One of the main attractions in Mangalore, Sultan battery was a watch tower, which was erected in the year 1784 by Tipu Sultan, the then ruler of Mysore. Now slightly in ruins, it is around 6 km from the main city and lies in Boloor. This watch tower was built to stop foreign boats from entering River Gurupur. Though it is a watch tower but its structure makes it looking like a fortress, enveloped by canyons.
During its heydays, the gun powder used in the canyons was kept in the basement. This structure was one of the endeavors of Tipu Sultan to keep is fight against British alive. Climb up to the top to savor breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding area. Sunset views from here are wonderful.
History
In 1763, Mangalore came under the rule of Huder Ali, the ruler of Mysore. He converted the area into a dockyard due to its strategic position, which started a fight between the rulers of Mysore and the British to capture the particular area. British captured the place in 1768 but in 1794, Tipu Sulan, the son of Hyder Ali, re-captured the place.
Tipu Sultan was known to be a smart ruler, he soon realized that the river have the British an easy access of this region, and thus he commissioned this watch tower, named Sultan Battery.
Activities around Sultan Battery
The surroundings of Sultan Battery are wonderful. Tourists visiting the battery can also indulge in a number of water sports activities such as wind surfing, banana boat rides, canoeing, and speed boats.
Best time to visit: October to March
How to Reach
- By Air: Mangalore International Airport (14 km)
- By Train: Mangalore Railway Station (5.2 km)
Timings: 06:00 AM-06:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
