Have you visited Tipu Sultan Palace in Bangalore? Did you know that Bangalore has a Tipu Sultan Palace? Yes, it does and is in good condition! Though smaller than what it used to be. Tipu Sultan Palace and Bangalore Fort was the centre point of the Bangalore city in 17th century. It was around the palace and fort that the city developed.
After the Anglo – Mysore war 3, British took control of Mysore kingdom and Bangalore fort became their garrison. The palace, fort and surrounding areas served as administrative offices before they established a proper cantonment in eastern part of Bangalore.
The Bangalore fort area which was later administered by Maharaja of Mysore saw lot of development and many elegant public buildings were built. This walking tour will help you explore Tipu Sultan palace, lovely buildings, a temple and a church.
The Circuit – Fort High School – Kote Venkataramanaswamy temple – Minto eye hospital – St Luke’s Church – Tipu Sultan’s Palace – Vani Vilas Hospital – Victoria Hospital – Bangalore fort – Fort High School
Total Distance – 3 KMs
Walking map of the circuit – https://goo.gl/maps/fGn4L6MUXonJRB8X9
The Itinerary
7 AM – Arrive at Fort High School and park your vehicle. Explore the Fort High School which was built in 1907. This is a fine example of synthesis of colonial architecture with vernacular architecture. INTACH Bangalore is restoring this heritage building. Cricket legend G R Vishwanath studied here. After spending 10 minutes here walk to Kote Venkataramanaswamy temple which is adjacent to the school.
7.15 AM – This is one of the oldest temples in Bangalore built by the Kings of Mysore in 17th century. Go around the temple to appreciate the lovely stone sculptures in Vijayanagar style. The main hall or Mukhamantapa is a four pilloried hall with beautiful carvings. Spend 30 minutes here. Your next stop is Minto Hospital.
Gopuras of temple
Inner space of the temple
7.45 AM – You can walk towards Minto Hospital built in 1913. It is just five minutes walk across the road. Get impressed by the massive and beautiful heritage building built by the Mysore government in 1913. A combination of Colonial and Gothic architecture, this imposing building has a large courtyard with a fountain inside! After appreciating the elegance of this lovely building, start walking towards St Luke’s church, one of the oldest churches in old city. Your next stop is Tipu Sultan Palace.
Minto Eye Hospital
St Luke’s church
8.30 AM – You are at Tipu Sultan’s summer palace. This is what is left of a vast palace. This is well maintained by Archaeological Survey of India. Spend 30 minutes to explore the palace. Check out more details of the palace here – Tipu Sultan Palace
Inside Palace complex
The main palace
Interiors of the palace
9 AM – After checking out the palace, walk towards Vani Vilas Hospital. Walk around the beautiful building which was built in by the Mysore government in 1930. The imposing granite building has large, central, open quadrangle. Spend 10 minutes and walk towards Bangalore fort. If you are hungry or want a cup of coffee, you may stopover at SLV Refreshments on the way and have a bite and coffee. Don’t eat to the full as we have some iconic restaurants to gorge in later! We will tell about them in the “Tips” section!
Majestic building of Vani Vilas Hospital
Quadrangle inside the building
9.40 AM – After a cup of coffee/bite, reach Bangalore fort. Initially built by the founder of Bangalore, Kempegowda I the fort you see today is half of what it used to be. Still it will give a glimpse of bygone era. Spend 30 minutes exploring the heritage monument. Check out this detailed information on Bangalore fort here – Bangalore Fort
Interiors of fort
Lovely decorations
10.10 AM – Walk out of Bangalore fort and enter Victoria hospital with its magnificent main building nearby. Built in 1900, this beautiful building is an amalgamation of colonial and Gothic style. With its steeply sloping, four sided, mansard roofs, ornate parapets and segmental arches this building has a elegant look!
Imposing architecture!
The royal insignia
10.30 AM – After exploring the majestic building of Victoria hospital, walk back to Fort high school which is a 15 minutes walk.
11 AM – Drive back home not before you have an opportunity to gorge on some snacks in the iconic restaurants as listed in the “Tips” section below.
Tips
- This is a comfortable walking tour to explore the old and heritage monuments of Bangalore.
- These timings are indicative for comfortable walking and exploring.
- Wear a good shoe and a hat. The roads may get crowded especially around the fort.
- Though the walk can be done at any time of the day, we recommend it in the morning as the roads will be clear and crowds will be less.
- If one can get up early we recommend to visit the flower market before starting this tour in the morning. For more details you may check this post on this blog. – Bangalore Flower Market – A Photowalk on a chilly morning! If you are combining flower market with this tour, we recommend you to continue the walk from Victoria Hospital side in opposite direction. On reaching Fort High school, you may take an Auto Rickshaw and reach Town Hall where you would have parked your vehicle.
- Except for Tipu Sultan’s Palace and Fort which are ticketed monuments , you don’t have to buy any tickets to visit others. The palace opens at 8.30 AM
- If interested to know more about the architectural history and finer details of these buildings, we suggest you to buy the recently released excellent book by INTACH Bangalore titled “Discovering Bengaluru”.
- After completion of the tour you have following iconic options to go for brunch!
- Brahmins Coffee bar in Shankarapuram for best Idlis, Vadas and Chow-Chow bath in Bangalore. (Open 6 AM to 12 PM and 3.30 PM to 8 PM Sunday holiday) – Google Map – https://goo.gl/maps/Hx9L493yGVn9BpwK8
- New Modern Hotel in Visveshwarapuram for best Masala Dosas! The only restaurant in Bangalore where you get Masala Dosa throughout the day! (Open between 7 AM – 9 PM. Thursday Holiday) – Google Map – https://goo.gl/maps/PhdQ3S9UuGFdf1Nx7
- Mavalli Tiffin Room or MTR – Best South Indian Vegetarian Meal Mysore Style ! (Open from 12.30 to 3 PM for lunch. Monday holiday) – Google Map – https://goo.gl/maps/2sNC5RbwpSuAnfJPA
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