Hampi second in NYT’s must-see travel destinations

Hampi, the erstwhile capital of Vijayanagar empire known for its rich temple architecture, has been listed second on the New York Times’ list of 52 must-go sites in the world.

A few years back, the City of Ruins was included in UNESCO World Heritage list, Very recently, the temple town located on the banks of Tungabhadra river was voted as Asia’s best travel destination by a panel of travel influencers and the bloggers. Now, the thriving city of medieval India, has been listed second-most coveted global destination by NYT.

Puerto Rico, a Carribean island, has topped the list of 52 must-see destinations in the world.

Nestled among the rocky hills, Hampi houses close to a 1,000 finely crafted temples and monuments. Despite being ruined by the Muslim rulers after the Battle of Talikote in 1565, the ruined monuments of Hampi still stands evidence to the glory of yesteryears.
What won Hampi its place was, apart from ruins, its newly gained accessibility, the paper stated. It can be reached by road rail and air. Jindal has started flights from its base close to Hampi to Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

The officials of Archeological Survey of India (ASI), historians and the activists have expressed their happiness over the newfound stature of the Hampi.

“A widely read overseas newspaper listing Hampi second in the top 52 travel destinations in the world is certainly a great honour. This will increase the footfall,” Deputy Superintendent, ASI, P Kalimuttu told DH. This distinction has increased our responsibility. We (department) will take steps to augment facilities in the world heritage site, he added.

Prof C S Vasudevan of Ancient History and Archaeology, Hampi Kannada varsity told DH, “The government should form Badami-Pattadkal-Aihole-Hampi circuit and make it accessible and more inviting by providing necessary infrastructure.”

Meanwhile, Shivakumar Malagi, a resident of Hampi and environmentalist, said that the environs of the Hampi should not be disturbed in the name of Master Plan.