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Brindavan Gardens
(24 km from Mysore)
Photograph by T.N.A. Perumal, F.R.P.S., M.F.I.A.P.
A much loved tourist attraction, the Brindavan Gardens are located downstream of the Krishnarajasagar Dam, at the confluence of three rivers—the Kaveri, Hemavathi and Lakshmanatheertha.
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Musical fountains at Brindavan Gardens |
The Brindavan Gardens were designed by Sir Mirza Ismail (dewan to the Maharaja of Mysore), who was inspired and influenced by the famous Shalimar Gardens of Kashmir. Covering an area of 60 acres, they encompass trees, stretches of terraced and landscaped garden, lush green lawns, ornamental plants, manicured bushes and hedges, flowers, water chutes and channels and all kinds of fountains. By night, the gardens take on a totally different magic—coloured lights, special illuminations and musical, dancing fountains (a computerised show of water, light and music moving in synchronised harmony) turn the place into a virtual fairyland.
Considered a marvel of engineering, the Krishnarajasagar Dam covers a length of 3 km. It is one of the first dams to use automatic sluice gates and is constructed solely of surki mortar. Named after Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, the dam was built between 1924 and 1932, under the supervision of the brilliant engineer-statesman Sir M. Visvesvaraya (1860-1962).
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Sir M. Visvesvaraya |
A dewan of Mysore province, Sir M.V. (as he was affectionately known) is considered the architect of the erstwhile Mysore state. Among his achievements are: the design and implementation of a sophisticated irrigation system across the Deccan; the creation of the Sharavati hydro-electric project; starting the State Bank of Mysore, Mysore Sandalwood Oil factory and Bhadravati Iron and Steel Works (later known as Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Ltd); being a founder-member of the Indian Institute of Science; establishing Mysore University and the State Engineering College, Mechanical Engineering School and Sri Jayachamarajendra Polytechnic in Bangalore. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1960.
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