Hampi was the 14th century magnificent capital of one of the greatest empires of the world. It is protected by the tempestuous Tungabhadra river on the north and by rocky granite ridges on the three sides. Covering an area of about 26 kms, the ruins are situated in the midst of a rugged landscape.
The genesis of Hampi goes back to the age of Ramayana, when it is believed to have been Kishkinda, the great monkey kingdom. Considered sacred, the site was raised to the status of a city in 1336 A.D. by two brothers Hakka and Bukka to consolidate the concept of the Deccab being a Hindu state. The subsequent two centuries saw the Empire of Vijayanagara growing to amazing heights. It attracted international commerce and was known for it's enormous wealth. Hampi owed much of this status to Krishnadevaraya, acknowledged as one of the greatest rulers of the imperial kingdom.