The ruins here are simply amazing though, well worth the trip and I can see why people would want to spend lots of time here. The scale of this place is just immense. Parts of it are Muslim influenced, other temples are like Ankor Wat, but the surrounding scenery of strewn and stacked boulders definitely makes this a unique place. Since I was only here for the day I'll miss viewing the sunset/sunrise, which are very popular. There were several school trips visiting the ruins today, all the kids were shouting and waving hello. I hit most of the major ruins today, but there were still a few ones that could only be reached by walking from Vitthala. My poor feet were raw by this point and so decided to give those a miss. We did see the Vitthala temple with its stone chariot and musical columns. You're not supposed to touch the columns anymore but everyone still does it. It's quite impressive, each set of columns looks the same but gives off a unique pitch. All the temples here have some of the most intricate and amazing rock carvings I have seen; nearly every surface is covered with carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses, hunting/war parties, and elephants, elephants, elephants everywhere.

although hampi in itself as hugely atmospheric, the riverside is another experience altogether. the boulders converge with the waters of the tungabhadra and you can see old pillars anc colonnades along the riverbank. its almost like tomb raider meets mills and boon meets exotica.

Peaceful. Worth a visit. get a tuk tuk!