Hampi: Karnataka’s UNESCO Jewel

Touring Karnatka in South India has been an eye-opening experience. It has certainly demonstrated the very long, complex and turbulent history of the incredible country. That being said, the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Karnataka is (arguably) Hampi.

Now a UNESCO world heritage site, Hampi was the seat of the Hindu Vijayanagara Empire beginning in the 14th century. At its peak, this huge town featured numerous buildings, temples and a population of around 500,000. It was a site of international trade, education and tourism until it was destroyed by Muslim armies in 1565.

Hanuman, servant of Lord Rama. Hampi, India

Hanuman from a distance.

Much of the construction of the towers (on top of the stone walls) was brick and stucco that has decayed over the last couple of hundred years.

Wow – HDR flare.

Large ablution pool (now empty) where devotees would wash themselves prior to going to temple.

Ablution pool, Hampi, India.

Every surface of ruins (walls, floors, ceilings) were decorated with symbolic carvings. The diversity of carvings demonstrates the evolution of techniques employed by artists during this period.

Temple detail demonstating Chinese influence in decoration.

WInged garuda on temple. Hampi, India

Grecian style (?) building in Hampi, India.

Another ‘Greek Temple’ in Hampi, India.

Virupaksha Temple (dedicated to Shiva) predated the Vijayanagara empire, being built in the 7th century.

Checking out the sites at the temple.Vira

Virupaksha gopuram and nandi scuplture.

Government buildings at the side of Virupaksha Temple

Elephant entertaining the crowd.

Elephant blessings at Virupaksha Temple, Hamdi, India.

Ceiling details, Virupaksha Temple, Hampi, India.

Grabbing something to eat at Virupaksha Temple, Hamdi, India.

Gopural detail.

Temple detail. Does anyone else see Queen Victoria?

Amazing (inverted) image of gopuram from stone camera obscura built into temple wall at Viru[paksha Temple, Hamdi, India.

Pool beside Virupaksha Temple.

Feeding fish by the pool steps, Virupaksha Temple

River in Hampi.

A little fun on a hot day.

‘Photographer’s Paradise’ in Hampi, India.

Ganesh Temple in Hampi, India.

Detail of doorway of the Lotus palace in the queen’s quarters at Hampi.

Stacking stones. Like inukshuks, locals leave stacks of stones to show they were in Hampi.

Posing for pictures/selfies was a major part of our duties

Temple at Hampi. First crack at an HDR panorama – 27 photos were used to create the composite image. Think I still need some experience with this technique.