About

The "Stone Chariot", is an iconic tourist attraction of Hampi. When we say Hampi, the first thing that comes to our mind is this iconic Stone Chariot. Among the noted attractions of this city of ruins, Stone Chariot is one spot which earns its galore and admiration. This is not a chariot, as the name suggests, actually a shrine dedicated to Garuda, which you see inside the complex of Vijaya Vittala temple once you enter the temple complex, you can see the stone chariot right in front of you followed by multiple temple Mantapas. There used to be a massive sculpture of Garuda seated atop the chariot but now, it is a ruin. The iconic chariot was built by the Great King of Vijayanagara, Shri Krishna Deva Raya during the 16th century. It is said in the history that the king got fascinated with the Konark Sun temple chariot while fighting a battle in Odissa, and wanted one of that kind in his empire.

The architecture is inspired by the Dravidian art and it is a pure colossal structure mirroring the skills of the early craftsmen and architects. It looks like one single piece of a solid structure. However, it was built by slabs of granite whose linkages are smartly hidden with artistic designs. The joints are very smartly covered with carvings and other decorative features that adorn the Stone Chariot. It is a rectangular platform about one foot high and the base of the platform battle scenes from the mythology has been carved out. The chariot might look as if though it is resting on four giant wheels in real it is not putting its weight on, it only acts as a mimic. There are a series of flowers surrounding the wheel. There are two elephants positioned in front of the chariot as if they were pulling the chariot. The fact is the elephants were bought from elsewhere and placed at a very later stage. In the first two horses were carved and placed in that position to prove this the horses tails and rear legs can still be seen behind these elephant sculptures. A broken stone ladder between the elephants is like the entrance to the inner sanctum. The spot marks on the floor and the doorsill where once the ladder had stood.

Tips

• The Vittala Temple entry fees for Indian adults as well as adults from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries is INR 30 per person. The entry charges for adults from any other country is INR 500 per person. Entry for children from any country under the age of 15 years is free. 
• Vittala Temple is located around 2 kilometers from the main road and private vehicles (motorcycle, bike, car, bus ) are not allowed beyond main road (To avoid damage to monuments from vibration and dust pollution). You can catch battery operated vehicles (golf cart and buses) and can reach the site within 5 minutes (Rs 10 per person one way). you can walk by self or bicycle. 
  

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