HAMPI, INDIA
Hampi, also referred to as the Group of Monuments at Hampi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Karnataka, India. It is also closely related to the Ramayana and Lord Shiva, making it an important place of pilgrimage.
HISTORY
Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Founded in 1336, it attained its height during the reign of Krishna Devaraya (1509–1529). In 1565, after the Battle of Talikota, Hampi fell to the armies of the Deccan Sultanates, leading to its destruction and the fall of the empire.
MYTHS AND LEGENDS
The antiquity of Hampi can be traced to the Ramayana, where Hampi and its surrounding areas are identified with the kingdom of Kishkindha. The realm of the Vanara (mythological half-man, half-monkey) brothers Vali and Sugriva and the birthplace of Hanuman, all of whom played a prominent role in the epic.
PEOPLE
Hampi is home to many communities with historical ties to it as well as those who arrived in search of livelihoods. Hindus form the majority in religion, followed by Muslims, while Christians, Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs are present in small numbers. It is also home to the Lambanis, a gypsy tribe that traces their origins to Afghanistan.
PEOPLE
Hampi is home to many communities with historical ties to it as well as those who arrived in search of livelihoods. Hindus form the majority in religion, followed by Muslims, while Christians, Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs are present in small numbers. It is also home to the Lambanis, a gypsy tribe that traces their origins to Afghanistan.
FLORA AND FAUNA
Hampi is characterized by dry deciduous scrub and southern thorn forests. A Sloth bear sanctuary right next to our resort is home to the famous Indian Sloth bear, besides leopards, wild boars, jackals and hyenas. Over 230 species of birds have been recorded in the area.
GEOGRAPHY
Hampi is located in the Bellary district of Karnataka State in Southern India. Situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in the Deccan plateau, it is part of the Eastern Dharwar craton which is believed to be 3.4 to 2.0 billion years old – one of the oldest exposed surfaces on earth.
GEOGRAPHY
Hampi is located in the Bellary district of Karnataka State in Southern India. Situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in the Deccan plateau, it is part of the Eastern Dharwar craton which is believed to be 3.4 to 2.0 billion years old – one of the oldest exposed surfaces on earth.