Srirangapatna, a historic town located in the Mandya district of the Indian state of Karnataka, is a treasure trove of cultural and historical attractions. Steeped in rich heritage and natural beauty, this small town offers a myriad of experiences for visitors. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the local culture, Srirangapatna has something to offer for everyone. In this article, we will explore the top 15 things to do in Srirangapatna.
15 Best Things to Do in Srirangapatna:
1. Visit the Ranganathaswamy Temple:
Begin your journey in Srirangapatna by visiting the Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the region. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.
This temple attracts Vaishnavaites from across India. The reason is that this temple has a long history and it is associated with Ramanujacharya, the Vaishnava Guru, who preached equality to all. So, do not forget to add a visit to this temple as one of the best things to do in Srirangapatna.
2. Explore the Daria Daulat Bagh:
Step back in time as you wander through the Daria Daulat Bagh, a beautiful garden built by Tipu Sultan. Admire the exquisite frescoes and paintings that adorn the walls of this summer palace.
Located very close to the Ranganatha Swamy Temple, this summer palace of the great Tipu Sultan is visited by people in large numbers. When you are in Srirangapatna, this is one of the best things to do in Srirangapatna.
3. Pay Homage at the Gumbaz:
The Gumbaz is the final resting place of Tipu Sultan, his father Hyder Ali, and his mother Fathima Begum. This majestic mausoleum features impressive domes and intricate carvings.
Tipu Sultan built it to house the graves of his parents. Finally, he was also rested here very close to his parents. When you are in the traditional town, make sure to include a visit to this Gumbaz as one of the best things to do in Srirangapatna.
4. Discover the Tipu Sultan Fort:
Explore the remnants of the historic Tipu Sultan Fort, which played a significant role in the 18th-century Mysore Wars. Marvel at the massive ramparts and visit the museum that showcases artefacts from the era.
Are you a history buff? If so, you should include a visit to this fort in your list of things to do in Srirangapatna.
5. Take a boat ride on the Cauvery River:
Enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the Cauvery River, which flows alongside Srirangapatna. Take in the scenic beauty and relax amidst the tranquillity of nature.
Are you a person impressed by water bodies? If so, taking a boat ride in the Cauvery River is one of the best things to do in Srirangapatna to you. Cauvery is seen as one of the holy rivers in India and getting just a glimpse of this river will help you feel relaxed.
6. Explore the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary:
Located just a few kilometres from Srirangapatna, the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for bird lovers. Embark on a boat safari to spot a wide variety of migratory birds.
You will get to see different types of migratory birds including Pelicans in this sanctuary. You can get close to crocodiles when you are taking boat rides in this sanctuary. Are you looking for the best things to do in Srirangapatna with kids? If so, you should choose a visit to this bird sanctuary as a must-do.
7. Visit the Nimishamba Temple:
Seek blessings at the Nimishamba Temple, dedicated to the goddess Parvati. This ancient temple holds religious significance and offers a peaceful atmosphere for meditation and reflection.
The temple was recently renovated. So, you can get some stunning pictures at this temple with your family. when at this temple, you can see the river Cauvery running very close to the temple. You can also take a coracle boat ride when visiting this temple. A visit to this temple is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Srirangapatna. The goddess is believed to satiate your wishes within minutes. This is why she is called Nimishamba.
8. Admire the Sangama and Gosai Ghat:
Pay a visit to the Sangama and Gosai Ghat, where the river Kaveri meets two other rivers, the Hemavati and the Lokapavani. Witness the confluence of these rivers and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Two rivers meeting each other is an exciting site. You should never miss out on a visit to this place as one of the best things to do in Srirangapatna.
9. Discover Colonel Bailey’s Dungeon:
Venture into the underground dungeons of Colonel Bailey’s Dungeon, which once served as a prison during the reign of Tipu Sultan. Experience a slice of history as you explore this eerie yet intriguing place.
When you visit this place as one of the best things to do in Srirangapatna, you will feel that it is just an empty hall. Indeed, it is just an empty hall. But it has a lot of historical importance. So, a visit to this place is worth it when you are at Srirangapatna.
10. Pay respects at the Jama Masjid:
Visit the Jama Masjid, an ancient mosque built by Tipu Sultan. Admire its architectural beauty and witness the harmonious blend of Hindu and Islamic influences.
This building has two stories and one of the important reasons to visit this place is its intricate design. You can visit this place between 6 am and 6 pm on all days. A visit to this place is one of the best things to do in Srirangapatna. Do you have 5 days of holiday? How to spend time in Srirangapatna might be your question. My 5-day Srirangapatna itinerary might help you.
11. Attend the Srirangapatna Dasara:
If you happen to visit Srirangapatna during the festive season, don’t miss the Srirangapatna Dasara celebrations. Immerse yourself in the vibrant festivities and witness traditional performances.
Compared to Diwali, Dasara is celebrated with grandeur in Srirangapatna. As Srirangapatna is one of the best places to visit near Bangalore, most people think about visiting this place during weekends. When you are looking to create a list of the best things to do in Srirangapatna, you can include attending the Dasara Festival in your list.
12. Explore Karighatta Hill:
Take a short trip to the nearby Karighatta Hill, known for its temple dedicated to Lord Srinivasa. Trek up the hill to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. If you are looking for one of the best spiritual things to do in Srirangapatna, you can get to this hill.
Not only spiritual experience but also you will get the experience of getting close to nature during this visit. As Srirangapatna is visited by people in large numbers, you can find the best hotels in Srirangapatna for a comfortable stay. So, you can get back to your accommodation after trekking to get the darshan of Lord Srinivasa in this hill temple.
13. Enjoy a picnic at Balmuri Falls:
Indulge in some outdoor fun and relaxation at Balmuri Falls, located near Srirangapatna. Set amidst picturesque surroundings, this cascading waterfall is an ideal spot for a picnic or a day out with family and friends.
If you think that taking some stunning pictures is one of the best things to do in Srirangapatna, you can consider taking a picnic at Balmuri Falls to take some breathtaking pictures.
14. Shop for Local Handicrafts:
Before you leave Srirangapatna, don’t forget to explore the local markets and shop for traditional handicrafts. Take home souvenirs such as wooden carvings, silk textiles, and sandalwood artefacts as a reminder of your visit.
If you are a shopping enthusiast, shopping for some local stuff is one of the best things to do in Srirangapatna.
15. Visit Chunchanakatte:
You can reach Chunchanakatte within around a 56 km drive from Srirangapatna. A visit to this place is one of the best things to do in Srirangaptna because this place has waterfalls, where you can take a relaxing bath. Thereafter, you can get to the temple close to the falls dedicated to Lord Shri Rama.
Make sure to safeguard your stuff as you can find many monkeys wandering in this area.
Conclusion:
Srirangapatna offers a delightful blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty. From exploring ancient temples and forts to indulging in nature’s wonders, there is no shortage of things to do in this enchanting town. So, plan your trip to Srirangapatna and immerse yourself in its captivating charm. Do you wish to know how to reach Srirangapatna by different modes? My post on the same might help you.