If you are in Bangalore and have never seen the sunrise from Nandi Hills, then you’ve missed something. Nandi Hills is arguably the best place for a day’s hangout from Bangalore if you want peace of your mind. It’s nearby and will provide you with all the options to spend from morning to evening in a serene environment. It’s fascinating to have such a cool place within 70 KM of the main city. A bike journey of 90 minutes will take you to a different world. If you still didn’t find time to pay a visit, then you must book your next Sunday for Nandi Hills.

But this article is not about Nandi Hills. This is about a building very lesser known to people. Incidentally, when you are on top of the Nandi Hills, then it’s just a stone’s throw away from you. This is an old two-story building related to none other than the Great Tipu Sultan.

This is Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace. Less explored; a few people only know about this. Most are aware of the main summer palace next to the Bangalore Fort that we visit often. Incidentally, this building has a striking resemblance with the main one, Dariuya Daulat.

Haidar Ali initiated the construction and Tipu Sultan completed the building in 1791 to use as his Summer Palace. Its name “Tashk-e-Jannat” or “Envy of Heaven” truly bears the architectural beauty of this building. Covering an area of nearly 90 acres of land, this building is situated at a height of approx. 5000 ft above sea level.

The construction of this building is of wood and you will find some carved arches and pillars also everywhere. The walls and ceiling are painted beautifully and it’s worth having a look. It is a lintel and beam construction and at the top, Tipu added some rooms also. Restoration work is also going on by Archeological Survey of India to give a fresh look. They are using lime and mortar to repair the damaged areas for retaining the old flavor. A lush green ground at the front is on the cards also to attract tourists.

It is believed that Tipu Sultan spent some time in this house, especially in the summer time. When the British took over this building, it was converted into a Government Office. A Police Outpost and a Small Clinic were on the Ground Floor and there was a Post Office as well as a Supervisor’s House on the First Floor. Later, it became a heritage property and people also come to know about this once they visit Nandi Hills.

So, if you are curious about Tipu Sultan and wish to explore new things, then this is a must place to visit in your itinerary. Your Bangalore trip will not be completed without this Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan.

 
ⓒSaikat Gupta
Photo: Author