One of the most amazing man-made structures 12 Kms away from Mysore city is the KRS Dam’s – Brindavan Gardens. It’s a perfect aesthetic blend of science, technology and nature. The credit goes to Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, the Wodeyar King of Mysore who financed it with a princely sum of 81 lakhs by pledging the royal crown jewels ably assisted by his mother Regent Queen Vani Vilas.
The engineer and construction contribution was by Sir M Vishveshwaraya and the natural inspired garden was from the Mughal garden’s of Kashmir, the ‘Shalimar Gardens’. The credit of manicured gardens goes to the then Diwan of Mysore, Sir Mirza Ismail. The gardener was the German horticulturist, Krumbiegel – the artictect of Bangalore’s famous Lalbagh.
All these happened in the early 1900’s and culminated as a master piece in the year 1932 during the British Colonial rule. The Wodeyar’s cared for their people and this dam was built to beat the severe drought faced by people of Mysore between the years of 1875 & 76!
The Dawn at KRS – Brindavan Gardens is of solitude and serenity and the Dusk is a party place of sound, light and picnic. The place comes to life at sunset. It’s a great picnic spot of 60 acres to the visiting families. There’s a small entrance fee and a separate fee for video and still camera. The place is open to public from 6 AM to 8 PM. The gardens are a sight to see during the day with all kinds of flora and fauna. The entire property is lit up at night. The main gate is inspired from Delhi’s India Gate. Ample parking area at the venue at a fee. Enough public transport available from Mysore City. But the best options are staying facilities at the venue. A moderate middle class budget stay is KSTDC’s Mayura Hotel and the upmarket is Royal Orchid. A early Morning walk is the benefit one gets if one is a boarder here. Be one.
-Jagdeesh Laxman Singh
aka Jugie Singh
Text & Photography
KRS Brindavan Gardens – Dawn to Dusk !
