Background

Palace of Vira Harihara: Echoes of Vijayanagara Royalty

Explore the foundation of a royal residence in Hampi's Royal Enclosure, imagining the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire.

4.6

Explore the remnants of the Palace of Vira Harihara in Hampi, a 14th-century structure once belonging to King Harihara Raya II. Though only the foundation remains, the ornate carvings offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Vijayanagara Empire within the Royal Enclosure.

A brief summary to Palace of Vira Harihara

  • 8F98+CXQ, Karnataka, 583239, IN
  • Monday 6 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-6 pm
  • Friday 6 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
  • Hire a local guide to gain a deeper understanding of the palace's history and significance.
  • Combine your visit with other nearby attractions within the Royal Enclosure, such as the Hazara Rama Temple and Lotus Mahal.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From Hampi Bazaar, head southeast towards the Royal Enclosure. The Palace of Vira Harihara is located within the enclosure, south of the Hazara Rama Temple. The walk takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water.

  • Public Transport

    From Hampi town, hire an auto-rickshaw to the Royal Enclosure. The ride typically costs ₹150-₹250 and takes about 20-30 minutes. Negotiate the price beforehand.

Unlock the Best of Palace of Vira Harihara

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Palace of Vira Harihara

The Palace of Vira Harihara, located within Hampi's Royal Enclosure, offers a captivating glimpse into the Vijayanagara Empire's rich history. Constructed in the 14th century, the palace is believed to have been the residence of Harihara Raya II (1377-1404 CE), also known as Vira Harihara II. Today, only the foundation layouts remain, inviting visitors to imagine the grandeur of this once-magnificent structure. Located close to the Hazara Rama Temple, the palace's presence within the Royal Enclosure highlights its significance as a personal residence for the Vijayanagara kings. After Vira Harihara II, subsequent rulers continued to use the palace until 1565 A.D., when an attack by the Deccan Sultanate led to the empire's downfall and widespread destruction in Hampi. While the superstructure has disappeared, the ornate base provides insight into the palace's architecture. The tiered foundations showcase the skills of Vijayanagar craftsmen, and it is believed that the palace made extensive use of wood. A rectangular well with a carved Nandi head, once part of the aqueduct system, can still be observed near the palace base. Visiting the Palace of Vira Harihara offers a chance to connect with Hampi's royal past and appreciate the architectural legacy of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Popular Experiences near Palace of Vira Harihara

Popular Hotels near Palace of Vira Harihara

Select Currency