A Trip to Srirangapatna and Mysore

We went on a trip last weekend to the historical city and erstwhile capital of the Mysore residency — Srirangapatna — and then on to Mysore. Being a history lover and an ardent admirer of Tipu Sultan, I was deeply moved to visit the grave where he is laid to rest.

Sri Ranganatha Temple

We first visited the Sri Ranganatha Temple at Srirangapatna — a temple for which both Tipu Sultan and his father Hyder Ali were patrons, a remarkable testament to the religious tolerance of the era.

Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace

From there we visited Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace — a wonderful work of art. The palace is adorned with detailed paintings and portraits of some of his generals, all carefully preserved by the government. Standing inside it felt like stepping directly into the 18th century.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

Next we went bird watching at the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary — a warm and humid stretch of river islands where birds from many countries come to nest and breed. The variety and sheer number of birds was extraordinary.

Mysore Palace

We then made our way to Mysore Maharaja's Palace — one of the most grand and ornate structures I have seen. The scale, the craftsmanship, and the history embedded in every corridor are difficult to put into words.

Chamundeshwari Temple and Brindavan Gardens

The day ended with a visit to the Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hill, followed by the Brindavan Gardens next to the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam — a fitting end to a day full of history, nature, and beauty.