Attractions

Elephant stables Legendary Elephant Quarter, the stables, a building which is dome shaped served as the quarters of the royal elephants, is situated nearby the Zenana Enclosure. These stables are ancient monuments, constructed as long structure with resting places for the royal elephants.

There are a total of eleven domed tall chambers, out of which the center one is particularly decorated and big. This was supposed to be for the musicians and the connected band troupes to perform the talents during celebrations involving royal elephants. The metal hooks, which are used to knot the elephants, in the interior roof is still visible. The mahouts enter the elephant compartments through manholes located at the rear of each hall.

Statue Of Ugra Narasimha Narasimha in its terrifying form, the statue of Ugra Narasimha, is a mammoth statue of 6.7 meter height located in the south region of the temple complex of Hemkuta group which contains the Virupaksha Temple. Narasimha, being half-man and half-lion, is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This gigantic statue is worth seeing.

The Narasimha is erected as seated four-armed under a covering of a seven-hooded snake. The facial expression and the protruding eyes are the reasons for the name, Ugra Narasimha. Somehow, this single sculpture alone can make obvious how creative and destructive the human mind can be at the same time.

Old palace  Old palace, also known as Gagan Mahal, is located in an erstwhile capital city Anegondi near Hampi. Anegondi, tiny kingdom has grown eventually to the Vijayanagar Empire ruling the entire South India.

Gagan Mahal is a small old palace building and might be served as the center of Anegondi kingdom. It is surrounded with a big fort. The fort, along with the old palace, is in ruins presently. The remains of this ruined palace are very interesting. The atmosphere of this place is stimulating for the history lovers.

Mahanavami Dibba A very imposing and huge structure, Mahanavami Dibba is where the kings of the Vijayanagara Empire ruled the kingdom with the gem studded golden throne and observed the religious and royal processions passing by.

The structure is embroidered with thickly carved bands of soldiers, horses and figures of a variety of aspects of courtly life. The tallest structure in the area, this resembles an elevated platform from far off distance. The king Krishnadevaraya built this structure to commemorate the victory over Udaygiri.

At the backside of the platform double sided staircase exist. This is a nice ancient structure to visit and get the memory of royal periods.

Queen's Bath Queen's Bath, located in Royal Enclosure, is a rectangular building with the long veranda inside approaching a square tank of 6 feet depth from all sides. This is considered as the Royal bath, where the king and his wives had their baths.

It's believed that water in the tank was filled with perfumes and fragrance flowers for the royal family. Outside the Queen's bath lies the pond encircling the building. Bridge like structures are seen at some points where one can cross the pond. The building is designed such a way that intruders could be prevented from walking into the place where the royal women take their bath.

The architecture of the bath is in the style of Indo-Saracenic and seems to be bit Islamic style than the Hindu style. Presently, as many other sites in Hampi, it is in ruins., located in Royal Enclosure, is a rectangular building with the long veranda inside approaching a square tank of 6 feet depth from all sides. This is considered as the Royal bath, where the king and his wives had their baths.

Nandi, the monolithic bull  Nandi, the monolithic bull, is one of the grandiose wonders in Hampi. This bull is locally known as Yeduru Basavanna, the ride of Lord Shiva. At the east end of Hampi bazaar, this bull is placed like a guard.

The sculpture is placed in a two storied pavilion constructed on a high platform. It is placed in the background of a heap of mammoth boulders.

Though partly ruined and mutilated and engraved in a crude style, this Nandi attracts lot of tourists, thanks to its giant size. At a little distance in front of the Nandi, there is a big stone lamp station with metal spikes over it.

The Zanana Enclosure The Zanana Enclosure, or the women's quarters meant for solitude rather than protection, is an early form of high-walled relaxing places. It is said that the queen and king's companions lived here.

There are four significant structures inside the enclosure; the largest is Queen's Palace, which is in a ruined state present. Two buildings served as watch towers are placed in the north and south-east of this enclosure.

The architectural manner of these watch towers tells that these were used by the ladies for viewing proceedings occurring outside.

Lotus palace, a pretty monument located in this area, is supposed to be the Zenana Enclosure. The two-storied palace looks like a lotus and is assumed to be the meeting place for the royal women folks. Its architecture shows a display of Indian and Islamic influences.