Srirangapatna is situated about 14 Kms from Mysore and 125 Kms from Bangalore. Srirangapatna is nestled in the banks of river Cauvery is about 3 Kms. in length and one Km. in breadth. The town derives its name from the presiding deity of Ranganatha Swamy temple situated at the western end of the island in the Cauvery River.

The idol in this temple is of Lord Vishnu in the reclining posture on the coiled snake ( Anantha), often referred as ananthashayana.

Srirangapatna was the historic capital of Tippu Sultan. Both Tippu Sultan and his father Hyder Ali are believed to have made endowments to the Ranganathaswamy temple.

The town, temples, mosque and other historical monuments are surrounded by a strong stone fort with four gates. There are remains of Tipu's palace known as Lal Mahal, a Water Gate, two Dungeons, one at the north-east corner of the fort, another to the east of Delhi gate.