Lotus mahal

At a distance of 500 m from Hazara Rama Temple, 3.5 km from Hampi Bus Stand and 2 km from Kamalapur Bus Stand, Lotus Mahal is situated within Zenana Enclosure, a secluded area reserved for the royal ladies of the Vijayanagara Empire. This is also known as Chitragani Mahal and Kamal Mahal. Lotus Mahal is the primary attraction of the Zenana Enclosure. Shaped like a lotus flower from the top, the archways of the structure resemble petals of a lotus and provide the whole structure the shape of a half-open lotus. The central dome is carved in the shape of a lotus bud. Lotus Mahal is built in Indo-Islamic style. The two storied structure is symmetrically laid out, with equal projections on four sides. The base of the structure resembles Hindu temple style while the upper superstructure is Islamic in architecture with pyramidal towers. The upper floor of the Mahal has balconies with arched windows. The arches of the ground floor are recessed and ornate. The walls are protected from Sun and rain by the curved eaves that run continuously around the building. There are 8 pyramidal towers rise over the central and corner bays of the building. The 9th tower is above the central bay similar to the other eight but higher. Twenty-four square pillars support the arches and the superstructure of the Mahal. The pillar arches of the structure are covered with exemplary carvings and delicate art work. The walls also have nice carvings of amazing patterns, birds, Makara Torana, etc. The entire complex is surrounded by a fortifying wall which is rectangular in plan. There are water channels in the upper floors and between the arches to keep the Mahal air-cooled in hot summers of Hampi.