Srirangapatna - The Historical Town

Many tales of valour and glory are tucked into the folds of the unassuming island town of Srirangapatna, former Capital of Mysuru. If stones could speak, probably every tiny pebble on the banks of the Cauvery would make the English go read with reminiscences of  Tipu 's victories over the 'Unconquerable Empire". But if you're not keen on going 'historical' on a weekend and need other diversions, Srirangapatna wont let you down. The ride itself, past the Cauvery River and through the paddy fields of Mandya, is rewarding in itself. 

Mandya

On 7th March 2020, The Wanderlust Nomad was on a road trip to the historical town of Srirangapatna. It's not too difficult to find your way around Srirangapatna, Cross the river to enter the town, then turn right for the abode of  Lord Ranganathaswamy Temple and the legend of  Tipu Sultan.Turn left to commune with a beautiful river, whose melodious movement you will carry in your heart for a long time to come.

The Wanderlust Nomad took  left first to visit Karighatta (Elephant Hill) on the river banks. The hills looked like a dry scrub jungle. On top the hill, is a temple devoted to Lord Vishnu- called "Karigirivasa". The famous Nimishamba (the incarnation of  Parvathi, the goddess wife of  Lord Shiva) temple is on the other side of river bank.  The river and the temple can be seen from the top of the hill with the panoramic view of this island town. Legend has it that, it was on this hill that the British had placed their cannons during the siege of Srirangapatnam.

The roads from Nimishamba Temple  leads us to the famous Sangama, where the two branches of the river Cauvery reunite in joyful exuberance. The river is full of coracles taking pilgrims for  a ritual dip and people giving thithi (Funeral) to their ancestors. People with kids can enjoy in this place, as it has horse riding, ATV riding  and shops for purchasing toys for kids. 

Sangama

Close to Sangama is the Gumbaz. "Tiger of Mysuru" Tipu Sultan, his father Hyder Ali, his mother, sons and other members of the royal family lie buried in this splendid monument called Gumbaz. the inscription in Persian on its western wall says 'from this the moon has borrowed its light' and refers to it as the 'House of Sleep'. You might get tempted to purchase the antic pieces which is sold near Gumbaz as in those days used by the Royal Dynasty of  Tipu. 

Gumbaz, tomb of Tipu Sultan

Heading straight from Gumbaz, on the right side is the wooden palace (Dariya Daulat Bagh) built by Tipu in 1784,  set amidst manicured lawns, looks modest from the outside, and for the most part is hidden from sight by green shades. But the wealth of paintings on the walls and the intricacy of the interiors leaving me enthralled. It is also called the Summer Palace, Tipu used this as an alternative resort to receive visitors and conduct durbars.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

With full dosage of  history, i next headed to Ranganathaswamy Temple to relax for some time. A long walk through many-pillared temple leads you past, to see the expression on Sri Rangathaswamy's face that's very human. Within, lies the lord on the back of a snake, dark as the night sky with a benevolent smile. This temple visit made a refreshing change from the usual sobriety of prayer.

Captain Bailey's Dungeon

A little further up the temple towards the right is the place the Britsh dreaded the most. On an elevated platform near the fort wall are the dungeons where Tipu's prisoners of war were jailed. In the midst of the chamber, there lives a well-preserved, ancient canon. About 200m down from the dungeon is a monument that marks the place where Tipu Sultan died, while trying to prevent a British soldier from pulling out his legendary sword from its scabbard. 

Sipping a coconut drink, it was time for some off roading with the bike. Riding on the rivers banks of Cauvery, leading to me a broken bridge in the end. The Bridge was under construction, i found some way so that i can cross the broken bridge, with mud dumped on the other side. Feeling confident, took my bike to the mud and lucky enough somehow crossed the broken bridge. At one point of time, i was about to fall and balanced it though. After this stunt, was excited for some more off roading to reach Balmuri  and Edmuri Falls. On the sides of the river with full lush of green and paddy fields, reached the destination. Interestingly, the Balmuri waterfall is not an actual waterfall. Suprised, are you?  It's a man-made waterfall that is caused due to a check dam built across the River Cauvery. when the water overflows, it forms a long and lovely cascade. 

Balmuri Falls

Located at 2km from the parking lot of  Balmuri Falls, is the Edmuri Falls, it is also same like Balmuri Falls. This place was calm with only sounds of water from the falls and bird chirping to be heard. It was almost time up and i had to complete the ride by visiting, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.

Ranganathittu's is an islet built on the river banks of  Cauvery, which later attracted birds and is now a home for birds of more than 170 species. Want to try some bird photography, took my tickets for entry, disappointed of  having not a long range lens in my camera, which would be better for capturing moments at a long distance. Somehow managed to take some shots though.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

Took a boat ride across the islet, with crocodiles in the water. It came next to my boat and it was a thrilling moment. Viewing so many diffrent fauna and flora, felt good. With the feeling of flying high, reached Bangalore in the evening. At the end, it was a day filled with history and adventures.

 

  

"Birds born in cages think that flying is an illness"