Srirangapatnam

Srirangapatnam is a city located on the banks of River Cauvery. It is around 15 kilometers away from Mysore. It used to be the capital of the ruler of Mysore, Tipu Sultan. There are several temples, fort and palace built in the city, which are now the main attractions for tourists.

The city gained its name from the Ranganathaswamy Temple located in Srirangapatnam, which is dedication to Lord Vishnu in the form of Ranganatha. The Vijayanagara rulers constructed the temple in the 9th century. It is one of the largest temples in Karnataka. The marvelous temple has intricate sculptures and carvings. The major attraction of the temple is the reclining image of the Ranganatha (Lord Vishnu) on the great serpent Aadi Sesha. This huge temple has a grand gopuram (pyramidal temple tower) and great walls like fort. It is the wonderful amalgamation of the Hoysala and Vijayanagara architectural styles. Due to this temple Srirangapatnam has become an important site for pilgrims.

Dariya Daulat Palace built by Tipu Sultan in the year 1784 is made of teakwood. This palace was built when Srirangapatnam was capital of Mysore. Tipu Sultan used to rule from here. The palace is built using Indo-Saracenic styles. The shape of palace is rectangular and walls as well as ceilings are ornamented with paintings. The top floor of the palace is now converted into museum and has collection of European paintings, rare Persian manuscripts and Tipu memorabilia. The only fort of Srirangapatnam is Srirangapatnam Fort built by Tipu Sultan to launch attacks on British. Gumbaz is situated just out of this fort. Gumbaz is the mausoleum of the Tipu Sultan, his mother Fathima Begum and his father Hyder Ali. It is located in the center of a beautiful Lalbagh Garden. It stands on the platform and has open balcony with black basalt pillars on all the sides. The doors of the tomb are finely carved and enriched with ivory works. Jumma Masjid is a mosque situated in Srirangapatnam built in 1787 AD by Tipu Sultan. The masjid contains the Persian extracts from holy Koran.

Excursions can be made to places such as Sivasamudra Falls are located about 27 km upstream from the city and is India's second biggest waterfall. The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is also near to Srirangapatnam and worth visiting. This famous bird sanctuary attracts hundreds of various birds. River Cauvery and River Lokapavani come together to form a beautiful picnic spot called Sangam. Somanathapur is also near to Srirangapatnam and is famous for Keshava Temple. This Hoysala style temple was built in year 1268 and is considered as one of the grandest creations built by them.

Tourists can reach Srirangapatnam by air, rail or road. Bangalore is the nearest airport. Mysore is the closest railway station. It is very well connected to the major cities of Karnataka by roadways. Local transport is convenient by autos, taxis and buses.

While tour to Mysore, one should not miss the Srirangapatnam, the city of historical importance and natural beauty.

Last Updated On: 2011/07/12