Queen's Bath, Hospet

Hospet or Hosapete is a booming metropolis with a connection to the glorious Vijayanagara Empire. The city was once the gateway to the capital of the Empire, Hampi. Although the empire has declined with time, the city is still standing with all its glory. Hospet is still visited by tourists, who come here en-route the Hampi ruins. Some of the popular landmarks of this fabulous city include Virupaksha Temple, Elephant Stables and the Lotus Mahal. The given write-up would focus on one of the most stunning corners of the royal encampments of Hospet – the Queen’s Bath. A stunning example of architectural style hailing from the Vijayanagara Empire, the place is simply the work of art.

Let’s explore the Queen's Bath, Hospet and check out its unique features.

Keynote on Queen's Bath, Hospet

Address: Royal Enclosure, Hampi, Hospet – 583239

Type of monument: Royal Bath

Architectural style: Indo-Islamic style of architecture

Opening time: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm

Entry Fee: Free

Visit Duration: 1 hour

Best time to visit: November and February is suitable for the trip

How to Reach: Private and public transport available

An Overview of the Queen’s Bath

The colossal Queen’s bath, located close to the Royal Enclosure in Hampi, demonstrates the architectural excellence of the architects and engineers in the Vijayanagara Empire. One of the most visited landmarks of Hampi, the place was built close to five hundred years ago and is a prime example of Indo-Islamic style of architecture in the South Indian terrains.

The Queen's Bath, Hospet was the private bathing chamber of the royals and was decorated with ornate balconies. The six feet center pool, with stone steps that lead to the bottom, is situated in a room with no ceiling. A deep ditch was dug around the bath, so maintain the privacy of the royals especially the royal ladies.

One of the stunning examples of architecture hailing to the Vijayanagara Dynasty, the place attracts photography enthusiasts from far and wide.

History of the Queen's Bath, Hospet

No one knows why the place is called the Queen’s Bath, although the place was used by both the royal men and women of the city. According to a theory, the bath was commissioned by Achyuta Raya for the women of his household. But the palace was used by royal men too.

Some historians point out that the place was used as a pleasure complex for the royals since the bath is very close to the royal enclosures.

The Architecture of the Queen’s Bath

As the visitors enter the Royal quarters through the Kamalapura-Hampi main road, the Queen's Bath in Hospet is probably the first building that will come to the view. A beautiful structure, enclosed by a moat, the colossal bath has a bit unflattering exterior. However, the interiors of the building are lavishly decorated with regal fixtures. According to experts, there was a bridge over the moat, used by royals to reach the bath. Usually, these structures were used for maintaining the privacy and security of the royals inside the bath.

There is a courtyard, which opens up to a pool in the middle of the room. A flight of stairs would take the visitor to the bottom of this deep pool (it is close to six feet deep). The central pool is surrounded by elaborately decorated balconies on the top and a beautifully decorated aqueduct on the ground level. The balconies have three small windows, which are decorated with beautiful brackets.

Interestingly, the pool has an open ceiling, and back in the day the pool used to be swarming with the sweet smell of fragrant flowers and natural oils.

Predominantly, the Queen's Bath in Hospet is Indo-Islamic architecture. But one can find more inclination towards Islamic architecture. The presence of dome-like structures, arches and other decorations reflect how designers have incorporated the North-Indian Mughal elements in these structures.

Things to Do at Queen’s Bath

1. Exploring the ruins

The Queen's Bath, Hospet is a popular destination among the tourists, and usually the first stop of the tour to the royal quarters of Hampi. The architecture and the stunning beauty of the place are mesmerizing.

2. Hosting a small picnic at the lawn opening near the bath

A beautiful lawn encompassing the stunning monument is a favorite destination of picnic among locals. Travelers can come here to relax or just soak in the beauty of the place.

3. Visit other attractions of Hampi

The Queen's Bath, Hospet is not the only attraction of the ancient city. Some of the other attractions of Hampi include stunning Virupaksha Temple, massive Elephant Stable, and the glorious Vittala Temple. Making a stop at these destinations is a must for every tourist.

How to Reach

Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi is frequently visited by tourists. Hence the city is well-connected to different parts of India through rails, airways, and buses. Bellary is the nearest airport town to Hampi and is close to 64km (40mi) away from it. While Hospet is the nearest railway station to the ancient ruin city. Tourists planning on visiting the city via roadways can opt for private or public transport operators at Bangalore, Chennai, and other nearby cities.