The Royal Enclosure

Hampi, India

This, according to the official ASI literature, was the heart center of the city, the downtown so to speak. There is the Mahanavami Dibba, a large platform, almost three stories tall, which gives a brilliant view of the country side. This platform was used as a base for various religious functions involving the royal family with the general population standing down. Apart from this, there is a stepped well, an underground shrine, lots of smaller platforms (meant for assembly / public meetings), etc. There is the Hazaar Rama temple on one side and the Queen's bath (or "Rani Ki swimming pool" as the cleaning lady told me) on the other side. A little further away from the central area of the Royal Enclosure is the Pan Supari Bazaar (opposite the Hazaar Rama temple).