Jain Temples In Aravali Rajasthan

Ranakpur in the state of Rajasthan is one of the five most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism. It is home to an exceptionally beautiful temple complex in the Aravali ranges and a must visit for the tourists coming to this region.

Location

Ranakpur is tucked away in a remote valley in the Aravali range. It is situated around 60 km north of Udaipur in Pali district and boasts of one of the largest and most important Jain Temples in the country. The place is well connected through a road network to other places in the region.

Climate

The climate of Ranakpur is tropical with the mercury climbing up to a maximum of around 42°C and a minimum of around 22°C. Winters are only a little colder with a maximum of around 20°C and a minimum of around 11°C. The annual total rainfall is around 55 centimeters. Winter months (October-March) are the best for visiting this place.

The Past

Ranakpur is named after Rana Kumbha whom Dharna Sah, a Jain businessman, approached when he had the vision of his great temple to ask for the land for its construction. Renowned for some marvelously carved Jain temples in amber stone, Ranakpur is one of the five holiest places of the Jain community and exceptional in beauty. Situated at a distance of around 60 km from Udaipur, these temples were constructed in 1439 AD.

Sites to Visit

The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted Rajput monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. The basement is of 48,000 sq. feet area that covers the whole complex. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty-four pillared halls and domes supported by over four hundred columns. The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately carved with no two being alike. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an interesting sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kg whose sound echoes in the entire complex. The main temple is a Chaumukh or a four-faced temple dedicated to Adinath.

The three other Jain temples in the same complex, including a temple of the Sun God, are all well worth a visit. One kilometer away from the temple complex is the temple of Amba Mata.

Sites Nearby

Kumbhalgarh is a historical site around 30 km northeast of Ranakpur. It is the most important fort in the Mewar region after Chittaurgarh. The other important place to visit in Kumbhalgarh is a wildlife sanctuary known for its wolves.

Sadri, 8 km away, is famous for some beautiful temples and an old dargah of Khudabaksh Baba. The Varahavtar temple and the Chintamani Parsvanath temple are the oldest of the temples situated here.

Three temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman and Navi Mata are among some noteworthy temples at Desuri around 16 km from Ranakpur. An old mosque situated here is also worth a visit. A temple dedicated to Parsuram Mahadeo, nestled in the hills, is also close by.

Another nearby place, Ghanerao, abounds in Hindu temples. Most notable is the temple of Gajanand with a life-size statue of the goddesses Riddhi and Siddhi. The statue in the main shrine is guarded by idols of Hanuman and Bhairon on either side.

The Muchhal Mahavir temple is situated about 5 km from Ghanerao in the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary. Its distinctive feature is the statue of Lord Mahavira with a mustache. The two statues of elephants guarding the gateways are splendid examples of temple decoration. In the vicinity are the Garasia tribal villages famous for their colorful costumes.

Where to Stay

There are many places in Ranakpur that provide quality accommodation. The costs can range from an amount in four figures for the best double-bedded rooms to a donation of an amount one’s own discretion in a dharmshala. Heritage hotels are the best bet in this region, if one is interested in enjoying the royal hospitality and charm of the bygone era. Facilities in the major hotels are good and worth the money spent.

How to Reach

The nearest airport is Udaipur 60 km south of Ranakpur. There are regular flights to Delhi, Jaipur, Aurangabad, Jodhpur, and Mumbai from Udaipur.

The nearest major railway station is Udaipur. There are trains for Delhi, Chittaurgarh, Ajmer, and Jaipur from this station. The nearest railway station from Ranakpur is Phalna but most of the tourists prefer going to Udaipur to catch a train as it offers more choice.

There are frequent express buses from Udaipur that take around three hours to reach Ranakpur. State transport corporation buses as well as private buses connect Udaipur to other cities in the region. Major destinations that are connected to Udaipur are Jaipur, Ajmer, Kota/Bundi, Jodhpur, Chittaurgarh, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Mumbai, Delhi, Indur, and Mt Abu.

Informaton:-

Money exchange and banking facilities are available in Ranakpur. Otherwise one can use Udaipur as a base to avail all the necessary tourist facilities. STD/ISD facilities are available.

As Ranakpur is a religious place, one must take care that the religious sentiments of the devotees are not hurt. One should inquire about the local customs and practices before indulging in activities like drinking, gambling, or eating non-vegetarian food.

A Tourist Information Bureau of the Government of Rajasthan is situated at Fateh Memorial Suraj Pole in Udaipur and tourists should get all the necessary information there.

Architecture of Taj Mahal

THE ARCHITECTURE OF TAJ MAHAL

Historians, architects, poets and travelers from all over the world have praised the architecture of the Taj Mahal. Built of white marble brought from Makrana in Rajasthan, the Taj Mahal appears different at different times of day and during the changing seasons. The white marble reflects the color of the sky, and the rays of the sun give it an almost ethereal appearance. The sight of the Taj Mahal on a full moon night is an enchanting experience. When seen from Agra Fort across the Yamuna River on a foggy morning, the Taj Mahal appears like a fairytale castle floating on a soft carpet of air.

The Taj Mahal is part of a complex of structures. These structures include the Darwaza or main gateway, the Bageecha or garden, the Masjid or mosque, the Naqqar Khaana or guest house and the Rauza or mausoleum. The entrance to the complex is through the grand gateway. The gateway is inscribed with Islamic calligraphy and floral decorations. As you enter the gateway, its high arch frames the vista before you. A path with green lawns on either side leads to the raised platform on which the Taj Mahal is situated. The approach to the Taj Mahal, with intersecting paths and waterways is called the Charbagh.

The Taj Mahal is situated on a raised platform that is over 6 meters high. The actual tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal are in the basement below this platform. The main building surmounted by a curving dome is over 60 meters long on each side. The dome rises to a height of over 60 meters at its pinnacle. The platform covers an area of almost 94 sq meters. A tall minaret of over 40 meters reaches up to the sky at each corner of the platform. On either side of the Taj Mahal there is a red sandstone building - a mosque to the west and a guesthouse to the east. The fountains, waterways, formal garden and the river Yamuna flowing in the background add to the overall effect. The overall symmetry of the Taj Mahal complex makes it an aesthetically perfect sight.

The architecture of the Taj Mahal is enhanced by delicate inlay work. The interiors of the Taj Mahal are decorated with inlay work known as pietra dura. Semi precious stones such as jasper, jade, turquoise, lapis lazuli and sapphire, were used in these decorative devices, many of which can still be seen. These decorative elements include inscriptions from the Quran, geometrical designs and graceful depictions of flowers and plants. The inlay work has been carried out with great skill, creating a seamless and smooth surface with no visible joints. The pristine white marble of the Taj Mahal contrasts with the colors of the inlaid stones creating a beautiful and majestic effect.

The beautiful proportions of each element of the complete complex, their exquisitely decorated interiors, the brilliance of the carving in the latticed screens that surround the tomb and the setting of the Taj Mahal add up to the sublime experience that is a glimpse of the Taj Mahal. The architecture of the Taj Mahal is considered the most spectacular example of Mughal architecture in India.

TRIVIA

The Taj Mahal is a monument with a rich and colorful history. An immortal love story inspired the Taj Mahal and there’s lots more------Taj Mahal trivia and interesting details about this wondrous monument.

1. It is said that Shah Jahan wanted to build an equally grand tomb for himself on the other bank of the River Yamuna in Agra. His mausoleum would be made in black marble and the two monuments would complement each other in their design.

2. Mumtaz Mahal means, “Exalted one of the Palace.” This was what Shah Jahan called her. Her actual name was Arjumand Banu Begum.

3/ The term Taj Mahal is possible a contraction of the Empress’s name and means “Crown of the Palace”

4. Shah Jahan was known as Khurram before he ascended to the Mughal Throne.

5. Mumtaz Mahal was Shah Jahan’s second wife, but was his favorite.

6. Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan had 14 children

7. 20,000 laborers worked for 22 years to build the Taj Mahal.

8. 1000 elephants were used to transport the materials required for the construction of the Taj Mahal.

9. The Taj Mahal is said to have been built at a cost of 32 million rupees.

10. The white marble used to construct the Taj Mahal, was brought from Makrana in Rajasthan India.

11. 28 different kinds of semi-precious stones were used in the inlay work in the Taj Mahal.

12. These included Turquoise from Tibet, Sapphires from Sri Lanka and Lapis Lazuli from Afghanistan.

13. The inlay work on the inner walls of the Taj Mahal is called pietra dura, which refers to the embedding of hard or durable stones within soft stones for decorative effect.

14. It is said that Shah Jahan wanted to ensure that his master craftsmen would not build anything as beautiful again and had their hands amputated or eyes put out, after the completion of the Taj Mahal.

15 The Taj mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was added to the UNESCO list of world heritage sites in 1983, and described as “The jewel of Muslim art in India”

Today, the Taj Mahal in Agra India stands as a symbol of eternal love, which continues to mesmerize tourists from around the world.

Beach Vacations in India

India’s coastline has many beautiful beaches for the tourists to relax and enjoy.

Goa

Known for its golden beaches, Goa is the destination of choice for beach lovers coming to India. The combination of sun, sea, sand, the warm weather and friendly people makes Goa the ideal destination for a beach vacation in India. 

Calangute Beach: This beach, one of the best known in Goa stretches for 7 km in a gentle curve on the northern coast of Goa. A popular beach for families on vacation Calangute Beach is also known for its food stalls and trinket stalls alongside the beach.

Agonda Beach: Situated near Palolem in south Goa, Agonda beach is known for its unsoiled sands and clean environment. The souvenir shops and beachfront hotels seen on many other beaches have not appeared here ensuring the 3 km long beach with the Cabo de Rama fort nearby are left untouched for intrepid visitors to explore.

Anjuna Beach: Anjuna Beach was famous in the 1970s with the flower children and hippies who made their way to Goa. The weekly Wednesday flea market revives the feeling of the 1970’s when tourists flock around the shacks selling T Shirts and trinkets. Trance parties are held on moonlit nights at Anjuna Beach, which is one of the most poplar beaches for a vacation in Goa.

Dona Paula: Situated at a distance of 7 km from Panaji, Dona Paula Beach is associated with the legend of the daughter of a Portuguese official who killed herself when she was not permitted to marry the man she loved. Also known as Lovers Paradise, Dona Paula Beach in Goa is a water sports enthusiasts’ dream come true, with a range of water sports activities on offer for tourists to enjoy when on a beach vacation in Goa, India.

 

Colva and Benaulim Beaches: Situated at a distance of 20 km from Panaji, in South Goa, these beaches are a quiet getaway from Panaji Town. The long sandy stretches of Colva Beach make it a beautiful place to relax and enjoy a beach vacation in Goa, India. The nearby church has an annual festival that attracts large crowds and bullfights are held in the village nearby.

Kerala

This state in Southwest India has several beaches, which are popular with tourists. Apart from relaxing and sunbathing on the beaches, you can also get ayurvedic herbal massages and enjoy water sports.

Kovalam Beach: Located at a distance of 18 kms from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, Kovalam is one of the most beautiful destinations for a beach vacation in India. You can also get an Ayurvedic massage or indulge in water sports on Kovalam Beach.

Varkala: The Papanasam beach at Varkala is a popular beach in Kerala with white sandy stretches and blue sea framed by a backdrop of steep cliffs.

Tamil Nadu

This coastal state in South India has a number of fine beaches in Chennai, Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry, for tourists to enjoy beach vacations in India.  

Marina Beach: This 12 kms long beach is a popular venue in Chennai for tourists to watch the sunrise and sunset. In the evenings, a fairground atmosphere prevails with families thronging the longest beach in India with its nearby Aquarium, and memorials of political leaders of Tamil Nadu, India.

Orissa

Home to some beautiful beaches, not too well known, Orissa on India’s Bay of Bengal Coast is an undiscovered beach vacation destination.

Puri Beach:

This beautiful beach in Orissa is the venue of the Puri Beach Festival when classical dance and other cultural performances are held in the backdrop of the Jagannath Temple at Puri.

Please note that there are no nude beaches in India and nudity may offend local customs. 

Entertainment in Goa Tours

Entertaining yourself and utilizing your leisure time is very easy in Goa. From Bird watching, crocodile watching, casinos, discotheques, water sports to river cruises; you get every moment to have fun in Goa. Every day is a gala day and every moment a golden moment. Staying at Goa while doing various leisure activities gives you an opportunity to explore the natural beauty, wildlife, cultural heritage and the lifestyle in Goa.

Bird Watching

As a bird watcher’s paradise, Goa is home to many diverse bird species including the four different species of eagles, kites, buzzards, kestrels and ospreys. The other avian species indigenous to Goa are five types of pigeons, five varieties of cuckoos, six species of doves, six types of woodpeckers and six kinds of kingfishers. Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary are must visits for bird lovers and ornithologists. Morjim beach is the best for viewing seabirds.

River Cruises

The tourists can go for river cruises run by The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) on the Mandovi river, thrice a day. There are also two types of day cruises -- from the Panaji jetty covering the Mandovi and Zuari rivers. The private operators also provide many types of river cruises.

Crocodile Watching

This huge and ferocious carnivore is commonly seen in Goa in the dense mangrove jungle near the small village of Cumbarjua. The 15m long Cumbarjua canal near Panaji that links the Zuari and Mandovi rivers, is the only place in Goa, where you can see the crocodiles in open and the wild. The stray crocodiles are sometimes also seen in Chorao, Tivim and Quepem.

Casinos

The tourists who like to challenge their luck can find a refuge in the glittering Casinos in Goa. The most famous is the first live-game floating casino in India on the ship MS Caravela in Panaji. Goa also has other casinos, basically gaming halls with installed slot machines and a bar. The other casinos that are a big tourist attraction are at Taj Exotica, Miramar Beach Resort, Bogmallo Beach Resort, Majorda Beach Resort, Varca Beach Resort, Mobor Beach Resort.

Discotheques

Goa is a place for dine, dance and wine! This fact gets justified when you visit any of the discotheques in Goa. Break the dance floor and shake on the beats and rhythm of music all the night! The most important discs in Goa are Party Zone at the Holiday Inn Resort in Goa, the first disc in South Goa; Aqua at the Leela Palace Goa with a casino and private cigar lounges; Adega Camoens in Taj Exotica Goa with its lobby bar having exquisite cocktails made from Feni; Casino-cum-Disc - Treasures at Majorda Beach Resort Goa, the only disc in Goa with internet; Alvoc disc at Colva Beach; Club Cabana at Arpora near Calangute Beach; Club Tito’s at Baga Beach and Ryb nightclub at the Taj Holiday Village at Sinquerim beach in Goa.

Water Sports

Goa is also a sports’ paradise for the tourists. They can enjoy anything in water sports from Windsurfing, Dinghy Sailing, Scuba Diving, Water Skiing, Angling, Para Sailing to Swimming. Dona Paula is an ideal destination for the beginners of Windsurfing. Dinghies are available on hire at Cidade de Goa and the Taj Holiday Village for beginners. The Goan lagoons ranging between 5-10 metres are ideal for Scuba Diving giving you a scope to explore coral heads, lobsters, fish, and other marine life in the seawaters. Go for Water Skiing on the speedboats at a speed of 30-40 miles an hour. The popular angling spot in Goa is the Palolem Beach. Water scooters are available at Dona Paula jetty, Majorda, Cidade de Goa and Candolim beach. Of course the sea in Goa gives enough thrill to the swimmers too.

Shopping

The Goa tour is also fascinating as it offers the tourists the opportunity to shop and roam around the traditional, modern and the beachside shopping outlets to gather some memorable souvenirs exclusive to the land of Goa. After sightseeing tour of Goa, the most important task of on tourist’s list is the shopping in Goa. Looking to the heavy tourist traffic in Goa every year, many new outlets have come up in the Goan heritage houses, hotels and beach resorts.

Traditional Markets

To start with, the tourists can plan to shop from the traditional markets located in the small towns and villages of Goa. These markets symbolize the ethnic culture and the cultural heritage of Goa. The two renowned traditional markets in Goa are: Mapusa Market and Anjuna Market. At the Friday Market at Mapusa, you get everything from dried fish and spices to curios and old coins. Managed by and for foreigners, the Wednesday Market at Anjuna Beach offers a unique collection of handicrafts, beachwear, souvenirs and trinkets sold at bargained prices.

Fashion Shops/Boutiques

If money, for you, is not a problem or you are an extravagant shopper, then the in-house shops at the deluxe hotels and resorts are the ideal shopping places for you. Recently many lifestyle and fashion shops have sprung up in the city in the wake of the fashion awareness in Goa. These fashion shops/boutiques are in general located in the heritage houses in Goa with selected fabric and interior decoration collections available at reasonable prices in Goa.

Local Handicrafts and Souvenirs

Goa is also known for its local handicraft items and its dexterous artisans. The most popular souvenirs of Goa include terracotta, shell work, bamboo work, papier-mache, brassware, crochet, carved furniture etc. available at the Government and State Emporiums and also the shopping stalls by the beachside or major tourist destinations in Goa. The another must-buy item in Goa is the indigenously produced ‘cashew nuts’ available at almost every shop in different tastes from plain, salted to masala flavours. The price of these cashew nuts depends on their taste and amount.
Shopping in Goa is a lifetime experience in itself. While your shopping tour in the markets of
Goa, you always end up having the exclusive and memorable souvenirs with you making your Goa tour unforgettable!

TRAVEL TIPS

Precaution is better than cure! To make your Goa tour convenient and comfortable, there are some travel tips and precautions to be taken by you, which are as follows:

· If traveling by the train, attach your baggage to the berth with a chain to save it from theft. Do not accept any food item from strangers in the train/bus.
· Keep your money, passport-visa and other travel documents (preferably wrapped in plastic to avoid dampness) in a money belt tied to your waist to avoid its visibility.
· Prefer traveler’s cheques/ATM cards to money in liquid form as money exchange and ATM centers are available at most of the locations in Goa.
· Carry a voltage adapter for your personal electric appliances. Also, check the voltage before using any electric appliance, as the voltage/power is quite low in Goa.
· Always keep an identity card handy; mentioning your name, age, blood group, other relevant details and contact phone numbers for use in case of emergency.
· Beware of touts and never keep your articles unattended on the beaches.
· Always go for mineral water, fresh seafood dishes and wash hands with soap before having your breakfast/lunch/dinner.
· Never go for money exchange through private dealers, instead; prefer banks or government/authentic institutions. Similarly hire a metered taxi/motorcycle taxi/auto rickshaw to avoid wastage of money.
· Keep in mind that possession and trade of drugs (hard or soft) is totally illegal in Goa. If caught red-handed, 10 years rigorous imprisonment in jail and Rs 10,000 fine is imposed on you by the Goa Police without any scope for bail.
· Purchasing articles made from animal skin of rare and endangered species is banned in Goa so avoid buying such articles from roadside shops or sellers.
· Always consult a lifeguard while venturing into the sea. Remember that nudity on     beaches and public places are prohibited in Goa and punishable under the law.
· Keep your driving licence, passport, visa and other necessary documents with you while driving and follow the traffic rules to avoid mishaps and inconvenience.

Medical Precautions

Due to the change of water and climate, the tourists may suffer from chronic/acute stomach upset so they are required to take the necessary precautions and ensure that the required vaccinations are done. It is advisable to plan your vaccinations well in advance, consulting a doctor, before starting your tour to Goa. In India you also require essentially, the yellow fever vaccination especially when you are entering India from an infected area. Keep your feet clean and dry and prevent walking barefoot to prevent fungal and parasitic infections.

Passport and Visa

The tourists can go for any of the six visas available with them - Business Visa (issued for a month or six months), Student Visa (valid for one year or the duration of opted course in India), Conference Visa (for attending international conferences in India), Transit Visa (issued for maximum 15 days with single/double entry facilities), Journalist Visa (issued to professional journalists/photojournalists) and Employment Visa (issued to the foreign professionals working in Indian organizations).

Getting the Indian Visa Requirements

· The visa application with pasted passport size photographs should be submitted along with a passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of intended departure from India.
· The foreign nationals should submit a proof of long-term stay (at least three years)/ permanent residence) in the country from where they are applying for Indian Visa. References are also to be produced in addition to the residence proof.
· The visa fee/charges and the processing duration depend totally on the nationality of the passport holder and the type/duration of visa applied for. The charges are refundable only if the visa already issued is cancelled thereafter.

Registration Of Foreigners

Foreigners visiting India with a visa valid for more than 180 days should register themselves at the nearest foreigners’ registration office in Goa within the fortnight following their arrival in India. They have to undergo registration only once during the validity of Indian Visa. They can leave and re-enter India as many times as they want, only if their visa is a multi-entry visa. They can also extend their tourist visas for a maximum of three months at the foreigners’ registration office at Panaji. They have to surrender their registration certificate, which is mandatory, at the time of their final departure from India.

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.