Fourteen km north-east of Mysore, on the Bangalore-Mysore highway, is Srirangapatnam, the erstwhile capital of Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan, famed as the Tiger of Mysore. Located picturesquely on the banks of river Cauvery, the place has the fortress which withstood the attacks of the enemy.

Tipu's Summer Palace, Daria Daulat Bagh, built in 1784, is made of teak and has beautifully painted and gilded interiors. The structure is now a museum and tells eloquently of Tipu's valor and his long battle against the British. The fort holds within it, a mosque and the Ranganathaswamy Temple. Outside the fort is the Gumbaz, Tipu's tomb with splendid doors inlaid with ivory.

This year, the Karnataka government celebrates the Bicentenary of Tipu Sultan. The year-long celebration begins on May 4 in Mysore. A booklet on Tipu Sultan's life would be published on the occasion.

Besides, an International Centre for Historical Research and a Centre for Crafts and Police Training will be set up in Srirangapatnam. Functions will also be held in Bangalore, Mysore, Gulbarga and Delhi.

On May 4, Tipu's 200th death anniversary, a function will be held in Srirangapatnam. A delegation from France, a country which Tipu had close ties with, is expected.