The Land Where Stones Sing
World Travel|October - November 2019
The erstwhile capital of the prosperous Vijayanagara Empire has over 1600 temples, monuments and royal ruins that attract visitors from all over the world. Words & photographs by Charukesi Ramadurai
Charukesi Ramadurai
The Land Where Stones Sing

When I reach the top of Hemakuta Hill after an easy hike from Virupaksha temple located at one end of what used to be the main bazaar road in Hampi, I am surprised to see a solitary Western tourist on one of the old mandapas (open, pillared halls) there. He is sitting crossed-legged, facing the mellow evening sun, eyes shut, deep in meditation.

There are many reasons people go up to Hemakuta – to watch the sun set over the rust brown rocks and monuments scattered in the midst of emerald green paddy fields and banana plantations of this unique landscape in south India; to get a bird’s eye view of Hampi’s most spectacular temples, with the River Tungabhadra snaking calmly at a distance; in my case, to get over the fatigue of temple-hopping and the ceaseless songs of these timeless monuments.

In all my trips to Hampi, I have rarely seen anyone use it as a place for serious meditation. But then, Harihara and Bukka, the founders of the ancient Vijayanagara Empire, who established it as their capital in the 14th-century must have also seen something both peaceful and powerful enough in these miles of barren rocky landscape to make it home. It is the same force that calls me back again and again to stare in awe at its timeless sepia structures. In declaring them a world heritage site, UNESCO describes the group of monuments at Hampi thus: “The sophistication of the varied urban, royal and sacred systems is evident from the more than 1600 surviving remains that include forts, riverside features, royal and sacred complexes, temples, shrines, pillared halls, Mandapas, memorial structures, gateways, defence check posts, stables, water structures, etc.”

Denne historien er fra October - November 2019-utgaven av World Travel.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra October - November 2019-utgaven av World Travel.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA WORLD TRAVELSe alt
Cairns An Astonishing Taste Of The Tropics
World Travel

Cairns An Astonishing Taste Of The Tropics

Cairns and its environs offer a wealth of experiences on Australia’s east coast.

time-read
7 mins  |
February - March 2020
What's New Santorini?
World Travel

What's New Santorini?

As one of the world’s top destinations and a never resting one, Santorini is getting ready for the season 2020! Want all the updates?

time-read
2 mins  |
February - March 2020
Unravelling The Giant Pieces Of The Philippine Puzzle
World Travel

Unravelling The Giant Pieces Of The Philippine Puzzle

A dreamy active holiday awaits you in Kappalady, a kitesurfing village in Sri Lanka with newfound eco-luxury; Explore the many national parks and rice marine life of the Philippines.

time-read
5 mins  |
February - March 2020
Road Trip Through Cyprus
World Travel

Road Trip Through Cyprus

A road trip through Cyprus is like a journey through time – old monasteries and hipster cafes. The island’s short distances are jam packed with history and endless views of the Mediterranean.

time-read
8 mins  |
February - March 2020
Private Luxury: The Caribbean Islands
World Travel

Private Luxury: The Caribbean Islands

From Grenada to St. Lucia: The most undiscovered Caribbean islands to visit this year.

time-read
10+ mins  |
February - March 2020
Island Resorts Protecting The Oceans
World Travel

Island Resorts Protecting The Oceans

Turtle, marine mammal and coral preservation; celebrity-led developments and the rehabilitation of ecosystems: some of the world’s most exclusive island resorts excel most for the commitment they show to protecting the oceans. Venture to these isolated locations across the planet to see the difference resorts like this can make to life beneath the waves.

time-read
6 mins  |
February - March 2020
Ibiza: Off The Beaten Dance Floor
World Travel

Ibiza: Off The Beaten Dance Floor

Ibiza has a reputation as a glitzy location for the influencer jet set but digs a little deeper and you’ll find an island of gourmand wellness gurus and bohemian creatives.

time-read
9 mins  |
February - March 2020
Chasing The Wind In Coastal Sri Lanka
World Travel

Chasing The Wind In Coastal Sri Lanka

Experience the tropical bliss in sweeping flat waters and eco-resorts putting a small coastal village on the tourist map

time-read
5 mins  |
February - March 2020
Waves & Wellness
World Travel

Waves & Wellness

Guide to Luxurious Surf Resorts for Grown-ups.

time-read
4 mins  |
February - March 2020
An Icelandic Road Trip
World Travel

An Icelandic Road Trip

The beauty of the glacier-swept region has topped bucket lists for decades, spurring a love for a winter-kissed Nordic escape blessed with icy volcanoes and boiling geysers. As the night sky parts with a curtain of lights, explore the dazzling city of Reykjavik and discover what more Iceland has to offer.

time-read
5 mins  |
December-January 2020