Srirangapatta Palace of Tipu Sultan

Tipu Sultan son of King Hyderali of Mysore was also known as Tiger of Mysore. He was the ruler of Mysore from 1750 to 1799. He got to power after his father’s death in 1782. He won important battles like Anglo – Mysore war and was against the expansion of British East India Company in India. He was also a poet, solider and scholar. Tipu died in the year 1799 defending his capital Srirangapatta and was buried alongside his father and mother in the city of Srirangapatta.

Srirangapatta was Tipu’s summer residence and place where he died during the Fourth Anglo –Mysore War in the year 1799. He and his family members are buried in the same place and the palace now contains artifacts belonging to Tipu Sultan.

Rare paintings, weapons, furniture’s and pictures of Tipu Sultan and other important family members, ministers are kept for display.

The Mysore Palace

The Palace of Mysore is a palace situated in the city of Mysore in southern India. It is the official residence of the Wodeyars - the erstwhile royal family of Mysore, and also houses two durbar halls.  Also known as Amba Vilas, it is located in the heart of the city of Mysore. The palace was initially built by the Wodeyar kings in the 14th century.

Mysore Palace is one of the most magnificent buildings. It is a sight not to be missed when it is illuminated on Sundays and festive occasions. The interior of the Palace is equally worth a visit, for its spacious halls, called Mantaps, paintings and architectural beauty. The palace is an excellent combination of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The domes and the outside construction are of Muslim architecture. But the interior of the Palace is a fine example of Hindu architecture.

Today the palace is converted into a museum that is home to souvenirs, paintings, jewellery, royal costumes and other items which were once possessed by the Wodeyars.

Rajiv Gandhi National Park

Rajiv Gandhi National Park was earlier known as ‘The Nagarhole National Park’ which is located around 94kms from Mysore. The name Nagarhole derives its name from ‘Snake’ for Nagar and ‘Stream’ for hole in Kannada. Rajiv Gandhi National Park is a famous wildlife park in India and has a large population of elephants, bison and around 250 species of birds.

Rajiv Gandhi Park is located around beautiful slopes and valleys of Karnataka. The Park is connected in south-east to Bandipur National Park and to Wynad Sanctuary in Kerala to its south-west. National Park is covering an area of 600kms and spread across two districts Mysore and Kodagu of Karnataka State.

This Park was originally a private hunting sanctuary of the Mysore Royals and was declared as National Park in the year 1974. You can also enjoy the Park with a safari ride which is available at an extra cost during morning between 06 am to 09 pm and in the evening between 03pm to 05 pm.

Attractions: 

Animals / Mammals

Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Barking Deer, Porcupine, Gaur, Chital, Sambar, Wild Boar, Jackals, Sloth Bear, Hyena, Mongoose, Civet, Otter, Langoor, Giant Squirrels, Spotted Deer, Royal Bengal Tiger, Slender Loris, Four Horned Antelope, Panther,  Pangolin.

Birds         

Grey jungle fowl, Great Black Woodpecker, Red Spur Fowl, Malabar Trogon, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Scarlet Minivets, Indian Pitta, Oospreys, Herons, Ducks, Peafowl, Reed Warbler, Bea Eater, Brown Dove, Bulbul, Ring Necked Dove, Spotted Dove, Eagle, Blyth Myna, Lorikeets.

Reptiles

Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, Tortoises, Rattle Snakes, Frogs, Rock Python, Viper, King Cobra, Spectacled Cobra, Banded Krait, Bamboo Viper, Pit Viper, Russell’s Viper.

Things to do:

Bird safari, Jungle safari, Elephant Safari, Jeep safari and Trekking

Best Time to visit:

October to May is most pleasant but it’s open through the year for Wildlife lovers.

How to Get There:

Nearest Airport – Mysore Airport or Bengaluru Airport

Nearest Railway Station – Mysore or Bengaluru

By Road – Through Bengaluru – Mysore- Hunsur-Nagarhole.