Obelisk Monument Srirangapatna – History & Travel Guide

Obelisk Monument (Siege Monument), Srirangapatna – A Forgotten Landmark with Powerful History

Obelisk Srirangapatna
The Obelist, Srirangapatna

If you haven't explored the Obelisk Monument, also known as the Siege Monument, during your visit to Srirangapatna, then you haven’t truly explored the historic town in its entirety. This centuries-old heritage landmark stands as a silent witness to one of the most decisive chapters in South Indian history.

Located near Colonel Bailey’s Dungeon, just a little ahead of the railway track, this monument is easy to reach yet surprisingly less explored by travellers.

But here is why you should stay with this post till the end:
  • You will discover some interesting facts about the Obelisk Monument and its historical significance.
  • You will get to see photographs of the Obelisk monument (scroll below) that give you a real feel of this monument and its surroundings.
  • You will learn about the right time to visit, along with safety tips and essential travel information.
  • You will be able to explore more places in Srirangapatna—from temples to dungeons to riverside spots—by following the labels at the end of this post.
  • And, of course, you will find links to more destinations.

Everything You Need to Know About the Obelisk Monument

Obelisk Srirangapatna
The Obelisk, Srirangapatna (1907)

A Brief History

The Obelisk Monument (Siege Monument) is a commemorative structure built in memory of the British officers and native soldiers who lost their lives during the Siege of Srirangapatna on 4 May 1799, part of the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1798–99). This siege marked the end of Tipu Sultan’s rule and changed the political landscape of South India.

European officers against Tipu
Information about the European officers who were killed in the battle

The monument itself was constructed in 1907 during the reign of Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV, as a gesture of gratitude by the Wadiyar dynasty for regaining their throne from the Mysorean Sultans. Today, it stands as a reminder of the fierce battles, shifting powers, and sacrifices that shaped Karnataka’s heritage.

Why You Should Visit the Obelisk Monument?

Whether you are a casual traveller or a serious history enthusiast, this monument deserves a place on your Srirangapatna itinerary. The structure is over 100 years old, and its quiet presence amid neglected surroundings gives it an almost haunting, frozen-in-history atmosphere.

Obelisk Srirangapatna
Obelisk Srirangapatna

If you love visiting places that tell stories, you should never miss this one.

Best Time to Visit the Obelisk Monument

There are no dedicated visiting hours, so you can explore the Obelisk Monument at any time of the day.

However, mornings and late afternoons are more pleasant—especially if you are combining it with a tour of nearby attractions.

Food & Water

This area is a neglected patch of land with very few visitors. There are no shops, stalls, or water points nearby.

Carry enough water, and if you’re planning a long walk through Srirangapatna ’s historical circuit, pack some snacks too.

Parking near the Obelisk Monument

The surroundings have ample space for parking, and you can comfortably park a car or two-wheelers without any trouble. You may have to take a few hundred steps to reach to the Obelisk Monument.

Important Note

Obelisk
The Obilisk, Srirangapatna (not so well maintained)

The monument area does not receive regular maintenance, so the place may seem isolated. It’s advisable to explore in a group, stay cautious, and carry all essentials.

Nearby Attractions

Srirangapatna is full of heritage gems waiting to be explored. Some of the key attractions around the Obelisk Monument include:
  • Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple – The famous 9th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
  • Colonel Bailey’s Dungeon – A popular historical point located just a short walk from the monument.
  • Daria Daulat Bagh, Gumbaz of Tipu Sultan, Srirangapatna Fort, and many other spots.
To view the complete list of places, follow the label:

👉 “Places to See in Srirangapatna”

Nearby Restaurants

Several restaurants along the highway are decent for family dining. (You will find them while arriving from Bengaluru or Mysuru). We will be updating this section shortly with recommended places from our own visits.

Explore More Places 

If you are planning to explore more destinations around this region, check out our guides here:

👉 Mysuru
👉 Srirangapatna
👉 Coorg (Coming soon)
👉 Mangaluru (Coming soon)

Each link will help you plan better and discover hidden travel gems.

I hope you enjoyed reading about the Obelisk Monument in Srirangapatna and that this post helps you include this historic landmark in your travel itinerary.

Thank you for being a part of MysoreTravel.com.com—your support and presence mean a lot.

Do you know a great eatery, a hidden tourist attraction, or a local story that deserves to be featured on this blog?

We would love to hear from you! Please visit our Contact Page for our email and WhatsApp details and share your suggestions.

You may also consider supporting this blog through our Support Us page so we can continue bringing you more travel stories and discoveries.

For further reading:

🔗 External Resource: Obelisk Monument – Wikipedia
Location: CMGF+5J7, Railway Station Rd, Srirangapatna, Karnataka 571438, India

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Exploring the Royal Charm of Mysore Palace

Image
Mysore Palace If you are travelling to Mysuru for the very first time, one place that you simply cannot miss is the iconic Amba Vilas Palace, more popularly known as the Mysore Palace. This magnificent structure is not just the heart of Mysuru’s heritage but also one of the most visited palaces in India. Set aside at least half a day to wander through its ornate halls, courtyards, and museums. Trust me, there’s so much to see here that rushing through would only mean missing out on the real charm. Why Start With Mysore Palace? Mysore Palace Mysore Palace isn’t just a tourist spot—it’s the city’s identity. The Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, the detailed interiors, and the royal history it carries make it the perfect place to start your Mysuru journey. From the very first glimpse of its domes and arches, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into the era of kings and queens. Mysore Palace Timings The palace opens its gates to visitors at 10:00 AM and remains open till 5:30 PM. 👉 P...
Read more

Water Gate, Srirangapatna – The Secret Passage of History

Image
Water Gate, Srirangapatna If you are planning a day trip from Mysuru, the island town of Srirangapatna should definitely be on your list. Known for its historical forts, temples, and monuments from the era of Tippu Sultan, every corner of this town whispers stories of courage and strategy. Among these, the Water Gate stands as a silent witness to one of the most defining events in Mysore’s history — the fall of Tippu Sultan in 1799. Historical Background The Water Gate is located on the southern side of the Srirangapatna Fort, built by Tippu Sultan and his father, Hyder Ali. This discreet entrance served as one of the hidden gateways to the fort, allowing access to the River Cauvery. During the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War in 1799, this gate became infamous when the British forces entered through it to capture the fort. It is believed that a local informant revealed this secret entry point to the British army, enabling them to infiltrate and ultimately end Tipu Sultan’s reign. Just a short ...
Read more

The Story Behind Tippu's Death Place (Tippu Sultan Death Place)

Image
The body of Tippu Sultan was found here Historical Context: The Fall of Srirangapatna, 1799 By the late 18th century, Tippu Sultan (often called the “Tiger of Mysore”) was one of the major resistors to British expansion in southern India. During the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1798–99), British East India Company forces laid siege to the fortress city of Srirangapatna (also known as Seringapatam) in an effort to defeat Tipu and secure control of Mysore territory. On May 5th, 1799 (some sources say May 4th), Tippu Sultan died in battle while defending the fort against a British assault. Tippu Sultan fell during a fierce fight near one of the gateways (often referred to as the Water Gate) of the fort, where British troops managed to breach the defences. Once Tippu Sultan was killed, his body was found among the fallen on the battlefield, and one of the British officers recognised his remains. To mark that location, Colonel Wellesley is said to have fixed a stone tablet denoting “the body of...
Read more