This is the largest enclosure including two major platform structures, an underground chamber which must have served as a treasury or private audience hall, several other platforms, double fortification walls and several interesting architecture elements.
Equally impressive is the massive Mahanavami Dibba, where the king once sat on gem-studded golden thrones and watched processions pass by. The platform sports densely carved bands of horses, soldiers and depiction of the various aspect of courtly life.
This structure has a very plain exterior but the interiors are stunningly ornate with graceful arched corridors projecting balconies and lotus shaped fountains that used to spout perfumed water for ladies of the court.
This visually appealing structure has two levels, with open pavilions at the bottom and balconies above. An elegant example of the fusion of the Hindu and Muslium style of architecture, the Mahal derives its name from the beautiful, geometrically-arranged cusped arches which resembles the petal of a flower opening to the sun.
Imposing edifices with an arched entrance and many domes that once housed the magnificent state elephant.
The stepped water tanks, excavated in the mid-1980 was originally a part of the palace complex. Almost lyrical in its beauty, the tank is a tiered structure crafted from rectangular pieces of granite.
This was a royal temple reserved for ceremonial use. The entire temple is embellished with bas-reliefs depicting the scenes from the epic Ramanayana. The walls of the enclosed are richly carved with friezes, depicting processions of horses, elephants dancing girls and soldiers attired in splendid weaponry. Inside four exquisitely sculpted granite pillars add to the beauty of ardha mantapa.
The Vijaya Vittala Temple is Hampi’s crowning glory, with a magnificent stone chariot standing in the temple courtyard. Equally impressive is the large ranga mantapa with 56 musical pillars that resound with musical chimes when struck.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Padmadevi, this is the only temple that is still used for worship. Parts of the temple predate the Vijayanagar empire. The temple, with nine storied gopuram towers is the other structure at Hampi. The ceiling of the ranga mantapa is beautifully painted with scenes from the Puranas.
The awesome 6.7 m monolith depiciting the man-lion form of Vishnu is seated on a seven-hooded serpent.
Located next to the Lakshminarasimha statue, it is a 3m high monolithic Linga and its base stands permanently in water that flows around it.
Two Ganesha images (Sasuvekalu and Kadalekalu ) can be seen on the slopes of Hemakuta Hill. One of them is enclosed in a temple with unusually tall pillars, while the other is in an open hall.
