Originally built by Kemp Gowda in 1537 this fort was extended later by Tipu Sultan. The fort was constructed during 1781-179 and the palace inside served as the summer residence of Tipu Sultan. The fort is ruined at most of the places and only a part of the fort wall is left with a tablet marking the place where Cornwallis had breached it in 1791. In the courtyard is the Ganesha Temple that is popularly thought to represent Tipu Sultan's religious tolerance. The fort has beautifully carved arches on the gate walls which are Islamic in style.
The fort is historically significant as it is the place where Hyder Ali had kept David Baird along with a number of British army officers as prisoners after they won the battle over the East India Company.
Inside the fort lies the palace of Tipu Sultan. Its construction got started under Haider Ali but was completed by Tipu Sultan in 1791. The palace served as summer residence for the sultans. It was known as the "Abode of Peace". This beautiful Palace is carved out of teakwood. Either side of the palace has got beautiful garden. They lead to the main entrance of the palace. Tipu sultan’s palace is a two-storied ornate wooden structure with pillars, arches and balconies .It was known as the "Abode of Peace". Extended on an area of 400-acre the palace was inspired by the Windsor castle.
While the palace retains the original elegant teak pillars, most of the painted decorations have been destroyed. The art gallery of nearly a thousand historical photos, including those of viceroys, maharajas and other famous personalities besides the delicate carvings and paintings are highly popular among visitors.
The palace housed the public administrative offices from 1831, until they were shifted to the Attara Kacheri in 1868.
Visiting Hours: The palace can be visited between 10am to 6pm except on Sundays when it is closed. There is also an Entry Fees.
There are regular bus services undertaken by Karnataka Transport (KSTDC). City bus service is also good and reasonable. The metered auto-rickshaws and tourist taxis are the other modes of transportation
The palace is open for the visitors daily from 9am – 5pm charging a very minimal entry fees of Rs 2/5¢.
Vidhan Soudha
The majestic looking building is the pride of Banglore. It is one of the most beautiful buildings built in the neo-Dravidian style of architecture. It is located in the Cubbon Park and houses the legislative assembly of Karnataka and part of the Secretariat.It was conceptualized by an enthusiastic chief minister Kengal Hanumanthaiah, of the then Mysore State between 1951-1956 and got constructed in 1956 as mark of power and dignity of the people. The building project was started in 1952 under the supervision of the then Chief Engineer, late B.R.Manickam of the Public Works Department. it was completed in four years. Five thousand labourers, 1500 chisellers, masons and wood carvers were employed to bring the building to its present form.
Architecture
The State Legislative and Secretariat House were built in 1956 with granite entirely sourced from the city itself .It is capped by a 20-m (66ft) dome, which is surmounted by the four-headed Ashokan lion, symbol of the Indian State. With Rajasthani Jharokhas, Indo-Saracenic pillars and other decorative elements, the Vidhana Soudha exemplifies the Neo-Dravidian style of Post-Independence Bangalore. The massive sandalwood door of the Cabinet room is a spectacular feature of this imposing building. The woodwork inside and. the Speaker's Chair that was made of rosewood from Mysore is its other beautiful and artistic features.
People can reach Vidhan Sudha from all the four directions. Entrance is restricted. The entire edifice is lit up every Sunday evening and on public holidays attracting thousands of people to view the spectacular sight. Prior permission is necessary to visit the interior. The lights are on from 6 pm to 8.30 pm.
