Gagan Mahal

January

18 - 31 °C

February

17 - 34 °C

March

22 - 36 °C

April

24 - 39 °C

May

24 - 39 °C

June

23 - 36 °C

July

21 - 30 °C

August

24 - 33 °C

September

23 - 34 °C

October

22 - 34 °C

November

19 - 30 °C

December

17 - 28 °C

Major Airports :

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bengaluru

Jindal Vijayanagar Airport (VDY), Vidyanagar

Hubballi Airport (HBX), Hubballi

Nearest Railway Station :

Hospet Junction Railway Station (HPT)

Hear whispers of royalty

In the quaint village of Anegundi near Hampi, the regal Gagan Mahal stands as a silent witness to the glory of the Vijayanagara Empire. Known as the Old Palace, this charming building is believed to have been constructed in the 16th century and beckons you to discover its rich past. Once the abode of kings and queens, Gagan Mahal now serves as the local administration's building, retaining its old-world charm.

Step into this majestic palace, and you'll find yourself surrounded by the remnants of a bygone era. This 500-year-old palace that was once adorned with opulence now stands as a shadow of its former self, yet still exudes a unique allure, drawing its visitors into the heart of Hampi's regal past. It was originally constructed as a residence for the Vijayanagara royal family and is said to have also housed the Queen's quarters. The palace, however, met its fate during the downfall of the Vijayanagara Empire in 1565 A.D.

A reminiscence of the past

Gagan Mahal was constructed in 1561 by Adil Shahi Sultan Ali Adil Shah I and is a showcase of Indo-Islamic architectural brilliance. The word ‘Gagan’ in Hindi means sky, perhaps named so because of the beautiful view from its arched windows. You will notice that the palace, which has no roof, seems to live up to its name. It is believed to have been the residence of queens, as evidenced by several factors.

The palace exudes a mesmerising charm with its four towers, decorated balconies, and arched windows. At the centre of Gagan Mahal is the Durbar Hall, a monumental chamber with intricately carved wooden pillars. In addition to its architectural marvels, Gagan Mahal boasts of beautiful gardens and water fountains. Water channels and fountains enhance the palace's charm, providing a serene backdrop to the historical narrative embedded within its walls.

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Timings

Opening time - 08:00 AM

Closing time - 06:00 PM

Defying heat without air conditioning

The Gagan Mahal is an example of the exceptional skills of engineers who lived over 500 years ago. The palace was constructed in a way that kept it cool even during the hot summer months, without the use of air conditioning which did not exist at that time. The engineers designed the palace to maintain a comfortable temperature naturally. Additionally, the palace had a functional pool with a water drainage system, which was a remarkable feat for that period.

As you wander through the corridors and courtyards of Gagan Mahal, you'll embark on a journey that takes you back in time. The faded elegance, intricate carvings, and the remnants of royal chambers will whisper stories of a glorious past.