Mahanavami Dibba

Royal Enclosure · Hampi · Karnataka · India

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About Mahanavami Dibba

Mahanavami Dibba is a grand three-tiered stone platform located within the Royal Enclosure at Hampi, Karnataka, part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 16th century during the Vijayanagara Empire, it served as a royal dais for the king to view Mahanavami (Dasara) festivities and ceremonies. Notable for its massive granite base, intricate carvings of elephants, horses and dancers, and panoramic views over the enclosure.

Visitors guide

Visitors can expect a large, elevated, three-tiered stone platform in the Royal Enclosure with broad stairways on the front and sides. The lower tiers feature detailed stone carvings of animals, warriors, and dancers. Visitors can climb to the flat top via steps for panoramic views of the Royal Enclosure, Stepped Tank and surrounding ruins. The structure is open-air, surrounded by other royal remains, with interpretive signage and guides available.

Key highlights

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Massive three-tiered granite platform rising about 12 meters high
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Intricate carvings of elephants, horses, camels, dancers and hunting scenes on the lower tiers
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Panoramic view of the Royal Enclosure and Hampi landscape from the top
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Located within the fortified Royal Enclosure near the Stepped Tank and Audience Hall
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Associated with Vijayanagara Mahanavami (Dasara) royal ceremonies

History of Mahanavami Dibba

Mahanavami Dibba was constructed during the Vijayanagara Empire, attributed to King Krishnadevaraya around 1513 CE to commemorate his victory over Udayagiri in present-day Odisha. It served as a high royal platform from which the king viewed the nine-day Mahanavami festival celebrations, military parades, music, dance and processions, and received tribute. It is part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Culture & Context

The platform is culturally significant as the ceremonial centre for the Mahanavami (Dasara) festival of the Vijayanagara kingdom, reflecting royal ritual, courtly display and state ceremony. Its carvings illustrate contemporary court life, festivals and traditions of the period and remain an important example of Vijayanagara art and architecture.

Route

By air

Keep exploring nearby

Discover more nearby attractions and build a fuller day around this stop.

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Hazara Rama Temple

Hazara Rama Temple is a 15th-century Hindu temple in the Royal Centre of Hampi, Karnataka, part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dedicated to Lord Rama, it served as the private temple of the Vijayanagara kings. It is renowned for its extensive bas-reliefs and panels depicting the Ramayana, intricate black stone pillars, and compact walled enclosure near the Lotus Mahal and Elephant Stables.

Hampi, KarnatakaTemple

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Lotus Mahal

Lotus Mahal is a distinctive two-storey pavilion located within the Zenana Enclosure at Hampi, Karnataka, part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built during the Vijayanagara Empire, it is noted for its Indo-Islamic architecture blending Vijayanagara and Islamic styles, with lotus-like arches and domes. Once used as a council chamber and recreational pavilion for royal women, it remains one of Hampi's most photographed and well-preserved structures.

Hampi, KarnatakaPalace

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Elephant Stables

The Elephant Stables is a 15th-century historic structure located within the Zenana Enclosure at Hampi, Karnataka, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Group of Monuments at Hampi. Built during the Vijayanagara Empire, it comprises eleven domed chambers in Indo-Islamic style used to house royal elephants. Noted for its symmetrical arches, domes and well-preserved masonry near the Lotus Mahal, it illustrates the empire's architectural grandeur and ceremonial importance of elephants.

Hampi, KarnatakaMonument

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Vijaya Vittala Temple

Vijaya Vittala Temple is a 16th-century Hindu temple complex located in Vittalapura, Hampi, Karnataka, within the Group of Monuments at Hampi UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dedicated to Vittala, a form of Lord Vishnu, it is renowned for its Vijayanagara architecture, including the iconic stone chariot, musical pillars, and intricately carved halls. Built and expanded under Devaraya II and Krishnadevaraya, it stands on the banks of the Tungabhadra River and is among Hampi's most visited monuments.

Hampi, KarnatakaTemple

By train	Nearest major railhead is Hospet Junction (Hosapete Junction) about 13 km away, connected to Bengaluru, Hubballi and Hyderabad.

By road	Hampi is connected by road to Hospet (Hosapete) about 12 km away; auto-rickshaws, taxis and local buses operate from Hospet to Hampi and the Royal Enclosure.

By public transport	KSRTC buses to Hospet/Hampi and local auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws within Hampi for site-to-site movement.

Nearest airport	Vidyanagar Airport (Jindal Vijaynagar Airport), Toranagallu

Nearest railway station	Hospet Junction (Hosapete Junction)

Need to know

01Things to know before you go	Located inside the Royal Enclosure; combine visit with Stepped Tank and King's Audience Hall nearby Climb to the top for best views; steps can be steep and sun-exposed Carry water and sun protection as the site is open with little shade Photography is generally allowed; check on-site signage for any restrictions
02Rules & restrictions	Do not climb, sit or deface carved surfaces Do not litter within the protected monument area Follow Archaeological Survey of India signage and stay within designated visitor areas
03Safety information	Steps are steep and stone surfaces can be slippery and hot in direct sun No guardrails on the upper platform; keep away from edges Limited shade; avoid midday heat during summer months

Facilities listed

Reported facilities to help you plan your visit.

Drinking Water
Licensed Guides
Parking near Royal Enclosure
Ticket Counter for Hampi monuments nearby
Toilets