Gagana Mahal Palace (Anegundi) — Attraction in Karnataka

Gagan Mahal Palace in Anegundi is a hidden gem that beautifully reflects the grandeur of Vijayanagara’s royal past, yet often goes unnoticed compared to Hampi’s main monuments. Once the residence of the Vijayanagara kings, this historic palace, though partially in ruins, still exudes an old-world charm. Its tall arches and the graceful blend of Islamic and South Indian architectural styles make it a fascinating place to explore.

There’s a small entry fee of ₹10, and the palace remains open throughout the day. The place is usually quiet with very few tourists around, offering a peaceful experience for those who appreciate heritage and solitude. The surroundings are quite clean, though a bit of extra maintenance could further enhance its appeal.

Just opposite the palace, you’ll find a few small tea stalls and local shops — perfect for taking a short break. Anegundi itself is a serene village rich in history, with warm, welcoming locals and several ancient sites that provide a glimpse into the bygone era.

If you’re exploring areas beyond Hampi, make sure to stop by Gagan Mahal. It may not be vast in scale, but its character, charm, and historical significance make it a truly...

This monument was constructed by Ali Adil Shah (1557-1580) in the year 1561 CE. The Gagan Mahal means heavenly palace. It was meant to serve the dual purpose, of a royal residence and council chamber and such witnessed many momentous deeds recorded in the history of Bijapur. It located within the citadel. The Mahal is a large rectangular hall with private apartments above it, suported by huge wooden pillars. There might have been galleries facilitating the ladies to watch the proceedings of the court. However, the most fascinating feature of this monument is its great central arch and a two constricted side arches, spanning the facade. Such a great span was desirable to have a clear open space between the facade and the Darbar Hall, unobstructed by pillars or masonary of any kind so that the king and his nobles could have an uniterrupted view of the assembly and the other military activities that took place in front of it. However, it affected the proportion of elevation of the Structure. The wooden ceiling of this hall was once supported by heavy beams, none of...

Gagan Mahal Palace in Anegundi is a beautiful slice of history that often gets overlooked compared to the main Hampi monuments. This old royal palace was once the residence of the Vijayanagara kings, and even though most of it is in ruins now, the structure still carries a royal charm. The tall arches and the blend of Islamic and South Indian architecture make it really interesting to explore.

There’s no entry fee to visit, and it’s open throughout the day. The area is usually calm with very few tourists, which makes it perfect if you enjoy peaceful heritage spots. The surroundings are fairly clean, though it could use a bit more maintenance in some corners.

Right opposite the palace, you’ll find a few local tea stalls and small shops where you can relax for a bit. The best part is that Anegundi itself is a quiet village full of historical sites and friendly locals, giving you a glimpse of how life might have been centuries ago.

If you’re exploring beyond Hampi, definitely make a stop at Gagan Mahal — it’s not grand in scale, but it’s full of character...