Malavalli is a developing town located in the Mandya district of the southern state of India, Karnataka. Mandya, the district headquarters town is located at a distance of 24 km. The nearest 'access points' are the Mysore Junction Railway station and the Bangalore International Airport. Geographically, the town is located between 12.38° North latitude and 77.08° East longitude at an average elevation of 610 metres (2001 feet) above mean sea level.

According to the 2001 India Census report, Malavalli had a population of 35, 800. Males account for 51% of the population while females account for 49% of the population. In Malavalli, 13% of the population is less than six years of age. The average literacy rate of Malavalli is 64%, which is higher than the national average literacy rate, which is 59.5%. To be specific, the male literacy rate is 69% and the female literacy rate is 58%.

Malavalli is a picturesque town dotted with lush green trees, sparkling rivers and hillocks. A prime attraction of the place is the Shivanasamudra waterfalls. Sericulture and leather are two important industries of the town.