Introduction

Tipu Sultan called his summer palace Rashk-e-Jannat or the Envy of Heaven as it provided him cool retreat from Mysore’s scorching summers. The two-storied wooden structure that uses teakwood in good measure is known for its ornate pillars, concave arches and balconies. Among the exhibits is the model of a toy which Tipu took a fancy to. It depicts a tiger springing on a British soldier.

The palace was designed after the Daria Daulat Palace in Srirangapatanam, and was where Tipu had his administrative offices since 1831. He later shifted them to Attara Kacheri in 1868. Adjacent to Tipu’s Palace is the 300-year-old Venkataramanaswamy Temple that was built by Maharajah Chikka Devaraya Wodeyar. The fact that Tipu let the temple stand is often cited as an example of his religious tolerance. While there, don’t miss the carvings and figures of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva on the walls, and an idol of Venkatarama in the sanctorum.

The ornate stone pillars are partly ruined by the cannon balls fired during the Third Mysore War (1790-1792) and still bear the impression.

Special Attributes

The Islamic architecture and the adjoining Venkataramanaswamy Temple

Nuisance

The site is peaceful, and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Plenty of buses that will drop you close to the palace, and autos.

Enjoyed by

All

Exposure

The only time you will be exposed to the outdoors is while walking from the entrance to the palace.

Avoidable Season

null

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

While here, you can also visit Tipu's Fort which is close by.

Type of site

Palace/Religious site