The Queen’s Bath in Hampi is a colossal bath that exemplifies the architectural excellence prevalent during the days of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is located close to the entrance of the Royal Enclosure in Hampi.
Constructed during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire, the Queen’s Bath impresses visitors even 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 be 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 is due to the location of the bath, which is 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 having pillars and projecting ornate balconies with windows.
Each arched bay surrounding the bath is decorated with intricate carved stucco ornamentation on the ceilings and the vaults placed above the arched bays. There are stone steps that 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 that were built to provide water to the buildings, tanks, baths and temples during the ancient days. Like other public baths in Hampi the Queen’s Bath is also connected to an aqueduct for fresh water supply. The building has a moat surrounding it on all sides.
There is a bridge to cross the moat and 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 an empty structure now. Its walls have lost their shine. The building has lost its glory. The floor of the bath has some empty sockets that were once used to support pillars. These pillars are believed to have been part of a canopy that was destroyed during the Mughal attacks on Hampi.
The canopy is supposed to have been made of wood and is said to have been burnt down. Though the canopy was never put back over the bath, a small blooming garden has been laid out in front of the building. It is used by visitors as a picnic spot.
How to reach Queen’s Bath
Hampi is a well known tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many ways to reach Hampi from various towns and cities of Karnataka and beyond. The location of Queen’s Bath is very easy to find out as it is near the Royal Enclosure, one of the most famous ruin sites in Hampi.
By Air
Hampi is an ancient village without an airport of its own. Ballari (Bellary) is the nearest town to have an airport. Ballary is situated at a distance of around 64 km from Hampi. Visitors who wish to take the air route can fly to Ballari and then reach Hampi by means of local transport.
By Rail
Hampi is a town that is devoid of a railway station. The nearest railway station can be found in the city of Hosapete (Hospet). It has the Hospet Junction Railway Station. Hosapete stands at a distance of around 10 km from Hampi. A very easy way to reach Hampi from Hosapete is to travel through a bus. Apart from the bus, there are other means of local transport to reach Hampi from Hosapete.
By Road
Hampi has a road network that spreads out to a number of towns and cities of Karnataka. There are a lot of buses that travel 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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