Within the Bangalore Fort stands Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace which is an impressive piece of architecture in itself. The Bangalore Fort was initially built as a mud fort by Kempe Gowda, the founder Bangalore. Later Hyder Ali, father of Tipu Sultan converted it into a stone fort. The fort is a witness to the struggle of Mysore Empire against the British. This Palace was constructed as a summer residence of Tipu Sultan. Islamic art adorns the interiors of the palace with inscriptions-“Abode of Happiness”.
Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace
The palace reveals the lifestyles of the Mysorean king Tipu Sultan also known as the “Tiger of Mysore”. Teak wood interiors of the palace generate curiosity among visitors to know more about the history associated to him.
History
The construction of this beautiful summer palace was inaugurated by Hyder Ali and got completed in 1791 during the rule of Tipu Sultan. The palace was his summer destination.
Tipu Sultan even used to conduct the affairs of the state from the western and eastern balconies on the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, the British Administration used the palace for its Secretariat before moving to Attara Kacheri in 1868. As for today, the palace is maintained by the government of Karnataka as a tourist spot.
Framework & Interiors
The palace’s structure was built entirely of teak wood. This double storeyed palace stands adorned with pillars, arches and balconies. There are four smaller rooms in the corners of the first floor which were used to be known as Zenana Quarters. On the either side of the palace are beautiful gardens leading to its main entrance. The walls of the palace are embellished by beautiful floral motifs. Paintings and murals on the walls depict and narrate the stories of bravery and chivalry of the Sultan and also portrays his hatred towards the British.

There is also a painting of the grand throne visualised by Tipu Sultan. The throne was coated with gold sheets and studded with precious emerald stones. The extremely precious throne was dismantled and its parts were auctioned by the British.
The rooms in the ground floor have been converted into a small museum showcasing various achievements of Tipu Sultan and his administration. Even today, there are patches of original paint on the walls of the Summer Palace.
The garden and lawn area in front of the palace is maintained by the Horticulture Department, Government of Karnataka.
Location
The Tipu Sultan Summer Palace stands inside the Bangalore Fort which is located on Albert Victor Road, Chamrajpet in the centre of Old Bangalore near Kalasipalyam bus stand in Karnataka.
How to Reach
The palace is inside Bangalore Fort in Karnataka which is easily accessible from all states and cities of the country. Bangalore is a city which is well connected through air, rail and road routes. Get down the city bus stop and the fort is at a walking distance.
Timings
The palace is open to public on all days from 10 AM to 6 PM except on Sunday when it is accessible from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Entry Fee
There is a ticket counter at the gate of the fort where you will have to pay the entry fee.
Rs. 5 per person for Indian visitors
Rs. 100 per person for foreign tourists
There are no extra charges for photography but a fee of Rs.25 will be charged for videography.
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