KRS Dam (Krishna Raja Sagara Dam)

Highlights

• The 52 crest gates of the dam, which create a spectacular sight when opened during heavy monsoon.
• Brindavan Gardens, a terraced garden with illuminated musical fountains and topiary.
• The statue of Sir M. Visvesvaraya near the dam, honouring the legendary engineer.
• Panoramic views of the reservoir and the Kaveri River from the dam's walkway.
• The serene atmosphere at sunset when the garden lights and fountain show begin.

Religious Significance

Beyond its engineering and aesthetic value, KRS Dam holds deep cultural significance for the people of Karnataka. It is a symbol of the progressive vision of the Mysore royalty and Sir M. Visvesvaraya. The dam's waters sustain the paddy fields of the Cauvery delta, earning it the title 'the lifeline of Mysuru'. For pilgrims, the Kaveri River is sacred, and the dam offers a place to reflect on the river's divine bounty. The adjacent gardens provide a space for leisure and family bonding, making it a holistic destination.

Dress Code

Modest, respectful clothing is expected at this site.

Facilities

The site offers basic amenities including restrooms, drinking water, and a few food stalls. There is a parking area for cars and buses. Wheelchair access is limited on the dam crest but the gardens are relatively flat. Boating facilities are available on the reservoir. For more extensive facilities, visitors can head to Mysuru city, which is a short drive away.

Festivals

• •During the festival of Dasara, the dam and gardens are illuminated with thousands of lights, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere.
• •Special cultural programs and boat races are sometimes organised in the reservoir.
• •The nearby city of Mysuru celebrates Dasara with grandeur, and many visitors combine a trip to the dam with the festivities.

History

• •The idea of a dam across the Kaveri was conceived to address chronic water scarcity in the region.
• •Construction began in 1911 under the reign of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, with Sir M.
• •Visvesvaraya as the chief architect.
• •The dam was completed in 1932, creating a reservoir with a capacity of about 49 tmc ft.
• •It was one of the largest masonry dams in India at the time and became a model for subsequent irrigation projects.
• •The adjacent Brindavan Gardens were developed later, in the 1930s, to provide a recreational space and enhance the site's appeal.

Architecture

• •KRS Dam is a classic example of early 20th-century masonry dam construction.
• •It stretches about 2.6 km in length and rises to a height of 39.8 meters above its foundation.
• •The dam features 52 crest gates, each 2.4 meters wide, supported by massive stone masonry.
• •The design incorporates a robust gravity structure that withstands the water pressure.
• •The dam's spillway is designed to discharge excess water safely, and the entire structure exudes a sense of solidity and timelessness.
• •The Brindavan Gardens below are laid out in terraces with geometric patterns, fountains, and a central pavilion, reflecting the garden style of the era.

Travel Tips

• Start your visit in the late afternoon to enjoy the dam in daylight and then stay for the evening fountain show.
• Carry water and light snacks, as food options near the dam are limited, but there are stalls inside the gardens.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you will be walking on concrete and garden paths.
• Check the dam's water release schedule on the Karnataka government's website if you want to see the spillway in action.
• Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary or the Srirangapatna historical sites for a fuller day trip.

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