KRS is the largest dam built on the river Kaveri in Karnataka. It is around 130km from Bangalore. It was built in pre-independence time by famous diwan of the then Maharaja of Mysore – Sir M Visvesvraya who is well known for engineering many more such large scale projects. The reservoir of the dam looks endless and seems to have oceanic proportions. The wall of the dam is several kilometers long. Just besides the dam is the well known scenic garden – Brindavan Gardens. It has numerous fountains that it is known for. The best attraction is the musical fountain which attracts a lot of people during the weekends.
Fountains in KRS. In the background is the wall of the dam
Also see: Places around Bangalore on the bank of kaveri
Information
Krishnaraja Sagar dam is close to Ranganathittu and Srirangapattna. A trip to KRS can be combined together with a visit to Ranganathittu. Take Mysore road from Bangalore and drive for around 100kms till you reach Srirangapattna. Drive further on the highway for a few more minutes and turn right. This is the same road that takes you to Ranganathittu. Continue driving here for 10 minutes and you will see a right turn to KRS which is further 10 minutes drive from here. Best time to visit would be Sunday evening to view the musical fountains. You can start on Sunday morning and visit Ranganathittu, come back to Srirangapattna and visit Tippu’s grave and Sangama, and then go to KRS in the evening and return to Bangalore.
If you watch Kannada movies, you have most likely seen this place in one or the other movie. A small checkdam constructed here across Kaveri has made this an excellent pinic rendezvous. In late winter and summer, shallow water running on the dam platform and the falling water attracts people in plenty. It is fun to sit under the fall and let the falling water give a massage your back. Good time to visit is winter season when there is just enough water in the river. Balmuri is very close to Ranganathittu and both of them can be covered together in a day.
Also see: Places around Bangalore on the bank of kaveri
Talkad is another place on the banks of Kaveri ideal for a day trip or picnic. One would be surprised to see seashore like sandy banks here. You will miss the waves though.
People often come here in big groups to spend some time in the wide-open area on the banks, play some games and spend a good time. If you wish to, you can wade through neck deep waters and walk to the other side of the river in summers. You can also hire coracles and take a short trip on the river. Talkad also hosts some historical temples just a short walk from the riverbank, recently unearthed by archeological department.
Also see: Places around Bangalore on the bank of kaveri
The road to Talkad runs right next to the river for a considerable distance. The water you see here are surprisingly deep turquoise like the sea. To reach Talkad from Bangalore, take Mysore road and drive till Maddur and turn left. The road from Maddur is narrow and not in good condition but manageable. Nearby places to visit include Shivanasamudra falls.