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Are you planning to visit Hampi soon? A trip to the historical town is incomplete without witnessing the incredible architecture of Lotus Mahal. Wondering why and what significance it holds?
Lotus Mahal is one of the only few ancient monuments in Hampi that was untouched when the city was being destroyed by the Deccan invaders. This Vijayanagara palace withstood the test of time and still retains its original glory. The most noteworthy design elements of Lotus Mahal are its intricate domes and arches, believed to be inspired by the buds of lotuses.
In this article, I will take you on a virtual tour of Lotus Mahal, counted among the most beautiful places in Hampi. I will also share important details like timings, entry fee and things to keep in mind while visiting Lotus Mahal. Let’s start?
Contents
Best Part About Our Visit To Lotus Mahal Hampi
We had visited Lotus Mahal on a Monsoon morning when the weather was cloudy and perfect for an outing. As we entered the premises, squirrels performed enthusiastic sprints across the sandy pathway that led us to the palace.
A pleasant breeze filled the air and we were bewitched by the beauty of the place and the atmosphere. Also called Kamal Mahal or Chitragani Mahal, it stood on a carpeted lawn lined by lush green foliage. My instant reaction was to pull out my phone and shoot some photographs of this stunning monument.
When we went further inside and got a closer look at its detailed archways, we found several angles for some Bollywood-style photography, which was a memorable takeaway.
As we sat under the cool shade of the surrounding trees and soaked in the palace’s beauty and the squirrels’ antics, our tour guide narrated the history of Hampi.
Did You Know?
Lotus Mahal is a protected monument and you’re not allowed to climb up to its floors. If you’re caught doing so, you may have to pay a fine.
Brief History of Lotus Mahal Hampi
Lotus Mahal was constructed for the wife of Krishnadevaraya, a king of the Vijayanagara dynasty. Interestingly, our tour guide Mr. Mallesh informed that the palace was designed as a naturally air-conditioned summer residence for the royal family.
Terracotta water pipes were intelligently inlaid between the columns and beams, which ensured that the building remained cool, despite the high temperatures recorded in Hampi. The open corridors and jharokhas carved between the 24 pillars made way for cross ventilation.
However, the Vijayanagara Research Project completely contradicts this popular belief and states that Lotus Mahal was used as a council chamber for the king and his subjects, and not by the royal women.
Interestingly, our guide shared that as per popular belief, Lotus Mahal was spared by the Muslim invaders due to the Islamic influence in its architecture.
5 Things To Do At Lotus Mahal Hampi
# Relish the architecture – The 2-storey Lotus Mahal features a melange of Indian and Islamic architectural styles, with distinct multi-level pyramid-shaped roofs. If you sit and observe closely, you will admire the series of symmetrically-designed pointed arches of the palace that mimic lotus petals. A similar feature repeats in the domes across the building.
# Click stunning photographs – From ornate archways to green spaces and an imposing building, Lotus Mahal offers a variety of opportunities for photography enthusiasts to show their creative skills.
# Watch & feed the squirrels – There are tons of squirrels all around this palace. Just sitting down for a while and watching the squirrels can be a delightful experience. You can also feed them some nuts if you wish to.
# Learn about the history of Lotus Mahal & Hampi – If you hire a tour guide, you will get to hear intriguing tales of Lotus Mahal and its connection with the Vijayanagara empire that ruled over Hampi between the 13th and 16th century. The watch towers around Lotus Mahal can give you an idea of the security system prevalent in those times.
# Enjoy outdoor therapy – Relax under the shade of the surrounding trees or take a stroll around the premises for a rejuvenating time. After all, you don’t get to visit such serene and calm places everyday.
TWT Tip: Besides Vijaya Vittala Temple, Lotus Mahal is the only tourist spot in Hampi where you will find clean and well-maintained washrooms. So, you might want to use the washroom here, if you’re going to be out sightseeing the whole day.
When Should You Visit Lotus Mahal Hampi?
It’s best to visit Lotus Mahal either before the sun gets blazing hot, or late in the afternoon, to have a pleasant trip. Thus, 8-10 AM or 3-5 PM would be the best time to see Lotus Mahal. From the seasonal point of view, Winter or Monsoon is the best time to travel to Hampi, between July and February.
Timings of Lotus Mahal Hampi: 8 AM to 6 PM
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How Much Time Can Be Spent At Lotus Mahal Hampi?
You will need a minimum of 30 minutes to purchase your tickets and explore Lotus Mahal. However, you can easily spend up to an hour here, if you have enough time in your schedule for a relaxed visit.
Other Hampi Tourist Attractions Near Lotus Mahal
Lotus Mahal is located very near to the Royal Enclosure and several other heritage sites of Hampi, which were part of the Vijayanagara kingdom. Here are some places near Lotus Mahal that you can visit:
- Mahanavami Dibba
- Queen’s Bath
- Underground Chambers
- Pushkarini
- Hazara Rama Temple
- Hampi Archeological Museum
- Kamalapur Lake
- Virupaksha Temple
- Matanga Hill
- Achyutaraya Temple
- Vijaya Vittala Temple
Wish to explore the heritage town with a guide? Reserve a guided tour of Hampi!
How Can You Reach Lotus Mahal Hampi?
Lotus Mahal is in close proximity to Kamalapura and Hampi bazaar road. You can hire an auto, taxi or bike from any one of these areas to explore Lotus Mahal and the nearby tourist attractions of Hampi.
Hampi’s nearest railway station and bus stand with national connectivity are in Hospet. The nearest airport to the heritage town is in Vidyanagar. You can also reach Hampi by your own vehicle or cab from Bangalore and Hyderabad.
Entry Fee Of Lotus Mahal Hampi
The entry ticket to Lotus Mahal Hampi is priced at INR 40 for Indian tourists and INR 600 for foreign tourists. If you wish to carry a professional video camera along with you, you will be charged an additional fee. You can also hire a tour guide for INR 100 or contact our tour guide for your Hampi tour on 9945872653. The entry tickets need to be directly purchased at the entrance gate.
TWT Experience Summary Of Lotus Mahal Hampi
We found ourselves completely captivated by the beauty of the Lotus Mahal right from the time we entered. The greenery and peaceful ambience around it added to the mesmerizing experience.
It was also a treat to witness the naughty squirrels at play across the premises. Photographing the little creatures against the backdrop of the palace was a fun activity to indulge in.
A glorious piece of Hampi’s history, Lotus Mahal must not be missed whenever you visit the historical city.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lotus Mahal Hampi
1. How can you commute to and from Lotus Mahal Hampi?
You can easily find autos from Lotus Mahal and any of the main junctions in Hampi. If you’re staying at a resort, you can also ask them to arrange for a taxi or bicycle for your sightseeing trips.
2. What are the main highlights of Lotus Mahal Hampi?
Lotus Mahal is a popular and significant spot in Hampi, known for its splendid architecture featuring intricate lotus-shaped domes and arches. It is also renowned for being one of the very few structures of Vijayanagara empire’s capital city, which was not dilapidated during the Deccan attack.
3. Why was Lotus Mahal built?
As per historical records, there are two different versions to this. One says that Lotus Mahal was built as a residence for the queen of Vijayanagara king Krishnadeveraya. The other belief is that it was built as a meeting palace for the king and his officials.
4. Are tourists allowed inside Lotus Mahal and is it worth visiting?
Tourists are allowed inside the Lotus Mahal with an entry ticket that costs INR 40 for Indians and INR 600 for foreigners. It’s definitely worth visiting Lotus Mahal for its incredible beauty and location.
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