Hampi
Vijayanagara, the capital of the last Hindu kingdom, was once the second largest city in the world. Hampi village now lies amid its incredible ruins, and is a must-see for anyone travelling to India. Although most people rightly head for the ornate Virupaksha Temple, don’t miss the remains of the elephant stables, which once housed 11 royal elephants. The surrounding landscape, scattered with eerie, reddish boulders, is like nothing else on Earth. There is also some excellent rock climbing on offer.