Srirangapatnam Tourist Destination Karnataka

Location (Best time to visit September to March)

Srirangapatnam is situated on the banks of River Cauvery in the South Indian state, Karnataka. This tourist destination is at a short distance of 16 km to the north of Mysooru. Srirangapatnam is 140 km away from Bengaluru. 

The Past

Founded in 1120 AD by Udayaditya, the brother of Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana, the town of Srirangapatnam has got its relevance in forming the history of South India especially the history of Mysooru.

The serene spot Srirangapatnam is an island encircled by the sacred River Cauvery and is the native place of “Mysore Tiger” Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali. They are the courageous rulers of Mysore who have relentlessly and fearlessly fought against the ruthless British rulers of India in the 18th Century. These two mighty rulers bear reputation for keeping away the British from South India for almost half a century. Srirangapatnam is also noted for its temple dedicated to Lord Sriranganatha.

Originally, Thirumalaiyah, a chieftain, built the town. He has taken initiatives to construct a temple dedicated to the reclining form of Vishnu locally called Srirangnath from which the town coined the very name. Historians opine that though confirmed Muslims, Tipu and his father Hyder Ali were the frequent visitors of the temple. 

The sage Gauthama Budha is said to have visited and stayed on one of the islands nearby Srirangapatnam. Gauthama worshipped Lord Sriranganatha and the figure of Gauthama along with Godess Kauvery is also enshrined inside the temple that is mainly dedicated to Lord Ranganatha. 

Places to Vist

Major landmark of the town is Sriranganatha Temple. Its sanctum sanctorum enshrines the massive idol of the deity of Lord Sriranganatha reclining on Adidesha, the mythological serpent. The black idol is carrying a golden crown of mastered craftsmanship. It is a 10th Century temple. As an instance of religious harmony recommended by Tipu Sultan, the temple still possesses some silver vessels and pearl jewelers donated by him. As it is a Vaishnavite temple most of the priests are Srivaaishnava Archakas. Friday is the auspicious day with a series of prayers for which great masses are formed. 

The temple is noted for its harmonious amalgamation of Hoysala and Vijayanagara style of architecture. In the inner entrance, on the two pillars (Chaturvimshati pillars) one can see the carved figures of various forms of Lord Vishnu. The temple has attained its completion of construction through three different stages. Hence the exquisite icons represent both these styles. 

The Srirangapatnam fort is regarded as the second strongest and the very tactful fort, has a lot to say about its founder Tipu Sultan’s unparallel chivalry and bravery. The elephant gate is the main entrance among many of the entrances in the different parts of the fort. A Persian inscription can be found at its gateway that announces the date of its construction. Two of the haunting Dungeons, with low vaulted roofs were used to jail the British officers. The fort also contains some of the remains of cannons. 

The Juma Masjid was constructed in 1787 AD by Tipu’s special initiative, as he was a confirmed follower of Islam. Two minarets that aim at the sky adorn the Juma Masjid. At the top of each of these minarets one can reach through the flight of 200 steps. The Persian inscriptions also carry the extracts of Holy Koran. 

Constructed by Tipu Sulthan in 1784 as his luxurious summer Palace the Daria Daulath Bagh is situated on the southern bank of the river Cauvery. It is a monument constructed in the Saracenic style of architecture. For the time being, it is a museum. “Garden of the Wealth of Sea “ as its very name suggests is abound by beautifully carved wooden pillars, balconies and arches. The mural paintings on the ground floor illustrate battlefields, court scenes, military campaigns etc. Some of the 19th Century paintings can also be seen here. The museum is open every day except on Fridays. 

Places Nearby

Krishna Raja Sagara Dam is situated at a distance of about 12 Km to Srirangapatnam houses the globally celebrated Brindavan Gardens on its terraces. Decorated with the colorful lights and fountains, that springs up according to the rhythms of melodious music is not only a visual delight but also the wonderful creation of human skill and imagination. The Brindavan Gardens opens on all the weekdays at 7.00 a.m. and closes at 8.00 p.m. except on Sundays and Saturdays on which days at 08 a.m. till 09 p.m. 

Sangama, a place where the two streams of the River Cauvery re-unite is a serene and calm picnic spot just 3 km from Srirangapatnam. A cruise on the slow pace waves gives an unforgettable experience. 

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary nestles abundance of rare species of water birds and it is an ideal spot for the curious bird watchers. The sanctuary is situated at about 4 km south west of Srirangapatnam. Occasionally visiting migratory birds capture the wondering psyches of tourists. Here well-educated ornithologists are available who are amazingly skilled to spell out each and every detail of birds. The crocodile bank has many of them. A small cruise around the sanctuary must be done at early hours of the day for those who are interested in bird watching. The best season to visit the sanctuary is in between October and November. The sanctuary opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. 

Shopping

Most of the tourists visiting here do their shopping at Mysooru, which offers excellent possibilities. 

Places to Stay 

Excellent accommodation is available in and around Srirangapatnam. The Karnataka State Tourism authorities are offering relatively cheep and good accommodation of various ranges. The riverside cottages are equipped with all the basic amenities such as clean rooms, communication facilities etc. 

How to Reach 

The nearest airport to Srirangapatnam is Mysooru, which is 20 Km away that connects to various regional cities. 

Mysooru is the nearest railhead to Srirangapatnam. Mysooru - Bengaluru passenger trains are available to reach at Srirangapatnam. 

Srirangapatnam situates on the Mysooru - Bengaluru National highway. All of the buses pass through this main sector stops near Srirangapatnam. As the sight seeing places are lying nearby in the island hiring a bicycle is advisable. 

Non-Hindus can enter the Sriranganath Temple except near the sanctum Sanctorum. Smoking is strictly prohibited on the temple premises. Srirangapatnam visits can be made as a part of Mysooru city tour.