Srirangapatna is one of the prominent heritage sites in India. One of the most formidable forts in India, it was, in fact, pronounced as the second strongest in India in 1880 A.D. It is here that Tipu Sultan breathed his last while fighting the British forces in Mysore during the 18th century.

The area around the Mysore Gate on the ramparts of the Srirangapatna Fort has reportedly been selected for a sound-and-light show focusing on the life and times of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan.

Location

Srirangapatna Fort is located in Srirangapatna Island. This island town in Mandya district in Karnataka is situated on the Bangalore-Mysore highway and encircled by the river Kaveri. The island is now linked to the mainland by a bridge.

History

History of Srirangapatna fort dates back to 15th century CE to Vijayanagar Empire. Srirangapatna was once the capital of the Tipu Sultan’s Khudadad State but the rule was short lived. At the time, this place was a seat from where the viceroyalty ruled. It was a big power center as Mysore, Talakad and some other big provinces came under Srirangapatna. As the downfall of Vijayanagar Empire began, Srirangapatna was taken over by Raja Wodeyar. At that time, Mysore did not have a fort and therefore, Srirangapatna Fort became the center of defense. Soon after, Tipu Sultan took over Mysore, he made Srirangapatna his capital. 

The original mud fort in this location was built in 1454 AD on the western end of the island by a local chieftain of the region Timmanna Hebbar, under the patronage of the Vijayanagara Empire. Later, after the fall of Vijayanagara, the fort was rebuilt in 1654 AD by Kantheerava Narasaraj Wodeya, the then ruler of the Mysore kingdom. The most elaborate work on the fort was done by Tipu Sultan with the help of French military engineers to meet the defense requirements of the times. It is from the fort that Tipu Sultan launched his attack against the British. The glory days came to an end when the British waged a war against Tipu Sultan in 1799 in which he was defeated and killed. There is an obelisk in the fort in the place where he died, after being betrayed by his own men. However, soon this town was plundered by the British after which Mysore was made the capital.

Inside the fort there is a mosque and the Ranganathaswamy Temple and outside the fort is the tomb of Tipu, the Gumbaz. 

Over the years, the ever increasing developmental pressures and neglect of monuments has resulted in decay factors, which call for conservation measures.

Architecture

The architectural style of the fort is Indo-Islamic and there is a Persian inscription on the gateway on which is inscribed its date of construction. The double-walled Srirangapatna Fort features four gates named as Bangalore, Mysore, Delhi and Water and Elephant gates. Within the fort premises, there are two dungeons where prisoners were held captive. There are around 40 feet high walls on three sides of the fort that provide it a magnificent look. Rocket Court in the fort is the place from where the great emperor's men used to launch the missiles. Lal Mahal was the residence place where Tipu Sultan used to live, which was demolished during the British rule and now the place is marked by a mound with a notice board.

The fort is in a shape of an irregular pentagon with a perimeter of about 4 km. It contains 240 acres of land and in 1897, it had about 1500 houses with nearly 5400 inhabitants.

Beautiful and elegant paintings by Sir Robert Ker, such as The Storming of Srirangapatnam can also be seen on the walls of the fort. This structure also comprises Chaturvimsati Pillars, where tourists can see 24 different incarnations of Lord Vishnu engraved.

Other Places of Interest in Srirangapatna

• The Ranganathaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu as 'Ranganatha'
• Kalyani Siddhi vinayaka temple 
• Obelisk with the names of officers who died and the units which fought at the siege of Srirangapatna in 1799
• Colony Baileys Dungeon
• T. Inman’s Dungeon
• Krishnamurthy’s Bungalow
• Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar’s Birth place
• Hanging Bridge
• Tuppadakola
• The Dariya-Dault Bagh - a huge garden lay out by Tipu Sultan which he called the Dariya-Dault or "the wealth of the sea".
• The Gumbaz or Mausoleum, which was built by Tipu for his father and in which Tipu, and his mother are also buried.
• Tipu Death Place
• The Jumma Masjid
• Nimishamba temple
• Sangam - the conduence of the two branches of River Cauvery which is a sacred spot for Hindu
• Shivanasamudra Falls
• Ranganatitu bird Sanctuary

Accommodation

There are budget hotels, health resorts, guesthouses and lodges in Srirangapatna. There are lots of resorts and lodges that provide a budget accommodation on the Mysore-Bengaluru highway.

How to Reach

Srirangapatna is situated close to Mysore and hence is well connected by road, rail and air. The highway (SH17) is along the south and eastern fringes of the fort.

By Air

The nearest domestic airport is at Mysore at a distance of 15km. The nearest international airport is at Bangalore. There are taxis available from both the airports to Srirangapatna.

By Bus

Buses to Srirangapatna are available from Mysore and Bangalore. There are different categories of bus services provided by the KSRTC.

By Train

Srirangapatna also has a railway station of its own. There are passenger trains as well as some express trains available on the Chennai-Mysore route to reach Srirangapatna. 
The nearest major railway station is at Mysore which is well connected to the rest of the country.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Srirangapatna extends from September to March. The temperature during the summer season goes above 35⁰ Celsius at times and is not favorable. Winters are however pleasant with the temperature ranging from 15 to 30 degree Celsius. It is a real fun to visit Srirangapatna during the festivals like Holi, Dussherra and Buddha Purnima which are celebrated here in a grand way.