Hampi
Boulders of Vijayanagara
Gateway town: Hosapete
Portrait
Hampi held perhaps half a million people and was described by Persian and Portuguese visitors as the equal of Rome, until an alliance of sultanates destroyed it over several months in 1565 and it was never resettled. Cross the river by coracle to Anegundi, cycle between temples through granite boulders the size of houses, and climb Matanga Hill for sunrise over the whole ruined plan.
If you like this city