Lotus Mahal Hampi Entry Fee
- 10 per person for Indians and citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries
- 250 per person for Foreigners
Lotus Mahal Hampi Phone
0965 070 8392
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| 4/5 stars
Based on total 27 reviews
Lotus Mahal Hampi Address: SH 131, Hampi, Karnataka, 583239, India
Lotus Mahal (also called Kamal Mahal) is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hampi. It was called so because of its central dome carved like a lotus bud. The official name of the palace is believed to be Chitrangini Mahal. And it’s said to be a residential palace built for the royal women for entertainment.
The palace stands tall and out amidst the ruins primarily because of its exquisite dome. It’s a two-storey structure built in the Vijayanagara architectural style fused with Islamic elements. The lotus-like structure of Hampi Lotus Mahal immediately catches the attention of visitors.
Lotus Mahal is one of the few structures that wasn’t ruined during the Mughal destruction. And a tour to Hampi is incomplete without visiting this place.
Where is Lotus Mahal in Hampi?
This two-storey arched structure is in the Zenana Enclosure complex, an area reserved for the royal women of the Vijayanagara Empire. Although this walled complex houses several historical buildings, the Lotus Mahal is a major attraction. The palace is a part of the group of ruined monuments lying close to the centre of Hampi.
Image Gallery of Lotus Mahal Hampi
History of Lotus Mahal Hampi
Lotus Mahal in Hampi is part of the Zenana Enclosure, so it’s believed it was a relaxing place for royal women. It was designed as a palace for ladies to mingle and enjoy recreational activities. Musical concerts were also said to have been held at this place.
Apart from that, according to some accounts, King Krishnadevaraya used the Lotus Mahal to hold meetings with his ministers. This is believed to be so because the structure is referred to as a council chamber on the maps.
Architecture of Hampi Lotus Mahal
The two-storey Hampi Lotus Mahal is symmetric in design. While the building is constructed with bricks and mortar, the ground floor is raised on a high ornamental basement made of stone. It has indented outlines with sharp corners.
The ground floor is open in all directions, with 24 pillars supporting the upper floor. It has cusped arches with fine decorations, over which a sloping eave surrounds the building. It also has a pavilion area, which was perhaps used during pastimes and other activities.
A staircase takes you to the first floor of the Lotus Mahal, which boasts balconies adorned with arched windows. It’s a closed pavilion with a sloping eave as well that runs around the building. It also has nine pillar-like structures with lotus-like domes on the top. The central dome, too, is carved as a lotus bud.
The curves of the palace are given an Islamic touch, while the multi-layered roof resembles prevalent Indian architecture. The interior walls have finely carved floral designs representing characters from the Hindu religion.
This blend of Islamic and Indian architectural style is unique from the Vijayanagara period. And this harmonious combination has made Hampi Lotus Mahal an appealing tourist spot.
Things to do at Lotus Mahal
1. Admiring Lotus Mahal architecture – Lotus Mahal is a stunning example of Vijayanagara architecture, known for its unique blend of Hindu and Islamic styles. Its symmetrical layout and delicate carvings make it an architectural masterpiece. The intricate architecture of the palace, along with its elegant arches and graceful domes that resemble the petals of a lotus flower, is worth artistic appreciation.
2. Learning about the palace’s history – Lotus Mahal Hampi’s history reflects the cultural landscape of the town. Take a guide, and you can dive into the stories of the royals who once inhabited it. With a guide, you can also understand the palace’s significance and its role in Vijayanagara. It helps you get some historical context, adding depth to the experience.
3. Enjoying the cool ambiance – The area surrounding Lotus Mahal is covered with many shady trees, providing a calm ambiance to the attraction. A visit to the palace is a refreshing escape from the heat. You can relax and unwind in the peaceful surroundings and enjoy a leisurely picnic with family or friends. If you feel like it, you can even take a nap under the cool shade of the trees.
4. Taking photographs – It provides countless opportunities for photography enthusiasts to capture its beauty from every angle. You can capture stunning pictures of the extraordinary architecture, lush green gardens, or ruined, damp walls. The place looks even more gorgeous during sunset. And if you can visit Hampi Lotus Mahal at night, you can witness it spectacularly illuminated by lights.
5. Exploring the Zenana Enclosure – The surrounding Zenana Enclosure is also worth your time. Observing the high and broad walls and strategically designed space offers a hint into the private lives of the royal women of the Vijayanagara Empire. If allowed, you can also climb one of the watchtowers to survey the area and the Elephant Stables nearby. Royal treasury building, the basement of the queen’s palace, and many other ruins are part of the complex.
Hampi Lotus Mahal Timings and Entry Fees
Lotus Mahal is open from 8 AM to 6 PM. You need only about two hours to explore it properly. And you can visit it throughout the year, on any day. The best time to visit this place is in winter (from November to February) when the weather in Hampi is the most comfortable.
The entry fee for Lotus Mahal is ₹10 per person for Indian citizens and SAARC and BIMSTEC country tourists. For other countries, it’s ₹250. Entry is free for kids (below 15 years).
How to reach Lotus Mahal in Hampi?
Hampi Lotus Mahal is in Zenana Enclosure, around 3 km from Hampi bus stop. The nearest railway station to Lotus Mahal is Hospet Junction (13 km away), and the nearest airport is Jindal Vijaynagar Airport (32 km away). The nearest international airport is Kempegowda Airport (360 km away) in Bengaluru.
And here’s how to reach Hampi Lotus Mahal –
By bike – Rental bikes and scooters are readily available in the Hampi market. You can rent one for the day and explore Zenana Enclosure and Lotus Mahal, along with other monuments.
By auto/e-rickshaw – Auto-rickshaws are also common for travelling in Hampi. You can hire them anywhere in the town and visit the palace.
By cab/taxi – The most comfortable way to explore Lotus Mahal, Zenana Enclosure and other nearby tourist destinations is to get a taxi or full-day cab. You can book them from the top car rental companies in Hampi. With a taxi/cab, you can visit the surrounding areas without hassle and explore Hampi at your convenience.
Explore the architectural beauty of Hampi by booking a Hampi tour package with us. At Hampi Tourism, we offer a variety of packages to suit your budget and preferences. To know in detail about our services, please fill the Contact Us form. We will get back to you at the earliest.
