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Bangalore Fort

During 1537, the Bangalore Fort was initially constructed out of sand by Kempe Gowda, who belonged to the famous Vijayanagar kingdom. He is also credited with setting up of Bangalore. During 1761, this structure was built out of stone by Haider Ali. This became the abode of famous kin Tipu Sultan for many decades until 21st March 1791, when the fort was seized by Lord Cornwallis-led British East India Company. Currently, the remnants of the Delhi Gate of the fort can be found on the Krishnarajendra Road along with a marble plaque that records the events of the British take over. In the vicinity of the old fort area, one can find Tipu Sultan’s wooden palace and the armory where his weapons were stored. In the book titled, “Riddle of the Seventh Stone”, this fort forms the base for treasure hunt.

History

Initially, this fort was built out of mud by one of the Chieftains of Vijayanagara kingdom, Kempe Gowda. This was during 1537. He was also instrumental in planning the structure of Bangalore (now officially known as Bengaluru). The fort and the area around it was declared as Bangalore Pete by him.

Ever since he was a child, Kempe Gowda loved to lead and he nursed an ambition to build a will-planned city ever since he was small. He was influenced by his frequent visits to the city of Hampi which is now a UNESCO heritage site. It was one of the important cities of the kingdom in those days. Understanding his ambition, then ruler of Vijayanagar kingdom, Achutaraya, gave the necessary approval for the same and gave away 12 hoblis or subdivisions that had an average annual income of 30000gold coins to Kempe Gowda to carry on with this plan of building a new city.

Since King Achutaraya gave his permission, Kempe Gowda moved his base from his native and ancestral town of Yelahanka and was looking for a suitable place to set up his new city. There are many stories that explain why he chose one particular area for building his fort and his province of Bangalore Pete. It is believed that he stumbled upon a particular location one day when he was out hunting, along with his chief advisor, Gidde Gowda. Both of them had travelled towards the west of Yelahanka and came to a scenic village known as Shivasamudra, that was located a distance of about 16km from Yelahanka. This place as extremely beautiful and serene and Kempe Gowda immediately visualized setting up his ideal city here. His city had enough water reservoirs, a beautiful fort and cantonment, enough resources for people to carry on with their professions, temple and all other facilities. Some legends tell that Kempe Gowda chose this place because he found a very rare sight here – that of a hare chasing away a hunter dog. Other stories also reveal that Goddess Lakshmi appeared in Gowda’s dream and asked him to build his city in that particular location as all good things were going to happen in that place. During 1537, Gowda chose an auspicious day to lay the foundation of his city amidst huge pomp and splendor. 8 white bulls that were adorned brightly ploughed the fields in four directions at the important meeting place of Chikkapet and Doddapet. Today this is the point where the Avenue Road and Old Taluk Kacheri Road meet.

Architecture

The architecture found in the fort of Tipu Sultan is of pure Islamic pattern with its brilliant minute carvings. The Ganapati temple found inside the fort is very well maintained and is a huge attraction here. The majestic palace of Tipu Sultan built fully from teakwood in 1790 is found inside the fort. This was the place where Tipu Sultan stayed during the summers. Balconies, arches and pillars dominate the two-floored palace.

The palace is surrounded by lush gardens on its sides, leading to the main gate of the palace. The walls and ceilings of the palace are brilliantly carved with floral motifs.  It was from the balconies on the south and east on the upper floor that Tipu Sultan conducted his state meetings. When Tipu Sultan passed away, this palace served as the British Secretariat till about 1867.

Best Time to Visit

Bangalore, one of the most significant cities of India, enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year. Summers are never too hot and winters are never too cold. The best time to come here is during the winter season. The peak of winter season starts during the month of October and ends during the month of February. Tourists can plan their trip during this time, to enjoy the city’s best climate. Since the climate is pleasant and moderate during all 12 months of the year, tourists coming here have a great time.

Timings & Tickets

Timings

The fort is open from 8 in the morning till 6 in the evening.

Tickets

Indians need to pay 10 INR and foreign nationals need to pay 2 USD for entering into the fort.

How to Reach

By Road

The Bangalore Fort is located at just about 2.5km by road from the main bus station of Kempe Gowda.

By Rail

The Bangalore railway station and the Majestic Bus stations are located in close vicinity to the Bangalore Fort.

By Bus

Buses are available in plenty from all the important places in the state to the Bangalore Fort.

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