The best illuminated and terraced gardens in India, Brindavan Gardens (formerly called Krishnarajendra Terrace Gardens) is located at a distance of 15 km from the center of Mysore city. It was constructed by the Dewan of Mysore, Sir Mirza Ismail in 1927, behind Krishnaraja Sagar Dam.
The Brindavan Gardens is world famous, especially because of its symmetrical structure, which resembles Shalimar Gardens in Kashmir. The garden spreads across 60 acres of land and is surrounded by Government Fruit Orchard, Naguvana and Chandravana. The main gate area of Brindavan resembles India Gate of New Delhi and either side of it is adorned with rose beds. The centre of the garden is 1.5 km from the main gate, reached through walking. All along this route are innumerable water spouts, musical and illuminated fountains, small streams, statues bushes and botanically rich landscapes. All the fountains along the garden derive water from stored sources in the dam built across Cauvery River.
The Garden itself is divided into South Brindavan, North Brindavan and Children’s Park. A beautiful glass house in South Brindavan Garden, houses a variety of ornamental and flowering plants which are required for garden maintenance and are also available for sale. Close to this are the Cauvery statue and Kaveramma Circle. A glass house is also found in North Brindavan Garden and the area is adorned with Polyalthea, Bougainvillea, Sago Palm and other plants and shrubs. The Children’s Park has a number of rides for play along with modeled animals, small fountains, birds and water species. Tourists enjoy boating and photography in a pond at the centre of Brindavan Gardens. Brinavan Garden therefore has the pleasure of being the second most visited sites in Mysore after Mysore Palace.
