Bangalore Fort - Tipu Sultan Fort

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Bangalore Fort began in 1537 as a mud fort. The builder was Kempe Gowda I, a vassal of the Vijaynagar Empire and the founder of Bangalore, now Bengaluru. Haider Ali in 1761 replaced the mud fort with a stone fort.
Located in Bengaluru (Bangalore), Tipu Sultan’s Fort (aka Bangalore Fort) was initially built as a mud fort by Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bengaluru. Later, Hyder Ali, father of Tipu Sultan converted it into a stone fort. The Fort has witnessed the struggle of the Mysore Empire against the British.

Bangalore fort was built as a mud fort by Kempe Gouda in 1537. It was converted to the stone fort almost 200 years later in 1761 by Haider Ali. It served as the stronghold hold of Tipu Sultan until it fell to the British in 1791 during the third Mysore War. After coming under British most of the fort was reconstructed into house schools and hospitals and roads.

Within the fort is Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, which is an impressive piece of architecture in itself. Islamic art adorns the interiors of the palace with inscriptions of, “Abode of Happiness” inscribed across. Teak wood interiors generate curiosity among people to know more about the history associated with Tipu Sultan, also known as the Tiger of Mysore. There are two floors in the palace with balconies, chambers, four small rooms and a large hall. 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 are patches of original paint on the walls of the Summer Palace.

Bangalore Fort | Tipu Sultan Fort

While most of the fort was dismantled during the British occupation and later, one can still see the parts of once a majestic and historical structure. The Delhi gate, the point of entry of British troops during the fall still stands and is a brilliant example of Islamic architecture. It has motifs and other carved decorations on the wooden doors. The door also has spikes which had the purpose of stopping charging elephants to break open the door. There is also Ganpati shrine which dates back to 500 years.

It was built by Kempa Gouda when the fort was first built. There is also a wooden palace of Tipu Sultan in the premises.The fort is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and is open for visits from 9 AM to 6 PM. The tickets can be bought at the counter.

You can also visit the Ganpati Temple which is located in the fort complex or relax in the gardens surrounding the palace. The fort and the palace are partially renovated, but major sections demand care. There is an entry fee for the fort. The management and service may disappoint you, though. Hire a guide for a justified explanation and narration of the historical tales associated with the fort. There is a city market that surrounds the fort but is usually very crowded.

Location: KR City Market, Chamrajpet, Bangalore
Main Attraction: Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace
Timings: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (every day)Entry Fees: Rs. 5 (Indian), Rs. 100 (Foreigners)
Photography: Free (Still Camera), Rs. 25 (Video)