The Brindavan Gardens in Mysuru, renowned for its historical and cultural significance, must be preserved according to ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) guidelines. Maintaining the ‘genius loci,’ or spirit of the place, is crucial. Transforming the garden into a Disney-style theme park would undermine its essence and historical value.
The vision for Brindavan Gardens originated from Mysore’s King Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, who aimed to build a dam across the Cauvery River for public benefit, appointing Sir M. Visvesvaraya as the chief engineer. Inspired by the Mughal Gardens of Kashmir, particularly the Shalimar Gardens, the 60-acre Brindavan Gardens was developed between 1927 and 1932, spearheaded by Dewan of Mysore Sir Mirza Ismail and G.H. Krumbiegel, the architect behind Bangalore’s Lalbagh.
This legacy is invaluable. Tourists, both international and local, seek authentic heritage experiences, not replicated theme parks. Comparing this to the UK’s Hadrian’s Wall, which saw a resurgence in interest in 2018, attracting 100,000 tourists, highlights the economic benefits of preserving genuine historical sites. By 2025, the UK tourism industry is projected to be worth over 257 billion pounds, demonstrating the long-term value of heritage tourism.
India, with its rich historical monuments and architectural wonders, will always draw history enthusiasts. Preserving the authenticity of Brindavan Gardens aligns with the interests of heritage tourism, benefiting both the site and the local economy.