General Information

Srirangaptanam is a name that has filled the pages of British history in Karnataka. It is a picturesque place on the banks of River Kaveri on the Mysore-Bangalore highway at a very short distance from Mysore. The island of Srirangapatnam in the River Kaveri, 14km north of Mysore, measures 5km by 1km. Long a site of Hindu pilgrimage, it is named for its tenth-century Sriranganathaswamy Vishnu temple. In the year 1133 it served as a refuge for the philosopher Ramanuja. The Vijayanagars built a fort here in 1454, and in 1616 it became it became the capital of the Mysore Wadiyar Rajas. However, Srirangapatnam is more famously associated with Hyder Ali, who deposed the Wadiyars in1761, and even more so with his son Tipu Sultan. During his seventeen-year reign-which ended with his death in 1799, at the bloody battle of "Seringapatnam" Tipu posed greater threat than any other Indian ruler to British plans to dominate India. Tipu and his father were responsible for transforming the small state of Mysore into a major Muslim power. His burning life-long desire to rid India of the hated British invaders naturally brought him an ally in the French. He obsessively embraced his popular name of the "Tiger of Mysore", surrounding himself with symbols and images of tigers; much of his memorabila is decorated with the animal or its stripes. Tipu's Srirangapatnam was largely destroyed by the British, but parts of the fort area in the northwest survive, including gates, ramparts, the grim dungeons, and the domed and minareted Jami Masjid mosque. 

Places to See

Considered to be very formidable and described as the second strongest fort in India, the fort at Srirantapatnam is a mute witness to the bravery and chivalry shown by its builder Tipu Sulatn in resisting the attack of the English. There are many entrances to the fort and the main one is known as the Elephant Gate. A Persian inscription on the gateway declares the date of its construction. Two dungeons with low vaulted roofs were used by Tipu Sultan to hold British officers as prisoners. 

Two imposing minarets that seem to reach out to the heavens adorn the Jumma Masjid, by itself a magnificent structure. These minars are embellished with cornices and floral bands as well as metallic Kalashas at the apex. the top of each Minaret can be reached through a flight of about 200steps. Extracts from the Holy Koran (the sacred book of the Muslims) and the date of construction of the Mosque as 1787 AD can be gleamed from the beautifully engraved Persian inscriptions here.

Situated on the south bank of the river is the Daria Dault Bagh, the Garden of the wealth of sea, the summer palace constructed by Tipu Sultan in 1784, probably indicative of  his conquests which had touched the shores. Attractively structured in Saracenic style of architecture with wooden pillars, balconies and trefoil arches, it is covered with arabesque work rich in colors. There are several murals on the ground floor depicting battle grounds, court scenes and Tipu Sultan's military campaigns against the British. 

A mausoleum wherein the mortal remains of Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan and his mother were buried. Minarets and a corridor of black basalt pillars support the central dome. The interior is painted in lacquer and the ivory inlaid double doors and a donation of Lord Dalhousie. A small private gallery on Ganjifa art (miniature playing cards ) is also situated in Srirangapatnam.

Excursions

A place that bears association with River Kaveri and Srirangaptnam is the bird sanctuary called Ranganathittu. Excellent arrangements for the well informed as well budding ornithologists are available. The  vicinity of Srirangaptanm also offers the ideal location for anglers. 

At a distance of about 12 km from Srirangapatnam is the Krishna Raja Sagara dam and the world famous Brindavan Gardens built on its terraces. Exquisitely landscaped gardens, illuminated with myriad lights and colorful fountains that joyously burst forth to the strains of lilting music, are a visual delight and enthrall the young and the old alike.

A quite picnic spot at a distance of 3 km from Srirangaptanm where two streams of the Kaveri re-unite.

Travel Info

Srirangapatnam lies 14km north of Mysore, which is about 140km from Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka. Frequent buses ply from the Mysore Central bus stand and all Mysore to Bangalore trains stop here. The nearest airport is at Bangalore.