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The Elephant Stable in Hampi is an impressive structure were built in the 15th century and are constructed in the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. Elephant Stable is a major tourist attraction in Hampi that was used to provide shelter for the royal elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire. That was used to provide shelter for the royal elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire. the elephant stables structure is an oblong construction running to 85 meters from south to north and its depth is 9 meters. There are eleven such domed chambers and these are interconnected with large arched openings. The center one is specially decorated and big. The intricate design and emphasis on little details indicate the importance that was attached to the royal elephants of the empire. This long structure is made of a series of chambers with domical roofs. Each chamber is big enough to accommodate two elephants. The elephants were tied to the chairs hanging from the center of the ceiling as can be made out from the iron hooks embedded in some of the ceilings. Apart from the royal elephants, temples also had elephants of their own to perform various pujas. One such elephant can still be seen in Hampi.

The building as such looks symmetrical with respect to the central hall. The tower of the central hall looks like the temple shrines though most of it is destroyed. The five pair of domes which have remained intact are of the Islamic style they are better preserved. Metal hooks which are used to tie the elephants on the inside roof can be seen. At the rear of each hall are small manholes type openings for the mahouts to enter the elephant compartments. Elephant Stables can be reached through the Zenana Enclosure, proceed to the Guard’s Quarters and move to the Ranga Temple located a bit south of it all. 

The Elephant Stable is a wonderful example of Indo-Islamic architecture made from brick and mortar. The building is of great heights covered individually by the domes of various shapes and a building near it to lodge the workers. Together they form an “L” shaped structure, which is a part of the parade for ceremonies. During the best and high times of the Vijayanagar Empire had about 10,000 elephants of which only 10 of them were chosen for royal service and kept in the stables. They are the best among the animals.

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