This is the mausoleum of Tippu Sultan.  This is located in the island of Srirangapatna, some 20km from Mysore city.

While traveling from Bangalore to Mysore by road, you'll cross Srirangapatna town before reaching Mysore. From the town center take the left road for Gumbaz, Daria Daulat ( summer palace of Tipu Sultan), Sangam (confluence of rivers),  Nimishambha temple, Ganjam etc.

The Gumbaz is a large mausoleum in the middle of an expansive garden that houses the cenotaphs of Tipu Sultan, his father Hyder Ali and mother Fakr-Un-Nisa. In fact Tipu Sultan built the Gumbaz as a fitting tribute to his heroic father.

It’s designed in the typical Persian style, with large rectangular garden with the pathways leading the central structure. The Gumbaz stands on an elevated platform at the center of the garden.

The architecture is noteworthy. Sharply cut black granite pillars around the open verandah supports the rectangular super structure. The door jambs and the lattice windows on the four sides of the Gumbaz looks as if they are intricately carved in wood, though executed in pitch black granite.

You can walk inside to see the three cenotaphs. The walls are painted in tiger stripes, that is associated with Tipu Sultan. And don’t forget to take a look at the dome from inside.

Next to the Gumbaz is a beautiful mosque , Masjid-E-Aksa, also built by Tipu Sultan. Around Gumbaz you can see numerous cenotaphs, all close relatives of Tipu Sultan. You can even see many tombs in the garden.

A tablet in Persian script in eastern entrance of the Mausoleum speaks of the martyrdom of Tipu Sultan in 1799.

Gumbaz is open from sunrise to sunset. No entry fee, though you’ve to pay a small change at the shoe stand.

How to reach Gumbaz:

Gumbaz in on the opposite side of the highway where the fort is located. It’s about 3km (2miles) southeast of the highway. Take a rickshaw or Tonga (horse cart) from Srirangapatna town. Also If you are visiting Srirangapatna from Mysore by city bus, take Bus No. 316. This will take you right up to the Gumbaz.

Next to the gateway to Gumbaz is Bailee’s Tomb, often overlooked by the tourists . A little beyond on either sides on the road fringing the paddy fields are two massive dovecots, one collapsed and the other covered in bushes.

The road further continues till the southeast end of the island (about 1km from Gumbaz). The religiously significant confluence of Kaveri (Sangam) and the Nimishamba Temple are located at this point.

Another major attraction on the way to Gumbaz is Daria Daulat Bagh, the summer palace of Tipu Sultan.

You’ll find quite a few snack stalls and souvenir shops near Gumbaz. Also it’s a popular place for a short fun horse ride. There is a public toilet around the corner of the parking lot. That’s a quick account of the tourist facilities available in this part of Srirangapatna.