Many tales of valour and glory are tucked into the folds of the unassuming island town of Srirangapatna former capital one of the bravest sons of Karnataka. Maybe  it’s due to the guile of the beautiful Cauvery  River that you tend to lap up every anecdote the guide narrates. You tend to  believe  that the legendary sword of Tipu  Sultan housed within the state treasury  is sacred and no one dare touch it.

And if stones could speak, probably every tiny pebble on the banks of the cauvery would make the English go red with reminiscences of Tipu conquest over the Unconquerable Empire. The lanes between the turfed outline of the Srirangapatna fort bear touching memorials to the life of this unique king. But if you’re not too keen on going ‘histerical on a weekend and need other diversions Srirangapatna won’t let you down. The drive itself past the golden rocks on which sholay was shot and through the paddy fields of Mandya is rewarding in itself. It’s not too difficult to find your way around within Sriranga or find what you want most out of your weekend. Cross the river to enter the town. Turn right for the abode of Lord Ranganathaswamy and the legend of Tipu Sultan left to commune with a beautiful river the melody of whose movement you will carry in your heart for a long time to come. 

Srirangapatna is set within and around the ruins of Tipu Sultan’s fort which encompasses most of what lies on the north bank. The fort built during the Vijayanagar era, strengthened by the wodeyars and then taken over by Haider and Tipu, is considered to be the second strongest in India. It cannot be viewed as asingle entity rather your interaction with it is a constant as you roam between the sights along the north bank passing through its Bangalore, Mysore, Delhi, water and elephant gates every so often its will rear up in picturesque locales perfect for a photo – op like near the aged Wellesley Bridge. 

Jame Masjid 

As you enter the town the minarets of the mosque beckon you. This simple yet graceful structure was built in 1787 by Tipu. The prayer hall has a row of cusped arches and a ceiling carved with grapevine designs. 

Sir Ranganathaswamy Temple. 

The presiding deity of the holy isle the srirangapatna elicits a very different response from his devotees. There some thing about the expression on Sir Ranganathaswamy’s pace 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. 

Dariya Daulat Baug 

This wooden place built by Tipu in 1784 set amidst manicured lawns and flowerbeds, looks modest from the outside for the most port of 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 Place, Tipu used this as an alternative resort toes receive visitors and conduct durbars. There is a good collection of period furniture, coins, fabulous painting, Murals and plenty of historical data of Hyder Ali and Tipu’s conquests in the museum within the place. The painting of lord Cornwallis receiving the son 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’ll ever see of the great king If you carried lunch with you the place lawns are an ideal place to idle around under trees full of grate big bumblebee hives or monkeys. The place is on the road to Ganjam and Sangama. Entry fee Rs 5. Foreigners Rs 100 ($ 2 ) 
Camera fee video camera Rs 15. ( in the garden only ) Timings 9 am to 5 pm. 

Where To Stay 

1. Amblee Holiday Resort 
Phone No : 08236 : 252326 
Tariff Rs 1200 – 1980 

2. Fort View Resort. 
Phone No : 08236 – 252777 
Tariff : 850 – 950. 

3. Hotle Mayura River View. 
Phone No : 08236 – 252114 
Tariff – Rs 550 – 750. 

4. Balaji Garden Resort. 
Phone No : 08236 - 253298 
Tariff : Rs 350 – 850.