Constructed in stages from 1911 to 1932 under the direction of chief engineer and later diwan Sir M. Visvesvaraya, and named for the reigning Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam was among the first major dams built in India and remains a principal source of irrigation and drinking water for the Mysuru-Mandya region. Its reservoir backs up the Kaveri River across a large catchment, and the dam’s downstream face adjoins the terraced Brindavan Gardens that draw many of its visitors. KRS Dam sits at an elevation of 750 m and is typically explored in about 1-2 hours. The most favourable months to visit are January, December, November, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include KRS Dam Main Reservoir and Brindavan Gardens, Krishna Raja Sagara Dam Statue of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, and Cauvery River Viewpoint. Other notable highlights include illuminated dam fountain show after dusk, brindavan Gardens’ musical dancing fountains, and walk across the 2621-metre-long masonry dam. It falls within Karnataka.
State: Karnataka
Ideal Duration: 1-2 Hours
January, December, November, February
Yes, it is a common half-day trip, but start early — the dam is about 20 km from Mysuru city centre, taking roughly 45 minutes by taxi or bus. Combine it with the Brindavan Gardens (located right next to the dam) for a full afternoon, then return to Mysuru for the palace in the morning or the next day. Public buses from Mysuru City Bus Stand run every 30 minutes.
Plan for 2 to 3 hours to comfortably walk the dam wall, enjoy the gardens, and watch the fountain show. The main walkway is flat and paved, but there are many steps to reach the upper viewing terraces, so use the ramp near the main entrance if you have mobility issues. Wheelchairs are not available on site, so bring your own if needed.
Yes, there is a nominal entry fee of around Rs 50 per adult for the dam premises, and the musical fountain show is included in that ticket. Boating in the reservoir (pedal boats and motorboats) is an additional charge, roughly Rs 100–200 per person, depending on the boat type. Senior citizens get a 50% discount on entry tickets with a valid ID.
The musical fountain show runs in the evenings, typically from 7 PM to 8:30 PM, with the best views after sunset when the lights are fully visible. Arrive by 6:30 PM to secure a good spot on the upper terrace, as it gets crowded on weekends. The show is cancelled during heavy rain or when the reservoir level is very low.
Yes, there are clean public restrooms near the main entrance and near the fountain viewing area, though they may have queues on holidays. Small snack kiosks sell tea, coffee, pakoras, and bottled water, but there is no full restaurant — carry light snacks or have a meal at the Karnataka Tourism cafeteria just outside the gate. Avoid eating too much before the boat ride if you are prone to motion sickness.