Hampi bazaar, dominated by the huge Virupaksha Temple, is the center of the town. The town lay-out is along the same lines as in the times of the Krishna Deva Raya. An arrow-straight central carriage-way cleaves the chaos of the bazaar and is dominated by temples at both ends. Many of the buildings still being utilised are centuries old. Solid 10 to 15 foot beams hewn from monolithic granite, locked together without any mortar have stood the test of time and the ravages of invaders. They now house local general stores, tea shops and cheap tourist eateries. Beyond the market, through the winding, back lanes numerous budget tourist hotels have sprung up to accommodate visitors from all over the world
