Planning a visit to Srirangapatana from Mysore? Here are all the top attractions and pro-tips on planning a family trip to Srirangapatna from Mysore.
Nestled on an island formed by the sacred Kaveri River, Srirangapatna is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. Once the capital of the mighty Tipu Sultan, this town is steeped in tales of valor, architectural grandeur, and spiritual significance. Just a short drive from Mysore, Srirangapatna makes for an ideal day trip or weekend getaway.
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Srirangapatna from Mysore with my family, and it turned out to be one of the most enriching day trips we’ve taken from Mysore. In this blog, I’ll take you through the must-visit places we explored and why this destination should be on your travel list.
What is Srirangapatna Famous For
Srirangapatna is famous for its rich historical and cultural significance. It served as the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore under the rule of the legendary warrior and statesman Tipu Sultan, also known as the “Tiger of Mysore.” The town is renowned for the Battle of Srirangapatna in 1799, where Tipu Sultan died fighting against British forces.
Srirangapatna is also known for its impressive architectural landmarks, including the Ranganathaswamy Temple, an important pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the Daria Daulat Bagh, Tipu Sultan’s summer palace built in Indo-Islamic style. The town’s scenic setting on an island formed by the Kaveri River further adds to its charm, making it a popular tourist destination.
How to Reach Srirangapatna from Mysore
Srirangapatna is located about 15 kilometers from Mysore city and is at 30-40 minutes’ drive. Here are three ways you can visit Srirangapatna from Mysore.
By Train
The cheapest and fastest way to reach Srirangapatna from Mysore is by boarding a train from Mysuru Junction railway station. It will take you under 20 minutes to get to Srirangapatna Railway station!
By Bus
Another cheap option would be by public bus. The buses with numbers 303, 307, and 313 are some buses on this route. The bus fare for an adult is Rs. 23. If you are traveling by bus, ask the bus conductor or the nearby passengers to inform you when you get to the stop for Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, just before the main bus stand.
By Uber
A very convenient way to reach Srirangapatna from Mysore is by hiring an Uber. Srirangapatna is located outside the city so you will need to hire an intercity cab. It would ideally cost you around Rs. 300 but the driver assigned to us asked us to pay an additional Rs. 100, and so we canceled the ride and travelled by bus.
Once you get to Srirangapatna, you can hire an auto for Rs. 500 for your entire local sightseeing and final drop off at the bus stand or railway station.
Places to Visit in Srirangapatna
Srirangapatna is a rather small town with all the tourist spots located nearby. You can easily cover them all in 4-5 hours. Here are the top places to visit in Srirangapatna.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
The most visited tourist attraction in Srirangapatna, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of the most revered Vaishnavite temples in South India. It is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu. The temple dates back to the 9th century, built originally by the Ganga dynasty, and later enhanced by the Hoysalas, Vijayanagara kings, and the Wodeyars of Mysore.
It is one of the Pancharanga Kshetras (five sacred sites along the river Kaveri).
The temple features Dravidian architecture, a towering gopuram (entrance tower), and intricately carved pillars.
Historically, the temple was a cultural and religious hub even before Srirangapatna rose to political prominence.
During Tipu Sultan’s rule, despite being a Muslim king, the temple was respected and protected, illustrating the pluralistic culture of his reign.
Tipus’ Summer Palace or Daria Daulat Bagh
From a historical perspective, Daria Daulat Bagh is a must-visit attraction in Srirangapatna. The Daria Daulat Bagh (meaning “Garden of the Sea of Wealth”) was Tipu Sultan’s summer palace, built in 1784. It is constructed mainly of teakwood, showcasing the Indo-Islamic architectural style with graceful arches, minarets, and colorful frescoes.
We were completely blown away by the bright and colorful murals, which unfortunately are in ruins now due to wear.
The palace walls are adorned with vivid murals, including depictions of the Battle of Pollilur, where Tipu defeated the British in 1780.
Other paintings portray scenes from court life, European visitors, and military processions, offering a rare glimpse into 18th-century Mysorean society.
The palace symbolizes Tipu’s sophistication in art, architecture, and statecraft, blending Persian influences with native styles.
Today, it houses a museum maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, displaying Tipu’s personal belongings, coins, and historic documents.
Entry Fee for Daria Daulat Bagh
The entry fee for Daria Daulat Bagh is Rs. 20 for an adult (anyone older than fourteen years). The entrance to the palace has a board with a QR scan code for making online ticket booking through the Archaeological Survey of India. There are no offline ticket booking counters here. You can expect to spend 1 hour here.
Tipu Sultan’s Death Place
The site of Tipu Sultan’s death is one of the most significant landmarks in Srirangapatna. He died here on May 4, 1799, during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, defending his capital against the British East India Company.
The exact location is marked within the Srirangapatna Fort, near the Water Gate, where British soldiers breached the fort.
Tipu Sultan, despite being wounded, refused to surrender and died fighting, earning him the title “Tiger of Mysore.”
His death marked the end of significant resistance against British expansion in southern India and led to the fall of the Mysore Kingdom under independent native rule.
The site is now a place of solemn historical importance and has a stone plaque commemorating the event.
Entry is free at Tipu Sultan’s Death Place.
Gumbaz
The Gumbaz is the mausoleum of Tipu Sultan, his father Hyder Ali, and his mother Fakhr-Un-Nisa Begum. It is located in a well-maintained garden known as Lalbagh, just outside the Srirangapatna Fort.
The inner sanctum of the Gumbaz features the tomb of Tipu Sultan, Hyder Ali, and his mother from left to right.
Tipu’s Tomb is covered with a tiger-print shroud and displays his ornate jeweled crown next to it. We found visitors touching the tomb as a mark of respect, and our son was quick to pick it up.
Built by Tipu Sultan in 1782 as a tribute to his father, Hyder Ali, the Gumbaz is a striking example of Islamic architecture, featuring a large dome, black granite pillars, and ornate latticework (jali).
The structure is set on an elevated platform with beautifully carved wooden doors inlaid with ivory.
Tipu Sultan was buried here after his death in 1799, making it a place of both personal and national significance.
The Gumbaz also symbolizes Tipu’s respect for family legacy and his Persian-influenced aesthetic sensibilities.
It is considered a symbol of resistance and patriotism, often visited by those who admire Tipu as a national hero.
Entry is free at the Gumbaz.
Srirangapatna Fort
The Srirangapatna Fort is a massive defensive structure and one of the most important military fortifications of 18th-century South India.
Originally constructed in 1454 by Timmanna Nayaka, a local chieftain under the Vijayanagara Empire, it was later expanded and fortified by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan.
The fort was built using double walls, surrounded by moats, and contained underground chambers, arsenals, and secret escape routes.
It played a crucial role during the Anglo-Mysore Wars, especially the Siege of Srirangapatna in 1799, where Tipu Sultan was killed.
Important structures within or near the fort include Tipu’s palace ruins, the Jama Masjid, Colonel Bailey’s Dungeon, and the death site of Tipu.
The fort represents the strategic brilliance of Tipu Sultan and is a reminder of the intense colonial battles fought on Indian soil.
Read: Tipu Sultan Fort Palakkad
Jamia Masjid
Also known as Masjid-e-Ala, the Jama Masjid was built by Tipu Sultan in 1787 within the Srirangapatna Fort complex.
The mosque is a significant example of Islamic architecture, with two elegant minarets, arched entrances, and an open prayer hall.
It has inscriptions in Persian that detail Tipu’s titles and praises, reflecting his pride in Islamic tradition and scholarship.
The minarets offer a panoramic view of Srirangapatna and the surrounding countryside.
It served not only as a religious center but also as a symbol of Tipu Sultan’s authority and commitment to Islamic faith during his rule.
Despite being built during a time of war, the mosque remains a peaceful and spiritual structure still used by worshippers today.
Colonel Bailey’s Dungeon
Colonel Bailey’s Dungeon is a grim but historically significant underground cell used to imprison captured British officers during Tipu Sultan’s reign.
The locals here call it the “water jail” as this is where Tipu tortured the British officers in his captivity. The local security explained to us that Tipu used to tie the British officers in this low-lying dungeon and fill it with water from River Cauvery to their shoulder level and then release crocodiles into the water.
It is named after Colonel Bailey, a British officer who died in captivity here in 1782.
The dungeon is located near the river and is a low, vaulted chamber partially below ground level, with stone hooks on the walls where prisoners were allegedly chained.
It was used to hold British officers captured during the Second and Third Anglo-Mysore Wars.
The site is a chilling reminder of the brutality and intensity of colonial warfare, as well as Tipu Sultan’s firm stance against British encroachment.
Today, it is preserved as a monument of colonial resistance, giving us visitors insight into the military history of 18th-century India.
While you are visiting Colonel Baily’s Dungeon, do walk to the farther end of the fencing to get a great view of the River Cauvery in the backdrop.
History of Srirangapatna
The history of Srirangapatna is rich and spans several centuries, marked by religious, cultural, and political significance. It derives its name from the Ranganathaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Ranganatha (a form of Vishnu), which was originally built in the 9th century by the Ganga dynasty and later expanded by the Hoysalas and the Vijayanagara Empire. The town became strategically important during the 16th century under the rule of the Vijayanagara Empire.
In the 18th century, Srirangapatna rose to great prominence as the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore under Hyder Ali and later his son Tipu Sultan, who transformed it into a powerful and fortified city. Tipu Sultan, a fierce opponent of British colonial expansion, played a central role in the Anglo-Mysore Wars. The town witnessed several historic battles, most notably the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War in 1799, when Tipu Sultan was killed during the Siege of Srirangapatna, marking a turning point in Indian colonial history.
After Tipu Sultan’s death, the British dismantled much of his administration, and Srirangapatna lost its political importance, with the capital shifting back to Mysore. However, its historical monuments—including Tipu Sultan’s summer palace Daria Daulat Bagh, his mausoleum Gumbaz, and the remnants of the fort—continue to attract historians and tourists alike, preserving the legacy of its turbulent and glorious past.
Conclusion
Our trip to Srirangapatna was both educational and memorable—a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature. Visiting iconic sites like the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tipu Sultan’s summer palace, and Gumbaz gave us a glimpse into a glorious past.
As a family, we enjoyed not just the sights but also the stories that brought these monuments to life. If you’re in or around Mysore, I highly recommend setting aside a day to explore Srirangapatna—you’ll return with a deeper appreciation of Karnataka’s rich heritage and some truly unforgettable memories.
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