Hampi

Sprawled across a surreal landscape of giant granite boulders and banana plantations along the Tungabhadra River, Hampi is one of the world’s most grand open-air architectural museums. As the 14th-century capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi was once one of the wealthiest and largest cities on Earth. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage site showcases spectacular architectural achievements, including the famous Vittala Temple Stone Chariot, musical pillars, the sacred active Virupaksha Temple, and the royal enclosures of the Lotus Mahal and Elephant Stables. Experiencing Hampi with Lotus of India offers private historian guides, luxury coracle river cruises, electric buggies, and stays in opulent palace resorts.