Tippu's Colonel Bailey Dungeon , Srirangapatna tourist places , Bangalore weekend destinations

Dungeon view from bottom

Our team visited SriRangapatna in Mandya district which is about 120 kms from Bangalore about a 2 and a half hour journey. It houses many of the historic spots of Tippu Sultan , of which in this post we cover "Colonel Bailey's Dungeon"

Dungeon view from Top

As per the history mentioned in this place "This dungeon lies north of Ranganatha Swamy temple and close to Lal Mahal Palace. The oblong bastion referred to as Sultan Bateri , conceals the vaulted dungeon measuring 30.5 mts x 12.2 mts built in brick and mortar. The prisoners were chained to the stone slabs fixed on East, North and West Walls. Named after colonel Bailey who died in 1782 AD , this dungeon was used to imprison British prisoners like Captain Baird and Rulay , Colonel Brithwhite sampson , Frazer and Lindsay by Tippu Sultan."

Inside dungeon Firangi

Train passing by Bridge

Compound walls

Our team reached here by noon after visiting Sri Ranganathaswamy temple which is just opposite to this spot about 100 to 200 mts away. This is preserved the Archaeological Society of India as a Historic monument. Entrance is free. Once we enter , we noticed on the left the dungeon underground . We took the steps down and reached the dungeon which had six open archs at the front and 3 horizonal chambers inside . We noticed the stone slabs which were mounted at equidistant lengths. It is here where the prisoners were chained. There was a Firangi right in the middle of the Dungeon and a small opening at the roof. We presume this Firangi was fired through this roof hole. Outside the dungeon were stone steps which indicated that it was not easy for the prisoners to escape around and have to pass by the difficult stone steps. Above the roof , were the compounds which had small holes , interestingly inside which were 3 bisections - left , middle and right. It is assumed earlier soldiers used to use long guns , stood behind the compound walls , used to watch the enemies through these small holes and fire the guns.

Stone Steps

Prison Hang stones

But standing on these wall compounds we noticed the Cauvery river flowing across the Srirangapatna Bridge . We were lucky to get a nice view of train passing by this bridge. There is also a small 15 feet road on the bridge to reach the other end of Srirangapatna.

A very nice spot to visit with your family and friends on a weekend. Do Visit this spot and share your experiences.

Panoramic view of Srirangapatna Bridge

Check out our touring spots guide for more details on other spots.

Ranganthittu Bird Life Sanctuary, Srirangapatna Tourist places , Bangalore weekend destinations

Our team recently visited SriRangapatna in Mandya District which is about 120 kms from Bangalore about a 2 and half hour journey.  In this post we cover the spot "Ranganthittu , the bird life Sanctuary"

   

Panoramic View of River and Small Islands

 This spot is around 2 to 3 kms from the Mysore-Bangalore national highway near Srirangapatna. It is one of the largest bird sanctuary of the state which is expected to be existing around 200-300 years ago. It is beleived the small islands / islets were built during the Mysore Maharaja wodeyar's period as a embark across Cauvery river. Later one of famous ornithologist Dr.Salim Ali during his visit here in  early 19th century noticed the bird's nesting around and requested the government to declare it as a sanctuary which is then being maintained by the forest department of Karnataka. 

River view

Birds nesting on trees

This place is spread over a area of at-least 40 acres. After visiting Pachima Vahini our team reached this spot by 1.30 PM at noon . There is a 25 feet road to his spot on either sides surrounded with lush sugarcane and paddy fields. We need to wait for at-least 30 minutes in the car queue as the security was collecting the entry fee at the gate itself and then letting the vehicles in. There is space to park around 100 cars , on the day we visited the parking space was jammed.  Entry fee is Rs.60 per person.

Boating

Crocodiles resting

Inside the park we found a canteen , a information center , a boating spot , and many paragolas for people. There were frequent vistors to the spot which kept the place busy. We came to know there were around 6 small islands made along the cauvery river - The rain tree island , The Neeranji Island , StonePlover Island , Mathi tree island  , Whisteling Teel island , Sweet Tamarind island 

Monkey at Hanging bridge

River Island view

We first covered exploring the park , we noticed few crocodiles relaxing against the sun on the river rocks , a group of white crane type birds some of which were busy fishing in the river water.  There were around 2 watch towers from where one can get a good view of the islands from top which is around 30 to 40 feet. Elder people should watch out the steps as its very steep.  

Watch towers

There is a small hanging bridge where we noticed some monkeys , passing which we found the boating spot which is the main attraction for visitors.  There was a minimal fee of Rs.50 per person for Indians and Rs.200 for foreigners. One should experience this boating to get a view of all the islands around and watch the crocodiles from a fair near distance. After travelling along a quite distance , we started feeling hungry - moved to the canteen where which was very good in terms of taste and variety and headed back.  There are many shops selling ice creams , snacks etc to make the visit more enjoyable.

Timings are from 8.30 AM to 6 PM . A very nice spot to visit on a weekend with family and friends. Do visit this spot and share your experiences.

Gumbaz , Srirangapatna Tourist places , Bangalore weekend destinations

Our team visited SriRangapatna in Mandya District , one of the infamous spots of Karnataka with historical importance. In this post we cover the spot , "Gumbaz"

Gumbaz Entrance

Gumbaz park

As per the history mentioned here "This tomb and Mosque was built by Tippu Sultan as a tribute to his illustrious father Hyder Ali (1722 - 1784 AD) , after his death. The Gumbaz is situated at the eastern extreme of Srirangapatna . It enshrines the cenotaphs of Hyder Ali , his wife Fakr-Un-Nisha and Tippu Sultan after his death in 1799 AD. It is built on a stone plinth, with polished black granite pillars that run along the corridor around the inner chamber. A magnificent dome crowns the building . The chamber is painted with the tiger stripes that were associated with Tippu.  The structure , laid out a midst  a garden , typical of Islamic architecture , also houses the Masjid-E-Aksa. At the eastern entrance of the Mausoleum is a tablet in Persian script that speaks of the martyrdom of Tippu Sultan in 1799 AD.  There are also numerous other cenotaphs of the relatives of Tippu's family."

Gumbaz Tomb

Gumbaz evening View

Our team visited here in the evening around 5 PM after visiting Cauvery Lokapavani Sangam which is about 10 minutes drive from here . Entrance is free , off course we had to shell out some parking fee of Rs.30 for our car. A beautiful arch welcomes us , on entering which we get a glimpse of the Gumbaz in front surrounded by a green park similar to the Daria Daulat bagh with flower plants and trees. Once we entered inside the Gumbaz , we were mesmerized with the Gigantic tomb built and the paintings done. Exactly under the tomb were cenotaphs of Tippu, his father and mother cover with the Holy religious cloth. The guide here explained us that the Gumbaz is surrounded with 36 pillars to signify the ruling period of Tippu and his father. Just Behind Gumbaz were cenotaphs of Tippu's other family members. There is a mosque adjacent to the Gumbaz which attracted many visitors for prayers. 

Gumbaz Mosque

Gumbaz is open to visitors between 08 AM to 6.30 PM . There are few shops and hotels opposite on the other road side where you may get snacks and stuffs to enjoy in the park with your family and friends. This is a must visit spot for monument lovers. Do visit this spot and share your experiences.

Cauvery Lokapavani Sangama , Srirangapatna Tourist places , Bangalore weekend destinations.

In this post we cover the scenic spot of SriRangapatna over team covered , "Sangama".

"Sangama" in kannada means confluence. As its name , here the spot signifies the confluence of rivers Cauvery and Lokapavani . Morever its the Cauvery river which gets divided at the Ranganatha swamy temple flows from paschima vahini from the west and also to east towards Nimishambha temple and joins at this place merely forming SriRangapatna a River Island.  Karighatta hills are visible from this spot.

Our team reached this spot in the evening after visiting Nimishambha temple which is about a 10 minutes drive from here. This place is considered as auspicious similar to the paschima vahini among the Hindu community because of the presence of river cauvery. There is a small shiva linga idol placed at the river banks where devotees come and perform pooja here. A nice scenic spot to visit along with friends and family on a weekend. There is no entry fee , however we had to shell out about Rs.30 as parking fee.  There are many petty shops selling snacks , coffee to make your evening more pleasureful.

Panoramic View of Sangama river confluence , Srirangapatna

Daria Daulat Bagh Tippu's summer palace , Srirangapatna tourist places , Bangalore weekend destinations

In this post we cover the historic monument spot our team covered during their visit -  'Daria Daulat Bagh' , Tippu Sultan's summer palace which is in SriRangapatna.

As per this details mentioned in this place - "Dariya Daulat , meaning - The wealth of the sea - referred to as Tippu's summer palace was built during 1784 AD. The palace is square in plan , built on a rised stone plinth , with teak pillars running along the outer edge , enclosing a corridor . There are two recessed bays on the northern and southern sides overlooking two large halls , through canopied balconies . The living spaces on the two floors of the palace are accessible by four staircases . All the walls and ceilings of the entire place are painted. The paintings depict the victory of Hyder Ali  and Tippu over the British led by colonel Bailee , The nizam of Hyderabad arriving at the battlefield , Durbar scenes of Tippu's contemporaries like the Rani of Chitoor , The Raja of Tanjore , The peshwa Balaji Rao II , Magadi Kempegowda , Madakari Nayaka of Chitradurga and Krishnaraja wodeyar III. After the death of Tippu Sultan in 1799 , this palace was occupied by Colonel Arthur Wellesley."


This place is towards the east of Srinrangapatna just about a kilometer or two from the Mysore national highway on the road towards Sangam. There is a minimal entry fees of Rs.5 for Indians and Rs.100 for foreigners. Once we enter the gate arch we notice a lovely garden at the end of which the palace is located surrounded by a green park with trees. There are fountains in front of the palace , some Firangi and stone balls kept in front may be for design looks. Inside the palace we noticed very good unique paintings similar to the ones we see in Bangalore Tippu summer palace. There is a small museum where Tippu's childhood , youth , king photos , his subordinates , his sons , Hyder Ali paintings are showcased. Also the type of weapons used like sword , guns , the royal dress worn , the currency coins used during that period are displayed. One is definitely sure of filling his mind about the life of Tippu after visiting this place. Our team spent about an hour mesmerized with the collections here. 


The palace is open for visitors daily between 09 AM to 05 PM. This is a must visit spot those who visit Srirangapatna. A very nice place to spend time having snacks / lunch in the open park along with family and friends. Do visit this place and share your experiences.

Jamia Masjid and Tippu's Death spot - Srirangapatna Tourist places , Bangalore weekend destinations

Our team recently visited Srirangapatna, one of the famous historic places of Karnataka which saw many rulers. In this post we cover the spot - Jamia Masjid and Tippu's Death Spot.

Our team after visiting Sri Ranganathaswamy temple and Water gate , was heading back to the Mysore national highway where they noticed these two spots -

Tippu's Death Spot

The history of this spot as mentioned here - "In the fourth Mysore war the British laid siege to SriRangapatna on 4th May 1799 AD and effectively breached the Fort at WaterGate . On hearing this storming of enemy , Tippu moved in posthaste to the spot , and in the fight , fell to the bullet of a British soldier. It was here the body of Tippu Sultan was identified and recovered amidst heaps of the dead soldiers. In recognition of the valiant Tippu , Colonel Wellesley set a stone tablet to mark the spot."

We stood here for a minute in silence and payed our share of respect to this great warrior of Mysore.


Jamia Masjid

The history of this spot as mentioned here - "Built by Tippu Sultan near the Bangalore Gate in the eastern part of the fort in 1787 AD , this mosque was used regularly for worship by him . The mosque is of magnificent proportions with two majestic minarets adorned with exquisite floral cornices and parapets. The panoramic view of the area from the top is splendid , accessible by staircases in the two shafts.  A mehrab on the western wall of the main hall symbolizes the light - Allah. The stone tablets , fixed in the hall are inscribed with Koranic verses , including the one , which mentions the date of construction of this building. The building is an interesting example of the combination of Hindu and Islamic architecture."

Do visit these historic spots and share your experiences.

Water gate , Srirangapatna Tourist Spots , Bangalore weekend destinations

Our team recently visited historic Srirangapatna , one of the famous places in karnataka which has seen many rulers since centuries. In this post , we cover the spot "Water gate"

Water Gate , Srirangapatna

Back view

Our team had reached Srirangapatna and after visiting Sri Ranganatha swamy temple and Tippu's Dungeon on their back to visit Tippu's Death place , they suddenly noticed on their left another old structure , immediately they stopped the car and approached towards it . It was the "Water gate" - the gate at which Tippu was shot dead by British soldier.  When we visited here , we just took a snap of the place without knowing the importance of this place , but when we glanced through the images of Tippu Sultan's life in his summer palace Daria Daulat , our eyes were filled with tears realizing the tragic end of this great Tiger and Sultan of Mysore.

Entrance

Stone Board

During those days to prevent the British from entering into the kingdom , rulers used to create a water ditch / moats surrounding the kingdom and feed crocodiles inside them for safety.  Britishers were always afraid to enter such ditches because of the crocodiles. However for the royal family and the people to get fresh water from the river a gate was constructed where they get easy access to water. This was the purpose of this Water gate.  

The History says - To a sad fate , during the war when Tippu was attacked , the Britishers had managed to enter through this water gate and attack the army. Also Tippu who was injured was shot dead at this water gate by a British soldier.  We managed to get the below image shared on internet which was created by a British soldier. If you closely observe the image , you will see Tippu ( white dress)  raising his sword to attack against a British soldier , while the soldier's friend (extreme right) , trying to protect his friend , shot Tippu at this spot.  Later Tippu's body was found at another spot few meters from this spot where a monument is present now. The stone board at the water gate says "At the northern end of this Archway Fell Tippu Sultan May 4th 1799".

Hats off to this great Tiger , the sultan of Mysore who fought bravely against the British. Everyone should visit this place once and fill their hearts with pride of the men we had. Do visit this place and share your experience.

Sri NimiShambha temple , Srirangapatna Tourist places , Bangalore weekend destinations

Our team visited - Srirangapatna , in Mandya District - one of the infamous places of interest near to Bangalore and visited many interesting spots. In this post we cover , the spot "Sri Nimishambha Temple"





Nimishambha is the incarnation of Goddess parvathi. It is believed those who pray here with bhakthi are sure of getting their wishes fulfilled immediately and hence the name 'Nimisha + Amba' which means mother who resolves problems within a minute. This temple is on the banks of Cauvery river and was constructed by the Mysore Maharaja Wodeyars around 300 to 400 years ago . Adjoining Nimishamba idol are idols of Lord Shiva , Sri Narayana . Outside the main sanctum are idols of SuryaDeva and Hanuman. 

This temple is on the way to Sangam and around 2 to 3 kms from the Mysore national highway . Our team reached here by around 4 PM in the evening and had to wait for about 30 minutes for Darshan as there was a long waiting queue. Special entry darshan was available at a minimal of Rs.20 per person. At the outset , the gopuram seemed like the Dravidian style of construction. While standing in the queue we enjoyed the cool breeze from the river banks.



On entering the temple we were first directed to take darshan of Nimishamba idol which was very nicely adorned with ornaments and was a pleasure to watch. After submitting our prayers we moved on to the next Idol Lord Shiva known by the name Mukthikeshwara and at last Sri Narayana swamy idol.  Outside the shrine , we visited surya and hanuman small temples and submitted our prayers.


We then moved on to the river banks where we observed some visitors enjoying the water swimming around. Just about 20 to 30 feet there was a restriction put not to swim beyond as they suspect of danger of river swirls. Just opposite to this river bank at some distance we may observe Karighatta Hills and a short glimpse of the Karighatta temple also. As it was evening , many petty shops selling snacks like Bhel puri etc were opened up , We enjoyed the taste with a real good experience spending time on the river side and left the spot. 

Temple is open for darshan between 6.30 AM to 8.30 AM . We noticed some lodges and a small hotel nearby the temple. On the way to this temple you will find many shops selling Ganjam special Gulkhan , Neem . We enjoyed the sweet taste of this Gulkan sandwiched inside a bun . Don't miss this during your visit ! OverAll a very nice spot to visit with family and friends. Do visit this spot and share your experiences.

Paschima Vahini , Srirangapatna tourist places - Bangalore weekend destinations

Bridge

Our team visited - Srirangapatna , in Mandya District - one of the infamous places of interest near to Bangalore and visited many interesting spots . In this post we cover , the spot "Paschima Vahini"

"Paschima" in kannada means West. Hence Paschima vahini means that flows towards the west. River Cauvery flows in this region in the west direction and later 

Cauvery river flow view 2

Cauvery river flow view 1

joins Sangama which is near Nimishamba temple. This place is considered as sacred/auspicious for the Hindu community. Usually once a person departs , after performing the burning rituals people carry the ashes to this place and leave it here . The belief is the river is not not just a body of water but also a deity which has descended from heaven to earth. Hence by leaving the ashes , belief is person may ascend to heaven faster. Many of the new generation may not be knowing that after the death of our father of nation - Mahathma Gandhiji - his ashes were were immersed here on 12 Feb 1948. 

Maharajas Buildings

River banks

This place has few buildings about at-least more than 100 years old which were built during the period of Mysore Maharajas. As this place is not that well maintained , these buildings are seeing their downfall now. One may visit this place in the morning to get a glimpse of the spot , which is just behind the railway track on the way to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.

Sri RanganathaSwamy temple , Srirangapatna

Sri RanganathaSwamy temple , Srirangapatna

 Our team visited - Srirangapatna , in Mandya District - one of the infamous places of interest near to Bangalore and visited many interesting spots.In this post we cover , Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple.

Image depicting Actual Idol

 This temple is one among the Pacncharanga Kshethras and is the first/ Adi among them situated near the banks of river kaveri. The temple's history dates thousands of years back during the Ganga Dynasty , beleived to have started during the existence of Gautama Sage, followed then and improved by the Hoysalas, Vijayanagar kings and later by Hyder Ali, Tippu Sultan the rulers of Sriranapatna during the early 18th century.

Stone elephant

This temple is around 125 km from Bangalore. We started off our journey from Bangalore by car at around 8 AM along the Mysore highway NH7 and reached the spot by  10.45 AM. This is a a very famous temple and one will not find any problems locating the temple. There are many path boards guiding the driver to the right direction. There was a long queue of devotees waiting for the darshan and we too joined them . While standing in the queue , we noticed the Bazaar in front of the temple where idols,  photos and other shopping items were being sold , the temple's chariot (ratha) and a small hall (mantapa). 

Temple stone pillars

Front view

Soon we were inside the temple and passed by the entrance gate (gopura), we noticed the temple's big door which seemed be made of hard stone. After the entrance gate , there are 2 large rectangular enclosures . The inner sanctum is surrounded by multiple columned halls. The pillars had beautiful scriptures and shapes which depicted the art work and creativity of the past generations.  Our queue however at entry looked simple one , soon we noticed took many turns while we reached  the main idol of Sri ranganathaswamy by 11:45 AM. One will notice many idols of Saints and sages along the path.

Mantap

Maptap Kalyani

The 10 feet idol of Sri Ranganatha Swamy reclining on the coils of the Snake Aadishesha with this consort Laskmi devi would leave one mesmerized. The door of this inner sanctum does not fully cover the Idol's width. Hence we recommend tourists to take some time to observe the idol starting from one corener to other corner of the walk path and closely observe the ends of the idol to get a full glimpse of this magnificient structure. Further moving forward , we observed idols of Srinivasa , Krishna , Garuda , Hanuman and Sri laskhmi.

Tulasi Brindavan

Chariot carvings

We noted one may not get a glimpse of the temple outer mantapas while entering inside the temple as the entry is restircted one way and may view only on the exit. We spent some time looking at the unique Tulasi Brindavan , Kalyani - a small pond , Old mantapas and small flower plantations over a green grass turf. 

Temple is open for darshan between 07 AM to 1 PM in the morning and again between 04 PM to 08 PM in the evening. One may reach here by public bus or train also. The Srirangapatna train station is exactly behind this temple and is a 5 minutes walk from there. 


Overall a very nice and interesting spot to visit with family and friends on a weekend. Do visit this place and share your experiences. 

Panaromic view inside temple