Srirangapatna
Daria Daulat
Distance: 15 KM from Mysore, 124 KM from Bangalore
How to reach there: From Bangalore – Frequent KSRTC buses are available from Bangalore, by train or private vehicle. From Mysore – local buses, KSRTC buses, by train or by private vehicle
Where to Stay: Typically one need not stay there, as all the spots can be covered in a single day. However, if you would like to stay there are few places to stay there -
Hotel Mayura River View(08236 – 52114), Amblee resort, Fort View Resort, Balaji garden Resort etc
Where to Eat – Either near bus stand or you can have food at the restaurant in Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.
Srirangapatna was the capital of the then Mysore state during the time of Tipu Sultan. It is an island formed by river Cauvery. It was turned into a fortress by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. The town is a historical treasure trove to explore. Typically if you start your tour in the morning by 9.30, you should be done by the evening. To see the places you can choose package tours from Bangalore/Mysore or reach Srirangapatna and hire an Auto rickshaw (Rs 300) or hire your own private vehicle. I will list the spots below:
1. Daria Daulat Bagh – Daria Daulat Bagh is the summer palace of Tipu Sultan. It has large landscaped garden out side and the palace features huge wall paintings of that period. Here you can see furniture and history of the rule of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan in the form of picture and description. Photography is prohibited inside. Entry fees is Rs 5 per person.
2. Gumbaz – This is the mausoleum of Tipu sultan’s family including his father Hyder Ali, his mother Fakr-Un-Nisa and Tipu Sultan, after his death in 1799 A.D. He died while fighting the British in the 4th battle of Mysore. It has a total of 50 acres. The outside garden area is maintained by the Archeological Survey of India and the actual tomb where the bodies lies is taken care by a Muslim committee. The guide told me as Tipu Sultan was known as sher – e – mysore (tiger of mysore) the body of the tomb where Tipu Sultan, his father Hyder Ali and his mother lies is painted in the form tiger skin. It was constructed more than 200 years ago. There is also a mosque besides the main tomb. On the right side of the mosque Tipu Sultan’s wife’s family and one his commander was buried. In front of the tomb you can see the flag of Tipu Sultan. On the backside of the tomb there were quarters for the soldiers of Tipu Sultan.
3. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple – The Ranganathaswamy temple is located inside the fort area. Here the deity is lord Ranganatha. It is from here Srirangapatna derives its name.
4. Sangam – Sangam(meet) is the join of the two tributeries of river cauvery at the other end of the Srirangapatna. It is a holy Place for the hindus and people take bath to do away with their sins. Also, one can go boating here. You can do little shopping there for wooden stuffs, handicrafts etc. This time I had one of the best Onion bhajji there (fry).
Watch out if you are looking to take bath at the ghat as people immerse various things like vermilion, offers puja etc. I suggest u take bath little ahead of the ghat.
5. Nimishamba Temple: Nimishamba is another name of goddess Durga. It is located on the bank of river Cauvery. It is said goddess Nimishamba grants wishes in a minutes (Nimisha in Kannada). If you would like to avoid long queue you can take the Rs 20 special entrance. Typically queues are not that long so special entrance may not be required.
6. Jumma Masjid – Jumma Masjid is a beautiful mosque built by Tipu Sultan in 1787. It has beautiful minarets and architecture as a whole. The Wesley bridge can seen from here.
7. Tipu Sultan’s Fort – The whole actual Srirangapatna town is a fortress but it is quite big and have many things to see. Take you time to re live the history. Check the place where Tipu died, Tipu’s Jail etc.
8. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary – As you can understand by the name it is a bird sanctuary surrounding River Cauvery. It is a very nice place to watch exotic birds, migratory birds, crocodile etc. Boating is also available here. This time I saw there they gave acquired new boats with sitting chairs.
Entry fees to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is Rs 50 person and people under age 15 have free entry. Also, you will have to foot parking fee. We took an auto and had to pay Rs 20 as parking fee.
The time between February and June is one of the best time to watch birds here. One my recent visit there with my friends, we walked through the wooded bank of river Cauvery and sighted thousands of birds from Pelicans, painted storks, bats, water crow (Neer kagi in Kannada). We also saw crocodiles. At one point when I was shooting the birds with my camera, suddenly a crocodile fetched a bird from a branch of a tree which little over the river water. New watch towers have been built for aerial view.
Water crow
To view the complete set of pictures visit, Travelingbeats Photo Gallery.
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