Visit to Brindavan Gardens is high priority on the itinerary of visitors to Mysore. Even the good old Mysoreans love to stroll in the gardens of Brindavan Gardens, reminiscing on the glory of the garden of yester years. It is still referred by them as Kannambadi Katte.
Mysore Dewan Ismail Mirza took inspiration from Shalimar Gardens in Kashmir to build the Brindavan Gardens as a befitting match to Sir M Visvesvaraya’s engineering marvel, the KRS Dam , built across the river Cauvery. This was a dream project of Mysore Maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar. The K and R in KRS Dam stand for KrishnaRaja Wadiyar.
Legend associated with this place
It is believed that sage Kanva’s ashram was situated here and hence, the place was known as Kanvapuri. Later it came to be known as Kannambadi, in 1917, in honour of the ruler, Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, who started the KRS dam project the place was renamed as Krishnarajasagar in 1917. But there is still a village known as Kannambadi near the backwaters of the reservoir.
KRS Dam statistics
The construction of the dam began in 1911 and Rs. 81 Lakh was sanctioned for the first stage and was revised later to Rs. 103.43 Lakh. The dam was completed in 1932. The height of the dam is 124.8 feet and length of the dam is 2621 meters. The reservoir itself is spread over an area of 130 Sq. Kms.
It is a wonderful sight when the gates of the dam are opened during monsoons. The dam is best enjoyed during day time or in the early evenings.
Garden Layout
Designing the terraced Brindavan gardens was started in 1927 and was completed in 1932. G.H. Krumbigal, then Superintendent of Parks and Gardens of the Mysore Government was the main architect of the gardens. The garden occupies 60 acres of land.
The garden is divided into four parts, the main gate area, South Brindavan, North Brindavan, and Childrens’ Garden. I remember the excitement felt when we neared the main gate area of Brindavan Gardens, which is designed to resemble India Gate, New Delhi. Sadly, this gate is closed for visitors and a new entrance is provided to enter the gardens.
The 3 terrace gardens are symmetrical, beautified with water fountains, lawns, trees, foliage plants, flowering beds, and creepers. Fountains of all shapes and sizes look amazing.
There is a beautiful idol of Cauvery installed in one corner of the gardens. A small boating area facilitates people to enjoy a boat ride.
In the evening when the gardens are illuminated, the garden looks like a place from a fairy tale. The Musical and dancing fountain is a huge attraction. The fountains literally dancing to the tunes is a visual delight.
It is no surprise that the garden was a much preferred location for film shooting. The white heritage building now converted to a 5 star hotel run by Orchid group of hotels adds to the beauty of the gardens.
Interesting places nearby are Balamuri and Edamuri, Venugopalaswamy Temple, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Mysore and Srirangapattana.
Place Statistics:
Type of place: Dam and Garden
Situated: Mandya district
Distance: 15 Km from Mysore, 143 Km from Bangalore
Transport: Well connected by road, rail and air
Facilities: Royal Orchid and KSTDC resort inside the gardens. Many snack shops, rest rooms are available
Illumination Timings:
| Month | Days | Timing |
| January – September | Mon- Fri | 7.00 to 7.55 p.m |
| Sat-Sun | 6.30 to 7.30 p.m. | |
| October – December | Mon- Fri | 7.00 to 8.55 p.m. |
| Sat-Sun | 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. |
