If you are visiting Karnataka, a visit to Bangalore is a must. Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace is an enjoyable tourist spot here and should be visited. This ancient monumental structure is located near the Kalasipalyam bus stand in old Bangalore. The climate is cool for most parts of the year so it’s a great place to visit. This palace also gives visitors a rare opportunity to learn about Indo-Islamic architecture.

History

The construction of this palace was started by Hyder Ali and it was eventually completed by Tipu Sultan. However, Tipu Sultan lost his life during the fourth Anglo-Mysore war. After his demise, the British Government started using this palace as its official secretariat. Tipu Sultan’s Palace was built with astonishing pillars, arches and beautifully designed balconies. The entire work was done with teak wood. Tipu Sultan used the western side and eastern side balconies to conduct durbar at the top floor of the palace. Today, the government of Karnataka is maintaining the Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan’s.

Architecture

There are many rooms in the ground floor of this palace. These rooms being used as museum maintains things of rich historical value and valuable items from Tipu Sultan’s regime. The walls have decorative floral embellished mortis. A painting of Tipu Sultan’s throne is a great artwork here. It has a painting of the crown that Tipu Sultan didn’t want to wear until he defeated the English army. Gold and other precious stones were used to create the exclusive crown. Later, the British government dismantled the crown for auction, since nobody came forward to buy the expensive throne.

Things to Do

Visitors can take a good, long look at history because of the many things displayed at this museum. There is a replica of Tipu Tiger on display here. The real Tipu Tiger lies at Victoria and Albert Museum, which is located in London. Special dresses and crown of Tipu Sultan are on display here. The horticulture department of Karnataka maintains the garden and lawn area of the Summer Palace. It has been maintained well and a must visit.

Visitor’s Information

Travelers can visit the palace from 10 AM to 6 PM, and the government collects a nominal entrance fee. There is a difference in the entrance fee for foreigners. However, people can use their cameras inside the palace and take pictures. No additional charge is collected for using cameras.

How to Reach

By Rail

Both, meter gauge and broad gauge trains run to and from Bangalore, connecting the city to all parts of India.

By Road

Located on NH 47 and 48, Bangalore is accessible via cars and buses from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, AP, Maharashtra and Goa.

By Air

Bangalore Airport is well-connected to all parts of the country. It lies 13km from the city center.