Tipu Sultan’s Tomb, also known as Gumbaz, is a Muslim mausoleum and a historical monument located in Srirangapatna, near Mysore, Karnataka, India. It was built by Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, in 1784 to house the graves of his father Hyder Ali and his mother Fakr-Un-Nisa. Tipu Sultan himself was buried here in 1799 after his death in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War. The tomb is a splendid example of Persian style of architecture and is surrounded by a landscaped garden called Lal Bagh. Visit during Mysore One day tour and Bangalore to Mysore One day trip by cab
Location of Tipu Sultan’s Tomb
Tipu Sultan’s Tomb is located at T Narasipura – Srirangapatna Road, Ganjam, Karnataka 571438. It is about 15 km from Mysore railway station and 25 km from Mysore airport. It is situated on the southern bank of the river Cauvery, near the Ranganathaswamy Temple.
Timing/Entry Fees Tipu Sultan’s Tomb
Tipu Sultan’s Tomb is open to visitors from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm on all days of the week. There is no entry fee for visiting the tomb or the garden. However, one has to pay a vehicle parking fee of Rs. 30 for cars and Rs. 10 for two-wheelers.
How to Reach Tipu Sultan’s Tomb
There are various modes of transport available to reach Tipu Sultan’s Tomb from different parts of Karnataka and India.
- By air: The nearest airport is Mysore International Airport, which is well connected by flights from major cities in India and abroad. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to Tipu Sultan’s Tomb.
- By train: The nearest railway station is Mysore Junction Railway Station, which is well connected by trains from major cities in India. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to Tipu Sultan’s Tomb.
- By road: Srirangapatna is well connected by road with other cities and towns in Karnataka and neighboring states. There are regular government and private buses that ply to Tipu Sultan’s Tomb from various places. One can also drive to Tipu Sultan’s Tomb by car or bike.
Things to Do/Must See Tipu Sultan’s Tomb
Tipu Sultan’s Tomb is a place of historical and architectural interest that offers a lot of things to do and see for the visitors.
- Admire the Persian style of architecture of the tomb, which was inspired by the Golconda tombs in Hyderabad. The tomb has a dome placed on a cubical structure, with ornamental railings and turrets decorated with spherical finials. The dome is supported by 36 black granite pillars, and has an east facing entrance.
- Explore the various rooms and halls of the tomb, which display royal furniture, paintings, chandeliers, carpets, mirrors and other artifacts. Some of the notable rooms are the Viceroy Room (where the Viceroy used to stay), the Banquet Hall (where royal dinners were held), the Dancing Floor (where ballroom dances were performed) and the Italian Marble Staircase (which has an elegant curve and small ornamentations).
- Pay respects at the graves of Tipu Sultan, his father Hyder Ali and his mother Fakr-Un-Nisa, which are located inside the tomb. The graves are covered with green and black cloths and have inscriptions in Persian. Many of Tipu’s relatives are buried outside the tomb in the garden.
- Enjoy the beauty of the Lal Bagh garden, which surrounds the tomb. The garden has different species of flowering trees and plants collected by Tipu Sultan from Persia, Ottoman Turkey, Kabul and French Mauritius. The garden also has a mosque called Masjid-E-Aksa, which was also built by Tipu Sultan.
- Learn about the life and achievements of Tipu Sultan, who was one of the most valiant and visionary rulers of India. He fought against the British colonialism and defended his kingdom with courage and innovation. He was also known as Tiger of Mysore for his bravery and fierceness.
Nearby Tourist Attractions Tipu Sultan’s Tomb
There are many other tourist attractions near Tipu Sultan’s Tomb that one can explore while visiting Srirangapatna. Some of them are:
- Ranganathaswamy Temple: A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha (a form of Lord Vishnu), who is worshipped as the presiding deity of Srirangapatna. The temple is one of the five sacred shrines (Pancha Ranga Kshetras) along the river Cauvery.
- Daria Daulat Bagh: A palace and a museum that was the summer residence of Tipu Sultan. It is built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, with teakwood pillars, arches and frescoes. It also has a museum that displays paintings, weapons, coins and other memorabilia of Tipu Sultan.
- Srirangapatna Fort: A fort and a historical site that was the capital of Mysore under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. The fort has four gates, two dungeons, a mosque, a temple and a water gate. It also has a memorial stone that marks the spot where Tipu Sultan was killed by the British forces in 1799.
- Nimishamba Temple: A temple dedicated to Goddess Nimishamba (a form of Goddess Parvati), who is believed to grant the wishes of the devotees within a minute (nimisha). The temple is located on the banks of the river Cauvery and has a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
Significance of Tipu Sultan’s Tomb
Tipu Sultan’s Tomb is a significant attraction in Srirangapatna for its historical and architectural importance. It was built by Tipu Sultan to honor his parents and to serve as his final resting place. The tomb is one of the finest examples of Persian architecture in India and is a symbol of the royal grandeur and legacy of Tipu Sultan.
FAQ’s
- Q: What is the best time to visit Tipu Sultan’s Tomb?
- A: The best time to visit Tipu Sultan’s Tomb is during the winter season (November to February), when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. However, one can visit the tomb throughout the year as it remains open on all days.
- Q: How long does it take to explore Tipu Sultan’s Tomb?
- A: It takes about 1-2 hours to explore Tipu Sultan’s Tomb and its surroundings. One can also spend some more time enjoying the garden, mosque and museum at the tomb.
- Q: Is photography allowed inside Tipu Sultan’s Tomb?
- A: Yes, photography is allowed inside Tipu Sultan’s Tomb, but one should respect the beauty and sanctity of the place and avoid using flash or disturbing the prayers. One should also follow the rules and regulations of the tomb and garden and avoid littering or feeding the monkeys.
Conclusion
Tipu Sultan’s Tomb is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the historical and architectural beauty of Srirangapatna. It is a tomb and a monument that showcases the Persian style of architecture, the royal furniture, paintings, chandeliers, carpets, mirrors and other artifacts. It is also a place that houses the graves of Tipu Sultan, his father Hyder Ali and his mother Fakr-Un-Nisa. Tipu Sultan’s Tomb is a pride of Srirangapatna and a treasure of India.
