The KRS dam is a civil engineering wonder and a popular tourist spot. It was built in 1924 by Sir M.Vishveswariah, using 'surkhi', a mixture of limestone and brick powder instead of cement. It was among the first in the world to use automatic sluice gates.

 The dam is named after the then Maharaja of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wodeyar, who financed this novel project. It is 3 kms long and is located at the confluence of the three rivers- Kaveri, Hemavati and Lakshmanathirtha. Popularly known as Brindavan Gardens, this engineering marvel is spread over 150 acres of land and provides irrigation to more than 1,20,000 acres. Located about 20 kms from Mysore, these gardens have been the location for shooting hundreds of Indian movies.