Mahanavami Dibba - a wall with a green door
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Mahanavami Dibba

4.7
·1k reviews·, India

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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Mahanavami Dibba - a wall with a green door

Mahanavami Dibba

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.7
(1k reviews)

"The carvings are stunning, showing royal processions, elephants, and musicians. A must-see!"

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Platform

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

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

Panoramic Views

Top of Mahanavami Dibba

An elevated vantage point offering a sprawling panorama of the Royal Enclosure and surrounding Hampi ruins.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Mahanavami Dibba

To truly appreciate the Mahanavami Dibba, aim for cooler parts of the day. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for photos and a more comfortable exploration, avoiding the midday sun. Consider visiting during weekdays to potentially encounter fewer crowds.

Navigating Hampi's Royal Enclosure

Mahanavami Dibba is situated within Hampi's Royal Enclosure. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Consider hiring a local guide to fully grasp the historical significance of this magnificent structure and its surroundings.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer tourists
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Step back in time and witness the grandeur of the Mahanavami Dibba in Hampi! This magnificent platform served as the royal seat of the Vijayanagara Empire, where rulers celebrated the grand Navaratri festival with splendor and joy. Get ready for the 3rd G20 Culture Working Group meeting at Hampi, Karnataka from July 9 - 12, 2023 To know more about India’s @g20org Culture Working Group, please ...
ministryofculturegoi
461 likes • 16.9K views

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:

📍Dasara Dibba / Mahanavami Dibba, Hampi, Karnataka! It was built by Vijayanagara king Krishnadevaraya in 1513 after conquering Udayagiri (present-day Orissa). Since then, the kings have used the grand platform to watch royal processions and other festivities. It is a high, three-tiered platform with intricate carvings built during the Vijayanagara Empire. From a distance, it looks like an ordina...
rupin_naik
0 likes • 2.2K views
💫 Echoes of a Lost Empire 💫 Step into the grandeur of Vijayanagara at Mahanavami Dibba, where kings once stood, overseeing grand celebrations, military parades, and royal performances. Imagine the echoes of history whispering through these ancient stone carvings… Can you hear them? Would you travel back in time if you could? Tell me in the comments! ⏳✨ #HampiDiaries #MahanavamiDibba #LostKingdo...
quest_traveller_club
10 likes • 339 views

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:

Dasara Dibba or the Mahanavami Dibba is a beautiful stone platform located within the Royal Enclosure of Hampi. It was built during the Vijayanagara period by King Krishnadevaraya to commemorate his victory over Udaygiri. It was here where the King of Vijayanagar used to celebrate the festival of Dasara. 💫 #unescoworldheritage #karnatakatourism #hampi #heritage #vijayanagaraempire #travelgram
chethanvol
17 likes • 1K views

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

4.7
(1k reviews)

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

Impressive scale and architecture
Detailed historical carvings
Stunning panoramic views

What People Dislike

Large, steep steps

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. Instagram+1

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. InstagramReddit

The steps on Mahanavami Dibba are known to be larger than standard steps, which can make climbing challenging for some, especially the elderly. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. InstagramReddit

Early morning or late afternoon provides the best natural light for photography, creating beautiful shadows and highlighting the textures of the stone carvings. Instagram

Generally, photography is allowed, but using flash might be discouraged in certain areas to preserve the ancient structures. Always be mindful of other visitors. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mahanavami Dibba offers a fascinating glimpse into history for families. The large platform and the stories behind the carvings can spark children's imaginations. Encourage them to spot different animals and figures in the sculptures. However, be mindful that the steps are quite large and can be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. Reddit

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. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts

For history and architecture lovers, Mahanavami Dibba is an absolute highlight of Hampi. The sheer scale of the platform, its three-tiered design, and the incredibly detailed bas-relief carvings offer a deep dive into the Vijayanagara Empire's artistic and engineering capabilities. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers

Mahanavami Dibba is a safe and rewarding site for solo travelers. Its central location within the Royal Enclosure makes it easy to access. The opportunity to climb to the top for panoramic views offers a moment of reflection and a great perspective on the vastness of Hampi. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Royal Celebrations of Mahanavami

Mahanavami Dibba was more than just a platform; it was the epicenter of the Vijayanagara Empire's most significant royal celebrations, particularly the Mahanavami festival, also known as Dasara. This nine-day festival was a grand affair, involving elaborate rituals, military parades, and cultural performances. The king would preside over these events from the Dibba, showcasing the empire's might and prosperity to visiting dignitaries and his subjects. The platform's design itself, with its tiered structure and prominent position, was intended to amplify the grandeur of these occasions. Instagram+1

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

Architectural Marvel of the Vijayanagara Era

The Mahanavami Dibba is a testament to the architectural prowess of the Vijayanagara Empire. Constructed from granite, this massive, three-tiered platform is a square structure with diminishing tiers, the lowest being the largest and the topmost the smallest. Its imposing size and precise stonework highlight the advanced engineering and craftsmanship of the era. The platform is accessed by a grand staircase, which itself is adorned with some of the most detailed carvings. Instagram

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. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram+1

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