Start Planning Your Visit
All About the Mosque / Cultural & Religious Festivals / Festival Calendar & Festival Alerts / Location Map / Hotel Booking / How to Reach / Air, Train, Bus & Taxi Booking / Visitors’ Reviews & Photos / Nearby Pilgrim Places & Other Places of Interest / Donations / Volunteers / Official Website / YouTube Videos
Overview
The Tipu Sultan Shahi Mosque is a historic house of worship in central Kolkata, standing at 185 Dharamtala Street (Esplanade/Dharmatala). It is among the city’s most recognisable Islamic monuments, woven into the daily rhythm of Kolkata’s markets, tramlines, and metro junctions.
Founding & Lineage
The mosque is widely attributed to Prince Ghulam Mohammed, the youngest son of Tipu Sultan of Mysore. Built in the early 19th century (often dated to 1842), it commemorates the Mysorean legacy while taking root in Bengal’s capital, symbolising a meeting of two important regional histories.
Architecture & Aesthetics
The façade showcases an Indo-Islamic vocabulary: scalloped arches, rhythmic colonnades, and slender corner minarets crowned by multiple domes. Its harmonious symmetry, airy arcades, and distinctive green-toned finish make it a striking presence along Lenin Sarani, easily spotted amid Esplanade’s bustle.
Setting in the City
Encircled by shops, offices, cinemas, and transit nodes, the mosque is part of Kolkata’s living streetscape. The call to prayer merges with the city’s soundscape, while the building’s silhouette anchors countless photographs and memories of everyday life in the historic heart of Kolkata.
Religious & Community Role
Beyond daily prayers and Friday congregations, the mosque serves as a community hub—welcoming worshippers, travellers, and neighbours. Its central location makes it an accessible spiritual anchor for traders, commuters, students, and visitors who pass through Esplanade.
Heritage & Continuity
The structure has withstood waves of urban change—from colonial horse-drawn carriages and trams to modern metro construction—retaining its identity and function. Care by the managing waqf and the local community has helped preserve its form and sanctity over generations.
Etiquette for Visitors
Respectful attire, quiet conduct, and removal of footwear before entering are expected. Non-worshipping visitors are best received outside prayer times; photography should be discreet and only where permitted. As with all active places of worship, the sanctity of prayer spaces takes precedence over sightseeing.
*********************************
How to Reach
Location: Tipu Sultan Shahi Mosque stands at 185 Dharamtala Street (Lenin Sarani) in the Esplanade/Dharmatala area of central Kolkata.
By Metro:
- Get down at Esplanade station; the mosque is a short walk.
- Chandni Chowk station is also walkable from the site.
By Bus:
- Alight at Esplanade/Dharmatala Bus Terminus and walk a few minutes along Lenin Sarani.
From the Airport (CCU):
- About 16–22 km. The simplest option is a prepaid/app cab to Esplanade; travel time depends on traffic.
From Major Rail Stations:
- From Howrah or Sealdah, take a taxi to Esplanade or use the metro and walk from Esplanade station.
Driving/Parking Tip:
- Parking is limited and traffic is dense in this commercial hub; public transport is usually easier.
Best Time to Visit
Pleasant Season:
- October to March offers comfortable weather for walking around Esplanade and visiting the mosque.
Monsoon & Summer:
- June to September can bring heavy showers; April to June can be hot and humid—plan early mornings or late evenings.
Prayer Times & Crowds:
- For a quieter experience, avoid Friday mid-day congregational prayers.
- During Ramadan and Eid, the atmosphere is vibrant but more crowded.
Etiquette:
- Wear modest clothing, remove footwear before entering prayer areas, keep voices low, and check on-site guidance for photography.