Srirangapatna is often clubbed with Mysore (which is just 13 Kms away). In reality, Srirangapatna needs to be considered as a stand-alone weekend destination. As an island of cauvery, it has perfect setting, It has a rich history to narrate as it witnessed the valour of Tipu Sultan. Sri Ranganatha temple at Srirangapatna, is an important pilgrimage centre. Naturalists will love Ranganathitu Bird Sanctuary, arguably one of the best in India.
Srirangapatna Tourism
Srirangapatna Sight Seeing: Places to visit in Srirangapatna (Srirangapatna Attractions)
Sri Ranganatha Temple: Sriranpatna derives its name from the presiding deity of this temple – Lord Ranganatha. The huge temple with a grand gopuram is a synthesis of both Vijayanagara and Hoysala School of temple architecture. Sri Ranganatha is portrayed as reclining on the bed of Aadi Sesha much similar to what is seen in Srirangam. Near the sanctum sanctorum, you can see motifs of all the 24 forms of Vishnu engraved on the pillars.
Tipu Sultan
Near the temple are the infamous Col. Bailey's Dungeons. These dungeons were used to house the English prisoners who were captured during the Second Anglo- Mysore war (1780 AD) (ironically that included Col. Bailey after whom the dungeons have been named. In all, Tipu Sultan had 508 European prisoners housed at these dungeons during the Second Anglo - Mysore War). The war ended with the English signing the Treaty of Mangalore -one of the few occasions where Indian rulers dictated terms to the English army.
During these and subsequent wars, Mysore army had used rockets successfully to shock and awe the opponents. The shock defeat of the English forces in Second Anglo- Mysore led to rapid development of missile technology in Great Britain.
Srirangapatna Fort: Today, the fort may be in ruins but it has a great story to narrate. On May 4 1799 AD, East India Company troops under the command of Colonel Wellesley stormed into the town by breaching the fort. Till then, Mysore army under the leadership of Tiger of Mysore had held English soldiers at bay. Tipu was betrayed by his own commander, Mir Sadiq, who withdrew the army and spread water in the basement where ammunition was stored rendering them ineffective and useless. In spite of an impeding defeat, Tipu did not give in and was engaged hand-to-hand combat with the British soldiers. Soon he was mortally wounded and died at the battlefield at Watergate. His death ended the fourth Anglo – Mysore war and last of the resistance to colonial rule. Today, within the fort is a small memorial stone that declares Tipu, the Tiger of Mysore met his death fighting British soldiers on that fateful day. Even English soldiers were so impressed with the valor of Tipu Sultan that Col Wellesley, erected a plaque at the spot where Tipu’s body was found. ( Click here for An interesting read on Tipu's last day)
Daria Daulat : This used to be Tipu Sultan’s summer palace and is currently a museum housing Tipu memorabilia. It is a two-storied building built mainly of teak and influenced by Indo – Islamic architecture with a well-landscaped garden in the front. The walls of the palace are adorned with murals and paintings that reflect the times and valour of Tipu Sultan. The most interesting is the one depicting the defeat of Colonel Baillie and the British forces in hands of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan.
Gumbaz: This was built by Tipu Sultan in 1784 AD as the final resting place for his parents. Later, after Tipu's death, he was also buried ar Gumbaz. Gumbaz also features a Moghul styled mosque. The windows and doos feature high quality ivory craftsmanship.
Jumma Masjid : This imposing mosque was built by Tipu Sultan in 1787 AD . It has two lofty minarets that can be climbed thru a flight of 200 steps. The masjid houses Persian extracts from holy Koran.
Sangam: The Cauvery and its two tributaries, the Lokapavani and the Paschima Vahini, meet at sangam and is a serene country side. Coracle rides are a major attraction at sangam.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Famous bird sanctuary just 4 kms from Srirangapatna. It comprises of six islets on the banks of river cauvery. Ranganthittu is a paradise for those into birding. Commonly sighted birds include Painted Stork, Openbill Stork, Spoonbill, Woolly-necked Stork, White Ibis and Stork-billed Kingfisher, Bats and other common birds. Best time to visit the sanctuary is in the early morning 6 am - 8 am or late noon 5pm - 6pm. Feb to April is the breeding season and more than 25,000 come to Ranganthittu for nesting. Apart from these birds, Ranganathittu is home to 50 odd ferocious Marsh Crocodiles. You can spot them basking in the sun.
Forest Department will take you round Ranganathittu in their boats and the oarsman will also act as your guide. More Details