Wednesday 26 April 2017

Lotus Mahal Hampi

Hampi, a World Heritage site of UN, has many a saga in stone. Ghumakkad earlier took you to Hampi's icon the Royal Chariot. If you haven't read the picture story on Royal Chariot  and Vittala Temple, click here to browse. This story takes you to another icon of Hampi the Lotus Mahal.

As the name suggests, Lotus Mahal is shaped in the form of lotus buds and petals. It is also called Kamal Mahal कमल महल or Chitragani Mahal.
A two-storeyed structure in Indo-Islamic style, it survived the damage caused by Hampi's invasion and seize by the moghuls. It is located in Zanana Enclosure which was a guarded area reserved for the royal ladies of the Vijayanagara Empire.

We visited Hampi in 2nd half of February. Days were pretty warm. But it did not deter the tourists from thronging the sites such as Lotus Mahal. Who were the travellers? Click here to browse. 

Pictures of Lotus Mahal for you.











There are several monuments or their ruins in Zanana Enclosure. Queen's Palace is one of them.

There were four watch towers for guarding the enclosure.These were manned not by soldiers but eunuchs. The eunuchs were known for their fierce loyalty. Only three watch towers are now standing. See one of them in the picture below.
 The next major attraction in Zanana Enclosure is the Elephant's Stable. Meant for eleven of the royal elephants, it is a domed rectangular structure. 




 In the same compound is the Guard's Quarters. Another imposing building, it now houses part of a museum.



Those interested in further details of above monuments may browse the link here. There are many more monuments in Hampi. Hampi also has a nice hiking trail. Ghumakkad will bring you more stories. Stay connected.
In the meanwhile, enjoy the sunset from a popular sunset point.
Hampi is unique. No wonder it has got the UN World Heritage tag!

Postscript (courtesy Trixie Asirvatham): "Click any image for the thumbnail gallery and zoom to view as a slideshow."

Ghumakkad has shared a set of ten stories on Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage SiteYou may browse it by clicking the following links:

Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Thanks for browsing.

    -Harsh-the-Ghumakkad/ 26th April 2017

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