Tourism

Srirangapatna

This island fortress of Tippu Sultan is situated on the Bangalore-Mysore Highway at about 25Kms
from Mandya. This history-rich town was the capital of the Warrior-Kings Hyder Ali and his son
Tippu Sultan - The Tiger of Mysore.

Sriranganatha Temple : Temple of Lord Vishnu in the sleeping posture on the Great Snake
Anantha, is one of the Largest Shrines in the State. The temple represents a mixture of
Vijayanagara and Hoysala Styles of Architecture.

Daria Daulat Bagh: Built in 1784, this Summer Palace was one of Tipu's favourite retreats. Made
of teak, this Indo-Saracenic structure has ornate and beautiful frescoes. Now, a museum houses some of Tippu's belongings There are mural paintings on the walls of the ground floor depicting Tippu's Military Campaign against the British.

Ganjam: Housing the mortal remains of Tipu Sultan, his father Hyder Ali and his mother, the Ganjam has splendid ebony doors inlaid with ivory. Tippu's favourite Tiger stripes cover the walls.

 Ranganathittu
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, 4 Kms to the South West of Srirangapatna, is home to several exotic species of
birds. Emigrant birds of all types notably pelicans and storks can be found here.

Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary, situated on the banks of the Cauvery River , includes of a group of six islets. The isolated islets and the abundance of aquatic insects during the monsoon make Ranganthittu a favorite abode for birds. Ranganthittu attained the status of a bird sanctuary in 1940, courtesy of the visions of India 's noted ornithologist-Dr. Salim Ali who, during his survey of the birds, advocated for the establishment of such a sanctuary. The sanctuary is now a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers and bird watchers.

Some species of birds that have made Ranganthittu their home are spoonbills, open bill storks, darters, white Ibis, little cormorants, egret, heron, partridge, river tern, stone plougher, snake bird, and other exotic bird species that fly to the sanctuary in large flocks.

The best time to visit this Sanctuary is between June - October.
 

Brindavan Gardens

The Krishna Raja Sagar dam (in Sriranagapatna Taluk) was designed & constructed by renowned architect Sir.M.Vishweshwaraiah in 1932 during the regime of Sri. Krishnaraja Wodeyar - IV. It is built close to confluence of three rivers cauvery, Hemavathi & Lakshmana Teertha. The length of the dam is 2621 meters & height 39 meters. The reservoir itself is spread over an area of 130 Sq. Kms.

The beautiful  garden laid out on the side of the dam are decorated by fountains. There is a small lake for boating. The illumination & musical fountains are the special features of the garden.

 Shivanasamudra falls
The river Shimsha , a tributary of the Cauvery, has its fall in Malavalli taluk in Mandya district, located at about 60 Kms  from Mandya.The Cauvery at Shivanasamudra falls (in Mandya district) has twin jumps, Gaganachukki and Bharachukki, one km away from each other and their water has been harnessed for production of power from 1901. Falling down from a height of 75 m into a deep gorge,these falls are best during the monsoons.1.5 kms.away is Asia's first hydro-electric power project set up in 1901.

The eastern falls - Bhara Chukki
Two kms from Shivanasamudram, which is popularly called Bluff, through green fields dotted with multitudes of young trees lies the waterfall. From the watchtower, one can view the falls where the river plunges downward in a wonderful cascade, sending up dense clouds of mist, presenting a breathtaking scene. The Falls which plunges to a depth of 300-350 ft. Shivasanamudram falls is the second biggest waterfall in India .

The western falls - Gagana Chukki
At Shivasanamudram, the river branches into two, creating the second largest island in its course. There are a group of ancient temples situated in this island. It is believed that very long ago there was a village in this island.
 
Kokkrebellur
Kokkrebellur, a Small village  at about 40 Kms from Mandya. Entire village waits eagerly for the arrival of winged guests every year with whom villagers have developed a relationship of reverence.

During October/November every year, the village turns home to migratory birds. Flocks of painted storks (ibis leucocephalus) and spot billed pelicans (pelecanus philippenis) descend on the hamlet to build their nests and rear their young ones. Large, shady trees of tamarind, peepal and portia bristle with colonies of birds, and they come in droves, especially during February when the population peaks.  For the villagers, these winged visitors are welcome guests. So much so, that if they fail to turn up in a year, they believe it bodes ill for the village.
 Melkote

Around 35  kilometres from  Mandya  city  is to be found on a hilly tract comprising some of the oldest rock formations on the earth's crust. Nestling in the heart of these hills lies the temple town of Melkote or Tirunarayanapuram (as it is also called ). The origins of the towns are lost in antiquity, but it rose to cultural and religious importance in the 12th century AD when the great South Indian philosopher and teacher, Sri Ramanujacharya lived in the town for twelve years.Today life in Melkote revolves around the Cheluvanarayanaswamy temple within the township, which enjoyed the patronage of the Mysore Maharajas as well as Tipu Sultan, and the Yoganarasimhaswamy temple on the hill overlooking Melkote. These temples are repositories of Melkote's living tradition as well as storehouses of academic knowledge of our culture.Melkote, a sacred pilgrim centre known for the Vairamudi Festival held during March - April.  One of the best - preserved towns, Melkote is unique in that it has retained its traditional character over the centuries.

How to Reach

BY RAIL - Mandya is well connected with cities like Bangalore, Mysore, Shimoga, Chennai, Tirupathi, Tanjavore, Tuticorin, Delhi through regular trains.

BY ROAD - There is a good network of roads that connects Mandya to other important cities of the region.