Visit The Home Of Major Southern Dynasties

Karnataka

Situated just over a 100 km from Bengaluru, Srirangapatna is the perfect destination for a short break from the chaos of the city. Drive through Mandya with its lush sugar plantations to reach Srirangapatna, which now has the demeanour of a sleepy town, an island on a wide sweep of the mighty Cauvery river. In the past, it has been the seat of power of Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan, the Vijayanagar dynasty and the Wodeyars who ruled from Mysore. Even now it is scattered with relics from the past. The must-do sights here include the revered Ranganathaswamy temple, Gumbaz—an example of Islamic architecture, and Darya Daulat. Each has a story from the past to tell. You could simply spend time on the river bank or go boating. A short drive from Srirangapatna is the Ranganathitthu Bird Sanctuary with its flocks of migratory birds. On your way back to Bengaluru, stop at Channapatna, the small town that has lent its name to the wooden toys that are crafted here. Painted in vivid lacquer hues, these make for lovely souvenirs.