The royal enclosure is the nucleus of the capital city (Hampi) of Vijaynagar empire. It is the largest extent enclosures in the ancient city occupying an area of 59,000 sq km protected by lofty double walls. The enclosure had housed as many as 43 buildings. The enclosure has three entrances, two on the north and…
Stepped tank built in the 15th century is a beautiful ornate tank in the royal enclosure, Hampi. The tank is around 22 square meter in area and 7 meters in depth. There are 5 tiers, each comprising few steps which are symmetrically laid. The area is smaller at the bottom of the tank. The water…
Mahanavami Dibba in Hampi is a royal stage used for special functions and announcements. It is located in the royal enclosure. The 22 feet tall stage is completely made of stone and has 3 layers. At the top it has an area of 80 square feet. After climbing the Mahanavami Dibba you can see the…
Queen’s Bath as we can understand was the bathing placing of the women of the Vijaynagar royal family. This was first key visiting spot we saw as we entered Hampi from Kamalapur. From the outside this walled building likes an Iranian architecture. As we entered inside, we saw an elaborate design with Indian style windows…
Watching sunset at Hampi, a UNESCO world heritage site in the state of Karnataka, India could be amazing. Set among the ruins of erstwhile Vijaynagar empire, there are some specific locations from where sunset watching could be enchanting. One can either head to Hemkuta hill which is besides Virupaksha temple. The other one is Matunga…
The Hazararama temple is the only temple located in the core of the royal zone between the residential and ceremonial enclosures. It is dedicated to lord Vishnu in Rama Avatar. Built in the 15th century, it is the finest example of a compact Dravida Vimana type of temple. It has a sanctum, vestibule, pillared dance…
Basement of Queen’s palace The Queen’s Palace, Elephant stable and Lotus Mahal is located in the Zanana enclosure or royal center. This is a complex of buildings which also include Jal Mahal, few watch towers and some temples. As we walk through the entrance, we could see only the basement of the queen’s place on…
After underground Shiva temple as we went further we came across Noble men’s quarter. It is completely ruined and one will even not think that this was once upon a time, noble men’s quarter. Near the Noble men’s quarter is the Mohammadan Watch Tower. I am not sure why it is called Mohammadan Watch Tower….
The underground Shiva temple is originally known as Prasanna Virupaksha temple. It is called underground temple because it is now located few meters below the ground level. It is located near the Nobleman’s quarter after Chandikeswara temple. We visited there in the afternoon and it was sunny day. However, the inner shrine is very dark….
