KRS Dam / Brundavan Garden

Krishnaraja Sagar Dam (popularly called KRS dam) is a huge reservoir that is built on River Cauvery, just after the confluence of three rivers: Cauvery, Hemavati and Lakshmanateertha. This huge dam was constructed to provide irrigation to the Mysore and the neighbouring Mandya districts of Karnataka. Today, apart from irrigation, the water from this dam is main source of water for Mysore and Bangalore/Bengaluru. The water that is released from this dam also acts as the source of water for Tamil Nadu. The Mettur Dam in Tamil Nadu is constructed across River Cauvery as soon as the river enters Tamil Nadu.

Brindavan Gardens, Mysore, Karnataka

Musical Fountain at Brundavan Gardens

The dam was constructed in 1924 when the Mysore region was under the rule of Wodeyar Kings. The dam is named after Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, who was the king during the construction of the dam. The king, along with the Chief Engineer, Sir M Vishveswaraya, worked together to build this magnificent dam that serves many purposes even today! The dam has a length of over 2.5 kilometers and is built 40 meters above the river bed level, so that it stores enough water. KRS dam is also accredited with the world’s first dam that is built with ‘Surkhi’ instead of cement. Surkhi is a unique combination of limestone and brick powder. This engineering and architectural marvel is spread across 150 acres of land, and irrigates over 100,000 acres of land!!

Brindavan Gardens, Mysore, Karnataka

Musical Fountain at Brundavan Gardens

Brindavan Gardens

Adjacent to Krishnaraja Sagar Dam, you can also find beautiful and well-maintained Brundavan Gardens (also spelled Brindavan Gardens). These gardens are spread over 60 acres of land and has several gardens, flowering plants, shrubs, farms, and numerous water fountains. Brundavan Gardens is split into two halves as River Cauvery flows between them. As you enter the main gate and walk along, you can find a beautiful lake. This lake is formed when a small portion of the released dam water is stored in this part of the gardens. The remaining part of the water flows further down as River Cauvery. If you are interested, you can also opt for boating on this lake.

Brindavan Gardens, Mysore, Karnataka

Lake at Brundavan Gardens

Main Section of Brundavan Gardens

A beautiful pathway along this lake will lead you to the main section of the Brindavan Gardens. This section of Brindavan Gardens is divided into three sub-sections, each placed at a different height. Each of these sub-sections has beautiful water fountains at the centre. These fountains are artistically illuminated with lights at night, forming one of the spectacular sights of the beautiful gardens. On either side of the fountains, there is a pathway, where visitors could walk. Next to these pathways, there are gardens which has several well-trimmed shrubs and plants. The pathways lead to the next similar sub-section but is located at a height. From the top of all the sub-sections, you can witness a magnificent sight of Brindavan Gardens.

Brindavan Gardens, Mysore, Karnataka

Brundavan Gardens

Musical Fountain

At the end of all the sections, you can find a huge water fountain and an open amphitheatre surrounding this water fountain. This water fountain is the main attraction of Brindavan Gardens. After the sky turns dark, the fountain is accompanied with colourful lights and awesome music. This musical fountain show attracts several visitors every single day. The fountain is illuminated with lights that changes colors, and bursts of water is splashed at varying heights to synchronize beautifully with the music that is played along. The show runs once every weekday and twice every weekend, and goes on for 35-45 minutes.

Brindavan Gardens, Mysore, Karnataka

Musical Fountain at Brundavan Gardens

Brindavan Gardens, Mysore, Karnataka

Musical Fountain at Brundavan Gardens

Statue of River Goddess

At the other extreme end of Brindavan Gardens (the other side of the lake/river), is the famous status of River Goddess Cauvery. A small circle surrounds the statue, and there are several fountains in this circle. This is fondly named as Kaveramma Circle! This part of the gardens also has a Children’s Park, and is the main attraction for kids. With slopes and other structures, you can see a lot of kids spending quality time here.

History of Brindavan Gardens

Brindavan Gardens was designed by the then Diwan of Mysore, Sir Mirza Ismail. The design of Brindavan Gardens is inspired by the Mughal Gardens. Sir Mirza Ismail worked with Sir M Vishveswaraya, and completed building the gardens in 1932.

Brindavan Gardens, Mysore, Karnataka

Musical Fountain at Brundavan Gardens

How to plan a visit?

Krishnaraja Sagar Dam and Brundavan Gardens are located at about 20 km from the Royal City of Mysore/Mysuru. While Mysore has its own airport, it is really not a busy one. Mysore is about 150km from Bangalore, which is well connected by rail, road and air to rest of India.

You can plan to visit KRS Dam and Brundavan Gardens as a day trip from Bangalore/Bengaluru. If you are planning for a day trip from Bangalore, you can also visit Kokkare Bellur, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and Balamuri Falls as well.

If you are planning to stay in Mysore over the weekend, you can additionally plan to visit Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill too. A stop at Srirangapatna can take you back to 18th Century, when it used to be the headquarters of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan during their rule in this region.

If you are headed in this region for a long weekend, and are interested in wildlife, do include a visit to Bandipur National Park and Himawad Gopalaswamy Betta. I am sure you will not be disappointed!

Location

Where to stay?

  • Mysore/Mysuru

Distance Chart

From Distance (in km)
Mysore 20
Bangalore 145
Coimbatore 220
Calicut 240
Mangalore 255