Krishna Raja Sagara is a lake which shares its name with a dam which is also known as Krishna Raja Sagara. The lake which is popularly known as KRS is located near the historical town of Srirangapatna.

KRS dam is located in Mandya District near Mysore in Karnataka. A gravity dam, KRS meets the irrigation needs of Mysore and Mandya. An ornamental garden by the name of Brindavan Garden has been designed next to the Krishna Raja Sagara and is a great attraction for the visitors coming over to this place.

History

Krishna Raja Sagara or KRS dam was built in 1932 and is a source of irrigation for agricultural land in Mysore and Mandya. The reservoir also caters to drinking water needs of Mysore and Bangalore city to a large extent. Krishna Raja Sagara has been named after Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV who was the ruler of Mysore Kingdom at time of construction of the dam.

A gravity dam built on River Kaveri, Krishna Raja Sagara was designed by Sir M. Visvesvaraya who was the Chief Engineer during the Wodeyar King era. A special fact associated with Krishna Raja Sagara is that the dam is located at confluence of three different rivers namely Kaveri, Hemavati and Lakshmanathirtha.

Location

Krishna Raja Sagara is located close to Srirangapatna town and Mysore city alike. The dam is a popular weekend getaway owing to presence of Brindavan garden in its vicinity.

Attractions

Brindavan Garden is the main attraction of Krishna Raja Sagara. A botanical park with fountains adds a unique ambiance to the garden which attracts large number of visitors. The garden was designed by Diwan Sir Mirza Ismail in 1927 on a three terrace platform.

Plant species like Duranta plumaria, Euphorbia and Bougainville have been planted in Brindavan garden in large number. Musical fountains have been added in the garden recently giving a boost to tourism.

Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary is also located in vicinity of Krishna Raja Sagara and is home to large number of faunal species.

Blue Lagoon Island located at a distance of 4 km from Krishna Raja Sagara is another worthwhile location which should be visited. This island has been formed by backwaters of Krishna Raja Sagara and can be visited at any hour of the day.

Though not many people visit Blue Lagoon Island but if you are looking for spending some moments of solitude, the Island can be a perfect retreat.

How to Reach

Krishna Raja Sagara lies near the town of Srirangapatna which lies on the rail route between Bangalore and Mysore. Auto rickshaw and taxis can be hired from railway station to KRS dam and the adjoining Brindavan Gardens. If travelling by Bus, you can alight at Srirangapatana and take an auto rickshaw or taxi from the local bus station.

Evenings are the best time to plan a visit to the Brindavan Gardens adjoining Krishna Raja Sagara as the musical fountains can be seen in a distinct perspective during the evening hours.