Gagan Mahal -Penukonda - A Forgotten Empire

Gagan Mahal: Located in the historical town penukonda, it was second capital of vijayangara empire. An old Hindu palace i.e. Gagan Mahal is located to the south of Ramaswamy and Eshwara temples. It was the summer palace and harem of Vijayanagara rulers. The building is facing east and composes of two stories of arcade chambers, square on plan with corner tower on the northern side. In front of the building there are steps leading into the building also staircases on either sides leads to the first floor. The ground floor consisting with recessed and forty five foliated arches in the pavilion reminiscent of the Lodi type of arches in the buildings of Delhi. The middle of the ground floor and first floor made a provision of rooms. The first floor has twelve arches and eight windows. The surface of the walls of building is coated with stucco. The pyramidal roof built-up in tiers is obviously adopted from Sikhara of the Dravidan style. The tower has six projecting windows supported by brackets. It was built by a combination of Indo-Persian architectural style known as Indo-Sarcanic adopted by Vijayanagara kings. The palace was built without a single rafter, a unique specimen architecture. Due to time constraint, we couldn't check out penukonda fort, hopefully in the second visit.
- Archaeology and Museums Department.


Places to checkout : Penakonda fort, Thimmarusu Jail, Basavanna Well, Temples

How to Reach : Bangalore-- Yelahanka-- Penukonda
                         
Near by places: Pavagada fort, Lepakshi, Nidagal Betta

Permission : As of now Not required

Time to cover : 2hrs

Things to Carry: Water, Food and all necessary