KRS Dam

The Krishna Raja Sagara Dam, built across the Kaveri River between 1911 and 1932 under engineer Sir M. Visvesvaraya, still central to regional irrigation. Constructed in stages from 1911 to 1932 under the direction of chief engineer and later diwan Sir M. Visvesvaraya, and named for the reigning Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam was among the first major dams built in India and remains a principal source of irrigation and drinking water for the Mysuru-Mandya region.

KRS Dam at a Glance

Essential information about KRS Dam.

Location: Mysuru, Karnataka
Time Needed: 1-2 Hours
Type: Heritage
Best Time: October to March
Walking: Easy
Recommended Trip: 2 Days / 1 Night
Build Your Mysuru Trip

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Best time to visit: January, December, November, February

Overview

Constructed in stages from 1911 to 1932 under the direction of chief engineer and later diwan Sir M. Visvesvaraya, and named for the reigning Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam was among the first major dams built in India and remains a principal source of irrigation and drinking water for the Mysuru-Mandya region. Its reservoir backs up the Kaveri River across a large catchment, and the dam’s downstream face adjoins the terraced Brindavan Gardens that draw many of its visitors. KRS Dam sits at an elevation of 750 m and is typically explored in about 1-2 hours. The most favourable months to visit are January, December, November, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include KRS Dam Main Reservoir and Brindavan Gardens, Krishna Raja Sagara Dam Statue of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, and Cauvery River Viewpoint. Other notable highlights include illuminated dam fountain show after dusk, brindavan Gardens’ musical dancing fountains, and walk across the 2621-metre-long masonry dam. It falls within Karnataka.

Highlights

  • Illuminated dam fountain show after dusk
  • Brindavan Gardens’ musical dancing fountains
  • Walk across the 2621-metre-long masonry dam
  • View Kaveri River’s stepped spillway in monsoon
  • Statue of Sir M. Visvesvaraya at entrance
  • Boating in the calm backwaters near the dam

Getting There

Things To Do

Walk across the main dam crest
SightseeingEasy

Walk across the main dam crest

Stroll along the wide top of the dam, taking in the panoramic view of the reservoir on one side and the downstream Kaveri riverbed on the other. The cool breeze and the sight of the gushing water through the sluices make it a memorable walk.

1 hour

Observe the dam’s sluice gates and spillway during monsoon
SightseeingEasy

Observe the dam’s sluice gates and spillway during monsoon

When the Kaveri is in full flow (typically July to October), the dam’s 51 sluice gates are opened, creating a thunderous spectacle of water crashing down. Stand at the designated viewing platform near the gates and feel the spray, a truly awe-inspiring sight for engineering and nature lovers alike.

45 minutes

Visit the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Gardens (Brindavan Gardens)
NatureEasy

Visit the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Gardens (Brindavan Gardens)

Though technically adjacent to the dam, the terraced gardens with illuminated fountains, musical fountain show in the evening, and manicured lawns are an inseparable part of the KRS experience. You can walk through the flower beds, relax by the water channels, and watch the dancing fountains after sunset.

2.5 hours

Visit the statue of Sir M. Visvesvaraya at the dam entrance
CultureEasy

Visit the statue of Sir M. Visvesvaraya at the dam entrance

At the main entrance plaza, there is a bronze statue of the legendary engineer, along with a small plaque describing the dam’s history. Take a few minutes to read the details and pay respects to the man who designed this marvel in 1924, a quiet cultural moment before exploring further.

15 minutes

Walk along the downstream riverbank path (Cauvery bank walk)
NatureEasy

Walk along the downstream riverbank path (Cauvery bank walk)

On the downstream side of the dam, a paved path runs along the river for about 500 metres. It offers a quiet, shaded walk with views of the dam structure and the river flowing out, and is a good spot for birdwatching and photography, especially in the early morning.

1 hour

Sunset viewpoint at the west end of the dam
NatureEasy

Sunset viewpoint at the west end of the dam

Walk to the westernmost edge of the dam’s crest (near the parking side) where there is a small open platform. From here, you can watch the sun set over the reservoir, with the Nilgiri hills in the distance, and the water turning golden – a serene end to the visit, best done around 5:30 to 6:30 PM.

45 minutes

Top Attractions

KRS Dam Main Reservoir and Brindavan Gardens

KRS Dam Main Reservoir and Brindavan Gardens

The iconic Krishna Raja Sagara Dam across the Cauvery River, built in 1932, offers panoramic views of the vast reservoir. Adjacent Brindavan Gardens features terraced lawns, flowerbeds, and the famous musical fountain show.

2-3 hours Dam viewing free; Brindavan Gardens ₹20 for adults, ₹10 for childrenDam viewing: 6 AM - 8 PM; Brindavan Gardens: 6:30 AM - 8 PM (fountain show 7 PM - 8 PM)
Brindavan Gardens Musical Fountain

Brindavan Gardens Musical Fountain

A world-famous synchronized fountain-and-light show set to Indian classical and film music, located within the gardens below the dam. The evening show is the main highlight for most visitors.

1 hour Included in Brindavan Gardens entry fee (₹20)7 PM - 8 PM (daily, subject to water availability)
Brindavan Gardens Boating Lake

Brindavan Gardens Boating Lake

A small artificial lake within the gardens offering pedal boat rides, surrounded by manicured lawns and cypress trees. Ideal for a leisurely afternoon activity for senior travellers.

30-45 minutes ₹50 per boat (30 minutes)9 AM - 6 PM

Travel Tips

Keep a small backpack with water, snacks, and medicines

There are limited food stalls inside, and the queue for the canteen can be long, especially on weekends. Carry your own water bottles, light snacks, and any regular medication, plus a small first-aid kit for the group.

Visit early morning to avoid crowds and heat

Reach the dam by 8:00 AM, when the gates open, to get the best views without the midday sun and large tourist groups. This also gives you ample time to explore the gardens and return before the afternoon heat sets in.

Carry a valid ID and check dam opening days

KRS Dam is open on all days, but the reservoir’s water level and the musical fountain show may be suspended during maintenance or low rainfall. Senior citizens can use their ID for any concession at the ticket counter, so keep it handy.

Arrange a private cab or a group auto for flexible pickup and drop

Public buses are crowded and infrequent, so book a private vehicle for the whole group to wait comfortably at the exit. Confirm the driver’s number and a fixed meeting point, as mobile networks can be patchy near the dam’s lower areas.

Use the battery-operated vehicle or golf cart inside the premises

The walk from the main gate to the dam top and the Brindavan Gardens is long, so book a shared battery vehicle for the group. This saves energy for the steps and viewpoints, and it’s easier for those with knee or mobility issues.

Good to Know Nearby

Practical essentials close to KRS Dam — handy for senior and group travellers.

Hospitals

  • Clumax Diagnostics1.6 km
  • Ashoka Clinic1.8 km
  • Vikram Jyoti, Mysuru3.2 km
  • Sharan Dental Care3.6 km
  • Adithya Adhikari Hospital4.1 km

Pharmacies

  • Appaji Medicals1.8 km
  • Murgan Medicals1.8 km
  • Ayurvedic Medical Store3.6 km
  • Bharath Drug House3.6 km
  • Mega Medicals3.6 km

ATMs

  • Corporation Bank ATM0.7 km
  • ICICI Bank1.5 km
  • State Bank of India3.6 km
  • Corporation Bank3.6 km
  • Punjab National Bank4.3 km

Restaurants

  • Indra Cafe's Paras0.7 km
  • RRR Hotel0.8 km
  • Hotel Zameera0.8 km
  • Arun Darshan0.9 km
  • Hotel Iyengar's0.9 km

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is a common half-day trip, but start early — the dam is about 20 km from Mysuru city centre, taking roughly 45 minutes by taxi or bus. Combine it with the Brindavan Gardens (located right next to the dam) for a full afternoon, then return to Mysuru for the palace in the morning or the next day. Public buses from Mysuru City Bus Stand run every 30 minutes.

Plan for 2 to 3 hours to comfortably walk the dam wall, enjoy the gardens, and watch the fountain show. The main walkway is flat and paved, but there are many steps to reach the upper viewing terraces, so use the ramp near the main entrance if you have mobility issues. Wheelchairs are not available on site, so bring your own if needed.

Yes, there is a nominal entry fee of around Rs 50 per adult for the dam premises, and the musical fountain show is included in that ticket. Boating in the reservoir (pedal boats and motorboats) is an additional charge, roughly Rs 100–200 per person, depending on the boat type. Senior citizens get a 50% discount on entry tickets with a valid ID.

The musical fountain show runs in the evenings, typically from 7 PM to 8:30 PM, with the best views after sunset when the lights are fully visible. Arrive by 6:30 PM to secure a good spot on the upper terrace, as it gets crowded on weekends. The show is cancelled during heavy rain or when the reservoir level is very low.

Yes, there are clean public restrooms near the main entrance and near the fountain viewing area, though they may have queues on holidays. Small snack kiosks sell tea, coffee, pakoras, and bottled water, but there is no full restaurant — carry light snacks or have a meal at the Karnataka Tourism cafeteria just outside the gate. Avoid eating too much before the boat ride if you are prone to motion sickness.

Suggested Itineraries

2 Days in KRS Dam

1

Day 1

Arrive in Mysuru by late morning, settle in, and head straight to the KRS Dam after a relaxed lunch. The afternoon is ideal for a slow walk along the dam’s promenade, watching the sunset over the Kaveri River, and visiting the adjacent Brindavan Gardens for the musical fountain show in the evening.

  • Visit the KRS Dam viewpoint and walk along the top of the dam to see the reservoir and the distant hills.
  • Explore the Brindavan Gardens, with its terraced lawns, flower beds, and illuminated fountains.
  • Enjoy the evening musical fountain show at Brindavan Gardens (usually starts after sunset).
Lunch Dinner
2

Day 2

Spend the morning exploring Mysuru’s iconic palaces and temples, then return to the KRS Dam area for a quieter visit to the nearby Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. The day ends with a short drive back to Mysuru for a relaxed dinner, with time for shopping if desired.

  • Visit the Mysuru Palace in the morning, focusing on the Durbar Hall and the ornate ceilings.
  • Take a boat ride at Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, spotting migratory birds and crocodiles along the Kaveri.
  • Stop at the KRS Dam’s lower garden and the statue of Sir M. Visvesvaraya near the dam entrance for a photo and a short history walk.
Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Plan Your Own Trip

Tell us what you're looking for and how many days you have — we'll instantly put together a personalised itinerary for KRS Dam.

Planning a trip to KRS Dam?

Talk to our travel experts for a customised group tour package.