Old Palace / Gagan Mahal Hampi Entry Fee
- Free
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Old Palace / Gagan Mahal Hampi Address: Anegundi, Hampi, Karnataka, 583227, India
Old Palace (or Gagan Mahal) is a majestic 500-year-old palace, which is a silent witness to the Vijayanagara Empire’s glory. It was believed to have been constructed as a residence for the Vijayanagara royal family, and it’s said to have housed the queen's quarters. It’s one of the most beautiful monuments in the region.
Even though Gagan Mahal exudes only a fraction of its former self today, it still attracts tourists visiting the Hampi ruins. This regal palace is in the quaint village of Anegundi, on the other side of the River Tungabhadra from Hampi.
History of Old Palace Hampi
Gagan Mahal’s history goes back to the 16th century. It’s believed to have been constructed as a dwelling for the members of the Vijayanagara royals. It’s said to have been constructed particularly for the royal women to witness festivities in Hampi.
This Old Palace was, however, destroyed by the Mughals during their invasion. And what was once a gorgeous palace is now a ruined facade with a few rooms that survived the destruction.
Parts of the palace are used as the local administrative office.
Image Gallery of Old Palace / Gagan Mahal Hampi
Architecture of Gagan Mahal Hampi
Gagan Mahal is an elegant blend of Indo-Islamic styles, with striking arched windows, ornate balconies, and four imposing towers. At the centre of the palace is Durbar Hall, a monumental chamber with intricately carved wooden pillars.
This palace is an example of the exceptional skills of engineers who lived over 500 years ago. The design itself was enough to keep it at a comfortable temperature. It was constructed in a way that it used to be cool even during the hot summer months. This Old Gagan Mahal Palace also had a functional pool with a drainage system, a remarkable feat for the time.
Even in its current state of partial ruin, Gagan Mahal continues to captivate visitors. The faded carvings, the remnants of royal chambers, and the echoes of a bygone era make it a living witness to the royal splendour.
Things to do at Hampi Gagan Mahal
1. Admiring the – Gagan Mahal Anegundi has a striking blend of Indo-Islamic architectural styles. Even though it’s in ruins, the palace offers a glimpse into the grandeur of Vijayanagara and the original beauty of the palace. The carvings on the structure display the fine skill of the workers of that era.
2. Learning the history – Gagan Mahal was once a magnificent royal residence before being partially destroyed by Mughal invaders. It stands as a reminder of the Vijayanagara Empire’s opulence. Take a guide around, and you can learn about the stories that once belonged to its empty rooms and halls.
3. Exploring Anegundi village – After visiting Old Gagan Palace, go around checking out the village. Anegundi is home to ancient temples, traditional dwellings and serene landscapes. It’s said to be the place where the first establishments of Hampi took shape, and it’s a treasure trove of history and culture.
Gagan Mahal Palace Timings and Entry Fees
Hampi Gagan Mahal is open from 8 AM to 6 PM on all days of the week. It takes around an hour to explore this Old Palace complex. Visit it in the evening for a comfortable experience.
No entry fee is required.
How to reach Gagan Mahal Hampi?
Gagan Mahal is in Anegundi, on the opposite bank of the River Tungabhadra from Hampi. It’s only 5 km away, crossing the river by a coracle. The Hampi bus stand is also about 5 km away. A comfortable but longer road route (20 km) is also available.
The nearest railway station is Hospet Junction (14 km), and an airport is Jindal Vijaynagar Airport (37 km). Bengaluru International Airport (360 km) offers better connectivity.
And here’s how you can go to Old Palace / Gagan Mahal from Hampi –
By bike – Rental bikes and scooters are easily available in Hampi. Take one for the day and explore Gagan Mahal and other places on the way.
By auto/e-rickshaw – Auto-rickshaws are also available for a visit to the palace. Take one to visit tourist places in Anegundi.
By cab/taxi – The best way to visit Hampi Old Palace is to hire a private cab/taxi. They’re conveniently available from the top car rental companies in Hampi.
Explore Gagan Mahal and other tourist places in Hampi by booking a Hampi tour package with us. At Hampi Tourism, we offer customized tours catering to your budget and preferences. Please fill out the Contact Us form to reach us, and we will get back to you with our offerings.
