Srirangapatna is an egg-shaped island formed by the two subdivisions of river Cauvery. It is located in the district of Mandya. The whole of the town is surrounded by the River Kaveri and gives a look of an island.
About Srirangapatna :
Srirangapatna (also called Srirangapatanam) is an historical town located near Mysore in the district of Mandya. Srirangapatna is an egg-shaped island formed by the two subdivisions of river Cauvery. The River splits into two before the town and its two canals, called Poorvavahini and Paschimavahini, encircle the place, forming this small island town.
Srirangapatna gets its name from the Ranganatha Swamy Temple that dominates its landscape.
Darya Daulat Bagh, Colonel Bailey’s Dungeon, Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Sangam, Srirangapatna Fort, Obelisk, Gumbaz, Jumma Masjid, Tipu’s Death Place, Venkataramana Temple, Museum, Ranganatithu Bird Sanctuary, etc.
Srirangapatna is one of the amazing destinations of Karnataka to spend a fantastic weekend. This small township is located just 17 kms from the city of Mysore, which is known for its religious, cultural and historic importance. Srirangapatna is an important Vaishnavite site and is frequented by many pilgrims. Earlier the place served as the capital of Mysore when Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan ruled over it. So, many of the attractions that one finds in here, are related to him.
Today, Srirangapatna has transformed into a definite hot spot for tourists while on an exploratory expedition to Mysore. The best feature about this place is that though it is a small town; it caters to the interest of one and all. The place forwards various artistic and magnificent monuments and forts. Apart from this, there are also temples and picnic spots. So whether it is reveling in the past or having a good time outside or being in unison with the almighty, the place has something for everyone.
Attracions Of Srirangapatna In Karnataka :
Srirangapatna is an egg-shaped island formed by the two subdivisions of river Cauvery. It is located in the district of Mandya. The whole of the town is surrounded by the River Kaveri and gives a look of an island. The town has historic, cultural and religious importance. History says that Lord Buddha visited and remained on one of the islands near Srirangapatnam.
The town got its name from the celebrated Ranganathaswamy temple. This temple dominates the town which is the reason that Srirangapattana is one of the most important Vaishnava centers of South India. In the 9th century the temple was built by the rulers of the Ganga dynasty.
The existence of the Kaveri river is regarded auspicious. The Paschima Vaahini division of the Kaveri at Srirangapattana is considered to be sanctified. It is here that the pious come from far and wide to submerge the ashes of the dead soul and perform obeisance to their antecedents in these waters.
Srirangapatna was the capital of Hyder Ali & his son Tipu Sultan. In the 18th century the Marathas assaulted Srirangapatna. Hyder pulled back the Marathas and thus saved the Kingdom. But in the year 1799 Tipu triggered a furious combat against the British and he fell down courageously thus supporting his capital.
A fort was built at Srirangapatna by a feudal lord in 1537 and it had four main entering. It had a dual wall defense arrangement. The architectural mold of the fort is Indo-Islamic with Persian inscription on the gateway which shows the date of construction.
Travel Guide :
Srirangapatna Island is on the Cauvery River and is steeped in history and heritage. You will find history in every nook and corner. It was once the capital of Tipu Sultan the Tiger of Mysore.
The Tipu Sultan Fort is omnipresent in Srirangapatna and encompasses almost the whole of the island. The people and the guides take obvious pride as they narrate the rich heritage of the city.
It was here that Tipu fought against the British and a monument marks the place where the brave king had ultimately fallen defending the city.
Although overbearing, Tipu’s and Haider Ali’s heritage are not the only thing that Srirangapatna is famous for. There are some very famous temples on the island too.
History :
Visit Srirangapatna, erstwhile capital of Tipu Sultans empire till he was killed by the British in the Fourth Mysore War, for a slice of history.
You feel you are traveling back in time as the tall minarets of Jumma Masjid (the old mosque) beckon you as you drive down the scenic Bangalore-Mysore highway. The feeling is only strengthened as you are greeted at the citys entrance by the old fort gate, a testimony of Tipus mighty empire, even though it is plastered with film posters now. Get ready for a trip down the ages.
The journey back in time begins with the old mosque. An elderly occupant offered to give us a guided tour for 20 rupees. The ground floor houses an old water reservoir (now dried up), the madrasa that is still used for teaching little boys, and a row of miniature tombs in memory of the dead. According to our guide, the tall minarets hold 250 stairs each unfortunately they are in state of disrepair and hence inaccessible. The terrace of the mosque has a sundial and offers a nice view of the trees that shade the mosque and the fort.
Tipus death spot is about two-three kilometers down the mosque. A plague is erected to mark the spot, which is cordoned off by a small rail, even as a grove of coconut trees stand guard. Legend has it that Tipus body was found at this place after he was felled by a British soldier in the Fourth Mysore War of 1799. It is said that Tipu was trying to seek help from the French to help him fight the British whether his death marked the turning point for the British entrenchment in South India is open to speculation. Interestingly, the man selected by the British to lead the final assault on Tipu was none other than Arthur Wellesley the man who later defeated Napoleon in the famous Battle of Waterloo.
How to reach :
By Air : Though the Mysore airport is expected to open shortly, the nearest airport is Bangalore at a distance of around 123 Kms. There are buses that connect Srirangapatna to Bangalore as well as Mysore. You can also hire a taxi from airport. It takes around 3 hrs to cover the distance.
Railway route : Mysore Railway station is the closest railhead to Srirangapatna. It is connected to Bangalore and other cities of Karnataka by regular trains. There are trains from other states as well.
Bus route : Govt. run KSRTC has excellent bus service to Srirangapatna and Mysore. There are ordinary buses, semi-luxury buses and luxury buses available.
Road route : Srirangapatna is well connected by road to all the major cities in Karnataka. State Highway 17 between Bangalore and Mysore passes through Srirangapatna making it easily accessible. There are regular buses and taxis that run between Bangalore, Mysore and Srirangapatna.