Tourism in Mandya district is a fun-filled experience, as there are a number of places here that may be visited by the tourist. The various tourist attractions in Mandya district cater to the interests of a myriad populace as there are a variety of places here such as temples, lakes, fishing camps etc.

Leisure Tourism In Mandya District
Srirangapatna is a must visit for those travelling to Mandya district. It was from here that the legendary hero, Tipu Sultan, son of Hyder Ali, ruled over his kingdom of Mysore. Srirangapatna is a land rich in history and culture. It is home to several monuments and structures which bear testimony to the greatness of the rulers. Tipu Sultan`s Summer Palace, Daria Daulat, built in was his favourite retreat. Being a fine example of Saracenic architecture, it is now a museum and the mural paintings in it tell eloquently of his valour and his losing battle against British Expansion. It has ornate and beautiful frescoes. The Daria Daulat Bagh is located 14 Kms to the north-east of Mysore on the Bengaluru-Mysore Highway at Srirangapatna.

The fort of Tipu sultan at Sritangapatna holds within it the Juma mosque and the Ranganatha Swamy temple. Outside the fort is the Gumbaz, the tomb of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. The Gumbaz is a magnificent example of Indo-Islamic architecture, with an imposing dome, doors of ebony inlaid with ivory. The Masjid-e-ala mosque built during Tipu`s time (1784) was completely painted by the "Baburi" motif which was later whitewashed by the British. It has two tall graceful minarets and beautiful carved flowery designs on the roof and pillars. In the centre of the mosque are delicately chiselled bunches of grapes and other creepers. A stony solar clock is in the courtyard.

The Satyagraha Soudha Shivpura is a monument that has been erected to mark the freedom struggle at Maddur in particular and Mandya district in general. It is an architecturally unique building located on the Bengaluru-Mysore Highway, 25 Kms from Mandya. Found here are a small garden and a musical fountain.

The Krishna Raja Sagara Dam and Brindavan Gardens are located 19 Kms to the North West of Mysore. It is much visited tourist site. The swirling musical fountains dancing to the rhythm of soft music and colourful Lights transform this place into a fairy land in the evenings, attracting thousands of visitors. It may be reached by road from Mysore or Srirangapatna. Some trains between Mysore and Bengaluru also stop here.

The musical fountain in the well maintained "Kaveri Vana" gardens in front of the D.C. Office attracts hundreds of visitors every Sunday. The statue of Kaveri in the centre of the dancing fountain is a rare feature that lends it a lot of beauty and grandeur.

Nature Tourism In Mandya District
Four Kms from Srirangapatna and 18 Kms from Mysore is the Ranganatittu Bird Sanctuary that allows a close view of birds, both exotic and familiar and of crocodiles that resemble mud banks. Birds from as far away as Siberia make this their home. The Kaveri River spreads among stones and lagoons to form a group of islands full of lush green vegetation making this place an ideal haven for birds which migrate here from all over the world.

The Kokkare Bellur, situated 12 Kms from Maddur towards Halagur, is a unique bird sanctuary which has been internationally recognised as it co-exists with the village community. The birds nest in the trees that are found in and around the village. One can view colourful birds like grey pelicans which arrive from Australia and various other parts of the world during April-May.

Shivasundaram is the point where the Kaveri River cascades down into two picturesque waterfalls. Falling down 75 metres into a deep rocky gorge, these falls are at their best during the monsoon months (July to November). Asia`s first hydro-electric project was set up here in 1905. Power was evacuated from this power project to Kolar Gold Fields near Bengaluru for running the gold mines. From Mandya, Shivasundaram is located at a distance of 75 Kms towards the east.

A fine Inspection bungalow overlooks the deep and verdant Shimsha valley where the Shimsha River joins the Kaveri. This place is reached by the road that branches off from the main Maddur-Malavalli-Kollegal road. A large number of tourists visit this place.

Kaveri Fishing Camp, at Bhimeshwari is a paradise for anglers. The rich Mahaseer fish is found here in abundance. The camp is managed by the Karnataka Jungle Lodges and Resort, Bengaluru. There are comfortable cottages, tents and huts found here, which aim at giving the tourists a taste of the wild and the comfort of the wild simultaneously. The camp is a 100 Kms away from the Bengaluru-Kollegal National Highway.

Hemagiri in K.R.Pet Taluk, about six miles from K.R.Pet Town, is on the bank of the river Hemavati. The left bank of the river has a continuous strip of grand and fascinating foliage. Many people frequent this place for rest and recuperation. An anicut is constructed at the foot of the hill across the Hemavati River here and is called the Hemagiri anicut, from where channels are drawn for irrigation purposes. A big cattle fair is held here at the time of the car festival of the local Venkataramanaswami Temple.

Among the many lakes in the district, the Tannur Lake which was also called the Moti Talab, in the Pandavapura Taluk, is an old lake with historical associations. It is situated about 3 miles to the left of the seventh mile of the Pandavapura Railway Station- Nelligere Road. Being located on a hilltop, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the valley below and other hills in the area. A climb up the hillock next to the lake can also be a wonderful experience. This tank has been constructed by putting up an earthen bund across the gap between two rocky hills. The bund of this tank is said to have been constructed during the time of the Hoysala Empire (12th century) by Sri Ramanujacharya who named it as Tirumalasagara. Well pleased by the clear water of the lake, Nasir Jung, son of the then Subedar of the Deccan gave it the name of Moti Talab (lake of pearls) in 1746. The bund was later repaired by Tipu Sultan.

Besides these the Mandya district is also dotted with several places of pilgrimage. Tourism in Mandya district, thus, has a lot to offer the tourist looking to get close to culture as well as have some fun.