The Karnataka State Government has proposed a tie-up between the iconic ruins of Hampi in India and Machu Picchu in Peru in South America. As per the proposed plan, these two historic sites may soon become sister heritage sites.
A Unique Initiative by Karnataka’s Tourism Department
The Karnataka Government’s tourism department has suggested to develop Hampi and Machu Picchu as twin heritage sites. The reason behind this unique initiative by the state tourism department is to increase the footfall of international tourists in Hampi. The initiative is aimed at increasing the awareness of the Western tourists regarding Hampi as a heritage site and a tourist destination.
The Selection of Hampi and Machu Picchu as the Twin Heritage Sites
Machu Picchu is a famous heritage site among the international tourists. The heritage site is visited by millions of tourists. Hampi and Machu Picchu share a few similarities. Both these sites were built around the same time period: 14th-15th century. Both the sites are famous for their Sun temples. Machu Picchu and Hampi are both recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.
This has made the Karnataka tourism department to take the initiative to promote Hampi and garner interest in Karnataka among international travellers.
The Proposal of Twin Heritage Sites
According to the proposal, international tourists visiting the ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru will get to know about Hampi and the Vijayanagara Empire. The ticket for Machu Picchu will have a counterfoil that will provide free entry to Hampi. Tourists will be able to enter Hampi within two years.
This initiative to get twin heritage sites tag for two sites is the first one in the world. After the plan succeeds Hampi and Machu Picchu will become the first twin heritage sites of the world.
About Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu (also known as Machu Pikchu is an ancient ruined city in Peru that is nestled on a small hilltop. It is considered to be one of the world’s most well-known archaeological sites. The enigmatic city stands at 2,430 metres above sea-level, in the midst of a tropical mountain forest. Its origin dates back to 1450 AD. Built in the classical Inca style, it is believed to be one of the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire.
Machu Picchu was rediscovered in 1911. It was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1983. It has been voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World through a worldwide internet poll.
About Hampi
Hampi is an ancient village in Karnataka that stands within the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. The place is famous for the ruined structures of the Vijayanagara Empire. The splendid architecture of the various ruined temples, palaces, aquatic structures, royal platforms, etc. makes it one of the most charismatic tourist sites in India.
Many of the archaeological structures of Hampi date back to the period of the Vijayanagara Empire when it flourished from 1343 AD to 1565 AD. The ruins of Hampi have been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site and have been listed as the Group of Monuments at Hampi.
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