The Queen’s Bath in Hampi is a colossal bath that exemplifies the architectural excellence of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is located close to the entrance of the Royal Enclosure in Hampi.
Built during the Vijayanagara Empire, the Queen’s Bath still impresses visitors today, more than 500 years after it was built.
Quick Facts
- Timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on all days of the week
- Entry Fee: No entry fee required
- Photography: Allowed
- Visit Duration: About 1 hour
- Best time to visit: From November to February
History of Queen’s Bath, Hampi
The Queen’s Bath is believed to have been constructed by Achyuta Raya for the women of the royal family of Vijayanagara. Though named as the Queen’s Bath, it was in all probability used as the private bathing chamber of the king and his queens. It is also believed that the lavish bath was a royal pleasure complex. This belief stems from the bath’s location outside the Royal Enclosure.
Architecture of Queen’s Bath, Hampi
The Queen’s Bath is an elaborate structure with a simple exterior and an ornate interior. Built in the Indo-Islamic style of architecture, this striking enclosed space is designed to be unique than any other private or public bath in Hampi.
The Queen’s Bath is a rectangular building. The structure has an area of 30 square metres. A large sunken bath constructed in the centre of the structure has an area of 15 square metres and a depth of 1.8 metres. The bath is surrounded by beautiful arched corridors with pillars and projecting ornate balconies with windows.
Each arched bay surrounding the bath is decorated with intricate carved stucco ornamentation on the ceilings and vaults above the bays. Stone steps lead down to the floor of the bath. However, there is no ceiling over the bath, and it is open to the sky.
Hampi has an ostentatious network of aqueducts and canals built to supply water to buildings, tanks, baths, and temples in ancient times. Like other public baths in Hampi, the Queen’s Bath is also connected to an aqueduct for fresh water supply. A moat surrounds the building on all sides.
A bridge crosses the moat to reach the bath. It is believed that the moat was designed to prevent anyone from entering the building while the bath was in use.
Present Condition of Queen’s Bath, Hampi
The Queen’s Bath is now an empty structure. Its walls have lost their shine. The building has lost its glory. The bath floor has empty sockets that once supported pillars. These pillars are believed to have been part of a canopy that was destroyed during the Mughal attacks on Hampi.
The canopy was supposed to be made of wood and is said to have been burnt down. Although the canopy was never rebuilt, a small blooming garden has been laid out in front of the building. Visitors use it as a picnic spot.
How to reach Queen’s Bath
Hampi is a well-known tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can reach Hampi from many towns and cities in Karnataka and beyond. Queen’s Bath is easy to find because it is near the Royal Enclosure, one of Hampi’s most famous ruin sites.
By Air
The nearest airport is Jindal Vijaynagar Airport (VDY) at Toranagallu, about 35 km from Hampi, served by Alliance Air and Star Air with flights to Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Ballari’s own airport has no scheduled passenger flights. For wider connectivity, Hubballi Airport (about 165 km) and Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru (about 350 km) are the practical alternatives.
By Rail
Hampi has no railway station. The nearest railway station is in the city of Hosapete (Hospet). It has the Hospet Junction Railway Station. Hosapete is about 10 km from Hampi. A very easy way to reach Hampi from Hosapete is to travel by bus. Besides buses, you can use other local transport to reach Hampi from Hosapete.
By Road
Hampi has a road network that connects it to many towns and cities in Karnataka. Many buses run between Hampi and several other towns and cities in Karnataka. Private cars, cabs or other vehicles are also available for hire from big cities like Bengaluru (Bangalore) or Mysuru (Mysore) to reach Hampi.
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