Hampi and Badami are two of Karnataka’s most significant historical sites, each a testament to a distinct golden age of Indian history. Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the prosperous capital of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire, and its sprawling ruins—including magnificent temples, palaces, and markets—are scattered across a surreal landscape of giant boulders. Badami, the former capital of the Chalukya dynasty, is renowned for its spectacular rock-cut cave temples carved into a red sandstone cliff, showcasing intricate sculptures and early Hindu and Jain art. Together, they represent a journey through different eras and architectural styles, telling the story of powerful empires that left their mark in stone.