Garrison Cemetery Srirangapatna
A poignant historical burial ground in Srirangapatna, home to over 300 British and Swiss officers and their families from the colonial era.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Garrison Cemetery Srirangapatna
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A poignant historical burial ground in Srirangapatna, home to over 300 British and Swiss officers and their families from the colonial era.
"A well-maintained, serene historical site by the Cauvery River, offering a glimpse into colonial military history."
🚶♀️ Walk with Respect
This is a historic burial ground. Please tread lightly and maintain a quiet, respectful atmosphere.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially during warmer months, as there are limited facilities on-site.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
European Officer Graves
Main cemetery grounds
Discover the final resting places of over 300 British and Swiss officers and their families, many under 40.
Regiment de Meuron Graves
Specific section
See the 80 graves belonging to Swiss mercenaries who fought for the British East India Company.
Cauvery River Proximity
Near the river bank
Enjoy the tranquil setting by the Cauvery River, surrounded by mango and other trees.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk with Respect
This is a historic burial ground. Please tread lightly and maintain a quiet, respectful atmosphere.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially during warmer months, as there are limited facilities on-site.
📸 Capture the History
The cemetery offers a unique photographic opportunity. Be mindful of the solemnity of the place.
🚗 Easy Access
Located conveniently near the Bangalore-Mysore Highway, making it an easy stop.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk with Respect
This is a historic burial ground. Please tread lightly and maintain a quiet, respectful atmosphere.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially during warmer months, as there are limited facilities on-site.
📸 Capture the History
The cemetery offers a unique photographic opportunity. Be mindful of the solemnity of the place.
🚗 Easy Access
Located conveniently near the Bangalore-Mysore Highway, making it an easy stop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Garrison Cemetery Srirangapatna to be a historically significant and well-maintained site, offering a serene atmosphere by the Cauvery River. Many appreciate the poignant stories of the British and Swiss soldiers buried there, though some note the challenges of preserving the aging gravestones.
"Historically..it's so beautiful and well maintained
Coincidentally visited srirangapatna and this cemetery is next to Parivarthana school.very near to the main road national highway.
If u visit this place most of them are British soldiers who died here in India & if u observe the age most of the soldiers is less than 40yrs."
Amritha L
"The Garrison Cemetery is located in Srirangapatna, on the banks of the river Cauvery, about 300m from the Bangalore Mysore Highway. It has about 307 graves of the European officers killed in the final assault on Tippu Sultan in 1799, and their family members. Among the graves, there are 80 graves of the officers of the Swiss Regiment de Meuron, and the rest of the graves are their family members."
Syed Khasim
"If you have a visit in Mysore. Then come to Srirangapatna to visit Garrison Cemetery. Here under the graveyard the soldiers of British Indian army and their family members are laid down during 1800-1860."
Dr. Palash Santra
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Garrison Cemetery is conveniently located in Srirangapatna, about 300 meters from the Bangalore-Mysore Highway. It's easily accessible by road, making it a straightforward stop if you're visiting Mysore or traveling between Bangalore and Mysore.
Yes, it's situated near the main road and other historical sites in Srirangapatna, including the Ranganathaswamy Temple and Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace.
Srirangapatna is well-connected by road. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Mysore or Bangalore. The nearest railway station is in Srirangapatna itself, and the nearest airport is in Mysore.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information regarding entry fees can vary. It's advisable to check locally upon arrival, though many historical sites in the area have nominal entrance charges or are free to visit.
The cemetery is generally accessible during daylight hours. For the most accurate timings, it's best to inquire locally or check with the Karnataka Tourism department.
No advance booking is typically required for this historical site. You can usually visit on the spot.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
This cemetery is a poignant reminder of the colonial era, housing over 300 graves of British and Swiss officers and their families who died between 1799 and 1860, many during conflicts like the assault on Tipu Sultan.
You'll find numerous gravestones, some with inscriptions detailing the lives of the deceased. The site is maintained and offers a serene, reflective atmosphere by the Cauvery River.
While efforts have been made for maintenance, some visitors note that certain gravestones may be missing or worn. The De Meuron family from Switzerland has been instrumental in its upkeep.
Take your time to walk through the grounds, read the inscriptions where visible, and appreciate the historical context. It's a place for quiet contemplation.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally permitted. However, always be respectful of the solemn nature of the site.
The older gravestones with intricate carvings and the serene riverside setting offer excellent photographic opportunities. The play of light during early morning or late afternoon can be particularly beautiful.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's best to pair this visit with more engaging historical sites in Srirangapatna that might hold a child's attention more readily, such as Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace or the Daria Daulat Bagh. Ensure everyone stays hydrated and comfortable, as facilities are minimal.
🏛️ History Buffs & Researchers
Researchers may find the cemetery particularly interesting for its connection to the Regiment de Meuron and the broader context of mercenary involvement in British colonial campaigns. The ongoing preservation efforts by the De Meuron family also present a case study in heritage management. Visiting during quieter hours will allow for more focused observation and reflection on the historical narratives embedded within the site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Colonial History
The cemetery's location on the banks of the Cauvery River adds to its serene, albeit somber, atmosphere. Visitors often note the poignant reality of the young ages at which many soldiers died, a stark reminder of the human cost of historical events. While the site is a protected monument, the condition of some gravestones, with inscriptions fading or missing, underscores the challenges of preserving such historical sites against the ravages of time and potential vandalism.
Significant efforts have been made to maintain and restore the cemetery, notably by members of the De Meuron family from Switzerland, who have invested considerable resources to preserve this piece of their heritage. This dedication ensures that the Garrison Cemetery Srirangapatna continues to be a place of historical importance and quiet reflection for visitors interested in colonial military history.
Preservation and Community Efforts
In 2007, a visit by Louise De Meuron and his wife revealed the deteriorating state of the cemetery, prompting them to spearhead renovation efforts. They have reportedly invested significant personal funds, approximately INR 3 million, to date, to restore crumbling structures and protect the gravestones. This commitment highlights a powerful example of how private individuals and families can contribute to safeguarding historical heritage.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Some grave markers have gone missing, and others show signs of deliberate erasure or smoothing of engravings. This situation underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and support from both local authorities and heritage organizations to prevent further damage and ensure the long-term preservation of this historically significant site.
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