Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace (Daria Daulat Bagh) Tours

Formerly known as Daria Daulat Bagh, Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace was built in 1784 in honor of Tipu Sultan's military victory over the British. This elegant palace, built almost entirely from fine teakwood, is an earlier example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, which features a blend of Indian, Islamic, and European elements.

 

The palace's biggest draw is its incredible architecture, with regal arches, towers, and domes covered with images of battle scenes. The interiors are painted with floral patterns, and there's an on-site museum showcasing artillery, coins, military medals, and furniture, along with a collection of oil paintings depicting the sultan and his life. The palace is a popular stop on day trips from Bangalore to Mysore, and many tours of the area stop here.

 

Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace is located about 80 miles (129 kilometers) southwest of Bangalore and 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Mysore in the town of Srirangapatna, on the Bangalore–Mysore road. There’s regular bus and train service between the two cities, and most hotels in Mysore and Bangalore can arrange for round-trip transportation by taxi.

 

The palace is open daily from 9am to 5pm, but it’s best to visit first thing in the morning, when it’s at its least crowded. Weather may also play a factor for the best time to visit; if you’re coming from Mysore or Bangalore during the rainy monsoon season (June through August or September), give yourself a little extra time to get there, as wet roads can slow down traffic.

 

The palace is decorated with frescoes in the Mysore painting style, a form of ancient painting that was revived after Tipu Sultan's rule. The paintings often feature scenes from battles or Hindu mythology and are traditionally painted in steps, starting with the background and later adding elements to the foreground before detailing it with gesso, or gold foil.