About
It is one of the fine architectural designed palaces that are uniquely identified by its lotus look-like structure. This glorious building is within the Zenana Enclosure, a segregated area that is used by the royal women of the Vijayanagara Dynasty. It is also known as Kamal Mahal or Chitragani Mahal. Its remarkable and unmistakable design is the main highlight of the palace.
The Lotus Mahal was a part of the Zenana enclosure, a place where royal families of the Vijayanagara Empire resided. Lotus Mahal was designed as a palace for royal ladies to mingle around and enjoy recreational activities. The Mahal also served as a meeting point for he king and his ministers. This place is also referred to as a council chamber in the maps found in.
It is said that the Queen of Krishna Deva Raya used to spend most of the time seeking pleasure and peace in the palace. The palace also served as a meeting point for the king and ministers. Kamal Mahal is also referred to as a council chamber in the maps found in the 18th century. Kamal Mahal and Chitrangini Mahal are the other names by which it was known earlier. Several musical concerts and other recreational activities were held at this place.
Architecture
The curves of the palace are given an Islamic touch while the multi-layered roof design is moreover related to Indo style of buildings. The style and designs is an inquisitive blend of Islamic and Indian way of architecture The palace is a two-storied building, well-structured symmetrically. It is surrounded by a rectangular wall and four towers. These towers are also pyramidally giving a lotus-like structure visually. Around 24 pillars are present to support the arched windows and balcony of the palace. The walls and pillars are carved beautifully with patterns like sea creatures and birds.
The surrounding area of the palace is covered with many shady trees providing a cool ambiance to the palace. At the point when the Lotus Mahal is lit up during the evening, visitors witness a fantastic view. It is a standout venue in the entire Hampi to take photographs.
Timings to Visit
All days of the week – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry fee
Adults: INR. 30 for Indians Citizens, INR 500 for foreign tourists.
Children: Free for children under 15 years.
Photography: Allowed (no extra charges levied), Video Camera – INR 50.
Local Guide: INR 100.
Duration to visit: 2 hours
*Note: Cycling around the Lotus Mahal palace – One can hire twin bicycles, from the Virupaksha Temples, for cycling around the Lotus Mahal complex. During the evening, cycling around the palace complex is a pleasurable experience.
Best time to visit: November to February
How to Reach
By Air: Ballery Airport: 35 km
By Train: Hospet Railway Station – 12 km
By Bus: Hampi Bus Stand – 3.5 km, Kamalapur Bus Stand – 2 km, Hospet KSRTC Bus Stand – 13 km.
Address
Lotus Mahal, State Highway 131, Hospet, Hampi, Karnataka 583239.
Karnataka Official Site of Lotus Mahal
Also Read Places to visit in Karnataka
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