History

Hampi was once the glorious capital of the mighty Vijayanagar Empire (1336 - 1565), which extended from the Arabian Sea to The Bay of Bengal and from the Deccan Pateau to the tip of the Indian Peninsula.
Founded in the middle of 14th Century by two local princes, Hakka & Bukka, The Vijayanagar Empire came to be celebrated for its might and wealth and as a show piece of imperial magnificence. The city was sacked pillaged and burnt in 1565, after the combined attack of armies of Muslim Sultanates of the Deccan defeated the Vijayanagar Military Commander and the King fled the Capital.

The Vijayanagar Kings were great patrons of Art & Architecture as evident by the vast ruins of Hampi. In an effort to resurrect this abandoned capital, the government has been involved in the restoration, excavation and protection of the ruins, which spread over an area of 26 sq.km. The terrain is dominated by rocky hills and the mighty Tungabhadra river which flows through this rugged landscape