What to expect
Highlights
- The carved processional friezes on the platform base.
- The view over the Royal Enclosure from the top tier.
- The geometric stepped tank (Pushkarani) close by.
Mahanavami Dibba
The Mahanavami Dibba is a great three-tiered granite platform at the centre of the Royal Enclosure, from which the Vijayanagara kings watched the annual Mahanavami (Dasara) festivities — processions, durbars, wrestling and military reviews.
Practical guide
Plan Mahanavami Dibba
Typeheritage
Nearest baseHampi
Best timeOctober to February
Time needed45 minutes to an hour
EntryFree (part of the Royal Enclosure)
Nearest town/baseHampi
DistrictVijayanagara
Place typeheritage
Time needed45 minutes to an hour.
The Mahanavami Dibba is a great three-tiered granite platform at the centre of the Royal Enclosure, from which the Vijayanagara kings watched the annual Mahanavami (Dasara) festivities — processions, durbars, wrestling and military reviews.
Its outer faces are carved with continuous friezes of elephants, horses, camels, hunts, dancers and foreign envoys, a rare pictorial record of court life. The stepped Pushkarani tank and the ruined enclosure walls stand nearby.
Visiting
Mahanavami Dibba — at a glance
Timings8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Best timeOctober to February; morning
Entry: Free (part of the Royal Enclosure)
Getting here
How to reach Mahanavami Dibba
In the Royal Enclosure near Kamalapura; moped, auto or cycle
Climb the platform for the carved friezes and a view over the enclosure and stepped tank.
Getting there
How to visit
- In the Royal Enclosure near Kamalapura; moped, auto or cycle from Hampi.
- Part of the ASI royal-centre circuit; go in the morning before the stone heats up.
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 for the carvings.
Weather in Mahanavami DibbaSeasonal guide
Live forecast loads in your browser.
Visitor notes
- Little shade — carry water and sun cover.
Safety
Good to know
On the map
Where Mahanavami Dibba is
Photos
Mahanavami Dibba in pictures
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Good to know
Mahanavami Dibba — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit Mahanavami Dibba?
October to February; morning light for the carvings.
What are the entry fee and timings at Mahanavami Dibba?
Entry: Free (part of the Royal Enclosure). Timings: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM. Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach Mahanavami Dibba?
In the Royal Enclosure near Kamalapura; moped, auto or cycle from Hampi. Part of the ASI royal-centre circuit; go in the morning before the stone heats up.
How much time do I need for Mahanavami Dibba?
45 minutes to an hour.
What else is near Mahanavami Dibba?
Nearby you can pair Hazara Rama Temple (260 m), Queen's Bath (390 m), Lotus Mahal (530 m), Zenana Enclosure (590 m).
Read next
More stories, legends & guides from Vijayanagara
Image credits
- Mahanavami Dibba:Wingedtree, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0