English: This is the first ruined structure you would see when you enter into the Royal center from the Kamalapura-Hampi main road.

For some mysterious reasons this was called as the queen’s bath. But in all probability this was a royal pleasure complex for the king and his wives.

It’s a bit an assuming plane rectangular building from out side. But when you get inside, the story is different.

The whole building is made with a veranda around facing a big open pond at the middle. Projecting into the pond are many balconies. An aqueduct terminates in the pond.

The balconies are decorated with tiny windows and supported by lotus bud tipped brackets. The whole pool is open to the sky. This brick lined pool is now empty. But it’s believed once fragrant flowers and perfumed water filled this bathing pool. At one end of the veranda you can see a flight of steps giving access to the pool. The domical roof of veranda is a spectacle itself.

Just go around the veranda looking at each dome, as they are designed in asset of unique style. Also on the floor of the empty pool you can spot some sockets probably meant to support the pillars that were part of a canopy. The whole building from inside looks like some ancient indoor aquatic complex.

Queen’s Bath Outside around the building is a big water cannel encircling the building. You need to cross that at some places where a bridge like structure is made. Probably this was designed to prevent intruders from walking into the place where the royal women folks took bath!

There is a small garden too now made in front for the queen’s bath, a favorite spot for the local picnics groups. The architecture is : Indo-Saracenic in style, may be a bit more Islamic style than the Hindu style of architecture with the arches and other decorations. Admission is free & photography allowed.

This would be the first spot you visit as part of your Royal Area tour, if you begin from the southeast corner. A wide but dusty mud road branches out northward from the main road to Hampi. This rather plain looking exterior stands in stark contrast with the tastefully detailed interior.

This rather plain looking exterior stands in stark contrast with the tastefully detailed interior.

In front of this is a parking slot and a few meters away you can spot a toilet facilities (the only ones in this area!) meant for the tourists. Keep a few coins handy for the payment.

Further north the dusty road sneaks its way to the Royal Enclosure, your next stop. Coutesy hampi.in