10 Places to See in Srirangapatna (2024)

Discover the captivating charm of the historic town with this comprehensive guide to places to see in Srirangapatna. Explore ancient temples, majestic forts, and scenic spots that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Srirangapatna. Uncover hidden gems and popular landmarks that promise an unforgettable journey through history and natural beauty. Plan your visit to Srirangapatna and embark on a memorable adventure filled with culture, heritage, and breathtaking sights.

Srirangapatna often gets overshadowed by the allure of Mysore. While tourists flock to Mysore, mesmerized by its charm, they frequently overlook the historical treasures in Srirangapatna. Understand me—Mysore holds a special place in my heart, and I am repeatedly drawn to its beauty. However, Srirangapatna boasts a wealth of history and heritage sites that deserve equal recognition and exploration.

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About Srirangapatna

Initially an idyllic island, Srirangapatna now stands as a town near Mysore in Karnataka, India. Once encircled by the flowing waters of the Cauvery River, it has since expanded, with the river now gracing only one side of the town.

Renowned for its religious significance and historical prominence, Srirangapatna remained a pivotal part of the Kingdom of Mysore from 1610 until India gained independence in 1947. The town draws its name from the revered Ranganatha Swamy temple, a testament to its rich heritage.

For those planning a visit, the winter months, from October to March, offer the most favourable climate. To truly immerse oneself in the charm of Srirangapatna, allocate a minimum of two days to explore its captivating sights and delve into its storied past.

How to Get to Srirangapatna?

By Air

The closest airport serving Srirangapatna is located in Mysore. While Mysore Airport is relatively small and caters primarily to domestic flights, it offers connectivity to Bangalore International Airport. Currently, seven domestic flights are servicing Mysore, with Air India being one of the prominent carriers operating in the region. The distance between Mysore Airport and Srirangapatna is approximately 30 kilometres.

By Road

Srirangapatna is situated approximately 130 kilometres away from Bangalore city, along the Mysore road. Currently, there are no toll roads on this route. The journey by road typically spans about three hours, offering travellers a scenic drive to their destination.

By Public Transport

From the Satellite bus stop in Bangalore, travellers can avail of numerous government-operated buses provided by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bound for Srirangapatna. These buses, easily recognizable by their vibrant red colour, offer the most convenient mode of transportation between Bangalore and Srirangapatna.

Typically, the fare for this journey amounts to approximately INR 280 per person. It’s advisable to carry the exact amount of cash for fare payment, as the buses only accept cash and might not provide change.

Traveling within Srirangapatna

The optimal means of transportation within Srirangapatna is either by personal vehicle or by hiring an auto-rickshaw. Opting not to use my car, I hired an auto-rickshaw for two days. The total fare for this service amounted to INR 1800, and I found the auto driver exceptionally amiable and reliable. As a solo female traveller prioritizing safety, I appreciated the professionalism and respectful demeanour of the driver, Puneet. His contact details are as follows:

• Name: Puneet.
• Contact Number: +91 89711 61689.

10 Places to See in Srirangapatna

Tipu Sultan’s Fort

The Srirangapatna Fort, known locally as the Tipu Sultan Fort, is a testament to ancient history. It is believed to have been constructed in 1454 by Timmanna Nayaka, a ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Throughout its storied past, the fort witnessed numerous transitions of power, passing through the hands of the Wodeyars, Nawab of Arcot, Peshwas, and the Marathas until finally falling under the rule of Tipu Sultan in 1782.

• Visitors can explore the fort’s intriguing past and architectural marvels daily between 9 AM and 6 PM.
• An entrance fee of INR 25 per person grants access to this historical gem, allowing visitors to delve into its rich heritage and uncover the secrets within its walls.

One of the most captivating attractions at the fort is the mesmerizing light and sound show, where visitors are transported back in time to witness the remarkable saga of Tipu Sultan and his struggle against the British. Within the Tipu Fort, many structures are replicas of their historical counterparts, meticulously recreated to portray the events that unfolded in these surroundings vividly.

• The immersive light and sound show unfolds in two languages, English and Kannada, providing a captivating narrative experience for visitors. The English show commences from 7 PM to 7:45 PM, while the Kannada rendition takes place from 8 PM to 8:45 PM.
• Entrance to this enchanting spectacle is priced at INR 100 per person, offering a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the rich history and legacy of the Tipu Sultan Fort.

The Tipu Sultan Fort proudly preserves its original doors, dating back to its construction in 1454. These ancient doors have stood the test of time, bearing witness to the passage of numerous empires throughout history. With each passing era, these resilient doors have silently observed the ebb and flow of time, embodying the enduring legacy of the fort.

Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple

Srirangapatna derives its name from the revered deity Ranganatha Swamy. Among the significant temples in Srirangapatna, the Sri Ranganatha Swamy temple holds a place of prominence. Dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, this sacred temple was initially consecrated in 984 A.D. by Tirumalaiah, a local chief, as indicated by an inscription discovered on-site.

• Devotees can visit the temple daily, with opening hours from 7 AM to 1:30 PM and again from 4 PM to 8:30 PM.
• Given its religious significance, it’s essential to dress respectfully when visiting this sacred site, adhering to traditional attire norms.

Lal Mahal Palace

Lal Mahal Palace, famously known as Tipu’s Palace, once served as the official residence of Tipu Sultan. Tragically, in 1799, following Tipu Sultan’s demise, the British forces ravaged the palace, reducing it to ruins.

Today, the site is a testament to its former grandeur, with only remnants of walls and foundations, offering a glimpse into its storied past.

Colonel Bailey’s Dungeon

Colonel Bailey’s Dungeon, once utilized by Tipu Sultan for the incarceration and torment of British captives, bears a haunting legacy. Named in honour of Colonel Bailey, a British prisoner who perished within its confines in 1780, the dungeon holds grim reminders of its dark past.

Visitors to the dungeon can witness an enduring relic of that era: a cannon, silent witness to the suffering endured within these walls.

Water Gate

The Water Gate is one of the town’s entrances, shrouded in secrecy and historical significance. Once a covert passage utilized by locals to draw water from the River Cauvery, this gate holds a clandestine past.

According to historical accounts, the Water Gate played a pivotal role in the British soldiers’ clandestine entry into Srirangapatna, where they orchestrated the demise of Tipu Sultan.

Jama Masjid

Also known as Masjid-i-Ala, the Jama Masjid stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the Tipu Sultan era, constructed between 1786 and 1787 under the supervision of Timmanna Nayaka. This revered mosque is adorned with three inscriptions, each invoking the nine names of the Prophet Mohammad, adding to its historical significance.

• Visitors can explore the mosque’s grandeur daily from 6 AM to 6 PM.
• While women are not permitted inside the mosque, they are welcome to stroll within the premises and admire its beauty from the exterior.
• Given its religious sanctity, visitors are advised to dress modestly and respectfully when visiting this sacred site, honouring the customs and traditions associated with the place of worship.

Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace and Museum

Also recognized as Dariya Daulat Bagh, Tipu Sultan’s summer palace served as the esteemed residence of the ruler during the warmer months. Fondly referred to as the “Abode of Happiness” and the “Envy of Heaven,” this majestic palace encapsulates the opulence and grandeur of Tipu Sultan’s era. Today, it stands transformed into a museum, preserving a treasure trove of Tipu Sultan’s memorabilia for posterity.

• The palace welcomes visitors every day from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, providing an immersive glimpse into the life and times of Tipu Sultan.
• Admission fees are INR 20 for Indian nationals and INR 300 for foreign visitors.
• Visitors are kindly reminded that videography is strictly prohibited inside the palace, and flash photography is discouraged to preserve the integrity of the delicate paintings adorning its walls.

Guide Details

I had the pleasure of being guided by Shivkumar at the Tipu Sultan Palace, and I must say, his expertise and knowledge were truly exceptional. Beyond providing insights into the palace itself, Shivkumar delved into the rich history of Srirangapatna and Tipu Sultan, painting a vivid picture of the past. I wholeheartedly endorse hiring him as your guide during your Tipu Sultan Summer Palace visit.

• Name: Shivkumar.
• Contact Number: +91 93421 19261.
• Cost: INR 350.

Sri Nimishambha Temple

Situated along the serene banks of the River Cauvery, Sri Nimishambha Temple stands as a significant spiritual landmark in Srirangapatna. Dedicated to Goddess Nimishambha, a revered incarnation of Goddess Parvathi, this temple holds special significance among the locals. It is believed that the benevolent Goddess Nimishambha swiftly alleviates the troubles and woes of her devotees, granting solace within a moment.

Constructed during the reign of Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar approximately 300 to 400 years ago, the temple continues to inspire reverence and devotion.

• Visitors can explore the temple’s divine ambience daily from 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM.
• As a place of worship, it is advised to dress modestly and respectfully when visiting this sacred site, honouring the sanctity of the surroundings.

Gumbaz-e-Shahi and The Hajrat Tipu Sultan’s Tomb

Gumbaz-e-Shahi, a revered Muslim mausoleum, is the final resting place of Tipu Sultan, along with his father, Hyder Ali and his mother, Fakhr-Un-Nisa. Constructed by Tipu Sultan himself between 1782 and 1784, this mausoleum stands as a poignant tribute to his beloved parents.

• Visitors can pay their respects at Gumbaz-e-Shahi every day from 8 AM to 6:30 PM.
• For Indian nationals, an entrance fee of INR 20 is applicable to gain access to this historical site.

Ranganatittu Bird Sanctuary

Encompassing a sprawling expanse of 40 acres scattered across six islets nestled along the banks of the River Cauvery, Ranganatittu Bird Sanctuary stands as Karnataka’s largest avian sanctuary. Recognized for its ecological significance, the sanctuary and surrounding areas were designated as an eco-sensitive zone in 2014.

• The sanctuary welcomes visitors daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, offering a mesmerizing opportunity to witness its diverse avian inhabitants.
• Entrance fees are INR 50 for Indian nationals and INR 300 for foreign visitors.
• For a more immersive experience, visitors can embark on a boat ride for an additional fee, providing a closer glimpse of the avian wonders. It’s worth noting that the river harbours a significant population of crocodiles, adding to the sanctuary’s natural allure and ecological diversity.

Is Srirangapatna Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Srirangapatna offers a safe environment for solo female travellers, ensuring peace of mind throughout your journey. I travelled solo and encountered no troubles, with locals generally keeping to themselves and avoiding conflict.

However, it’s essential to remain vigilant of fake guides who may attempt to exploit visitors for minimal information. I repeatedly fell victim to their schemes, particularly during visits to Tipu Sultan Fort and Gumbaz-e-Shahi. Additionally, exercising caution at night and being aware of your surroundings are crucial safety measures.

Closing Notes

Srirangapatna is an enchanting town that deserves a spot on your itinerary when exploring Karnataka. Its rich tapestry of history and captivating tales make it a compelling destination. I strongly encourage you to experience Srirangapatna firsthand at least once.

Have you had the chance to visit Srirangapatna? Share your experiences by writing to me at Solopassport@gmail.com.

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