Tourist places in and around Srirangapatna

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

The presiding deity of the holy isle of Srirangapatna elicits a very different response from his devotees. There's something about the expression on Sri Ranganathaswamy's face that's very human. A long walk through his dark, many-pillared temple leads you past his divine peers and to his abode. Within lies the lord, on the back of a snake, dark as the night sky with a most benevolent smile. And he is beautiful. A visit to his temple makes a refreshing change from the usual sobriety of prayer. The Lakhadweepotsava, when one lakh lamps are lit during Makara Sakranthi is a sight to behold. Outside the temple, an ancient chariot awaits your inspection, as do a dozen stalls selling kitschy keepsakes that are worth a look. Pick up sets of Tipu Sultan post-cards... Tipu beheading some Britishers, Tipu killing a tiger with his bare hands, and so on. Timings: 7.30 am to 1 pm, 4 to 8 pm; Puja timings 8 to 9.30 am and 7 to 8 pm

This is one of the largest temples in the State & is of great local importance. Its God has given the town His name. It consists of a Mahadwara with a huge tower & a pillared hall built in three or four different stages, Sukanasi & Garbhagriha. There are many other shrines inside the enclosure. Inside the Garbhagriha (Cell) is a colossal image of Vishnu reclining on the huge coils of the great snake Anantha.

Captain Bailey's Dungeon

A little further up the temple towards the right will take you to the place the British dreaded the most. On an elevated platform near the fort wall are the dungeons where Tipu's prisoners of war were jailed. In the underground prison you can see hooks on the walls to which the prisoners hands were chained. In the midst of the chamber lies a well-preserved cannon.

The Obelisk

A furlong down from the dungeon is a monument that marks the place where Tipu Sultan died, while trying to prevent a British soldier from pulling out his legendary sword from it's scabbard. His body lay there for two days before the locals noticed and recognised it. A commemorative obelisk, housed within a small enclosure into which you may not enter, marks the very spot where Tipu fell dead. You may take a photo through the railings.

Dariya Daulat Baug

This wooden palace built by Tipu in 1784, set amidst manicured lawns and flowerbeds, looks modest from the outside, for the most part hidden from sight by green shades. But the wealth of paintings on the walls and the intricacy of the interiors leave the visitor enthralled. Also called the Summer Palace, Tipu used this as an alternative resort to receive visitors and conduct durbars. There is a good collection of period furniture, coins, fabulous paintings, murals and plenty of historical data of Hyder Ali and Tipu's conquests in the museum within the palace. The painting of Lord Cornwallis receiving the sons of Tipu Sultan as hostages by Robert Home touches the chords of your heart. One of the most impressive items on display is a world-famous portrait of Tipu by the great German neoclassical painter Johann Zoffany. Probably the closest likeness you will ever see of the great king. If you have carried lunch with you, the palace lawns are an ideal place to idle around under trees full of great big bumblebee hives or monkeys. The palace is on the road to Ganjam and Sangama. Entry fee: Rs 5, Foreigners Rs 100 ($2); Camera fees: Video camera Rs 15 (in the garden only) Timings 9 am to 5 pm. Note: Still cameras can't be used within the museum, video cameras may be used with permission from the Director General, Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi

Gumbaz

Tipu Sultan, his father Hyder Ali, his mother, sons and other members of the royal family lie buried in this monument. The inscription in Persian on its western wall says from this the moon has borrowed its light and refers to it as the House of Sleep. Tipu's favourite tiger stripes cover the walls. At the Dariya Daulat Bagh, turn left and continue along the Sangama Road till you reach the fork in the road. Here turn right towards Gumbaz and Sangama. Timings: Sunrise to sunset Here lie the bodies of Hyder, his wife & Tippu. It is an imposing structure in the midst of the lovely Lal-bagh garden, with a high rise platform & having a verandah of polished black basalt pillars all round. The other things of importance are the other dungeons, gates of the fort & flag-staff cavalier, Tippu's racket court etc.

Sangama

The Sangama, 3 km south of the town centre, is where the two branches of the Cauvery re-unite in joyful exuberance. A pilgrim's chamber lies in ruins just before the steps that lead down the small ghat to the water. The tiniest of shrines marks the spot where the waters meet. The river is full of coracles taking pilgrims for a dip.

Dodda Ghosai Ghat

This bathing spot, with a Sri Radha Madhava Temple by the banks, is nice enough for a dip in the Cauvery, but watch out for the water level. It's not a good idea to wade too deep into the waters when the river is almost full. The temple is run by the Narasingha Chaitanya Mutt and is open to visitors only on Sundays between 6 am and 6 pm. To get there, turn right at the 200-year-old Abbe Dubois Church opposite Ganjam on the Sangama Road.

Pandavapura

The small town of Pandavapura has a very interesting mythological background. It is said the demon Bakasura resided here and harassed the villagers who sent him a cartful of eatables along with a person to devour everyday. That is why the place was originally called Hiri Yede (yede means food). But when the Pandavas stopped here during their exile, Bheema slayed the demon and the place was renamed Pandavapura. The Pandavapura Lake is famous for katla and kuchulu fish. Pandavapura is also home to the only temple in India that is dedicated to Ahalya. From Srirangapatna's Baburayana Koppal Circle, turn right for Pandavapura (10 km).

Karighatta

About 1 km after the Wellesley Bridge back towards Bangalore, cross the bridge over the Lokapavani River and turn right towards Bannur. Another 3 km further, you reach the 450 steps that lead up to the Venkatramana Temple atop Karighatta hillock. The sweet smell of jaggery being made in the huts nearby permeates the air. The trek up is worth it for the temple is situated in a large compound fringed with tamarind and gooseberry trees.

Dungeons - Situated to the East of the Delhi Gate at a distance of 150 yards. The Dungeons are hidden by the view of the passers by, with a large oblong bastion in the fort wall.

Place of Tipu's Death - It is at a distance of about ¼ km to the northeast of the Ranganatha Temple.

Jumma Masjid - Situated close to the Bangalore Gate.

Tipu's Palace - About 150 yards east of the Ranganatha Temple is now to be seen the mound & ruined walls of the Lal Mahal which was once a magnificent palace inhabited by Tipu.

Fort - It is from here that Tipu started his attack against the British. An obelisk in the fort marks the place where he fell - betrayed by his own men. The fort holds within it a mosque and the Ranganathaswamy Temple. Outside the fort is the Gumbaz, Tipu's tomb with splendid ebony door inlaid with ivory.

Old Masjid - Situated to the West of the Railway Station.

Delhi Gate & Bridge - Situated at a distance of about ¼ km to the East of the Railway Station.

Jibi Gate - This is a small passage in the footwall leading from the temple area to the river.

Swinging Arch - Situated to the South of the temple at a distance of 100 yards. It is 122 feet in span & 3 feet in width. Now it has fallen down.

Narasimha Temple - Situated to the south east of Ranganatha temple at a distance of 100 yards.