King's Balance
A 15th-century granite scale in Hampi, where kings were weighed against gold, showcasing ancient engineering.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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King's Balance
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 15th-century granite scale in Hampi, where kings were weighed against gold, showcasing ancient engineering.
"Witness the awe-inspiring King's Balance, a testament to Vijayanagara's engineering genius and ancient rituals."
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby Temples
Combine your visit with nearby gems like Vittala Temple and Virupaksha Temple for a full Hampi experience.
📸 Capture the Scale
Get creative with angles to showcase the impressive size and balance of the King's Balance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Stone Scale
Near Vittala Temple Complex
Marvel at the 15th-century granite pillars and beam, a testament to Vijayanagara engineering.
Historical Weighing Ritual
King's Balance
Imagine kings being weighed against gold, jewels, or grains in this ancient ritual.
Architectural Ingenuity
King's Balance
Witness the delicate balance of a massive stone beam on two lofty pillars, a feat of ancient craftsmanship.
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Getting to Hampi's King's Balance
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby Temples
Combine your visit with nearby gems like Vittala Temple and Virupaksha Temple for a full Hampi experience.
📸 Capture the Scale
Get creative with angles to showcase the impressive size and balance of the King's Balance.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Hampi can get hot; carry plenty of water, especially when exploring the open-air monuments.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see the various sites in Hampi.
Solo trip from Mumbai to Hampi
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby Temples
Combine your visit with nearby gems like Vittala Temple and Virupaksha Temple for a full Hampi experience.
📸 Capture the Scale
Get creative with angles to showcase the impressive size and balance of the King's Balance.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Hampi can get hot; carry plenty of water, especially when exploring the open-air monuments.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see the various sites in Hampi.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the King's Balance's unique architecture and historical significance, marveling at the engineering feat of the ancient Vijayanagara Empire. Many appreciate its role in historical weighing rituals and its enduring presence. However, some find it to be a relatively quick stop compared to other Hampi attractions.
"Visited Nov 2024.
One of the more famous structures in Hampi. Slender pillars with carvings. Said to be the remains of a balance where the king was weighed and coins of equal weight were donated to the needy. There is the remains of a really nice temple (?) nearby - right now it's unnamed. Pics attached."
Gajanan Rao
"This ancient kings balance still stands tall that remembers the greatness of Vijayanagara kingdom."
Surendranath Parisigani
"The king would sit or stand on one side of the balance and offer gold, jewels or grains equal to his weight on the other side.
Kings balance also known as Raja Tula bhara is one of the most iconic monuments in Hampi. This king's balance is made up of 2 vertical granite pillars and 1 horizontal granite beam."
J B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The journey to Hampi from Mumbai typically involves flying to Hubballi Airport (HBX), then taking a train to Hosapete Junction (HPT), and finally a taxi or auto-rickshaw to Hampi. Some travelers suggest this route can be time-consuming.
Once in Hampi, renting a bicycle or scooter is a popular and convenient way to explore the various monuments, including the King's Balance. Auto-rickshaws are also readily available.
While Hampi is accessible, it requires multiple modes of transport. Direct public transport to Hampi itself is limited, often necessitating a combination of flights, trains, and local taxis.
No, there are no direct flights to Hampi. The nearest airport is Hubballi (HBX), which is about a 2-3 hour drive from Hampi.
The closest major railway station to Hampi is Hosapete Junction (HPT), located about 13 kilometers away. From there, you can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The King's Balance is an open-air monument and generally does not require a separate ticket for viewing. However, entry to some nearby complexes like the Vittala Temple might have associated fees.
As an outdoor monument, the King's Balance is accessible throughout the day. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for optimal viewing and photography.
While the King's Balance itself is usually free to view, many of the major Hampi sites, such as the Vittala Temple complex, have an entrance fee for Indian nationals and foreigners.
Information on online ticket booking for Hampi sites can be limited. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the Archaeological Survey of India for the most current ticketing procedures.
Yes, guided tours are available in Hampi, offering in-depth historical insights into monuments like the King's Balance. Hiring a local guide can enhance your understanding of the site.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography at the King's Balance, creating a warm glow and softer shadows. This also helps avoid harsh midday sun.
Generally, photography is allowed at the King's Balance. However, always be respectful of the site and any local customs.
Experiment with wide-angle shots to capture the scale of the pillars and beam, as well as close-ups of the intricate carvings. Consider including people for a sense of proportion.
Drone usage is often restricted at historical and archaeological sites in India. It's best to check with local authorities before attempting to fly a drone.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for capturing both wide vistas and details. A wide-angle lens is great for the King's Balance's scale. Don't forget a polarizing filter for skies.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The King's Balance, also known as Tula Bhara or Tula Purushadana, is a 15th-century monument where kings were weighed against gold or other valuables, which were then distributed to the needy.
It is constructed from granite, featuring two tall pillars supporting a massive stone beam. The intricate carvings on the pillars are a notable feature.
You can view and appreciate the King's Balance in about 15-30 minutes. However, it's often visited as part of a larger tour of Hampi's numerous attractions.
Restroom facilities and water sources might be limited directly at the King's Balance. It's advisable to use facilities at nearby major sites like the Vittala Temple complex and carry your own water.
The King's Balance is an outdoor monument with uneven terrain around it. While the monument itself can be viewed from a distance, navigating the area might be challenging for those with mobility issues.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as food options can be limited between sites. Consider hiring a local guide who can make history come alive with engaging stories. Renting bicycles with child seats or hiring an auto-rickshaw for the day can make navigating the sprawling site more manageable for families.
💰 Budget Travelers
Eating at local dhabas or small eateries will offer the most affordable and authentic meals. Traveling by train to Hosapete and then using local buses or shared auto-rickshaws to Hampi can significantly cut down on transportation costs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of the King's Balance
This unique structure served a significant ceremonial purpose. It is believed that the king would stand on one side of the balance, and precious items like gold, jewels, or grains, equivalent to the king's weight, would be placed on the other side. This ritual, known as Tula Bhara or Tula Purushadana, was performed on special occasions, symbolizing the king's generosity and his commitment to his subjects. The sheer scale and the delicate balance achieved without visible modern support systems continue to awe visitors.
Despite centuries of exposure to the elements, the pillars of the King's Balance remain standing tall, a silent witness to the glorious past of the Vijayanagara kingdom. Its presence near other significant sites like the Vittala Temple complex makes it an integral part of any Hampi itinerary, offering a glimpse into the grandeur and spiritual practices of a bygone era.
Navigating Hampi: Tips from Travelers
Once you're in Hampi, exploring the vast UNESCO World Heritage site is best done on foot, by bicycle, or by renting a scooter. This allows for flexibility and the discovery of hidden gems. Popular routes often include the King's Balance, the Vittala Temple complex, Virupaksha Temple, and various other ruins scattered across the landscape.
To make the most of your visit, consider visiting during the cooler months, from November to February. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for exploring to avoid the midday heat and the largest crowds. Carrying plenty of water is essential, as facilities can be sparse in some areas.
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