KRISHNA RAJA SAGARA DAM-KRS

ABOUT LOCATION

Built across River Kaveri, KRS Dam is an essential source of drinking water for the cities of Mysore and Mandya. The dam was constructed using surkhi, a mix of limestone and brick powder instead of cement. It was among the first few in the world to have automatic sluice gates.

The 3 km long dam is located at the confluence of the Kaveri, Hemavathi and Lakshmanathritha. The lake that is formed by the dam is one of the largest in 

India.

HISTORY

Sir M. Visvesvaraya, the chief engineer of Mysore State at the time, oversaw the construction of the KRS Dam in 1911. The dam’s primary purpose was to provide irrigation water to areas of the state that were often affected by drought. It took 20 years to complete the dam’s construction. It was named after the Maharaja of Mysore, Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV. KRS Dam is a masonry gravity dam that was the largest in Asia when it was built in 1931.

The KRS Dam has played a crucial role in ensuring the power supply to the Shivanasamudra Project.

In addition, the dam is now a famous tourist spot, with Brindavan Gardens’ beautifully manicured landscapes around the dam drawing many visitors throughout the year.

THINGS TO KNOW

• Brindavan Gardens: The beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding the dam are a significant attraction. The gardens are spread over 60 acres and are popular for picnics, strolls, and photography.
• Musical Fountain: The Brindavan Gardens also have a stunning musical fountain show in the evenings. The fountain is synchronized with music and lights, creating a spectacular display.
• Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary: The Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary is located near the dam and is home to various flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and more.
• Water sports: Visitors can indulge in water sports such as boating, and water scooter rides in the reservoir.
• Krishna Raja Sagara Island: The island is located in the middle of the reservoir and is accessible by boat. It offers a peaceful retreat and is a great place to relax and enjoy the area’s natural beauty.

NEARBY TOURIST PLACES

• Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple (7.3 km): The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is famous for its Hoysala style of architecture.
• Balamuri Falls (9.3 km): A popular picnic spot, the waterfall is bordered by lush greenery and rocky terrain.
• Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary (15.7 km): This popular bird sanctuary is home to various bird species.
• Mysore Palace (20.4 km): A magnificent palace of the Wadiyar dynasty, built in an Indo-Saracenic style of architecture.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

• The ideal period to visit KRS Dam is during the monsoon months when the water level in the dam rises due to the heavy rainfall from June to August.
•  Visit the dam by 3:00 pm to spend enough time at the gardens and the musical fountain.