Tipu's Palace

Delectably called 'Rashk-e-Jannat', or the "Envy of Heaven" by Tipu Sultan, the summer retreat of his, named Tipu Sultan's Palace at Banagalore is also known as the "Abode of Peace." The palace is housed in its original bastion, a mud brick fort built by Kempe Gowda in 1537, rebuilt in stone by Tipu Sultan.

Dating back to 1791, the palace is a double storied flamboyant wooden structure with exquisitely carved pillars, arches and balconies. Carved out of teakwood, the palace is believed to be an exact replica of the Daria Daulat Bagh in Srirangapattana. Though dilapidated in due course of time, the palace still is a hauntingly atmospheric place. The inspiration for the palace is believed to have come from Windsor Castle. Spread over a lush area of 400-acres, the palace is a magnificent example of medieval architecture with foiled windows, battlements and tall structures. With most of its painted decorations being destroyed with time, the palace still retains the original teak pillars. The palace used to house the public administrative offices of Mysore administration until 1868, when they were shifted to Attara Kacheri.

A unique example of Tipu Sultan's religious tolerance, the palace also has a temple of Lord Ganesha- the elephant headed god of Hindus. The palace was used by the British as a Secretariat after the death of Tipu Sultan until 1867.