
Hampi
Explore the sprawling 4,187-hectare UNESCO World Heritage site of Vijayanagara — the medieval capital of the Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1565 CE), once the world's second-largest city. Key monuments include the Virupaksha Temple (still-active living temple), Vittala Temple (stone chariot and musical pillars), Royal Enclosure (Lotus Mahal, elephant stables), and the Queen's Bath.
The Vittala Temple's stone chariot and musical stone pillars are unmissable — each pillar produces a different musical note when tapped. Hire a guide from the site entrance for full historical context.