| Location | Mandya district, Karnataka (19 km from Mysore) |
| Significance | Abode of Lord Vishnu |
| Must Visit | Srirangapatnam Palace, Tipu's Summer Palace, Ranganathaswamy Temple |
| Best Time To Go | September to March |
| Climate | Summers 22°- 40°C. Winter 10°- 32°C |
When it comes to the historically important places in the state of Karnataka, the island of Srirangapatnam acquires a high value. The city not only boasts of being the former capital of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan (the 'Tiger of Mysore'), but also an important Vaishnavite center of South India. This egg shaped island is formed by the two subdivisions of river Cauvery. Apart from having historic importance, the city draws countless tourists to its cultural and religious elements.
The town is believed to be named after the celebrated Ranganathaswamy temple, which was built in the 9th century by the rulers of the Ganga dynasty. From Marathas to the British, the place has witnessed a number of wars. It was the place where Tipu agitated a furious combat against the British in 1799 and fell down courageously thus supporting his capital.
Lying about 140 km from Bangalore and 15 km from Mysore, Srirangapatnam is the biggest of the three islands in the river Cauveri. It offers a delightful sight to all the naturalists and the devotees.
The ruins of the magnificent fortress that stands here form the main tourism attraction in Srirangapatnam.
Srirangapatnam Fort
It is the place from where Tipu initiated the war against the British. Tipu was killed in the same fort after being betrayed by his own men. The Ranganathaswamy Temple inside the fort and the tomb of Tipu, the Gumbaz, outside the fort are the centre of attractions. One can find amazing Indo-Islamic and Persian inscriptions on the gateway. Defended by a double wall, the fort was built in 1454. Turreted parapets, dungeons, guardrooms and Elephant entrance gates are its prominent features.
Ranganathaswamy Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple lies inside the fort. This 9th century temple built by Vijayanagara rulers, is one of the largest temples in Karnataka. The temple's actual beauty lies in its intricate carvings and sculptures, reclining image of Lord Vishnu on the great snake Ananta, and the pillars that are carved with 24 forms of Lord Vishnu.
Darya Daulat Bagh
Literally translated as 'the garden of the wealth of the sea', the Darya Daulat Bagh is a wonderful place with a series of murals, which depict scenes from Tipu's military career. The bagh also houses the Tipu's Summer Palace.
Gumbaz
Located outside the fort, the Gumbaz is the mausoleum of Tipu Sultan, his father Hyder Ali and his mother Fathima Begum. This imposing structure is built on a platform with polished black basalt pillars on all sides. The Gumbaz is surrounded by the beautiful garden the Lalbagh, and has carved stone windows and inscriptions.
When it comes to the major excursion spots, the enchanting Vrindavan Gardens (12 km) with its colourful fountains & illuminated landscaped lawns, and Somanathapur (32 km) with the famous Keshava Temple draw maximum number of tourists from all over the world. Apart from that, the Rangantittu Bird Sanctuary (4 km) is a favourite site of bird lovers.
By Air: Bangalore (140 km) is the nearest airport to Srirangapatnam, which can be accessed by taxi or local buses.
By Rail: The railway station at Srirangapatnam has good frequency of trains running to and from Bangalore and a few other major cities in south India.
By Road: As the island is located on the Bangalore-Mysore road, it is easily accessible by Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation buses.
Accommodation
The Karnataka State Tourist Development (KSTD) runs a hotel at Srirangapatnam, which is located on the riverbank. Besides this, you can also find a few a traveler's bungalow operated by the Public Works Department and a few economy class hotels here.
