Where queens luxuriated in opulent splendour
With a seamless blend of Hindu and Islamic design elements, this exclusive bathing retreat featured a humble exterior but an ornate interior, crafted to be unlike any other private or public bath in Hampi.
The Queen's Bath had a sunken 1.8 m deep rectangular pool with cascading steps leading into its cool waters. The central pavilion, adorned with exquisite sculptures, was where royalty used to unwind amidst breathtaking beauty. Stunning arched corridors, lined with ornate pillars and balconies, surrounded the bath, offering a sense of both grandeur and seclusion. Look upwards, and you can marvel at the intricately carved stucco ornamentation adorning the vaulted ceilings and the vaults above each arched bay. The lavish bath remained open to the sky, creating a refreshing experience for the queens.
Like other public baths in Hampi, the Queen’s Bath is connected to an aqueduct for a freshwater supply. Encircled by a moat on all sides, the building had a bridge allowing access to the bath. It is believed that the moat served as a barrier, preventing entry into the building while the bath was in use. Ancient engineering at its best!
