Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace

Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace was the summer residence of the Mysorean ruler Tipu Sultan. It is located in Bangalore, India. Its construction was started by Hyder Ali within the walls of the Bangalore Fort and completed during the reign of Tipu Sultan in the year 1791. After the death of Tipu Sultan in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, the palace was used by the British Administration as Secretariat before moving to Attara Kacheri in 1868. Today it is a tourist spot located at the center of Old Bangalore near Kalasipalyam Bus Stand and maintained by Government of Karnataka.

The structure has been built entirely with Teak Wood and stands adorned with pillars, arches and balconies. It is an example of Indo-Islamic architecture. It is believed that Tipu Sultan used to conduct his durbar (court) from the eastern and western balconies of the upper floor. There are beautiful floral motifs embellishing the walls of the palace. The site also holds a painting of grand throne visualized by Tipu Sultan himself. Coated with gold sheets and stuck with precious emerald stones, Tipu had vowed never to use it until he completely defeated the English Army. Hence after the death of Tipu, the British Administration dismantled the throne and auctioned in parts since it was too expensive for a single person to buy it in entire piece.

The rooms in the ground floor have been converted into a small museum showcasing various achievements of Tipu Sultan and his administration. There are newly done portraits of the people and places of that time. There is a replica of Tipu's Tiger, which is presently in the Victoria and Albert Museum at London. The clothes of Tipu Sultan and his crown are present in silver and gold pedestals. The silver vessels given by a general to Hyder Ali is also displayed.

The space in front of the palace is developed as a garden and lawn by Horticulture Department, Government of Karnataka.

The palace is open to public daily from 10am to 6pm (except on Sundays), and there is an entry fee. Photography is prohibited.