Mahanavami Dibba
A magnificent three-tiered stone platform in Hampi, once the stage for royal celebrations and processions of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Mahanavami Dibba
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent three-tiered stone platform in Hampi, once the stage for royal celebrations and processions of the Vijayanagara Empire.
"The carvings are stunning, showing royal processions, elephants, and musicians. A must-see!"
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking on uneven surfaces within the Royal Enclosure. :athletic_shoe:
Hire a Local Guide
Enhance your understanding of the history and significance of the site. :man_detective:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Platform
Royal Enclosure, Hampi
A massive, three-tiered stone platform where kings celebrated festivals and watched processions. Intricate carvings tell tales of empire.

Intricate Carvings
Sides and steps of Mahanavami Dibba
Detailed sculptures depict royal life, hunting scenes, dancers, musicians, and foreign envoys, offering a vivid glimpse into the past.

Panoramic Views
Top of Mahanavami Dibba
An elevated vantage point offering a sprawling panorama of the Royal Enclosure and surrounding Hampi ruins.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Mahanavami Dibba
Navigating Hampi's Royal Enclosure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking on uneven surfaces within the Royal Enclosure. :athletic_shoe:
Hire a Local Guide
Enhance your understanding of the history and significance of the site. :man_detective:
Visit During Cooler Hours
Explore early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun. :sunrise: :city_sunset:
Capture the Carvings
Don't miss the detailed sculptures on the stairways and platform sides. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking on uneven surfaces within the Royal Enclosure. :athletic_shoe:
Hire a Local Guide
Enhance your understanding of the history and significance of the site. :man_detective:
Visit During Cooler Hours
Explore early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun. :sunrise: :city_sunset:
Capture the Carvings
Don't miss the detailed sculptures on the stairways and platform sides. :camerawithflash:
Climb for the View
The top offers a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding ruins. :mountain_cableway:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the grandeur and historical significance of Mahanavami Dibba, marveling at its intricate carvings and the panoramic views from its summit. While the large steps can be a challenge for some, the overall experience is described as awe-inspiring, offering a vivid connection to the Vijayanagara Empire's past.
"Great place. It's the place where Vijayadashami or Dashahara Function and many other used to happen in Vijayanagara Empire period. It's a Huge stage or Podium style heightened structure located at Royal palace hampi.. You can take a good view of all palace areas from here, as this is only structure in palace which has maximum height."
Ishanya
"Huge place, nice view
The Royal's gathered assembly and some important meetings here.
Elderly peoples difficult to reach top because the steps are bigger than normal."
RAHUL MV
"Visited Nov 2024.
The viewing perch for royalty to see the Dusshera festivities/processions it seems. This place had a wooden roof supported by wooden pillars none of which still exist. Nice carvings especially on the east steps. Don't miss the small perfectly cut square stone-cut water tank near one of the step wells near by, pics attached."
Gajanan Rao
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mahanavami Dibba is located within the Royal Enclosure of Hampi. You can reach Hampi by flight to Hubli or Bengaluru, followed by a bus or taxi. From Hampi town, auto-rickshaws or bicycles are common ways to explore the sites, including the Royal Enclosure where Mahanavami Dibba is situated.
Yes, Hampi is a popular tourist destination. It's accessible via road from major cities like Bengaluru and Goa. The nearest railway station is in Hospet, about 13 km away. From Hospet, you can take a bus or auto-rickshaw to Hampi.
Within Hampi, auto-rickshaws, bicycles, and scooters are popular modes of transport. Many visitors also enjoy walking to explore the various ruins and enjoy the landscape.
The Royal Enclosure is a central part of the Hampi ruins. If you're coming from Hampi Bazaar, you'll typically head towards the Virupaksha Temple and then follow signs or ask locals for the Royal Enclosure. Mahanavami Dibba is a prominent structure within it.
While there isn't direct public transport to every single ruin, auto-rickshaws are readily available and can take you directly to the Royal Enclosure, where Mahanavami Dibba is located.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Mahanavami Dibba is part of the Hampi group of monuments, which requires an entry ticket. The ticket typically covers multiple sites within the Royal Enclosure and other key areas.
The Hampi monuments, including Mahanavami Dibba, are generally open from sunrise to sunset. It's advisable to check the latest timings with local authorities or your guide upon arrival.
The entry fee for the Hampi monuments is nominal. Indian nationals pay a lower fee than foreign nationals. It's best to confirm the current prices at the ticket counter.
While online ticketing options might be available, purchasing tickets at the designated ticket counters upon arrival is the most common method for visiting Hampi's historical sites.
As a historical monument, visitors are expected to respect the site. Avoid climbing on delicate carvings or leaving any litter. The steps can be quite large, which might pose a challenge for some visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Mahanavami Dibba was a grand platform built by King Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire. It was the site for major royal celebrations, including the Mahanavami (Dasara) festival, military parades, and cultural performances.
You can admire the impressive three-tiered stone platform, its intricate carvings depicting various scenes of royal life, and enjoy panoramic views of the Royal Enclosure from the top.
The steps on Mahanavami Dibba are known to be larger than standard steps, which can make climbing challenging for some, especially the elderly.
The carvings are highly detailed, featuring depictions of royal processions, elephants, musicians, dancers, hunting scenes, and foreign envoys, offering a rich visual narrative of the Vijayanagara era.
Take your time to walk around the base, examine the carvings, and then ascend to the top for the views. Consider visiting with a guide to understand the context of each carving and architectural feature.
📸 📸 Photography
The top of the platform offers stunning panoramic shots of the Royal Enclosure. Close-ups of the intricate carvings on the sides and steps are also highly recommended.
Early morning or late afternoon provides the best natural light for photography, creating beautiful shadows and highlighting the textures of the stone carvings.
Generally, photography is allowed, but using flash might be discouraged in certain areas to preserve the ancient structures. Always be mindful of other visitors.
Capture the scale of the platform, the detail in the carvings (processions, animals, figures), and the expansive views from the top. Wide-angle lenses are great for the overall structure and landscape.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around historical sites and protected areas like Hampi to ensure preservation and safety. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it a part of a larger exploration of the Royal Enclosure, which includes other interesting ruins. Bringing plenty of water and snacks is advisable, as facilities can be limited. Visiting during the cooler parts of the day will make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the narrative depicted in the carvings – from royal processions and military might to cultural performances and daily life. The elevated position also provides a strategic understanding of the Royal Enclosure's layout. Hiring a knowledgeable local guide can significantly enhance your appreciation of the historical context and architectural nuances.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Engage with local guides if you're interested in a deeper understanding of the history. The site is well-suited for independent exploration, allowing you to absorb the atmosphere at your own pace. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and carry water, especially if you plan to explore other nearby ruins.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Royal Celebrations of Mahanavami
The intricate carvings adorning the Dibba serve as a visual chronicle of these festivities. They depict scenes of the king reviewing his troops, elephants in procession, musicians playing, dancers performing, and even foreign envoys paying homage. These detailed reliefs offer invaluable insights into the courtly life, military organization, and cultural richness of the Vijayanagara period. Exploring these carvings is like reading a history book etched in stone, providing a tangible connection to the empire's vibrant past.
From its elevated position, Mahanavami Dibba offered a commanding view of the surrounding Royal Enclosure and the bustling city. This vantage point allowed the king and his court to observe the grand processions and ceremonies unfolding below. Today, visitors can still experience this breathtaking perspective, imagining the echoes of ancient celebrations amidst the sprawling ruins of Hampi.
Architectural Marvel of the Vijayanagara Era
The most striking feature of Mahanavami Dibba is its elaborate sculptural decoration. The sides of the platform and the steps are covered in bas-relief carvings that are remarkably well-preserved. These carvings showcase a diverse range of subjects, from depictions of royal hunts and battles to scenes of daily life, religious motifs, and exotic animals. The artistry involved in these sculptures is exceptional, capturing movement and detail with impressive skill.
Built during the reign of King Krishnadevaraya, likely to commemorate his victory over Udayagiri, the Dibba stands as a significant monument within the Royal Enclosure. Its strategic location and grand design underscore its importance as a royal audience hall and ceremonial stage. The sheer scale and intricate detail make it a must-see for anyone interested in Indian history and architecture.
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