What to expect
Highlights
- The eleven domed elephant chambers and central tower.
- The Indo-Islamic architecture and symmetry.
- The adjacent Guards’ Quarters sculpture gallery.
Elephant Stables
The Elephant Stables are a grand, symmetrical row of eleven large domed chambers that once housed the royal elephants, just outside the Zenana enclosure. The alternating domes — some fluted, some ribbed — and a central pavilion make it one of the most complete and photographed structures at Hampi.
Practical guide
Plan Elephant Stables
Typeheritage
Nearest baseHampi
Best timeOctober to February
Time needed30 minutes
EntryCovered by the ASI ticket
Nearest town/baseHampi
DistrictVijayanagara
Place typeheritage
Time needed30 minutes.
The Elephant Stables are a grand, symmetrical row of eleven large domed chambers that once housed the royal elephants, just outside the Zenana enclosure. The alternating domes — some fluted, some ribbed — and a central pavilion make it one of the most complete and photographed structures at Hampi.
Its restrained Indo-Islamic style reflects the courtly architecture of the empire; the adjoining Guards’ Quarters now serves as a small sculpture gallery.
Visiting
Elephant Stables — at a glance
Timings8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Best timeOctober to February; morning light
Entry: Covered by the ASI ticket
Getting here
How to reach Elephant Stables
Beside the Lotus Mahal, Zenana area
Eleven domed elephant chambers with a central tower.
Getting there
How to visit
- Beside the Lotus Mahal in the Zenana area; reached the same way.
- Entered on the same ASI ticket as the Lotus Mahal and Vittala temple.
Distance by road
- Bengaluru340 km
- Hubballi145 km
- Hyderabad360 km
- Ballari65 km
- Badami140 km
Road km to Vijayanagara; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
Timing
Best time
October to February; morning light is best for photos.
Weather in Elephant StablesSeasonal guide
Live forecast loads in your browser.
Visitor notes
- ASI ticket applies; do not climb inside or on the domes.
Safety
Good to know
On the map
Where Elephant Stables is
Photos
Elephant Stables in pictures
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What’s near Elephant Stables
Good to know
Elephant Stables — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit Elephant Stables?
October to February; morning light is best for photos.
What are the entry fee and timings at Elephant Stables?
Entry: Covered by the ASI ticket. Timings: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach Elephant Stables?
Beside the Lotus Mahal in the Zenana area; reached the same way. Entered on the same ASI ticket as the Lotus Mahal and Vittala temple.
How much time do I need for Elephant Stables?
30 minutes.
What else is near Elephant Stables?
Nearby you can pair Lotus Mahal (170 m), Zenana Enclosure (200 m), Yantroddharaka Hanuman Temple (530 m), Hazara Rama Temple (560 m).
Read next
More stories, legends & guides from Vijayanagara
Image credits
- Elephant Stables:iMahesh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0