Call 01306 744 656 or book a
Call 01306 744 656 or book a
Nowhere else in India quite matches Hampi’s haunting, otherworldly atmosphere. It was once the proud, prosperous and cultured capital of Karnataka’s Vijayanagara Empire, and a centre of trade on a par with Beijing, until it was all but destroyed by sultanate armies in 1565. Centuries later, its evocative and substantial ruins – World Heritage-listed, naturally – sprawl across a rocky plateau strewn with vast granite boulders that only add to the sense of mystery and enchantment.
Wandering among the 2,000 or so monuments that have survived the ravages of both war and time, you’ll find everything from the grandest of stables for elephants to fragments of basic infrastructure such as aqueducts and water tanks. There are statues of Hindu gods marooned on hillsides and a plethora of richly carved shrines and temples – including some still in use, where the smell of sandalwood incense lingers in the air and the visiting pilgrims mingle with the descendants of Hanuman, the Hindi monkey god, who is said to have been born here.
Our expert insiders can help you make the most of your stay in this history-laden spot by sorting out the most immersive tours and accommodation with a regal touch.
Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Malcolm, who's travelled extensively in India. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember.
Freephone an expert 01306 744 656
