Krishnaraja Sagar Dam and the beautiful Brindavan Gardens

Just 24 Kms from the city of Mysore in the district of Mandya in the state of Karnataka lies the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam (or KRS in short), one of India’s first irrigation dams built way back in 1924 before India even got its independence. The dam was financed by the then Maharaja of Mysore Sri Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV after whom the dam has been named. Built over river Kaveri (Cauvery), the dam was the source of water for drinking and irrigation in the fertile valley of the Kingdom of Mysore. It is still the main source of water supply for the cities of Mysore, Mandya and even Bangalore.

Built by one of India’s finest engineers Sir Mokshagundam Vishveswariah, who is known as the architect of modern Mysore and the father of planning in India, the dam is a marvel of engineering built entirely on a mixture of limestone and brick powder without the use of cement which was a very rare commodity at that time. Interestingly, it was also one of the first dams in the world to have automatic sluice gates.

The best part of the dam is its beautifully laid out terrace gardens spread over 60 acres behind the dam with running waterways and a number of fountains which are beautifully illuminated at night. The Brindavan Gardens, the credit for which goes to Sir Mirza Ismail, the then Dewan of the princely State of Mysore, who designed and created the garden in 1927. Mentored by the ingenious Vishveswariah himself, Sir Mirza Ismail, who was also a friend and classmate of the King, was a very proficient administrator who helped shaped Modern Mysore.The establishment of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited being one of his many achievements which is too long to be listed here. It was during the turbulent pre-independence period that this trio took Mysore to its heights which is aptly called the ‘Golden period of Mysore’. Thanks to these visionary geniuses that we get to enjoy the fruits even today.

Sunset at Palolem

In the opening scene of ‘Bourne Supremacy‘, Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) wakes up from his nightmare in a hideout in Goa (India). Then comes the jogging scene where he runs (or rather races) along the the waters edge in the beach where gentle waves of the beautiful blue sea laps the shore….that breathtaking beach is Palolem.

Palolem Beach is nicknamed the ‘Paradise beach’ and rightfully to its name it is one of the most beautiful beaches of Goa, located way down south in the Canacona municipal council of South Goa district. Stretching about 2 Kms in a crescent shape, lined with coconut trees and shielded by a small island “KanKon” slightly north-west of the beach, which actually protects it from the huge ocean waves, the beach is graced with shallow waters and gentle waves. A paradise indeed. Then there is the sunset to knock your breath out. Here is a glimpse.

Watching the sun go down in Goa

The legend of Goa is unparalleled in India, the mind conjuring up images of enchantment and revelry at the very mention of the endearing name. That was how it was with me. And yes, it does live up to its name I would say. The breathtaking beaches, beautiful landscapes and distinctive heritage lends Goa a charm that attracts millions of tourists every year from across India and abroad.

Goa is India’s smallest state, a coastal paradise wedge between Maharashtra in the north and Karnataka in the south and east. Strategically located in the Konkan belt along the western sea-coast facing the Arabian sea, its has historically been a major trade port which had come under the rule and control of numerous Indian feudatories and dynasties including the famed Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty in the 3rd century BC to the Delhi sultanate in 14th century BC before it passed into the hands of the Portuguese merchants in early 16th century and being ruled as a Portuguese province for over four centuries and half, thus lending Goa a charming blend of Portuguese and Indian lifestyles and cultures. The architecture of its churches and heritage buildings bear the unmistakable Portuguese style giving it a unique charm.

Goa is a heady mixture of the hill ranges of the fabulous Western Ghats that raises from the coasts, much like an embankment to a water body, and the coastal plains which is interspersed by fabulous beaches at intervals all along the stretch from north to south. Being on the western coast facing the Arabian sea, the beaches of Goa would invariably see the sun rising from the palm topped land ridges that runs along the coast, traversing across the sky in a big loop to finally dip into the sea, casting a beautiful golden hue to the choppy waters and the shore just before it is immersed in the darkness of the night. Here are some visages I managed to capture while watching the sun rise and go down in Goa.