The features of Vijayanagar sculptures are considered as hybrid as these are a blend of Chalukya, Hoysala, Pandya and Chola styles of architecture. Owing to the combination of such varied styles a unique architectural idiom evolved in Vijayanagar. The combination is quite evident in the ornate look of the temples that are predominantly found in the temples of Tamil Nadu. But the Vijajanagar architecture differed from the other kingdoms in the use of its material. While for the last 400 years chlorite schist or soapstone was used for the construction of temples and other monuments, the Vijayanagar Empire showed interest in the local granite. This material was harder as compared to the soft soapstone.

However according to historical evidences there are some architectural buildings that have been cared out of soapstone. Though it became difficult to use it for sculpture but it was more durable and the temples, thus build, would be better prepared to bear the ravages of time. Sculptors who faced problems in using granite due to the unevenness they engaged in using plaster to achieve a smooth finish for their sculptures. Hence although the features of Vijayanagar sculptures remained more or less the same but the modes of creating them completely differed.

One of the main features of the Vijayanagar temple architecture is that they are protected by well-built enclosures. While the small temples have only the garbhagriha, the medium temples comprise the garbhagriha, shukanasi (antechamber), a navaranga (antrala), mandapa (hall), and a rangamandapa (enclosed pillared hall). The large temples have gopurams that are built with the help of wood, brick and stucco. These are called `Rayagopurams.` These structures closely resemble the Chola style of art and architecture. The shila-shikhara is placed at the top of the gopuram. These temple structures resemble a barrel. The gopuram has been adorned with the outstanding sculptures of various gods and goddesses. Besides these there are other temple structures, such as, `kalyanamandapa,` `pradakshinapatha,` open `mahamandapa,` tank and others as parts of the temple architecture.

The temple pillars have been beautifully constructed with the help of engravings or hippogryphs. Hippogryphs are the carvings of the charging horses. These sculpted horses are often seven to eight feet tall. There are certain pillars too that do not have such horse engravings. These pillars have been adorned with characters that appear in the Indian mythology.

The `mandapas` are square or polygonal plinths that are accompanied by carved friezes. These friezes, in turn, measure four to five feet in height. They are decorated with sculpted miniature elephants that have been placed on the entrances of the temples on all four sides. Such features of Vijayanagar sculptures render a fantastic look to the temples. In addition to these sculptures there are Yali balustrades too. The Indian temples are built in such a way that the structure of the mandapa is supported by well sculpted pillars. For instance the Jain basadi (basti) at Mudabidri is famous for its 1000 pillars.

Apart from the religious sculptures from the Viajaynagar Empire, there are several palaces that are also popular because of their architecture. Most of the palaces are guarded by towering walls that are basically made up of stone or layered earth. One of the distinguishing features of the Vijayanagar palaces is that all of them face east and north. As a norm the palaces were built on raised granite platforms. Friezes make these buildings more beautiful. The sculptures of these friezes comprise the figures of elephants, geese, floral engravings, demon faces and human motifs. Amazingly the pillars, rafters and beams inside the palace buildings were made of wood. Wells and temples were almost an integral part of the palace complexes.

A noticeable feature of the Vijayanagar sculptures is the influence of the Islamic architecture. The Lotus Mahal Palace is a glaring example of this amalgamation. Dome shaped structures were also popularly seen during this empire.