These are stones that tell stories. Hampi is made of rocks that were finely chiseled into beautiful structures by the Vijayanagara Empire that made Hampi their base. It shows off towering temples and palaces that appear stern at first glance. Enter them and be transported into the era where elephants were adorned with jewels, courtesans danced, the royal women frolicked while protected by watch towers and gods had magnificent temples crafted to perfection. Hampi is set in the huge valley spanning the banks of the Tungabhadra River and is undoubtedly home to one of the largest temple complexes. As you stand amidst its ruins, you can almost imagine the precious stones that must have once fitted these structures. And then it does not come as a surprise why Hampi was then declared by the UNESCO a 'World Heritage in Danger'.