Top 5 Best Places Visiting in Mandya for Nature, History & Spirituality

1.Mahadevapura

This village is lying about 15 km east to the taluk head quarter – Srirangapattana. on the either bank of river Kaveri. The Kashi Vishweshwara temple in the front of the river atop of which the Mysore rulers have built. There are two individual garbhagrihas- one with Kashi Vishwanatha linga facing the East and the other with Amma (goddess) sculptures facing south and there are an antarala and broad common navaranga with entrance at east and south directions. The entrance door has a large mukhamantapa. The main garbhagriha has a shivalinga and in the antarala Nandi, Annapoorneshwari is housed in other garbhagriha. The navaranga too has not many Ganapati images. The temple has spacious pra-kara, tall dwara –mandapa and beautiful dwara gopura. A Jatra is celebrated in the deity on vaishakha shuddha purnima. Near the open space, on the river bank are temple like Bindumadhava, Anjaneya and Channakeshava. Basavanna, Veerabhadra, Choudeshwari, Pattaladamma, Chikkamma and other temples are within the village. The place is very suitable for a weekend break program due to the lodging place and the temples.

2.Karighatta

Karighatta is a scenic destination which perfectly merges the past, religion and nature. Situated at a mere five kilometers from Srirangapattana, this hill passionatelyowers atop at an elevation of 2,697 feet, providing allure sights and sound and an escape from the chaos of daily life.

Located on the left bank of the serene Lokapavani River, Karighatta is a paradise for nature. Lush greenery of the hill, picturesque walk, panoramic views with the surrounding as the backdrop is what makes it one amongst the best spot for trekking and photography to be done. The meeting point of North Kaveri and Lokapavani adds to the picturesque beauty of this area.

Karighatta holds a deep significance in eyes of devotees as well as it is here where Venkataramanaswamy (Shreenivasa) Temple, an ancient temple perched on the top of a hill is established. The temple built under the Mysore kings (Raja Odeya’s regime) holds the distinct architectural style of that period of time. The temple has a large prakara (courtyard) and emits divine ambiance that draws the devotees from afar.

Historical Significance

• Ancient records point to the site’s name as Karighatta or Karrighatta implying a great deal of historical and cultural significance to the place. As it has been used as a place of worship for centuries the hill is a must visit for history enthusiasts, and for those looking for spiritual enlightenment.

Why Visit Karighatta?

• Scenic Beauty: Ideal for photography and nature walks.
• Spiritual Experience: Has the Venkataramanaswamy Temple.
• so Trekking Adventure: A perfect destination for the trekking enthusiasts
• Rich History: A place of historical and cultural significance.

3.Balamuri

Balamuri is very beautiful tourist places in just three kilometer north-west of Belagola and fourteen kilometres to the west of the taluk has been situated. Situated on the banks of the gigantic river Kaveri, on the right bank of it, this place is popular for its natural beauty, history richness and all the adventure and sport activities it can provide.

Ancient inscriptions attest Balamuri to be a hamlet of the historic Ballegola (now Belugola) and consider it as sacred Balamba Theertha or Balambari. The famous historic temple standing in this region in Agasthyeshwara, is said to be of pre-Chola age. A historical inscript from 1013 A.D. under the Rajaraja Chola-I governement proves the conferment of grant to this temple by Dandanayaka Panchavan Maharaya (Rajendra I), pointing out that Adhikesava Perumal Temple is an important location of South Indian History.

The Virija Right Canal originating from the Balamuri Anicut (local small dam built across Kaveri) runs for approximately 56 kilometers inside Srirangapattana Taluk. This canal is accountable for the well watered grounds with hundreds and hundreds of acres, intensifying the picturesque of the area. Because of the anicut water remains constant making an environment that invites visitors for both revenue generation and as well as for relaxation.

Best Time to Visit

• The best time to visit Balamuri is during the monsoon and post monsoon season when the water level will be Prime and greenery will be full. That being said, visitors should use extreme caution when wading the water especially during high flow days.

4.Hulikere

When it was built across that river of 1932 as Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS), it changed permanently irrigation and supply of water in the area. Even though this policy led to construction of dams, this brought problems for small agricultural villages like Hulikere in Kalenahalli, Mandya District, into which movement was restricted.

In order to resolve this problem, the legendary engineer Sir M. Visvesvaraya engineered the hulikere tunnel. This tunnel was a pioneering solution that made it possible for the KRS dam backwaters to be carried to the Hulikere village so that there was no dearth of water for the farmers to work on.

For nearly a century now, the Hulikere tunnel is a lifeline for the village’s agricultural community. Even after so many years, the tunnel keeps functioning efficiently, and it is an example for the vision and engineering skill of Sir M. Visvesvaraya. Even today the villagers rely on this remarkable structure in irrigation, exemplifying the long-lasting effects of good planned infrastructure in rural development.

The Hulikere channel is more than just a path for water to flow—it is an example of wise engineering and iconic capability of forward-thinking planning to benefit many in later generations. The ongoing use of this structure emphasizes the importance of preserving such historical feats of engineering as well as envisioning modern improvements to accommodate changing demands of farmers in the area.

5.Brindavan Garden

Located at the foot of majestic Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam, the Brindavan Gardens is one of the sought after destinations around the globe that has spellbound all tourist. Famous for its beautiful flowers, lovely parks and charming fountains, this garden is a wonderful representation of the great beauty of nature and the human taste for beauty.

Brindavan Garden is the conception of the erstwhile Dewan of Mysore, Sir Mirza Ismail. Eine idyllische Oase am Yarraville Waterfront, die von einer Version der exotischen Mughal-stiligen Shalimar Gardens in Kaschmir geinspiert wurde.

One of the most attractable features of Brindavan Gardens is the peaceful boating service. Located at the middle part of garden, the tourists can either take a peaceful boat ride or may take walk way served by dam wall, reaching to far end of the garden. This feature adds to the beauty of the space and enables the guests to indulge into its serene atmosphere.

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