The Tipu Sultan Summer Palace, also known as Dariya Daulat Bagh, is a historical monument located on an island in the River Cauvery in Srirangapatna, Karnataka, India. It was built by Tipu Sultan who ruled the kingdom of Mysore from 1782 to 1799.
The palace is a fine example of Indo-Islamic and European architecture that catches the attention of history buffs from far and wide. Today, it is considered as a must-visit attraction to explore in Mysore and is undeniably worth seeing, whether you’re here for a short or long break.
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History of Tipu Sultan Summer Palace
Tracing its history back to the 16th century, the construction of the Tipu Sultan Summer Palace was commissioned by Hyder Ali in the year 1778. However, it was Tipu Sultan (Son of Hyder Ali) who completed the work of the Tipu Sultan Summer Palace by the end of 1784 AD.
Initially, it was used as his summer retreat palace. After his death, the Britishers took it under their control and used it as their administration office. Post-independence, this palace was handed over to the Archaeological Survey of India and since then, it has been frequently visited by tourists from different parts of the world. It is one of the popular places to visit in Srirangapatna.
Architecture of Tipu Sultan Summer Palace
Featuring the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, the Tipu Sultan Summer Palace is a rectangular structure with a two-story building and a basement. While the walls are made of teakwood, the roof is designed with wood and tiles. It is surrounded by sprawling lush green gardens and has a moat that adds to its beauty.
The Tipu Sultan Palace has a central hall on the ground floor, which was used as a courtroom. The hall has beautiful arches and pillars that support the ceiling. The walls of the hall are adorned with paintings and murals depicting Tipu Sultan’s victories in battles and other events.
The four smaller chambers on the ground floor were used as bedrooms, and all of them have balconies that offer a beautiful view of the river and the gardens. The upper floor of the palace has a large hall, which was used as a durbar hall or a place where the Sultan held court. The hall has intricate carvings and paintings on the walls and ceilings.
The palace has a beautiful wooden staircase that leads to the upper floor. The staircase has finely carved wooden railings and pillars. It also boasts a small mosque attached to it, which is a testimony to the Sultan’s religious tolerance.
The overall design of the palace reflects the artistic sensibilities of the architects of the Mysore Kingdom. The use of wood and the intricate carvings on the walls and ceilings are typical of Indo-Islamic architecture, while the arches and pillars reflect the European influence on Indian architecture during the colonial era.
In summary, the Tipu Sultan Summer Palace is a beautiful example of Indo-Islamic and European architecture, which showcases the cultural and artistic richness of the Mysore Kingdom.
How to Reach Tipu Sultan Summer Palace?
Situated at a distance of 24 km away from Mysore in Srirangapatna is the Tipu Sultan Summer Palace and it can be easily accessed by locals as well as visitors via local modes of transportation. For your convenience, the KSRTC department runs various buses from Bangalore and Mysore to Srirangapatna on an everyday basis. In case you’re looking for road travel, you can book a private taxi from the list of top car rental companies in Mysore to commute to your desired location in your utmost comfort.
- Distance from Mysore Junction Railway Station: 16.1 km / 25 mins approx
- Distance from Mysore Bus Station: 17.5 km / 35 mins approx
- Distance from Mysore Airport: 32.5 km / 40 mins approx