There were two gardens on the island, full of large trees, one of them being the burial place of Hyder Ali.

This was connected with the fort by two avenues of trees.

The country round was flat, a considerable portion being almost level with the river, and devoted to the cultivation of rice, while at other points a forest extended, almost to the bank.
After obtaining a view, from some high ground, of the city and of Tippoo's army encamped beyond its walls, the British force took up its position six miles to the northwest of the city.

No sooner had the army reached their camping ground than Lord Cornwallis, with his staff, reconnoitred the approaches.
A thick hedge, formed by a wide belt of thorny shrubs, interlaced and fastened together by cords, extended from the bank of the river, about a thousand yards above Seringapatam; and, making a wide sweep, came down to it again opposite the other end of the island.
It was within the shelter of this formidable obstacle that Tippoo's army was encamped.

Within the enclosed space were seven or eight eminences, on which strong redoubts had been erected.