Daria Daulat Summer Palace, Srirangapatna
(16 km from Mysore)



Photograph by H. Satish, A.R.P.S, M.F.I.A.P.


The island fortress of Srirangapatna, encircled by the river Kaveri, was once the seat of the Mysore Maharajas, when they were in power. It was also their place of containment when under subjugation. It served as the beloved capital of Tippu Sultan…and the site of his destruction by British forces.

Within this quiet little island are lasting testaments to its very significant history: these include high stone walls and moats that enclose crumbling forts, a palace, temple and an ancient mosque.

	Daria Daulat—Tippu's Summer Palace

Both the Wodeyar Maharajas and Haider Ali once had large palaces at Srirangapatna. Neither of these remain, but Tippu's summer palace, built in 1784, still stands. With its delicate lattice work and painted frescoes, the Daria Daulat Summer Palace is modelled along the lines of the great Mughal governor's palace at Sira. The Daria Daulat is set on a square platform, surrounded by a colonnade and well laid gardens. Narrow staircases lead to a beautiful hall supported by carved consoles with trellised balconies and private rooms.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, which dates back to 894 AD, is dedicated to Lord Sri Ranga (after whom Srirangapatna is named). The temple is believed to have been expanded by Timmana, a viceroy to the Vijayanagara emperor, in 1454 AD. The Jumma Masjid, with its two white minarets, was constructed in 1787. Its prayer hall is famous for its cusped arches and ornamental ceiling, embellished in a grapevine design.

The Gumbaz, with its beautiful white dome of whitewashed brick and plaster, is a mausoleum that houses the tombs of Hyder Ali and his son Tippu Sultan. The Gumbaz is an example of Indo-Islamic architecture at its best: perfect proportions, delicate entrance gateway, ivory inlaid doors and elaborately carved stone windows.