Vijayanagar, Hampi, Karnataka, India

16th century ruins, amidst a barren rocky landscape add up to one of India's greatest sites. Photos - July 2005, by Ian McAllister

Welcome to Hampi This jumbled, boulder strewn area adds great atmosphere to the impressive ruins The view from the south end of the village looking back towards the temple Worship in a small Hanuman temple in a cave Climbing the hills offers great views of the lanscape and ruins Colourful, friendly locals offer the best visuals in India A tribal woman offers her wares to the tourists Curious They sat and chatted, and sold these bananas for two days Sitting and waiting for a tourist sale in the slow season Cattle are a huge part of the landscape and culture Municipal cleaning crew Cutting the grass with a sickle The ever present beggar This 3.5 meter lingam is the main feature at this temple Narashima, Vishnu's incarnation as a Man-Lion The Two Sisters Bat hunting makes Rosie very happy Superb workmanship in the old walls Can you spot the newly rebuilt section? Why did they bother? A Moslem Quarter near the palace of the Hindu monarchs Rocks and ruins A stone chariot at the Vitthala Temple Wonderful carvings on the pillars Indian tourists at the Vitthala Temple The Monkey temple is across the river from the main site The river water is vital for farmers in this fairly barren area. The view in the last shot was taken from this spot Lots of beautiful birds in India; we saw small flocks of parrots several times 500 meters of stone thali trays with running water; for royal feasts Virupaksha Temple in the town Hey, more bats! Hampi's main street Local merchant and tribal women bargain over tourist trinkets Gaudy and colourful display Much of her wealth is in her jewellery Say, aren't those my grandfather's glasses? See the tourist isn't scary FOODS, DRINKS, CHIPS, CHOCOLATE and a handful of crackers Grooming for lice Taking care of gramma Child minding while at work Enjoying a rest in the afternoon Wash time Rinsing the dishes Big sister does the washing Sharing the work Balancing boulders Coracles are slowly being replacecd by modern boats Two Nandi the Bull carvings in the river Indian tourists on a hike near Hampi village Heading away from the river Come back again; I'll still be sitting here.