Krishnaraja Sagar Dam, popularly known as KRS Dam, is one of the most prominent dams built across the River Cauvery in Karnataka. Located near Mysuru, the dam created a large reservoir that plays an important role in irrigation and water supply in the region.
Right next to the dam are the famous Brindavan Gardens, a beautifully landscaped garden known for its fountains, illuminated gardens and musical fountain show.
KRS Dam and Brindavan Gardens are not the same place. The dam is the massive reservoir and engineering structure, while Brindavan Gardens is the landscaped garden developed alongside it. Because the two are located together, they are commonly referred to as a single tourist destination.
Together, KRS Dam and Brindavan Gardens make for a popular excursion from Mysuru and can also be visited as part of a day trip from Bengaluru.
About KRS Dam
KRS Dam was built across the River Cauvery near Mysuru, Karnataka. The reservoir was created after the confluence of the Cauvery with the Hemavati and Lakshmanatirtha Rivers.
The dam was constructed in 1924, during the reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, and was named after the king. Sir M. Visvesvaraya, one of India’s best-known engineers, played an important role in the project.
The dam was primarily built to provide water for irrigation in the Mysuru and Mandya regions. Even today, the reservoir remains an important source of water for the surrounding areas and is closely associated with the Cauvery’s water system in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
How big is KRS Dam?
KRS Dam is a large masonry structure extending for more than 2.5 km. The area associated with the dam and its reservoir is often described in terms of its large catchment and irrigated area, so figures quoted online can vary depending on what is being measured.
The original project was designed not just as a dam, but as a major irrigation and water-storage project. It helped transform the surrounding region by making water available for agriculture over a much larger area.
One of the interesting aspects of KRS Dam is its construction using surkhi, a traditional material made from brick powder and lime, rather than relying entirely on modern cement-based construction. The project is therefore significant not only for its role in water management but also for the engineering techniques used during its construction.
Brindavan Gardens
Located immediately below the KRS Dam is Brindavan Gardens, one of the most popular attractions near Mysuru. The gardens are known for their landscaped lawns, flowering plants, trimmed shrubs and numerous fountains.
Brindavan Gardens is spread across a large area on either side of the River Cauvery. The river and the water released from the dam are an important part of the layout of the gardens.
As you enter the main section of the gardens, a pathway leads along a large water body. A portion of the water released from the dam is channelled through this area, while the Cauvery continues its course beyond the gardens.
You can also find boating facilities in the water body within the gardens, subject to availability.
The gardens are particularly attractive because of the way the landscaping, water and fountains have been incorporated into the overall design. During the day, you can walk through the different sections and get views of the gardens from different levels. After dark, the illuminated fountains give the place a completely different appearance.
What to See in Brindavan Gardens
The main landscaped section of Brindavan Gardens is arranged in a series of terraces, with each section located at a slightly different level. As you walk through the gardens, the pathways gradually take you from one level to another.
At the centre of these sections are large ornamental fountains. On either side, there are pathways lined with neatly trimmed shrubs, flowering plants and lawns.
One of the nicest things about this layout is the view you get as you move towards the higher sections. From the upper levels, you can look back across the different terraces and see how the gardens have been arranged around the fountains and pathways.
The gardens are especially atmospheric after sunset, when the fountains and surrounding areas are illuminated. However, even during the daytime, the terraced layout makes the walk through Brindavan Gardens quite different from simply visiting a conventional park.
Musical Fountain
The musical fountain is the most famous attraction in Brindavan Gardens and is particularly popular with visitors in the evening.
The fountain is set in front of an open-air amphitheatre. Once it gets dark, water is released from the fountain at different heights while coloured lights illuminate the water. Music is played along with the fountain display, creating a combination of water, lights and music.
During the daytime, this area looks quite different, as you can see the fountain structure and the surrounding gardens without the lighting effects. The evening show, however, is what most visitors come to see.
If you are planning your visit specifically around the musical fountain, it is worth checking the current show timings and schedule before visiting, as these can change.
Kaveramma Circle
At the other end of Brindavan Gardens, beyond the main landscaped sections, is Kaveramma Circle, named after the River Goddess Cauvery.
A statue of Goddess Cauvery stands at the centre of the circular area, surrounded by fountains. The setting is quite different from the long terraces and pathways of the main gardens.
This side of Brindavan Gardens also has a Children’s Park, making it particularly popular with families visiting with children. The park has slopes and other structures where children can spend some time while the adults explore the surrounding gardens.
If you are walking through the entire garden, this is one of the sections worth including rather than stopping only at the main fountain area.
History of Brindavan Gardens
Brindavan Gardens was developed during the period of the Kingdom of Mysore and was designed under the direction of Sir Mirza Ismail, who was the Diwan of Mysore.
The design of the gardens was inspired by the Mughal-style terraced gardens, with its landscaped sections, fountains, pathways and carefully arranged greenery.
The gardens were developed alongside the KRS Dam and were completed in 1932. The combination of the massive dam, the water flowing through the gardens and the formal landscaping created the attraction that visitors see today.
How to Plan a Visit to KRS Dam and Brindavan Gardens
KRS Dam and Brindavan Gardens are located about 20 km from Mysuru. The easiest way to visit them is from Mysuru, although the attraction can also be covered as a day trip from Bengaluru.
From Mysuru
If you are staying in Mysuru, KRS Dam and Brindavan Gardens can comfortably be covered as an excursion outside the city. You can combine the visit with other attractions in and around Mysuru depending on how much time you have.
From Bengaluru
Bengaluru is around 145 km from KRS Dam, making Brindavan Gardens a possible day-trip destination from the city.
If you are travelling from Bengaluru by road, you can also combine the visit with other attractions along the way. Kokkare Bellur, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and Balamuri Falls are some options, although trying to cover all of them in one day can make for a fairly long outing.
If you are staying in Mysuru for a weekend, you can instead combine KRS Dam and Brindavan Gardens with attractions such as Mysuru Palace, Chamundi Hill and Srirangapatna.
KRS Dam and Brindavan Gardens Distance
| Starting point | Approximate distance |
|---|---|
| Mysuru | 20 km |
| Bengaluru | 145 km |
| Coimbatore | 220 km |
| Kozhikode (Calicut) | 240 km |
| Mangaluru | 255 km |
The exact distance will depend on your starting point and the route you take, so these figures are best treated as approximate.
Places to Visit Near KRS Dam and Brindavan Gardens
KRS Dam and Brindavan Gardens can be combined with several other attractions depending on whether you are visiting from Bengaluru or staying in Mysuru.
Srirangapatna
Srirangapatna is a particularly good addition if you are interested in history. The island town on the River Cauvery was an important centre during the rule of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, and has several historical monuments that can be explored.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
If you enjoy wildlife and birdwatching, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary can be combined with a KRS visit. The sanctuary is located near Srirangapatna and is known for its river islands and birdlife.
Kokkare Bellur
Kokkare Bellur / Kokrebellur is another interesting option, particularly for those interested in birds and rural landscapes. It can make sense as part of a longer day trip from Bengaluru, depending on your route and the time available.
Balamuri Falls
Balamuri Falls, on the River Cauvery, is another place that can be included when planning an excursion around the KRS region. It is better treated as an additional stop rather than trying to rush through several attractions in one day.
Mysuru
If you are staying in Mysuru, you have plenty of options for extending the trip. Mysore Palace and Chamundi Hill are among the obvious additions, while Srirangapatna can give the itinerary a historical angle.
If you have more time and want to explore the region beyond Mysuru, destinations such as Bandipur National Park and Himawad Gopalaswamy Betta can be considered as separate excursions rather than squeezed into the same day as KRS Dam and Brindavan Gardens.
KRS Dam and Brindavan Gardens: Quick Facts
Are KRS Dam and Brindavan Gardens the same?
No. KRS Dam is the dam and reservoir built across the River Cauvery, while Brindavan Gardens is the landscaped garden developed alongside the dam. They are adjacent to each other and are commonly visited together, which is why the two names are often used interchangeably.
How long is KRS Dam?
KRS Dam is more than 2.5 km long.
How many acres is KRS Dam?
The original article commonly described the KRS project in terms of around 150 acres, but acreage figures can refer to different parts of the dam and project area. It is therefore better not to treat the 150-acre figure as the total area of the reservoir.
How far is KRS Dam from Mysuru?
KRS Dam and Brindavan Gardens are approximately 20 km from Mysuru.
What is Brindavan Gardens famous for?
Brindavan Gardens is particularly famous for its landscaped terraces, fountains and musical fountain show, especially after sunset when the gardens are illuminated.
What is another name for Brindavan Gardens?
You may also see the name written as Brundavan Gardens. Both spellings are commonly used, although “Brindavan Gardens” is the spelling used throughout this article.