Hampi

On the banks of the gleefully wavering Tungabhadra, flanked by mountains made of towering boulders, sits, what seems like an impossible city - Hampi. Once known as Vijaynagar it served as capital of an empire whose wealth, power and reputation was the envy of the known world. Surpassing, if not equivalent to any modern day urban settlement in scope, scale and vision; it was home to one of the largest populations in the world gathered in one location. The extensive ruins of Hampi defy the wildest imaginations and visualisation of ruined cities. That such a city in stone and only stone was built 500 years ago could scarcely be believed, save the splendour that are its magnificent ruins - a testament to times that were as glorious as they are intriguing.