KrishnaRajaSagara Dam

One of the famous dams of South India, Krishna Raja Sagara Dam is often called as KRS Dam. Named after Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV of Mysore, this dam is built over the River Cauvery/Kaveri; near to the conjunction of three rivers namely, Cauvery, Hemavathi & Lakshmana Thirtha. A major source of drinking water for Mysore and Bangalore city, KRS dam is also one of the main sources of irrigation water for Mandya and Mysore. Along with this, it major purpose is to ensure power supply to the Shivanasamudra hydroelectric power station. With a length of 3 km, this dam also boasts of being the first irrigation dam of India.

What set this dam apart from other dams are the exceptionally beautiful site and the areas around it. The dam site is bestowed with colorful, stunning and even illuminated gardens, musical fountains and water bodies. The beauty of the site is so riveting that it is often used for shooting of movies. Located between Srirangapatna town and Mysore city, KRS Dam is not only an important part of Mysore trip but also presents a suitable weekend getaway from Bangalore. Proximity to another popular sightseeing place in Mysore, Brindavan Gardens, which have been created in its complex, makes a visit to this dam a must for every traveller.

The Dam has recorded an outflow of 73,201 cusecs into the River and 1,358 cusecs to Canals. However, tourists cannot view the splendid sight of the water release from the Dam as entry has been restricted. With the increase in the number of tourists, vendors had a field-day, with fish food sellers making a kill. There was unusual demand for fish items with vendors offering a variety of dishes made out of fish caught from the river.