From Empires to Ruins: Our Journey Through Hampi and Badami 2026

Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, was one of the largest, wealthiest, and most powerful Hindu empires in medieval Indian history. Founded in 1336 by Harihara I and Bukka I, it is home to the famous Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, and many other architectural marvels. Badami, once called Vatapi, was the early Chalukya capital. On the first day, we visited a famous sunrise spot called Matanga Hill, which is a steep, rocky stone hill with the Veerabhadra Temple sitting at its top. Some of us were exasperated when we saw monkeys on the hill. This exciting experience was followed by a visit to the Virupaksha Temple. Post-lunch, we visited the Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple, which also served as a sunset point.

The next day we set off for the Badami Cave Temples, stopping in Aihole, a historic centre of learning. The Badami caves are an ethereal architectural wonder, carved out of red sandstone cliffs, following the early Deccan rock-cut tradition. We learnt that the lifestyle in early civilisations was based on agricultural systems, in which irrigation played a major role. Ancient engineers had therefore developed an extensive water management system using canals, reservoirs, wells, tanks, and stone channels.

On the third day, we visited the ruins of the prestigious Vijaya Vittala Temple, followed by the Queen’s Bath and the Lotus Mahal. With the help of our tour guide, we learnt how early civilisations had a flexible social hierarchy based on occupational choices and achievements. We also discovered that after Krishnadevaraya suffered defeat in the Battle of Talikota, Hampi experienced a major decline in wealth, architecture, and culture.

We found out how these two cities, once the capitals of major civilisations that drew merchants from all over the world, fell to ruin. It is not just about how they came to an end, but about their journey, and on this trip we learnt exactly that.

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