KRS Dam

KRS Dam is one of the prominent rivers of southern India and one of the critical sources of irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power for the regions it supports. KRS Dam is quite famous because of its engineering and historical importance, and because of the very renowned Brindavan Gardens lying underneath, it has become a favourite tourism destination. During the early 19th century, ideas regarding the construction of a Dam on Cauvery came before anything moved. However, it materialized during the rule of Krishna Raja Wodeyar IV, who was then the ruler of the Mysore Kingdom, and construction finally materialized in response. The Dam was conceived primarily for irrigation purposes in the dry tracts of the districts Mysore and Mandya, where agriculture remained heavily based upon seasonal rainfalls. He considered the scope of irrigation and drinking supply on both sides of this river much more advanced with the population growth. Thus, the Mysore dam idea was taken up by the Diwan of Mysore at that time, one of India's leading engineers - Sir M. Visvesvaraya, in the year 1911. He is considered as the architect of modern Karnataka. He played a very important role in planning the project and seeing it through to its realization. It took more than two decades for the Dam to be completed, and it was finally constructed in 1932. This is definitely a truly extraordinary feat in terms of scale and technology of that time. 

One of the distinguishing features of KRS Dam is the provision of controlled water outflow through sluice gates in the Cauvery River and canals   downstream. Such a supply of water, which is provided through the sluice gates, should control and regulate the availability of irrigation for  cultivable crop cultivations in fields in the Mysore and Mandya Districts. The source of the water supplied in this Dam has proved to augment and form a drinking watering system that provides requirements for the town of Mysore and villages near this locality. There is a dam that produces hydroelectric power. That is one of the many that feed the region. Although its capacity is low compared to the modern ones, at the time of its construction, it was early in the 20th century, and it was a show. Probably the most sought-after place associated with the KRS Dam is Brindavan Gardens, situated directly beneath the Dam. The gardens are a perfect example of a classical Indian garden design that fuses the elements of traditional Mughal gardens with local landscape elements. It was designed by the celebrated architect K. H. Nanjundiah. The entire layout has terraces, fountains, and reflecting pools , along with flower beds. It covers an area  of about 60 acres under which the Cauvery River moves calmly beside it. 

The Brindavan Gardens, in particular, can be used especially in the evenings because it organizes the musical fountain show. It turns out to be a light and sound show during the evening hours that draws in people to visit it in lakhs of numbers. It really turns out to be a beautiful place with the addition of music and lights, accompanied by perfectly synchronized water fountains for a very spellbound end view to spend the last of it at the KRS Dam. There are also well-managed botanical gardens, a walking path, and a boating space. The place is ideal for taking a few quiet walks, and one can also take a boat ride or sit and spend time under the green. The place is one of the excellent places that attract family people and nature lovers. Beautiful flower beds, neat hedges, and a great sense of peace and beauty are also there in the place. 

The Dam has submerged parts of land, including farming fields and natural habitats. In the long run, this affects biodiversity and local wildlife, as well as aquatic life. However, there is a conservation program by the government to mitigate some of its effects, such as ensuring that the local wildlife sanctuaries are maintained and advocating sustainable agriculture. Krishna Raja Sagara Dam is one of the fine examples by which the early 20th-century engineers succeeded, considering the vision of the creators themselves. The Dam constructed by the people over the water of the River Cauvery helped deliver irrigating water as well as a potential source of hydroelectric power for this area of Mysore; outside of its practical purpose, it has become a sign of culture and history in it. The Brindavan Garddam supplements the beauty of the Dam , and thus, it is an attractive tourist destination. Functions that support the agricultural economy and water resource management in the region and give a beautiful natural background for visitors make the KRS Dam an important landmark in Karnataka's history. KRS Dam is more than a miracle of engineering. It has been an icon and epicentre of cultural, environmental, and economic life that has shaped the region. Therefore, it shapes the community and status of the Dam. So, it deserves visits, understanding, and conservation. 

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Nearby Attractions

1. Brindavan Gardens: It is at the direct bottom of the KRS Dam and is one of the big attraction areas in the place. Its great design, musical fountain, and boat rides have made it the best venue for family outings and evening entertainment. 

2. Srirangapatna: This is a historical town situated on an island formed by the Cauvery River, about 25 km from the KRS Dam. It is a town known for Ranganathaswamy Temple, Daria Daulat Bagh, and Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace. This gives a rich feel about Karnataka's history. 

3. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary: Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is about 18 km from the KRS Dam, and it is one of the largest habitats for migratory birds. It also offers boat rides on the Cauvery River, besides housing several species of birds, such as painted storks, herons, and ibis. 

4. Talakadu: The archaeological and religious site is located in Talakadu, 40 km from the Dam, along the river Cauvery, an ancient  town that is completely  covered  under   dunes with hidden temples. 

5. Shivanasamudra Falls: Shivanasamudra Falls is located 85 km from the KRS Dam of the Cauvery River. It has been divided into two: Gaganachukki and Bharachukki. Both are full of beauty and invincibility during monsoons. 

6. Mysore Palace: On this list, 30km off is the most prominent landmark in Karnataka - Mysore Palace. Rich and laden inside, with much history around it, it is indeed a place no one may afford to miss when with a keen interest in royal buildings. 

7. Chamundi Hill: It is located 30 km from the KRS Dam, and it offers a very satisfactory view of the city of Mysore. It hosts the very famous Chamundeshwari Temple on the hill. A huge stone statue of a bull is engraved on the mountain. 

8. Mysore Zoo: This is 30 km from KRS Dam and is more popularly known as Mysore Zoo. This is one of the oldest and well-maintained zoos in India, and it has a good number of animals, such as tigers, lions, and elephants. 

9. Karanji Lake: Karanji Lake is a very quiet place that is perfect for nature lovers, as it is located about 28 km from KRS Dam. It has a bird sanctuary, butterfly park, and boating facility to relax and sit back. 

10. Lalitha Mahal Palace: Lalitha Mahal Palace The beautiful white palace of the 1920s is a royal house located about 30 km from KRS. Now, it is a luxury hotel with an amazing view over Mysore and its neighbourhood. 

11. Nanjangud: It is 40 km away from KRS, known for its Srikanteshwara Temple, where the name has worshipped Lord Shiva. It is the city of pilgrim. Due to its soothing surroundings, the city is an excellent escape. 

12. Kabini Reservoir: Kabini Reservoir is one of the destination points, 70 km from KRS Dam, known to be the sanctuary of wildlife. This tourist spot is suitable for nature lovers as well as wildlife photographers. Kabini Reservoir falls under the Nagarhole National Park. It is an abode of rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. 

How To Reach

• By Air: Mysore Airport (MYQ) is -12 km from the Dam; very few domestic flights operate out of here. The closest international airport is Kempegowda International Airport at Bangalore/BLR-170 km from Bangalore and can be reached by taxi, bus , or train in 3-4 hours. 

• By Train: The nearest railway station from KRS is Mysore junction, about 30 km. Cities such as Bangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai are also well connected from Mysore. On reaching Mysore Junction, you can use taxi or bus services to get to the Dam. 

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