Incredible India - Hampi

There was only one visit scheduled for today, a tour of Hampi. This is an ancient site of temples and city support environment which was built over many centuries by the local “kings”. Each region had it's own Royalty who frequently battled against each other, destroying and rebuilding as they went through life.
The frankly amazing aspect of this place is the topography, and it's sheer size. The basic structure at the centre of what has been excavated so far is that it is built on one enormous rock – no discernable break for some 4.5 Km. The spectacular comes with the hundreds and hundreds of huge boulders strewn about and in places perched on top of one another. Certainly “Asterix” country.

Our guide today, Vijay, was super knowledgeable but, as usual, it was difficult to retain even half of the information imparted. One date we did latch on to was the construction of the stone Chariot being 7th century. Much of the ruins were undateable as they had been stripped of all ornaments and valuables and as soon as a Hindu artefact or temple is damaged it is no longer concecrated and can never be reinstated so is abandoned.

However, here are relics dating back to the 2nd century and by 1500 CE, Hampi was the worlds second largest medieval city, second only to Peking. covering an area of more than 16 Sq Miles.
Have a look on Google earth.

Returned to the hotel after 6 hours tour, knackered. A swim and a beer aided revival.

Early doors again tomorrow for an 8 hour train journey to Margoa, for a taxi ride to our 12 nights in Benaulim