Geosites-landscape features that exhibit scientific, aesthetic, ecological, cultural, or educational significance are widely recognized as fundamental units for conserving geoheritage and promoting geotourism. International scholarship emphasizes that geosites serve not only as repositories of Earth’s geological past but also as dynamic spaces for environmental learning, community development, and sustainable tourism [1, 9, 11, 13, 15]. Geotourism, as conceptualized in global literature, highlights the value of interpreting geological heritage for public benefit, tourism diversification, and long-term conservation [4, 5]. The concept of geomorphosites further underscores the importance of landforms as educational and cultural resources that contribute to regional identity and landscape management [2, 12].

In recent years, India has increasingly acknowledged the importance of geoheritage, with initiatives arising from the Geological Survey of India, academic institutions, and regional conservation programmes [14]. Nevertheless, many districts rich in natural geomorphological features remain undocumented, underutilized, and vulnerable to degradation, underscoring the need for structured assessment strategies [10, 16].

Mandya District in Karnataka lies within the southern Deccan Plateau, encompassing an intricate assemblage of granite inselbergs, structural hills, river valleys, waterfalls, wetlands, and cultural landscapes linked to natural features. Despite this geomorphic richness, the region lacks systematic documentation of geosite potential and a coordinated approach for geotourism development. With rising local interest and growing academic engagement in integrated landscape management, assessing the geosites of Mandya becomes both timely and essential [17, 18]. SWOT analysis an evaluative framework identifying Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats is widely used in tourism planning, destination management, and environmental assessment [3, 7, 8]. It is particularly effective when field-level qualitative information is available, but detailed quantitative or geospatial datasets are limited. The present study applies SWOT analysis solely based on direct field observation across twenty-seven geosites in Mandya District to understand their current conditions, constraints, and development prospects. This approach provides a practical, context-sensitive assessment that can directly support planners, local governments, academic institutions, and geotourism developers in designing sustainable geoheritage strategies.

Mandya District is located in southern Karnataka, forming part of the Mysore Plateau and lying between the Cauvery River basin and the hilly uplands of the Kalyana Karnataka region. The district features diverse geomorphological characteristics, including granitic domes, residual hills (bettas), inselbergs, pediplains, waterfalls formed along structural discontinuities, river confluences such as Triveni Sangama, and wetlands including lakes, tanks, and irrigation reservoirs. The region’s geology predominantly comprises Archean granites and gneisses, with localized metamorphic and sedimentary units forming varied landform assemblages. Rich cultural landscapes such as Melukote, Adichunchanagiri, and Karighatta further enhance the district’s geotourism potential. Despite this richness, many of these landscapes remain under-documented and lack formal geoheritage recognition.

The present study is based entirely on primary data collected through extensive fieldwork conducted across twenty seven geosites in Mandya District. Each site was visited in person to observe and document its geomorphic characteristics, landscape features, environmental condition, and tourism related attributes. Field assessment involved careful visual interpretation of landforms such as hill profiles, rocky outcrops, drainage features, slopes, and associated geomorphic processes allowing to understand the scientific and aesthetic value of each location directly on the ground. Photographs were systematically taken at every site to capture geomorphological features, environmental setting, accessibility conditions, and any visible signs of degradation or human influence. Informal interactions with local community members provided contextual insights regarding site history, cultural associations, visitor patterns, and local perceptions of tourism potential. GPS based location verification was used to confirm the coordinates and spatial accuracy of each geosite. All observations were recorded using a structured SWOT documentation sheet, enabling the systematic classification of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The assessment was thus grounded exclusively in empirical field evidence and contextual understanding obtained through direct site visits. 

The SWOT analysis of the twenty-seven geosites in Mandya District provides an integrated understanding of their geomorphic character, field condition, development prospects, and associated vulnerabilities. The evaluation highlights clear spatial patterns across taluks—Krishnarajapete, Pandavapura, Malavalli, Nagamangala, Maddur, Mandya, and Srirangapatna—revealing the strengths and challenges unique to each landscape type. The findings are presented thematically, with multiple examples from the field data.

The geosites of Mandya District possess strong intrinsic qualities that favour geotourism, education, and conservation. Most sites have high scenic and aesthetic value. Hills such as Kuntibetta, Karighatta, Rayasamudra Betta and Tonnuru–Vaddarahalli Betta offer wide panoramic views, dramatic granite massifs and visually striking skylines. Water and wetland based sites like Mandagere Katte Falls, Hemagiri Katte Falls and Sooley Kere add to the visual diversity with seasonal cascades, open water surfaces and lush surroundings.

Geomorphically, the district hosts distinctive landforms: inselbergs (Rayasamudra Betta, Basavana Kallu Betta, Antaravalli Betta), structural ridges (Melukote, Kote Betta), erosional granite forms (Aretippuru Betta, Ganasandra Hill) and fluvial lacustrine systems (Triveni Sangama, Sooley Kere). These features make Mandya a natural geomorphology “field laboratory”.

Several sites have clear scientific and educational value. Hemagiri Katte Falls, Garakahalli and Aretippuru Betta are well suited for teaching structural features, weathering, slope processes and multidisciplinary field studies. In addition, cultural - natural linkages at Melukote, Adichunchanagiri, Karighatta and Aretippuru broaden their appeal to heritage and pilgrimage visitors.

Finally, many sites are easily accessible, with good road connectivity to places like Kuntibetta, Melukote, Karighatta, Sooley Kere and Triveni Sangama, supporting their immediate inclusion in geotourism planning.

Despite strong natural advantages, several constraints reduce current tourism readiness. A common weakness across all twenty-seven sites is the absence of interpretation and signage. Even geosites with high academic value Rayasamudra Betta, Kundur Betta and Garakahalli lack scientific explanation boards and wayfinding, limiting their use for school and university visits.

Most sites also suffer from poor basic infrastructure. Kundur Betta lacks safe trekking paths and resting places; Kolirayanabetta has steep, difficult approaches and no proper parking; Aretippuru Betta has no water, food or safety arrangements; and Garakahalli has no nearby boarding or lodging. Even popular Kuntibetta does not have adequate toilets, waste bins or official viewpoints.

Community participation and awareness are limited at Basavana Betta, Belejagali Mole, Haddinakallu Anjaneya Betta and several others. Local residents are often unaware of the geoheritage value and do not actively engage in guiding, homestays or conservation, reducing the long-term sustainability of tourism efforts.

In addition, nearly all sites face legal and administrative gaps. There is no formal geoheritage protection for Aretippuru Betta, Ganasandra Hill, Kolirayanabetta and many Nagamangala hills, making them vulnerable to quarrying, land conversion and unplanned development. Seasonal and terrain-related issues such as slippery monsoon slopes at Hemagiri Katte Falls and Kundur Betta, or fluctuating water levels at Belejagali Mole create additional safety and access challenges.

The SWOT analysis shows strong scope for sustainable, low-impact geotourism development. The geosites naturally group into thematic circuits, such as Fluvial Heritage Circuit, Inselberg Trail, Cultural Geomorphic Circuit and Adventure/Trekking Circuit. These circuits can distribute visitor flows and reduce pressure on individual sites. There is clear scope for eco- and rural tourism integration in villages around Basavana Betta, Belejagali Mole and Sooley Kere through local food, agro-tourism, cultural programmes and community-led guided treks. Sites like Garakahalli, Hemagiri Katte Falls, Aretippuru Betta and Bettadamma Hill can be formally incorporated into university and school curricula for field camps, student projects and environmental interpretation.

Popular sites such as Karighatta and Melukote offer potential for digital interpretation, including temple landscape narratives, mobile apps and virtual tours. At a broader scale, clusters in Pandavapura, Nagamangala and Maddur could underpin proposals for a Mandya Geoheritage Reserve, district-level Geo-Park or, in the long term, UNESCO Global Geopark candidacy.

The geosites are exposed to multiple threats that could undermine their long-term sustainability. Pollution and environmental degradation are already visible at Sooley Kere (waste and water pollution), Karighatta (littering by visitors) and Kuntibetta (plastic along trails). Unregulated trekking has caused erosion on paths at several hill sites. Land encroachment and fragmented ownership pose serious risks at Aretippuru Betta, Garakahalli, Kolirayanabetta and Ganasandra Hill, where private plots, agricultural expansion and informal constructions disturb the continuity of the landforms and complicate coordinated management. In granite-rich belts near Nagamangala and Pandavapura, quarrying and mining activities threaten surrounding hillscapes through outcrop removal, dust, noise and visual scarring. Climate variability magnifies these pressures, affecting water levels at Belejagali Mole, seasonal flows at Hemagiri Katte Falls, and trail conditions at Kundur Betta.

Finally, a persistent threat is the lack of institutional coordination. Overlapping mandates of Forest, Tourism, Panchayat and Revenue departments mean that no single agency is responsible for geosite protection. This has resulted in unmanaged visitor activities at Aretippuru Betta, insufficient trail and waste management at Kuntibetta, and absence of unified conservation measures at Garakahalli and other sites.

The SWOT analysis of the twenty-seven geosites in Mandya District demonstrates that the region possesses a 

strong natural foundation for geotourism, environmental education, and geoheritage conservation. The overwhelmingly positive strengths indicate that these landscapes are inherently suitable for tourism and scientific interpretation, while the weaknesses, opportunities, and threats highlight the practical considerations necessary for their sustainable development.

The most significant finding is that the natural value of the geosites is exceptionally high, with prominent examples such as Kuntibetta, Karighatta, Rayasamudra Betta, Antaravalli Betta, Hemagiri Katte Falls, and Sooley Kere showcasing striking landform diversity inselbergs, structural ridges, waterfalls, wetlands, and panoramic hilltops. These characteristics reveal that Mandya District is naturally positioned as a geomorphologically rich landscape capable of supporting education-based tourism, outdoor recreation, and heritage interpretation.

However, the analysis clearly indicates that the challenges facing these sites are largely management-related rather than natural. Almost every geosite lacks interpretation boards, scientific signage, waste bins, visitor amenities, or safety infrastructure. Sites such as Kundur Betta, Aretippuru Betta, Kolirayanabetta, and Garakahalli illustrate this gap most strongly, despite their high scenic and scientific potential. The absence of formal legal protection further exposes several landscapes particularly those in Nagamangala and Pandavapura to quarrying, encroachment, and unregulated construction. These weaknesses represent critical barriers to formal geotourism development and highlight the need for coordinated planning.

The opportunities identified in the analysis underscore the significant potential for sustainable and community-linked geotourism. The natural clustering of sites enables the development of thematic circuits such as the Fluvial Heritage Circuit, Inselberg Trail, Cultural–Geomorphic Circuit, and Trekking Circuit. These circuits would not only diversify tourism offerings but also evenly distribute visitor pressure across the district. Additionally, the close proximity of many geosites to rural settlements such as those around Basavana Betta, Belejagali Mole, and Sooley Kere creates strong possibilities for community-based ecotourism, homestays, local guiding, traditional food tourism, and handicraft markets, allowing geotourism to support rural livelihoods.

Educational applications are another key opportunity, as several geosites offer ideal settings for field studies, research, and environmental interpretation. Sites like Aretippuru Betta, Hemagiri Katte Falls, Garakahalli, and Bettadamma Hill could be integrated into university-level field camps, school excursions, and training programmes in geomorphology and environmental science. Digital interpretation including AR/VR tools, mobile apps, and virtual field tours can further enhance accessibility and visitor engagement without disturbing the natural environment.

On the other hand, the threats identified particularly pollution, trail erosion, quarrying, land encroachment, and climate variability pose serious risks to the long-term integrity of the geosites. For example, Kuntibetta and Karighatta are already affected by littering and unmanaged trekking, while Aretippuru Betta, Ganasandra Hill, and Kolirayanabetta face encroachment and land fragmentation. Quarrying activities near Nagamangala and Pandavapura threaten the visual and structural integrity of nearby hills. These threats highlight the urgent need for protective regulations, environmental monitoring, and community awareness.           

A key insight emerging from this evaluation is the lack of institutional coordination, which is the single most consistent governance challenge across the district. The overlapping roles of the Tourism Department, Forest Department, Revenue Department, and Gram Panchayats have resulted in a vacuum in which no agency takes full responsibility for geosite conservation. This has led to inconsistent management, unregulated visitor movement, and the absence of long-term planning. Establishing a district-level geoheritage committee or nodal cell could provide the required coordination.

Install essential amenities such as safe trekking paths, viewing platforms, toilets, drinking water points, resting shelters, and waste bins at high-potential sites like Kuntibetta, Kundur Betta, Aretippuru Betta, Kolirayanabetta, and Garakahalli to improve safety and enhance visitor experience.

Establish scientific interpretation boards, directional signage, and geoheritage information panels at key sites (e.g., Rayasamudra Betta, Hemagiri Katte Falls, Sooley Kere, Melukote) to support school and university fieldwork and to increase public awareness of geoscientific values.

Engage local communities around sites such as Basavana Betta, Belejagali Mole, and Sooley Kere through training in guiding, homestay development, cultural tourism, and eco-friendly service provision, thereby creating local employment and promoting grassroots stewardship.

Designate vulnerable landscapes including Aretippuru Betta, Ganasandra Hill, Kolirayanabetta, and Nagamangala hill clusters as geoheritage conservation areas. Establish a district-level geoheritage coordination committee to streamline management across Tourism, Forest, Revenue, and Panchayat departments.

Implement structured circuits such as the Fluvial Heritage Circuit, Inselberg Trail, Cultural–Geomorphic Circuit, and Adventure/Trekking Circuit. These circuits will distribute visitor pressure, diversify tourism opportunities, and support integrated regional planning.

Introduce regular cleaning drives, enforce anti-littering practices, regulate trekking routes, monitor quarrying activities, and implement ecosystem restoration measures in sensitive areas such as Sooley Kere, Karighatta, and Hemagiri Katte Falls to protect natural integrity.

The present study provides a comprehensive SWOT-based assessment of twenty-seven geosites in Mandya District, offering valuable insights into their geomorphic significance, current condition, and potential for sustainable geotourism development. The findings demonstrate that the district possesses exceptional natural strengths, including diverse landforms, high scenic value, strong educational potential, and rich cultural associations. These intrinsic qualities position Mandya as a naturally endowed geoheritage landscape capable of supporting both scientific learning and nature-based tourism. However, the assessment also highlights critical weaknesses—such as inadequate infrastructure, absence of interpretation, limited community engagement, and lack of legal protection—which currently restrict the effective utilization of these sites. Despite these challenges, the opportunities identified are substantial. The geosites can be integrated into thematic circuits, rural tourism models, educational programmes, and digital interpretation systems, collectively contributing to regional development and community livelihoods. At the same time, the threats of pollution, quarrying, encroachment, and institutional gaps underscore the urgent need for conservation-oriented planning and coordinated management.