Tourists Attraction

Srirangapatnam’s central attraction is the Srirangapatnam Fort which is guarded by a double wall. This fort was constructed in the year of 1454 by a local chief, Thimmanna but was renovated later by Tipu Sultan and Haider Ali. The Kaveri River flows on one side of fort which forms a natural moat fed by the river’s water. The only link to the fort is an original bridge and the fort encompasses of four gates. There are two dungeons along the battlements, in which war prisoners were kept. Tipu’s residence, Lalmahal, present within the fort was leveled with the ground and presently is just a mound.
Across the main road, outside the fort, is a garden where the summer palace of Tipu stands in the middle. The name of the garden is Darya Daulat Bagh. The main feature of the palace is the murals series in which one can see scenes of military career of Tipu especially the Pollilur Battle in which the British forces were crushed by him under Colonel Bailey. The kings who were committed to Tipu can also be seen in the paintings. This lavishly ornamented palace is home to a museum built for preserving the remembrances of Tipu.
Near the palace is located a church constructed distinctly in European style. The church was constructed by the French missionary, Abbe Dubois.
The Tipu Sultan’s Tomb is located adjacent to his father at Gumad-e-Ala close to the fort. The mausoleum is decorated with elaborate stuccowork. It has three doors built using ebony and inlaid using ivory which were a gift from Lord Dalhousie. Outside the monument, on the road extending till the river, stand two structures on either side having domes of typical Islamic style on the top. These structures are bird lofts created during Hyder Ali’s reign.

British Monuments are spread throughout the island. Opposite the summer palace, on a high point, there is a tall pillar put up in the British officer’s memory who died during the Srirangapatnam’s siege. The closely located Garrison Cemetery consists of many epitaphs to British who passed away between 1800-1872 A.D. Near the tomb of Tipu, by the roadside is located the Colonel Bailey’s grave which is an interesting blend of colonial architecture and Saracenic.

Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary is located about three kms upstream and is a breeding ground of waterfowls during the months of June to November. The River Kaveri, which separates itself to make the island, joins again on the western side. This spot is held as sacred and pujas and prayers are done here regularly.

British forces pillaged the city after the final battle and also ruined palace and fort of Tipu but they left religious structures intact. The Shri Ranganatha Temple is a combination of Vijaynagar and Hoysala architecture. This shrine is a great attraction for innumerable devotees. The Jain Basdi Temple which is dedicated to Adinath is a home to all the 24 images of Tirthankaras. The Jama Masjid constructed by Tipu Sultan consists of two minarets which dominate the landscape for miles around.

The Karighatta Hill which is located at a distance of 5 kms provides an entire view of the island. A small temple is situated on the hill’s top. According to the legend, British had put their cannons on this hill during the Srirangapatnam’s siege.
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