Elephant Stables Hampi Entry Fee
- 10 per person for Indian
- Free for Children (Below 15 Years)
- 250 per person Foreigners
Elephant Stables Hampi Phone
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Elephant Stables Hampi Address: Nimbapura, Hampi, Karnataka, 583239, India
The Elephant Stables in Hampi is an elongated rectangular building with 11 domed chambers. These chambers are built side by side in a neat row. The building was once used to keep royal elephants, and it’s a major tourist attraction today.
These stables were reserved for elephants who were used for royal processions and festive ceremonies. Adjacent to the stables are rooms for elephant mahouts (keepers) of those days. That area has been converted into a small museum with statues and a few other artefacts.
Hampi Elephant Stables is a fine blend of Vijayanagara and Islamic styles of architecture. And its awe-inspiring architecture indicates the importance of royal elephants in the empire.
Where is the Elephant Stables Complex in Hampi?
Hampi Elephant Stables are just outside the Zenana Enclosure, a walled area meant to keep the royal women safe. You can find it near the Lotus Mahal. It’s among the few Vijayanagara-era structures that haven’t suffered extensive damage caused during Mughal attacks.
Image Gallery of Elephant Stables Hampi
History of Hampi Elephant Stables
Elephant Stables were constructed during the Vijayanagara Empire between the 12th and 15th centuries, but it’s unsure which king had them built. It’s said that King Deva Raya II was a great lover of elephants and his army had several hundred elephants. So, it’s possible that Hampi’s stables were built during his rule.
The stable is meant to accommodate 11 ceremonial elephants that were meant to show power and authority. Attention has been given to ensuring a balance between architectural beauty and practicality of the stables.
Although general wear and tear has weakened the Elephant Stables of Hampi, it’s still one of the remarkable structures. It’s under the preservation of the Archaeological Survey of India.
Architecture of Hampi Elephant Stables
Hampi Elephant Stables is in a rectangular building with a row of 11 high-ceiling chambers. It’s a prominent building in Hampi that’s in the Indo-Islamic style.
The whole building looks symmetric with respect to the central chamber. The chambers are interconnected with large arched openings, for entry. Nearby is another building that was the quarters of mahouts. There is also an expansive lawn in front of the stables.
The central chamber of the building has a large temple-style Shikhara made of carved stones. The upper floor is designed as a pavilion that might have housed people and musicians during processions and other ceremonies. It can be reached through a concealed staircase.
The five chambers on either side of the central chamber have brick-and-mortar domes of alternating shapes, following the Islamic style of architecture.
Every chamber contains a manhole-style opening at the rear side. These openings are said to be connected to the Zenana Enclosure and were used by mahouts for entering or exiting. On the inside roofs, you can also see metal hooks, probably used for tying the elephants.
Things to do at Elephant Stables in Hampi
1. Admiring the architecture – Hampi Elephant Stables are built in a unique Indo-Islamic style to serve as a safe place for ceremonial elephants. It’s said that the empire had over 900 war elephants at its peak. The symmetric structure of the building and the chambers’ exquisite architecture are a testament to the importance of the elephants during Vijayanagara rule.
2. Learning the history – The complex is one of Hampi’s finest historical monuments built during the Vijayanagara Empire. The structure was constructed between the 12th and 15th centuries, and it has its own story to tell. Hire a guide, and they’ll tell you all the hidden secrets and stories that belong to these stables. You should also check out the adjacent museum to learn more about Hampi Elephant Stables’ history.
3. Exploring the surroundings – The building is located just outside the Zenana Enclosure, a walled enclosure with several historic ruins. Among the prominent structures here are the queen’s palace’s basement, Lotus Mahal and treasury building. Another popular nearby tourist attraction of Hampi is the Royal Enclosure. Both these places display the extraordinary level of artisanship that was reached during that era.
Hampi Elephant Stables Timings and Entry Fees
Elephant Stables complex in Hampi is open from 8.30 AM to 5:30 PM. You can visit it any day, any time of the year, and it takes less than an hour to explore the place. The best time to visit it is during the winter season, from November to February. Hampi’s weather is the most comfortable on these days.
The entry fee for Hampi Elephant Stables is ₹10 per person for Indian citizens and visitors from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries. For other foreign nationals, the ticket costs ₹250. For kids (those below 15 years), entry is free.
How to reach Hampi Elephant Stables?
Elephant Stables are close to the Zenana Enclosure, about 5 km from Hampi bus stop. The nearest railway station for the stables is Hospet Junction (14 km away), and the nearest airport is Jindal Vijaynagar Airport (35 km away). The closest international airport is in Bengaluru (358 km away).
Now, here’s how to reach Hampi Elephant Stables –
By bike – Plenty of rental bikes and scooters are available for tourists in Hampi bazaar. You can take one for the day and visit the stables and other Vijayanagara-era structures in Hampi.
By auto/e-rickshaw – Auto-rickshaws are also available in Hampi at many places. You can hire one to explore the place and nearby tourist spots.
By cab/taxi – The best and most comfortable way to explore Hampi Elephant Stables is by hiring a taxi or full-day cab. These are conveniently available from the top car rental companies in Hampi. Book one for your trip and explore all the tourist places in the region.
From awe-inspiring temples to breathtaking landscapes, Hampi is worth visiting by everyone at least once in their lifetime. Hampi Tourism offers all-inclusive Hampi tour packages for you to delve into the rich tapestry of history and culture that this UNESCO World Heritage site offers. Please fill the Contact Us form to get in touch with us and we will get back to you at the earliest.
