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Tipu Sultan Mosque

Kolkata, West Bengal, India
The Tipu Sultan Shahi Masjid is an architectural landmark located in the heart of Kolkata's busiest commercial district. Built in 1842 by Prince Ghulam Mohammed, the youngest son of Tipu Sultan, it stands as a tribute to the "Tiger of Mysore." The mosque is not just a place of worship but a symbol of the city's secular heritage. It can accommodate over 1,000 people for prayers. Despite being located at one of the nosiest intersections in the city, the interiors of the mosque offer a surprising sense of tranquility. The structure has survived the construction of the Kolkata Metro nearby and remains one of the best-preserved heritage buildings in Central Kolkata. It is managed by the Prince Ghulam Mohammed Trust. The mosque is particularly famous for its vibrant green domes and minarets, which stand out against the urban skyline. It welcomes people of all faiths to admire its beauty from the outside, though the prayer hall is reserved for worshippers. It serves as a reminder of the historical link between the royalty of Mysore and the city of Kolkata.

General information

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    Ideal Duration:

    45 Minutes to 1 Hour
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    Place Type:

    Religious & Heritage
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    Entry Fees:

    Free Entry for all visitors. Photography is generally allowed from the outside. ...
    Free Entry for all visitors. Photography is generally allowed from the outside.
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    Timing:

    Open daily for prayers from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

    Visit Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM for tourists to avoid prayer rush. ...
    Open daily for prayers from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

    Visit Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM for tourists to avoid prayer rush.
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    Special Events:

    Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-uz-Zoha are celebrated with massive congregations and vibrant street fairs.

    Ramadan: The evenings during Ramadan are lively with Iftar markets. ...
    Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-uz-Zoha are celebrated with massive congregations and vibrant street fairs.

    Ramadan: The evenings during Ramadan are lively with Iftar markets.
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    Best Photo Spots:

    The Corner View: From the intersection of Lenin Sarani and Bentinck Street to get all domes in one frame.

    The Minarets: Close-up shots of the green-tiled minarets against the sky. ...
    The Corner View: From the intersection of Lenin Sarani and Bentinck Street to get all domes in one frame.

    The Minarets: Close-up shots of the green-tiled minarets against the sky.

Photo Gallery

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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens
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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens
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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens
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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Architecture Appreciation: Observe the symmetrical design of the 16 domes.

    Photography: Capture the mosque during the "Blue Hour" for stunning contrast.

    Street Food: Explore the Mughlai food stalls in the lanes surrounding the mosque.

    History Reading: Read the plaques near the gates to learn about the Tipu Sultan family's exile to Kolkata.

    Market Visit: Walk through the adjacent Chandni Chowk market for electronics.

    Prayer: For Muslim visitors, offering Namaz in this historic hall is a soulful experience.

    People Watching: Sit outside and observe the fusion of religious life and bustling city commerce. ...
    Architecture Appreciation: Observe the symmetrical design of the 16 domes.

    Photography: Capture the mosque during the "Blue Hour" for stunning contrast.

    Street Food: Explore the Mughlai food stalls in the lanes surrounding the mosque.

    History Reading: Read the plaques near the gates to learn about the Tipu Sultan family's exile to Kolkata.

    Market Visit: Walk through the adjacent Chandni Chowk market for electronics.

    Prayer: For Muslim visitors, offering Namaz in this historic hall is a soulful experience.

    People Watching: Sit outside and observe the fusion of religious life and bustling city commerce.

Hotels

● Broadway Hotel


Address: 27/2, Ganesh Chandra Ave, Kolkata, West Bengal

Distance: 0.6 km

Details: Broadway Hotel is a traditional budget hotel that has been a part of Kolkata's heritage for years. It offers basic, comfortable rooms at very affordab...

● De Empressa Hotel


Address: 19, Hemanta Basu Sarani, Kolkata, West Bengal

Distance: 1.3 km

Details: De Empressa Hotel is a stylish budget property that emphasizes both style and comfort. Its rooms are spacious, well-decorated, and designed to provide...

● Elgin Fairlawn


Address: 13, Sudder St, Kolkata, West Bengal

Distance: 1.0 km

Details: Elgin Fairlawn is a historic boutique hotel known for its colonial-era charm and elegant hospitality. It provides a unique, classic ambiance with well...

● Green Inn Banquet & Room


Address: Esplanade Area, Kolkata, West Bengal

Distance: 1.2 km

Details: Green Inn Banquet & Room is a budget-friendly hotel and banquet facility perfect for travelers and event planners. It features clean, functional rooms...

● Hotel Aura


Address: New Market Area, Kolkata, West Bengal

Distance: 0.9 km

Details: Hotel Aura is a stylish 3-star hotel providing a comfortable stay with essential amenities. It features a well-regarded restaurant and 24-hour room se...

● Sapphire Suites


Address: New Market Area, Kolkata, West Bengal

Distance: 0.9 km

Details: Sapphire Suites is a well-rated mid-range hotel providing a comfortable and contemporary stay in the central Kolkata area. The hotel features air-cond...

● The LaLiT Great Eastern


Address: 1, Old Court House St, Kolkata, West Bengal

Distance: 0.5 km

Details: The LaLiT Great Eastern is a historical 5-star hotel offering a majestic stay. It features a stunning blend of vintage architecture and modern luxury....

● The Lindsay


Address: 8A & 8B, Lindsay St, Kolkata, West Bengal

Distance: 1.2 km

Details: The Lindsay is a sophisticated 3-star hotel located in the heart of the shopping district. It offers a range of modern amenities, including a fitness ...

● The Oberoi Grand Kolkata


Address: 15, J.L. Nehru Road, Kolkata, West Bengal

Distance: 0.4 km

Details: The Oberoi Grand is an iconic luxury hotel known for its timeless colonial architecture and unparalleled service. Located in the heart of Kolkata, it ...

● The Peerless Inn


Address: 12, J.L. Nehru Road, Kolkata, West Bengal

Distance: 0.5 km

Details: The Peerless Inn is a premier mid-range hotel that offers a perfect balance of quality, comfort, and location. It is widely recognized for its excelle...

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Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:

    It is famous for its association with Tipu Sultan's legacy and its striking visual presence in the center of the city.

    Historic Survival: It is also known for being a survivor of the city's rapid modernization and metro expansion. ...
    It is famous for its association with Tipu Sultan's legacy and its striking visual presence in the center of the city.

    Historic Survival: It is also known for being a survivor of the city's rapid modernization and metro expansion.
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    Architecture:

    It is a classic example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.

    Dimensions: The mosque features 16 green domes and 4 tall minarets.

    Design Details: The exterior is painted in a striking combination of white and green with intricate floral ...
    It is a classic example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.

    Dimensions: The mosque features 16 green domes and 4 tall minarets.

    Design Details: The exterior is painted in a striking combination of white and green with intricate floral carvings and arched windows. The double-aisled prayer hall is a masterpiece of space management.
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    How To Reach:

    By Air: 16 Kms from Airport.

    By Train: 2 Kms from Howrah Station.

    By Road: Located at the Esplanade crossing.

    By Local Transport: Take the Metro to Esplanade Station (Gate ...
    By Air: 16 Kms from Airport.

    By Train: 2 Kms from Howrah Station.

    By Road: Located at the Esplanade crossing.

    By Local Transport: Take the Metro to Esplanade Station (Gate No. 4).
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    Weather and Best Time to Visit:

    Winter Season: October to March.

    Time of Day: Early morning before the traffic peaks at 9 AM. ...
    Winter Season: October to March.

    Time of Day: Early morning before the traffic peaks at 9 AM.
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    Near Tourist Places:

    1. Indian Museum (1 Km), 2. New Market (0. 5 Km), 3. Curzon Park (0. 2 Km), 4. Raj Bhavan (0. 8 Km), 5. Eden Gardens (1. 5 Kms), 6. Babughat (2 Kms), 7. Writers' Building (1 Km), 8. Nakhoda Masjid (1. 5 Kms), 9. Millennium Park (2 Kms), 10. Marble Palace (2. 5 Kms)

Tourism Tips

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    Dress Code: Dress modestly; cover shoulders and knees. Women should carry a headscarf if entering the premises.

    Safety: Be mindful of heavy traffic and pickpockets in the surrounding market. ...
    Dress Code: Dress modestly; cover shoulders and knees. Women should carry a headscarf if entering the premises.

    Safety: Be mindful of heavy traffic and pickpockets in the surrounding market.

Reviews

FAQs

Ans:- Green is a traditional color in Islam, symbolizing life and paradise. The vibrant green color of the Tipu Sultan Mosque’s domes and minarets has become its signature look, making it stand out amidst the colonial-era white and red buildings of Central Kolkata. It is a striking sight for commuters and tourists.

Ans:- It is located in the heart of Central Kolkata at the intersection of Chittaranjan Avenue and Dhartamtalla (Lenin Sarani), near Esplanade. Its central location makes it one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. It is easily accessible by Metro (Esplanade Station) and various bus routes.

Ans:- No, there is no entry fee to visit the Tipu Sultan Mosque. It is an active place of worship and a historical monument open to all. Donations for the upkeep of the mosque are accepted but are completely voluntary for visitors and pilgrims.

Ans:- Non-Muslims are generally allowed to enter the courtyard and view the architecture. However, during prayer times (Namaz), the inner prayer hall is reserved for worshippers. Visitors of all faiths are expected to dress modestly and follow the mosque’s rules, such as removing their shoes before entering the premises.

Ans:- Photography of the exterior is permitted and very common. However, taking photos inside the prayer hall, especially during prayer times, is generally discouraged or requires specific permission. Always ask the staff or the Imam if you wish to take photos of the interior architecture.

Ans:- The mosque is a stunning example of Islamic architecture, featuring 16 green domes and 4 tall minarets. It is double-aisled and has the capacity to hold up to 1,000 people for prayers. The exterior is painted in a vibrant green and features intricate carvings and floral motifs that are visible from a distance.

Ans:- The mosque is best reached by the Kolkata Metro; get off at the Esplanade station and take the Exit toward Chowringhee/Chittaranjan Avenue. It is also a major stop for almost all buses passing through Central Kolkata. Taxis can drop you right at the gate at the busy intersection.

Ans:- The mosque is managed by the Ghulam Mohammad Wakf Estate. The trust is headed by descendants of the Tipu Sultan family and overseen by officials appointed by the Kolkata High Court. They are responsible for the maintenance, religious activities, and charitable works associated with the mosque.

Ans:- The mosque is most vibrant during the month of Ramadan. Thousands of people gather for evening prayers and Iftar. Recently, the mosque has also started making special arrangements for women to participate in prayers during the festive season. Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha are also celebrated with great fervor.

Ans:- The mosque was built in 1842 by Prince Gholam Mohammed, the youngest son of Tipu Sultan. It was constructed in memory of his father, the famous "Tiger of Mysore." Prince Gholam Mohammed was a prominent figure in 19th-century Calcutta and also built another mosque in the Tollygunge area.

Ans:- Yes, in the early 1980s, the mosque suffered some structural damage during the construction of the Kolkata Metro Railway in the Esplanade area. However, it was carefully restored with the help of the Tipu Sultan Shahi Masjid Protection Committee and the Metro authorities, returning it to its original grandeur.

Ans:- Yes, the mosque committee is known for its social and charitable initiatives. They have raised funds for disaster relief (such as the 2004 Tsunami) and often run local programs for the welfare of the community. It serves as both a spiritual center and a focal point for social cohesion in the area.

Ans:- Yes, visitors should dress modestly. Men should wear clothes that cover their legs (no shorts), and women should ideally cover their heads with a scarf and wear clothes that cover their arms and legs. This is a mark of respect for the religious nature of the site.

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