Vrindavan Gardens, also known as Brindavan Gardens, is a garden located near the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam (KRS Dam) in the Mandya district of Karnataka, India. It is about 12 km from the city of Mysore, which is the cultural capital of Karnataka. The garden is famous for its symmetric design, illuminated fountains, botanical park, boating facility and musical fountain show. Visit during Mysore Local sightseeing as well as Bangalore to Mysore One day trip by cab
Location of Vrindavan Gardens
Vrindavan Gardens is located at KRS Dam Road, Krishna Raja Sagar Dam, Mandya, Karnataka 570005. It is about 5 km from the Mysore railway station and 20 km from the Mysore airport. It is situated below the KRS Dam, which is built across the river Cauvery, one of the prominent rivers of South India.
Timing/Entry Fees Vrindavan Gardens
Vrindavan Gardens is open to visitors from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm on all days of the week. There is an entry fee of Rs 15 for adults and Rs 5 for children (Age: 5-10 years) for visiting the garden. There is also a fee of Rs 30 for using a camera and Rs 200 for using a video camera inside the garden. However, there is no entry fee for visiting the dam and the lake.
How to Reach Vrindavan Gardens
There are various modes of transport available to reach Vrindavan Gardens from different parts of Karnataka and India.
- By air: The nearest airport is Mysore International Airport, which is well connected by flights from major cities in India and abroad. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to Vrindavan Gardens.
- By train: The nearest railway station is Mysore Junction Railway Station, which is well connected by trains from major cities in India. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to Vrindavan Gardens.
- By road: Mysore is well connected by road with other cities and towns in Karnataka and neighboring states. There are regular government and private buses that ply to Vrindavan Gardens from various places. One can also drive to Vrindavan Gardens by car or bike.
Things to Do/Must See Vrindavan Gardens
Vrindavan Gardens is a place of natural and artificial beauty that offers a lot of things to do and see for the visitors.
- Admire the terrace garden that has been laid out in three levels with flower beds, lawns, parterres and water channels. The garden also has topiary works, pergolas and gazebos that add to its charm.
- Enjoy the view of the KRS Dam, which is one of the largest dams in India and has a height of 130 feet and a length of 8600 feet. The dam also has a museum that displays models and photographs related to its construction and operation.
- Experience the boating facility that allows visitors to sail on the lake formed by the dam. The boating facility is open from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm every day and charges Rs 50 per person for a 20-minute ride.
- Witness the spectacular musical fountain show that takes place every evening after sunset. The musical fountain show features synchronized movements of water jets with lights and music. The show timings are 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm on weekdays and 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm on weekends.
Nearby Tourist Attractions Vrindavan Gardens
There are many other tourist attractions near Vrindavan Gardens that one can explore while visiting Mysore. Some of them are:
- Mysore Palace: A magnificent palace that was the residence of the Wodeyar kings of Mysore. It has a blend of Indo-Saracenic styles of architecture, with domes, arches and turrets. It also has a museum that displays royal artifacts and paintings.
- Chamundeshwari Temple: A temple dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari or Durga, who is the patron deity of Mysore. The temple is located on the top of Chamundi Hills, which offer a panoramic view of the city. The temple also has a statue of Nandi (the bull mount of Shiva) and a Shiva temple nearby.
- Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens: A well-maintained zoo that houses a variety of animals and birds. It has a safari park, a reptile house, an aviary and an aquarium. It also has a conservation and breeding program for endangered species.
- Jaganmohan Palace: A former royal residence that has been converted into an art gallery. It has a collection of paintings, sculptures, musical instruments and antiques. It also has a hall that hosts cultural events and concerts.
- St Philomena’s Church: A majestic church that is built in the Neo-Gothic style of architecture. It has twin spires that are 175 feet high and can be seen from a distance. It also has stained glass windows that depict scenes from the Bible.
Significance of Vrindavan Gardens
Vrindavan Gardens is a significant attraction in Mysore for its natural and artificial beauty. It is one of the best terrace gardens in the world and a model of engineering excellence. It was built between 1927 and 1932 by the department of horticulture under the guidance of Sir Mirza Ismail, the then diwan of Mysore state. The garden was inspired by the Shalimar Gardens of Kashmir and was named after Vrindavan, the abode of Lord Krishna. The garden is a symbol of the harmony between nature and human creativity and a source of recreation and relaxation for the visitors.
FAQ’s
Q: What is the best time to visit Vrindavan Gardens?
A: The best time to visit Vrindavan Gardens is during the winter season (November to February), when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. However, one can visit the garden throughout the year as it remains open on all days.
Q: How long does it take to explore Vrindavan Gardens?
A: It takes about 2-3 hours to explore Vrindavan Gardens and its surroundings. One can also spend some more time enjoying the boating, musical fountain show and other events at the garden.
Q: Is photography allowed inside Vrindavan Gardens?
A: Yes, photography is allowed inside Vrindavan Gardens, but one should respect the beauty and cleanliness of the place and avoid littering or damaging the plants and structures.
Conclusion
Vrindavan Gardens is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the natural and artificial beauty of Mysore. It is a garden that showcases the terrace design, illuminated fountains, botanical park, boating facility and musical fountain show. It is also a place that offers a serene and scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life. Vrindavan Gardens is a pride of Mysore and a treasure of India.
