Srirangapattana

Srirangapattana is located at a distance of 20 kms from Mysore City. It is an island town surrounded by River Cauvery. The town makes its name from Sri Ranganathaswamy, the presiding deity who is enshrined in one of the oldest Dravidian temples in the state. The town was built in 1120 AD by Udayadhitya, brother of Vishnuvardhana the Hoysala King. A fort was built in 1454 AD after Srirangapatana passed into the hands of the Vijayanagar Kings; this was considerably enlarged and fortified in the Eighteenth century and stands stronger even today.After decline of Vijayanagar kingdom, this remains the Capital of Mysore kings, Hyder Ali and his son Tipu sultan, "The Tiger of Mysore" who fought a fierce battle ( Battle of Mysore) against the British  in 1799 and fell bravely defending his capital.

This city was the ruins of the capital city of Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan. It is picturesquely on the banks of river Cauvery, the place has the fortress which stood the attacks of the enemy. This fort still bears the marks of defence which Tipu had put up before falling to the British. Also are worth seeing the mosque and Ranganathaswamy temple. Daria Doulat the summer capital of Tipu has beautifully painted and gilded interiors. Close to the river is located the mausoleum of Tipu, ' Gumbaz'.

Places to be seen

Lord Sriranganatha temple:

This is one of the largest and beautiful temples in the state and is of great local importance. The beautiful idol of Sri Ranganatha is worth to be seen. It consists of a Mahadwara with huge tower and pillared wall in three or four different stages.

Daria Doulat Bagh:
Situated at the east of the fort at a distance of about 1/2 a km. This is known as summer palace of Tipu. This was built in 1784 by using wood and are painted with war scenes and contemporary kings and queens. A small but interesting museum on Tipu housed in the building.

Gumbaz:
About one kms away at eastern end of the town is the Gumbaz built by Tipu Sultan as a mausoleum for his parents. Thirty six black hornblende pillars support a  cream colored square structure surrounded by a bulbous dome, both surrounded by low parapets with miniature minarets at the four corners and decorated with intricate plaster work.

The Fort: The fort was built in 1454 AD after Srirangapatana passed into the hands of the Vijayanagar Kings; this was considerably enlarged and fortified in the Eighteenth century and stands stronger even today. The main entrance to the fort rebuilt by Tipu sultan in 1791 was through the Elephant Gate in the south. With in the walls was Tippu's main palace of which the British Breached the fort on 1799 can still be seen as also spot where Tipu was killed while bravely fighting the oncoming British Army.

Juma Masjid :

Tippu's favorite mosque, the white painted Juma Masjid with its unusually small dome and two predominant towers is also interesting landmark.

Sangam :

This is 3 Kms from Srirangapatna where the two branches of the river Cauvery reunite in joyful exuberance.