Queen’s Palace, Elephant Stable and Lotus Mahal, Hampi

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 the left hand side. Little further on the right hand side is the famous two storied Lotus (Kamal) Mahal. It also known by the name Chitragani Mahal. The exact function of this building is not know but historians argue that it may be a socializing place in the royal center. Behind the Lotus Mahal there is a nice watch tower. In front of the Lotus Mahal there is green grassland where you can seat under the shade of a tree and enjoy the beauty of this place.

Lotus Mahal

The next thing we saw is the Elephant stable built in the 15th century. This domed and long rectangular structure built in Indo – Islamic style of architecture is considered to the stable for state elephants. Facing west it has 11 large domed chambers interconnected with large arched openings. There are shallow niches and doorways in the wall between the arches. The remnants of a structure near the central dome suggests a pillared pavilion on top.

The domes are of various types such as circular, octagonal, ribbed and fluted in design and are symmetrically laid out. There is access to the roof from a concealed staircase, through a niche by the side of the central chamber. One can sit on the green grassland in front of the Elephant stable to take rest.

Watch tower near Lotus Mahal

As we walked further we saw some temple like Ranga temple, Sringarada Hebbagilu, Parswanatha temple. These temples are badly damaged.

Note: There is an entry fees of Rs 10 per person which also includes the Archeological Museum, Kamalapur. This is valid if you visit both the places on the same day.