Geographically, Mandya is surrounded by Tumkuru in the north, Ramanagara in the east, Chamrajanagara and Mysuru in the south and Hassan in the west. Mandya is also known as the land of five rivers due to the presence of the rivers Cauvery, Hemavathi, Shimsha, Veeravaishnavi and Lokapavani. These rivers give Mandya both religious importance and scenic beauty. Mandya has been ruled by many dynasties like Gangas, Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara, Prabhus of Nagamangala and Wadiyars but the major influence has by Hyder Ali-Tipu Sultan regime as they had their capital in Srirangapatna. Few prehistoric settlements have also been found in these areas that include Pandavapura, Kuntibetta and Belakavadi. Mandya also has links to the Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharatha.
Mandya is one of the most agriculturally prosperous districts in Karnataka. With the advent of irrigation from the KRS reservoir during 1930’s, there was substantially marked transformation in cropping pattern, and better grown yield level, ultimately leading to better economic conditions of the people. The major crops include Ragi, Paddy and Pulses like Horse gram. But the main crop is Sugarcane. Jaggery and Sugar industries contribute a major chunk to the local economy and hence Mandy is also popular as “Sakkare Nagara” (City of Sugar).
In terms of tourist attractions, Mandya is always in the tourist itinerary list as most people visiting Mysuru visit few of the attractions here due to its proximity. KRS Dam and Brindavan Gardens is perhaps the biggest tourist attraction apart from Shivanasumudra Falls, Srirangapatna, Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary among others.
Maddur Vada is a famous delicacy from Mandya district which is best enjoyed with a hot cup of filter coffee.
Tourist Attractions
Krishnaraja Sagara Dam (KRS): The engineers and planners of the erstwhile Mysuru State had envisioned this dam, with many objectives in mind like providing drinking water to Mysuru/ adjacent places, to supply water to the hydro-electric power station at Shivasamudra and for a continuous supply of Cauvery water for irrigational purposes. Due to the hard work and expertise of great visionaries like Bharat Ratna Sir M. Vishweshwaraya, T Ananda Rao, Sir Mirza Ismail and other engineers. the dam work was completed between 1911-1932. The dam is 8600 feet in length and 130 feet in height.
Brindavan Gardens: Spread across an area of 60 acres, Brindavan Gardens is at the bottom of the Krishnaraja Sagara Dam (KRS), across the river Cauvery. Modelled on the Shalimar Gardens of Kashmir, the garden entices visitors with its lush green lawns, terraces, flower beds, topiary and multihued fountains. Today, the Brindavan Gardens is world famous for its ethereal beauty and grandeur. An endless expanse of green, dotted with colourful blooms, the terraced gardens are well laid and admired for their symmetrical design. The highlight for visitors, however, is the famed musical fountain which is a water ballet of sorts, with lights and music and is played every evening for the tourists.
Satyagraha Soudha, Shivpura: A monument to mark the freedom struggle at Maddur located on Bangalore - Mysore Highway. It was built to commemorate the Shivapura Flag Satyagraha of 1938.