INDIA


The Royal Enclosure was the kingdom’s seat of power at Hampi. Within it is the lavish Lotus Mahal, with its intricately carved arches. Its function remains unclear but one theory is that it served as a sort of exclusive chat room for women of the royal family. Similar architectural lines are found in the Royal Elephant Stables, a magnificent row of 11 domed chambers that each housed an elephant, once used for ceremonies and parades. Venturing through the landscape, it’s easy to come across scenes of contemporary life, too, such as couples playing in the river by the ghats. It is this juxtaposition that makes Hampi so complex, unique and unforgettable.


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