Hampi becomes living for the period of the three-day Music and Cultural extravaganza, held in the first week of November. Organized by the Government of Karnataka, the Hampi festival includes Dance, drama, music, fireworks, puppet shows and spectacular processions. Distinguished artistes from all over the country reach at this festival and mesmerize the audience who as well come from different parts of the country to observe the gala event.
The temples of Hampi here are renowned for their huge dimensions, florid adornment, bold and delicate carvings, majestic pillars, brilliant pavilions. Most of them are built in near the beginning 16th century, during the sovereignty of the great Vijayanagar ruler, Krishna Deva Raya (1509 -1529). Hampi holds lots of amusing surprises and each rock here is worth a visit. The most eminent is the King's Balance where kings were weighed against gold or money which was dispersed to the poor. In addition worth a visit in Hampi are the Queen's Bath, the two storeyed Lotus Mahal, the gigantic Elephant Stables, the marvelous Vitthal Temple with its musical pillars, the Virupaksha Temple etc and it takes three days or ten days, depending on one's time and love for history.
