Krishna Raja Sagara Dam

About Krishna Raja Sagara Dam

Krishna Raja Sagara also popularly known as KRS is the name of both a lake and the dam that causes it.In 1924[1]. Mokshagundam Visvesvarayya served as the chief engineer. The dam is named for the then ruler of the Mysore Kingdom, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV.For information about the settlement near the dam and reservoir, see Krishnarajasagara. The dam is across Kaveri River, in Mandya District near Mysore in Karnataka state. There is an ornamental garden attached to the dam, called Brindavan Gardens, making it a popular tourist place and picnic location.KRS is located 12 km from Srirangapatna in Mandya District, Karnataka. The remarkable dam is skillfully built across the River Cauvery and lies very close to Mysore.The dam features 130 ft height and 152 sluice gates. It is built close to confluence of three rivers cauvery, Hemavathi & Lakshmana Teertha. The length of the dam is 2621 meters & height 39 meters. The reservoir itself is spread over an area of 130 Sq. Kms.

The Brindavan Gardens is a show garden that has a beautiful botanical park, full of exciting fountains, as well as boat rides beneath the dam. Diwans of Mysore planned and built the gardens in connection with the construction of the dam. The garden is designed based on the Shalimar Gardens of Kashmir in the Mughal style. KRS Dam was the first to install automated Crest gates during 1920 which was again initiated by Sir. M V. Display items include a musical fountain. Various biological research departments are housed here.These gardens are very gracefully decorated and have many colorful fountains. These fountains are usually decorated with lights, making it a visual treat for the viewers every evening.It is a mesmerizing sight when the whole garden is lit up in the evenings. Today, the Brindavan Gardens is world famous for its ethereal beauty, grandeur and illumination/ musical fountain.

History

The dam was built across river Kaveri, the life river for Mysore and Mandya districts, in 1924[1]. Mokshagundam Visvesvarayya served as the chief engineer. The dam is named for the then ruler of the Mysore Kingdom, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV.The creative beautification of the whole dam complex has been the achievement of Sir Mirza Ismail, the then Dewan of the princely State of Mysore. Horticulture in 1927 started the work of laying out this garden.

Interesting things to do

Boat rides beneath the dam

The boating pond in the midst of the garden is a location where the visitors can enjoy a boat ride around the famous statue of Goddess Kaveri.

A laser show can be watched.

The festival season of Dusshera (September/October) is celebrated in grand style in Mysore. On the last day, of the 10 day festival, a procession of the state’s guards lead the Goddess Chamundi seated on a golden howdah mounted on an elephant. The procession is followed by various tableaux, a visual treat rarely seen anywhere else in the world.
Climb up Chamundi Hills via the steps, starting early in the morning to get a good view of the city as it rises from slumber while getting good exercise at the same time.
For those with a penchant for authentic South Indian vegetarian food, especially light snacks such as dosa and idly with coffee and the like, could try eating at the Mylari hotels (located at Ittigegud and Kuvempunagar) or at Gayathri Tiffin Room (GTR, Chamundipuram).
Those spending a long time in this city can also take nice early morning or late evening strolls at either Kukkarahalli lake or Karanji lake, though the latter is recommended, since the entrance has a fee and thus will reduce any potential nuisance in the form of beggars or vendors that might come and disturb your stroll. Karanji lake also has a butterfly park worth checking out.

Interesting things to Visit

A well known 335 metres high landmark,Chamundi Hill can be reached by a 13 km road or by climbing up the 1,000 steps laid out by the Mysore Maharaja in the 17th century.

Half-way up along the stone steps is Nandi, Lord Shiva’s Bull, a majestic 4.8 metre monolith.At the top is the 12th century temple of Chamundeshwari, the patron goddess of the Wodeyars.Close to the temple is the gigantic statue of the demon Mahishasura. The summit offers a panoramic view of Mysore’s lakes, parks and palaces.

St. Philomena’s Church
A beautiful Cathedral, reminiscent of medieval architectural style,is one of the largest churches in the country. Built in the gothic style,the Church is an imposing structure with stained glass windows and lofty towers

Mysore Zoo

The Mysore Zoo was set up under royal patronage in the nineteenth century. Its fauna includes rare and exotic species which are housed in lush, green surroundings. The Zoo is famous for breeding some very rare animals in captivity.

Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, which has emerged as one of finest zoos in the country to breed a wide range of animals in captivity, has embarked on a new venture to set up a state-of-the-art Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre.
As of Jan 2006 the zoo has prepared a Rs 5.5-crore plan to establish the centre and forwarded the same to the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) for approval. The plan envisages procuring a, emergency mobile ambulance for the animals.

The zoo would become the first in the country to have an emergency mobile service to rescue animals fighting for life and cater to animals in and around Bandipur, Brahmagiri, Kanakapura, Madikeri and other wildlife sanctuaries.

The Art Gallery

The Jaganmohan Palace was converted into an art gallery in 1875 and exhibits paintings which date back to that period. The artists of that time used natural vegetable and mineral dyes. The famous traditional Mysore ’gold leaf ’ paintings are also exhibited in the gallery, as are oil paintings of contemporary artist like Raja Ravi Varma and Svetoslav Roerich.
Around Mysore

Daria Daulat Bagh Tipu’s Summer Palace,built in 1784,is located here.Made of teak,this Indo-Sarcenic structure has ornate and beautiful frescos.It is now a museum and tells eloquently of Tipu’s valor and his losing battle against the British.

Fort

It is here that Tipu charged at the British soldiers with his legendary sword.An obelisk in the fort marks the place where he fell -betrayed by his own men.The fort holds within it,a mosque and the Ranganathaswamy Temple.Outside the fort is the Gumbaz,Tipu’s tomb with splendid ebony doors inlaid with ivory.

Nearest Visiting places

• Vrindavan Garden Fountain at KRS dam
• Mysore Palace
• Daria Daulat Bagh, Mysore
• Tipu Sultan’s death place, Srirangapatna
• Thomas Inman’s Dungeon, Srirangapatna
• Jamia Masjid, Srirangapatna
• Daria Daulat Bagh, Mysore
• Colonel Bailey’s Dungeon, Srirangapatna
• Commemorative Obleisk, Srirangapatna
• Historical Water Gate, Srirangapatna
• St Philomena’s church
• Chamundi Hill
• Chamundi Hills
• Channapatna
• Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta
• Kabini
• Kokarebellur
• Melkote
• Nagarhole National Park
• Nanjangud
• Nimishambha
• Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary
• Shivasamudram
• Somnathpur
• Talakad
• Bandipur National Park

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

There is a guest house for tourists.

Hotels and Inspection Bungalow provide with boarding and lodging facilities.

Location info

• Address:

• District: Mandya District

• Nearest City: Krishnarajasagara/Mysore

• Best time to visit: Any time.

How to reach Krishna Raja Sagara Dam

• Nearest Railway Station:Bangalore Station.

• Nearest Airport:Bangalore International Airport is the nearest airport terminal from the dam.

Road Transport: K.S.R.T.C. buses also ply from Bangalore to K.R.S. and Mysore,many Government and private buses ply often from Mysore City to K.RS .From Bangalore 143kms, Mysore 24Kms

Helpline & emergency contacts

• Police Station:100

• Nearest Hospital:Srirangapatna,Mysore

• Society/Community Phone Number

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Climate & weather

Karnataka has a varied climate from the humid coast to the dry Deccan plateau and cool Western Ghats. The best time to visit is October to March, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C depending on region. April–May is hot across most of the state (up to 38°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape — this is the best time for Jog Falls and Coorg’s lush greenery. Hill stations (Coorg, Chikmagalur) remain pleasant year-round. Bangalore has a moderate climate throughout.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Best time to visit Krishna Raja Sagara Dam

Post-monsoon season (October to February) is the best time to visit — the reservoir is full and the surrounding landscape is lush and green. Summer (March to May) sees reduced water levels. The dam is most spectacular during the monsoon when water is being released through the gates.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fee: ₹10-₹30 for Indian nationals, ₹50-₹100 for foreign nationals. Parking fee applies. Some dams charge separately for garden areas and viewpoints.

Duration needed

1-2 hours is sufficient to view the dam, walk along the top, and enjoy the reservoir views. If the dam has adjoining gardens or parks, plan for 2-3 hours.

Safety tips

Do not enter restricted areas. Stay behind safety barriers at all times. Do not swim in the reservoir — water levels and currents are unpredictable. Be especially careful during monsoon when water may be released suddenly. Listen for sirens or warnings. Supervise children at all times.

Things to carry

Camera for photographs, water bottles, snacks, hat/cap, sunscreen, and binoculars for bird watching on the reservoir.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station is in the district headquarters or nearest major town. Nearest airport depends on location. Regular bus services connect to nearby towns.

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit the dam at any time? Dam viewing areas have specific opening hours (typically 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM). Some areas may be restricted for security reasons.

Is water released from the dam year-round? Water release depends on rainfall and irrigation requirements. The dam is most spectacular during the monsoon when water is released through gates.

Are there boating facilities in the reservoir? Boating and water sports are available at some reservoirs. Check with the local tourism office for availability.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Dams
• Timings: Monday-Friday : 6:30 PM - 7:25 PM and Saturday-Sunday : 6:30 PM - 8:25 PM Chamundi Hills

Photo gallery of Krishna Raja Sagara Dam

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Krishna Raja Sagara Dam on popular travel photography sites and social media.