Hampi ranked second in NYT’s must-see places in 2019

Hampi, Karnataka

India’s Hampi bagged second position in the list of ’52 places to go in 2019’ published by The New York Times. The UNESCO accredited World Heritage Site stood behind Puerto Rico, which has grabbed the top place for its amazing recovery from Hurricane Maria to rebound as a tourist destination.

The report recommends Hampi as a favoured place, and talks about its archaeological monuments, scenic vistas against the Tungabhadra river, and geological rock formations.

“At the heights of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 16th century, Hampi thrived as one of the largest and richest cities in the world. Its architectural legacy lives on in the Southwestern State of Karnataka with over 1,000 well maintained monuments, including Hindu temples, forts and palaces,” states the report.

Hazara Rama Temple, Hampi

The description also states how to reach there, while pointing out the recent air connectivity provided to Ballari from Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Tourists can take up rock climbing and river jaunts in basket boats (coracle), the feature says, while suggesting a few places to stay.

Hampi is the only destination not just from India, but entire South Asia, in the list.While the report brought happiness to experts, they also said that more needs to be done.

“Let monuments be protected and showcased in a better manner. It is important for tourism,” said Professor C S Vasudevan from Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, Kannada University, Hampi.

Music pillars of Hampi, Karnataka

“History of the Vijayanagara Empire is popular, and still has many hidden things. If a proper excavation is done, it will bring out many more surprises pertaining to the lost history, best architectures and sculptures,” said Mallika Ghanti, Vice Chancellor, Kannada University.

“The development of Hampy only is not enough the villages around it should also have progress. There should not be any eviction in the name of development of the world heritage site; it should be a package development,” added Ghanti