Hampi is the world's largest open-air museum. It was the capital city of the powerful South Indian Vijayanagar Empire. Founded by Harihara and Bukka in 1336, it fell to the Muslim rulers of North India in 1565 after the disastrous Battle of Talikota and subsequently lapsed into decline and abandonment. The ruins of these historical monuments have stood the ravages of man and time and still evokes memories of grandeur of a bygone era. A visit to Hampi is a sojourn into the past. The best way to experience this World Heritage site is to take a leisure stroll through the eloquent ruins. Most of the important structures and ruins are located in two areas, which are generally referred to as the Royal Centre