Sultan Battery
Historic 18th-century watchtower offering stunning sunset views over backwaters and sea, with ferry access to Tannirbhavi Beach.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Golden hour for stunning views
Sultan Battery
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 18th-century watchtower offering stunning sunset views over backwaters and sea, with ferry access to Tannirbhavi Beach.
"A decent place to enjoy your sunset, it's the place from where you can get a ferry to Tannirbhavi beach."
Free Entry!
:moneywithwings: Enjoy the historic site and views without any entrance fees. Perfect for budget travelers!
Sunset Spectacle
:city_sunset: The sunset views from the top are highly recommended. Arrive early to secure a good spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Watchtower
Overlooking the Gurpur River
Explore the remains of an 18th-century watchtower built by Tipu Sultan for coastal defense.
Sunset Views
Top of the battery
Catch breathtaking panoramic views of the backwaters and the Arabian Sea, especially magical at sunset.
Ferry to Tannirbhavi Beach
Water deck near the battery
Take a short ferry ride from Sultan Battery to the serene Tannirbhavi Beach for a relaxing day.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Views
Beyond the Battery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry!
:moneywithwings: Enjoy the historic site and views without any entrance fees. Perfect for budget travelers!
Sunset Spectacle
:city_sunset: The sunset views from the top are highly recommended. Arrive early to secure a good spot.
Ferry to Paradise
:ferry: Use the ferry service from here to reach the beautiful Tannirbhavi Beach.
Graffiti Alert
:pencil: Be aware that some walls have graffiti. It's a small fort, so the visit is brief.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry!
:moneywithwings: Enjoy the historic site and views without any entrance fees. Perfect for budget travelers!
Sunset Spectacle
:city_sunset: The sunset views from the top are highly recommended. Arrive early to secure a good spot.
Ferry to Paradise
:ferry: Use the ferry service from here to reach the beautiful Tannirbhavi Beach.
Graffiti Alert
:pencil: Be aware that some walls have graffiti. It's a small fort, so the visit is brief.
Snack Stop
:ice_cream: Grab a quick snack or drink at the eating spot before heading to the beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sultan Battery is appreciated for its free entry, historical significance as an 18th-century watchtower, and especially for its stunning sunset views over the backwaters and Arabian Sea. It also serves as a convenient ferry point to Tannirbhavi Beach, making it a popular quick stop for visitors. Some visitors note that the fort itself is small and has graffiti, and it's closed at night.
"It's a point where we can catch the ferry to reach the tanner bhavi beach ⛱️. And from top the view is good for back waters. And no ticket for this place."
Manjunatha Balakrishna
"The town of Mangalore saw many ups and downs and switching between overlords, especially during the 18th century. In 1763, Haider Ali had captured the town and built a dockyard here; five years later the British ousted him, but in 1794 Haider Ali's son Tipu Sultan was able to defeat the British and take back Mangalore. While he was in control of Mangalore, Tipu built a low, squat watch tower here, overlooking the Gurpur River. Guns were mounted here, in what is obviously a defensive fortification, even though it's not very large. It's known as Sultan Battery or Sulthan Batheri.
It takes only a couple of minutes to see this battery; you climb some thirty steps or so, and you are there, where there is really nothing much to see except the view of the river beyond.
No entrance fees are charged for Sultan Battery."
Madhulika Liddle
"Sulthan battery gives user 3 spots to enjoy
1- The Fort , you can climb stairs ,very small port ,good view , no ticket ... Sadly users have scribbled walls with love notes - note : its closed in the night
2- Seatings near water deck sunrise ,sunset or just for calming your soul (after port to the right )
3- the beach , via boat - which is at the end
(In beach u can either enjoy in water ,sitting in rocks/ sand or walkway to beach were u have many number of trees -can rest underneath the shade )
Note : there is eating spot to enjoy quick snack (before climbing the boat to beach )
One of the calmest beach of mangalore"
Naufal Moidin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sultan Battery is located in Boloor, about 4 km from the center of Mangalore city. You can reach it by local bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi. It's a popular spot for sunset views and a starting point for ferries to Tannirbhavi Beach. 
Yes, it's quite accessible by road. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available to take you there. The climb to the top of the battery involves a short set of stairs.
For sunset, consider taking an auto-rickshaw or taxi. This allows you to be flexible with your timing and avoid missing the best views.
Limited parking might be available, but it's advisable to check locally upon arrival. Using ride-sharing apps or local transport is often more convenient.
Absolutely! It's a quick stop with historical significance and great views, making it an ideal addition to a Mangalore city tour, especially for sunset.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees charged for visiting Sultan Battery. It's a free historical site for everyone to explore.
While the area around Sultan Battery is generally accessible, the fort itself is closed at night. It's best visited during daylight hours, especially for sunset.
No, the fort area is typically closed at night. Visitors are advised to plan their visit for late afternoon or early evening to enjoy the sunset.
The late afternoon leading up to sunset is considered the best time to visit Sultan Battery for its scenic views and pleasant atmosphere.
No booking or prior reservation is required to visit Sultan Battery as it's a public historical site with free entry.
📸 📸 Photography
The top of the watchtower offers panoramic views of the river and sea, perfect for landscape shots. The water deck area also provides lovely backwater views.
Yes, Sultan Battery is renowned for its sunset views, making it an excellent location for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the golden hour.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and permissions before flying a drone in the area.
Landscape photography, sunset shots, and historical site photography are popular. The ferry point also offers interesting perspectives.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There's an eating spot near the ferry point where you can enjoy quick snacks and drinks before heading to Tannirbhavi Beach.
You can find local snacks and beverages. For a wider variety of dining options, you might need to head back towards Mangalore city.
Yes, there's a popular late-night food spot on Sultan Battery Road, open until 4 AM, offering various food options.
While there are seating areas, it's best to consume food purchased from the nearby stalls. Formal picnic setups might not be ideal.
Local snack stalls usually offer vegetarian options like samosas, bhel puri, and beverages.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a good place for a quick photo opportunity before heading to the nearby Tannirbhavi Beach, which is more suited for family fun with its sand and water. Keep in mind that the fort itself is small and has some graffiti, so manage expectations for extensive historical exhibits. The main attraction for families might be the ferry ride to Tannirbhavi Beach, making Sultan Battery a convenient starting point for a beach day adventure.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider Sultan Battery as part of a larger itinerary that includes the ferry to Tannirbhavi Beach, which also has minimal costs. You can pack your own snacks or purchase affordable local treats from the nearby stalls, making it an economical way to experience a slice of Mangalore's coastal charm.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The historical architecture of the watchtower, though modest, adds a unique element to your frames. Don't miss the chance to capture the ferry boats against the backdrop of the water, or the vibrant colors of the sunset reflecting on the surface. While the fort itself has some graffiti, the overall scenic beauty and the strategic vantage point make it a worthwhile location for capturing memorable images of Mangalore's coastline.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
+1While the battery itself is not a sprawling complex, its historical significance lies in its role during Tipu Sultan's reign. Visitors can climb a short set of stairs to reach the top, where remnants of its past can be imagined. Though the walls bear some modern graffiti, the view from the top offers a tangible connection to the strategic importance of this location centuries ago.
It's important to note that the fort area is closed at night, emphasizing its historical function as a lookout point rather than a recreational space after dark. The site offers a brief but insightful historical pause for visitors exploring Mangalore.
Experiencing the Views and Beyond
Sultan Battery also serves as a crucial ferry point. A short boat ride from here will take you to the tranquil Tannirbhavi Beach, a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. This makes Sultan Battery an excellent starting point for a day of beach relaxation, with snack options available nearby to fuel your journey.
For those interested in a quick bite, there's a convenient eating spot near the ferry terminal. Additionally, Sultan Battery Road itself is known for its late-night food options, catering to those who enjoy a meal after dark.
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