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Srirangapatna also spelt as Srirangapattana, is city of historic, religious, and cultural hub situated in Mandhya district of Karnataka, just about 13kms from Mysore. A must see place on Bangalore- Mysore Highway. Here you will come across the entire town as an island enclosed by River Kaveri. This history-rich town was the capital of the Warrior-Kings Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan - The Tiger of Mysore.
Fort : It is from here that Tippu charged at the British soldiers with his legendry sword. An obelisk in the Fort marks the place where he fell - betrayed by his own men. Within the Fort is a Mosque and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple.

Places of Interest

Ranganathaswamy Temple
The temples is one of the most important Vaishnavite shrines in South India. It is built by the Gangas in 9th century, later improved by the Hoysala and Vijayanagar kings. The temple is a tribute to Lord Ranganatha(Vishnu ) has been dedicated at three pilgrimages
Adi Ranga at Srirangapattana
Madhya Ranga at Shivanasamudra
Antya Ranga at Srirangam
The Paschima Vaahini section of the Kaveri at Srirangapattana is considered especially sacred; the pious come from far and wide to immerse the ashes of the departed and perform obsequies to their ancestors in these waters.

Brindavan Gardens
Located at the KR Sagar Dam [Kannambadi], Brindavan Gardens is one of the best gardens in South India. Spread over 150 acres, Brindavan Gardens has since the 1960s provided the backdrop for many Indian films. Special attractions include the 'Dancing Fountains'. In Dec 2004 the entire garden was revamped with new fountains and lights.
 

Daria Daulat Bagh
Built in 1784, this Summer Palace was one of Tipu's favourite retreats. It stands on a raised platform at a height of 1.5 metres. The Bagh is situated on the banks of Cauvery river has treasured the paintings, engraving, arms that depict the Valant victories and Struggles of Tipu Sultan. The structure made of teak, this Indo-Saracenic structure has ornate and beautiful frescoes. The corridors showcase murals which describe Tipu’s ordeals in the battlefield against the British.

Paintings

Records reveal that the palace is built by Moghul Governor Dilavar Khan, inspired Tipu to built this palace. The painting “ The storming of Seringapattam” has been painted by Sir Robert Ker Porter in 1800 depicts the capture of capital on May 4th , 1799. It shows English officers, including General Baird, Sergeant Graham and Colonel Dunlop. Some of the paintings show the walls of Tipu’s fort , minarets of the mosque and gopuram of the Ranganatha Swamy temple in the background.

It is sad to see the detoriation of this precious pieces of art, due to shoddy maintainance, utter neglect. The paintings emphasize the glorious victory achieved by Haidar and Tippu over the English contingent led by Col. Bailee in the battle at Pollilur near Kanchipuram in 1780. Both Government and tourists need to share responsibility in restoring the monuments.

Museum
howcases painting with Tipu wearing a turban, a striped shirt, a necklace and a belt adornedwith precious stones with a sword attached. In 1792, G F Cherry painted the portrait. One more portrait was made by Jony Zoffany in 1780. There are pencil sketches of the Tipus sons, minister of the Nizam, his son, Krishna Raja Wodeyar III his maternal uncle, Nandi Raja all drawn by Thomas Hickey, an English artist between 1799 and 1801. The museum boast of collection of coins of various denominations of those times and medals made of bronze, silver and copper issued by the English to commemorate their victory over Tipu.
 

Masjid-E-Ala or Jamia Masjid
The mosque situated near the Bangalore Gate of the fort buit by Tippu Sultan It is said that he performed the first imamath himself. standing on a high basement with an open court in the open court in the front and a covered verandah with a spacious prayer hall with the “Mihrab” on the west. There is an inscription mentioning the ninety-nine names of Allah and another records the date of its construction by Tippu in 1787 A.D.
There are 2 minarets that are double storied and octagonal in shape with pigeonholes surmounted by domes that adds to the grandeur of the entire structure. There are 200 steps leading to the top of the minarets from where

one can get a picturesque view of the Masjid.

GumbazGumbaz
Mausoleum of Tippu Sultan, and his father Hyder Ali and mother Fathima Begam. This was built by Tippu Sultan between 1782-84, the Gumbaz, an imposing structure in the midst of the Lalbagh garden, stands on a high and wide platform with an open verandah of polished pillars all round.
The importance of Gumbaz lies in its well-shaped large dome, ivory inlaid doors, carved stone windows of fine workmanship and inscriptions. Tipu's favourite Tiger stripes cover the walls.Inside are the tombs of Haidar in the center, his wife and his son Tippu on either side. In the verandah and on the platform are the other tombs of Haidar’s family members.

Colonel Bailey’s Dungeon
Named after Colonel Bailey who died here in 1780 A.D., this dungeon was used to imprison Captain Baird, Colonel Brithwite, Captain Rulay, Frazer, Samson and Lindsay by Tipu Sultan. The dungeon measures 30.5 metres width 12.2 metres height and is built of brick and mortar.
Prisoners were chained to stone slabs fixed on its walls. During the seige of Srirangapatnam, one of the cannons rolled back, pierced the ceiling and fell into the dungeon. One can see them still lying there .
 

How to Reach

By Air: Mysore domestic airport is the nearest air terminal, which is nearly 14 km away from Srirangapatnam. Taxi facilities are available in the airport and taxi fare is about Rs 300 from Mysore to Srinrangapatna. Bangalore is the nearest international airport which is at a distance of 140 km away from Mysore. There are regular flights to Bangalore from all the major cities in India. Bangalore is connected to many international cities as well. Taxi services are available from Bangalore to Srirangapatna which costs about Rs 3000.

By Rail: Mysore railway station is the nearest railhead to Srirangapatna. Mysore is connected to Bangalore, which is 140 km away. Bangalore is well connected to all the other cities in India. Taxi services are available from Bangalore to Srirangapatna which costs about Rs 3000.

By Road: There are excellent bus services provided by Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation connecting Srirangapatna to other nearby cities. Vanities of tourist buses, A/C, super fast and Deluxe Volvo buses, are available from Bangalore to Srirangapatna and fare is about Rs 4 to 5 per km.
 

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