Brindavan Gardens

Brindavan Gardens, The Most Beautiful Gardens in India

Construction of the gardens began in 1927 as a beautification phase after the completion of the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam (KRS). The dam (known as Kannambadi to the locals) is a stunning engineering feat. It is located at the confluence of the rivers Cauvery, Hemavati, and Lakshmanathritha. Built of a mixture of limestone and brick powder (rather than customary cement), the dam was a multipurpose project designed to supply water for nearby agricultural lands as well as to supply hydroelectric power. The lake which formed behind the dam is one of the largest in India. And it also supplies the numerous fountains located throughout the gardens. Locals of Mysore enthusiastically trumpet the brilliance of Brindavan Gardens. So much so, that a visit to the popular site in the southern state of Karnataka, should be on every tourist’s must-do list. Just 19 km from Mysore city, the Brindavan Gardens are considered the most beautiful terrace gardens in India.

Design

Modeled on the design of the Shalimar Gardens of Kashmir in the Mughal style, the garden is enriched with a number of terraces, parterres, fountains, running, and cascading water channels, water chutes, lush green lawns, flower beds, shrubs, and trees. The River Cauvery below the giant dam divides the garden into two parts which are then divided into 4 areas.

Brindavan Garden

Nearly 2 million people visit this area of the garden complex annually. Sixty (60) acres of meticulously laid out landscaped lawns intertwine with thousands of fountains in different shapes and sizes, each lit with colorful lamps and set to music. Everyone from couples, families, groups of friends, and lots of tourists both foreign and local, come together in the early evening to watch the lighting of the gardens.

Main Gate

The entrance is through the Main Gate area of the enormous parking lot. Public toilets are stationed before the ticket booth. A model of India Gate, Delhi, welcomes visitors into this part of the gardens. From here, food and other refreshments can be purchased before wandering into the other garden areas. This is a very popular spot for locals to meet their friends as well as a perfect opportunity for those with a strong stomach to try some favorite street foods of India.

South Brindavan

Visitors move toward the area of the garden near the Cauvery Statue known as South Brindavan. Distinct styles of terrace gardens can be seen here. Bougainvillea and allamanda plants are grown on the slopes of the terraces. A lawn is maintained in the terrace garden with annual and perennial flower beds, ornamental hedges in the periphery, dwarf statues, and multiple fountains. Water is continuously sprinkling water due to the water pressure of the dam in its full capacity.

North Brindavan

This is the most photographed and most enjoyed area of the gardens. Four extensive terraces graduate to the top of a ridge. From here, visitors have a birds-eye view of the gardens.

Children’s Park

Located beside the South Brindavan towards the right is the Children’s Park. Kids can play on a slide, concrete animals, birds, and aquatic species and other structures.

Government Fruit Orchard

A fruit orchard spanning 75 acres near the North bank of the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam is also open to the public. Crops grown in the orchard include Mango, Guava, Sapota, Litchi, Rose apple, Bilimbi, Aonla, Avacado, Malayan apple, Arecanut, and Coconut.

Naguvana Horticulture Farm

Various types of fruit plants and coconut trees are grown here within the 30 acres devoted to this area established in the early 1970′s. Every year a 10-month Horticulture training program is organized for the rural youth of the nearby district.

Chandravana Horticulture Farm

Coconut and mango are grown in this 5-acre island farm located in the center of the Cauvery River.

Timings

Brindavan Gardens opens at 6 AM daily, however, the crowds don’t appear until 6 PM. It is best to arrive early, around 5 P.M., to avoid the hassles of finding parking and waiting for the long queue to cycle past the ticket booth.

Garden lighting: Monday-Friday: 7:00 – 7:55 PM. Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 – 8:55 PM.

Entry Fee: Adult Rs 20 Child Rs 15 Camera* Rs 50. *Camera tickets are checked multiple times throughout the garden by plain-clothed attendants. Keep your ticket handy.

Accommodation: Royal Orchid Brindavan Garden Hotel sits atop the highest point of the park with stellar views of the terraced gardens below. The Elephant Bar is a terrific place to grab a drink before the lighting begins. And the on-site restaurant serves delicious meals beginning at 6 PM. The upscale atmosphere doesn’t come cheap.

Brindavan Gardens Things to do

Brindavan Gardens is a beautiful garden located in the city of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Here are some of the things you can do when visiting the Brindavan Gardens:

1. Enjoy the Musical Fountains: The Brindavan Gardens is famous for its musical fountains that are a sight to behold. The fountains are programmed to move in time with the music, making it a mesmerizing experience.
2. Take a Walk: The gardens are spread over a large area, making it a perfect place for a leisurely walk. You can take in the beautiful scenery and the well-manicured lawns while enjoying the fresh air.
3. Visit the Boat Ride: The Brindavan Gardens also offers boat rides on the lake, which is a popular activity for visitors. You can hire a boat and take a ride on the lake while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
4. Explore the Garden: The garden is home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it an ideal place for nature lovers. You can explore the different sections of the garden, including the herbal garden, the rock garden, and the fountains.
5. Watch the Sunset: The gardens offer a beautiful view of the sunset. You can sit on one of the benches and watch the sun go down, making for a peaceful and serene experience.
6. Take Photographs: The Brindavan Gardens is a popular spot for photographers, and for good reason. The well-manicured gardens, the musical fountains, and the beautiful sunsets offer excellent opportunities for photography.
7. Enjoy Local Cuisine: The gardens offer a range of food options, including local cuisine. You can enjoy some delicious snacks and meals while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

These are some of the things you can do when visiting the Brindavan Gardens. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or by yourself, the gardens offer something for everyone.

How to reach

Brindavan Gardens is located in the city of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Here are some of the ways to reach Brindavan Gardens:

1. By Road: Mysore is well-connected to major cities in South India, and you can reach Brindavan Gardens by road. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from Mysore to reach the gardens.
2. By Rail: Mysore has a railway station that is well-connected to major cities in India. You can take a train to Mysore and then hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Brindavan Gardens.
3. By Air: The nearest airport to Mysore is the Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore, which is about 170 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to Mysore and then proceed to Brindavan Gardens.

Once you reach Mysore, you can hire a taxi, take a bus or an auto-rickshaw to reach Brindavan Gardens, which is located about 21 km from the city center. The gardens are located on the banks of the KRS Dam, and there is a dedicated parking area available for visitors.