The fascinating ruins of Vijayanagar, near the village of Hampi, are set in a strange and sublime landscape. Once the capital of one of the largest Hindu empires in Indian history, Vijayanagar was founded by Telugu princes in 1336 and hit the peak of its power in the 16th century. With a population of 500,000, the empire controlled the regional spice trade and cotton industry, and the city, surrounded by seven lines of fortification, covered an area of 43 square kilometers. Its bazaars were centre of international commerce.
Nowadays, Hampi is much less dramatic - in fact, time seems to stand still in the bubble of Hampi and you can happily spend a few days wandering around the ruins. (From LP)