Many tales of valour and glory are tucked into the folds of the unassuming island town of Srirangapatna, former capital of one of the bravest sons of Karnataka. Maybe it's due to the guile of the beautiful Cauvery River that you tend to lap up every anecdote the guide narrates. You tend to believe that the legendary sword of Tipu Sultan, housed within the State treasury, is sacred and no one dare touch it.

And, if stones could speak, probably every tiny pebble on the banks of the Cauvery would make the English go red with reminiscences of Tipu's conquest over the 'Unconquerable Empire'. The lanes between the turfed outline of the Srirangapatna Fort bear touching memorials to the life of this unique king.

But if you're not too keen on going histerical on a weekend and need other diversions, Srirangapatna won't let you down. The drive itself, past the golden rocks on which Sholay was shot and through the paddy fields of Mandya, is rewarding in itself.

It's not too difficult to find your way around within Sriranga, or to find what you want most out of your weekend.

Cross the river to enter the town.
Turn right for the abode of Lord Rangana thaswamy and the legend of Tipu Sultan, left to commune with a beautiful river, the melody of whose movement you will carry in your heart for a long time to come.