Krishnarajasagara (KRS) Dam

Commissioned by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV and designed by the legendary engineer Sir M. Visvesvaraya, the KRS Dam is a structural masterpiece of modern Indian heritage. Spanning 2,621 meters in length and standing 39 meters high, it was built entirely without cement, using a traditional local mortar mix called surkhi (limestone and brick powder). Locally known as Kannambadi Katte, it features 152 sluice gates, including automated crest gates that dynamically regulate water levels. Visitors flock here during the monsoon to see the majestic white sheets of water discharge, and during clear evenings to capture stunning, unobstructed golden-hour sunsets over the massive 130 sq. km reservoir basin.

Architecture and History of Krishna Raja Sagara Dam

Built during the rule of Wodeyar's in 1932, KRS Dam still presents glimpses into the spellbinding architecture of that time. This dam has an impressive height of 130 feet and 152 sluice gates. It is the creation of one of the greatest engineers that India had produced Sir M. Vishweshwaraiah. Often referred as the ‘architect of modern Mysore’ or ‘father of planning in India’, Sir Vishweshwaraiah did created something ahead of his time with such precision and excellence, that it is popular sightseeing place of Mysore even today. In order to honour his vast contribution in the development of India and to acknowledge the greatness of his work, entire India celebrates 15 September as Engineer's Day.