Zenana enclosure was a secluded area reserved for the royal women. This walled harem houses many interesting highlights. The major attraction is the Lotus Mahal located at the southeast corner.
As the name suggests, you would enter into a sprawling compound with a mud road running through the middle of the compound. Probably the only thing your eyes catch soon when you are inside is the pastel colored Lotus Mahal at the far right corner. It’s a two-storied arched pavilion.
The whole Zenana enclosure is encircled with tall and broad walls made out of cut stones arranged in interesting patterns. The construction style of the wall is noteworthy.The enclosure had been strategically designed for the women folks to watch the royal ceremonial functions or the march past in privacy.
However there is another school of archeologists who believe this was never used as the women’s area. The archeologists assigned the names (Zenana Enclosure, Lotus Mahal etc) arbitrarily based on some assumptions. The closeness of the nearby structures (the elephant stables, the guards quarters etc) suggests this was not a harem. They believe the Lotus Mahal as a council room for the chief commanders rather than the women’s pavilion; the rectangular enclosed building at the northwest corner as the armory or mint or treasury rather than the quarters for the eunuch guards; and the palace belonged to the king.
The path to the other locations like the Elephant Stable, Guard’s Quarters and a few other temples’ runs through the center of this area. The whole area is now made into a sort of open garden with sprawling lawns. You can see people taking naps under the trees in the noontime. A good site map too is located in this area, if you need to (you will need to!) reassure your location and the next direction.
Reserve about 1 hour plus to roam and explore this area. In all likelihood your next destination would be the Elephant Stables at the east, the Ranga Temple & Yellamma Temple at the south, the Jain Temples or the Hazara Rama Temple at the southwest.
This is one of the few places in Hampi where visitors have to pay for the entry ticket. The ticket counter is located outside (west) the main entrance of the enclosure. Photography is allowed free of cost. The same ticket is valid (only for the same day) for entry at the Vittala Temple and the nearby Elephant Stables. Preserve the ticket.
Key Attractions of Zenana Enclosure, Hampi
The Zenana Enclosure is an area that has quite a few interesting structures. The fortified area includes several structures such as the Lotus Mahal, Basement of the Queen’s Palace, Water Pavilion, Treasury Building and the WatchTowers.
Lotus Mahal: The main attraction of the Zenana Enclosure is the Lotus Mahal. It is located in the south-eastern corner of the enclosure. It is one of the most famous structures in Hampi and one of the very few structures that have been left undamaged by the Mughal attackers. It is a beautiful domed structure that has been designed in the shape of a lotus bud.
Basement of Queen’s Palace: The Queen’s Palace is a ruined structure that has only the basement as a proof of its existence. The basement is located in the centre of the Zenana Enclosure. The basement has an area of about 46 x 29 meters. It is the largest palace base excavated among the Hampi ruins so far.
Water Pavilion: The Water Pavilion is located opposite to the palace base and at the eastern side of the enclosure. The water pavilion is a decorated platform situated in the centre of a shallow pool. Though the water pavilion is no longer in a working condition, the low spot is one of the attractions of the enclosure.
Treasury Building: The Royal Treasury Building is a rectangular structure that is located in the north-western corner of the enclosure. The building is a plain looking structure, without any distinctive features. It has a simple entry at the eastern side.
Watch Towers: The three Watch Towers are located in three corners of the enclosure. Each tower is a two storied structure built in the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. There are steps that lead to the top of two of the towers.
How to reach the Zenana Enclosure
The Zenana Enclosure in Hampi is a tourist spot that is regularly visited by people from far and near. The area is easily accessible by vehicles. It is one of the few places in Hampi that requires a ticket for entry.
By Air- Hampi, the famous tourist destination, does not have an airport of its own. The nearest town to have an airport is Ballari (Bellary). Visitors can travel to Ballari by flight and then proceed to Hampi by means of local transport. Ballary is situated at a distance of about 64 km from Hampi.
By Rail- Hampi is an ancient town with no railway station of its own. The nearest railway station is located at the city of Hospet that has the Hospet Junction Railway Station. Hospet stands at a distance of just 10 km from Hampi. There are several means to reach Hampi from Hospet. One can take a bus or avail other means of local transport to reach Hampi.
By Road- Hampi has a good road network and is well connected to several places through this network. There are a number of buses that ply between Hampi and several major towns and cities in Karnataka. Visitors can opt to hire private cars, cabs or other vehicles from major cities like Bengaluru (Bangalore) or Mysuru (Mysore) to reach Hampi.