Sir,

I see that the Brindavan Gardens’ Disney Land-style plan has resurfaced with a new name. My thoughts on this are well-known, so let me reiterate: India is a land rich in cultural, historical and religious artefacts that inspire awe in visitors and make every Indian proud of this heritage.

The Brindavan Gardens hold international significance and should be treated according to ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) guidelines. Preserving the spirit of the place, the ‘genius loci,’ is essential. Introducing a Disney Land-style theme would undermine the essence of the Garden, reducing it to a historical farce.

The original vision for the Brindavan Gardens came from Mysore’s teenage King, Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, who wanted to build a Dam across the Cauvery for public benefit. He appointed Sir M. Visvesvaraya as the chief engineer.

Located just below the Dam, the Brindavan Gardens was initially called Krishnaraja Terrace Gardens and drew inspiration from the Mughal Gardens of Kashmir, particularly the Shalimar Gardens.

This achievement was the result of efforts by the then Dewan of Mysore, Sir Mirza Ismail, and my great-grandfather G.H. Krumbiegel, Superintendent of Parks and Gardens of Mysore, who was also behind Bangalore’s Lalbagh and is credited with the title ‘The Architect of The Garden City.’

They completed this 60-acre garden in just five years (1927-1932). Isn’t this brief history remarkable? Can Disney compete with such a legacy? Perhaps in the short term, but most tourists, whether international or local, seek to experience genuine heritage. Why travel halfway around the world for a theme park that mirrors those found at home?

I don’t have a solution for the clash between heritage and  regeneration, but here’s a thought: In the UK, Hadrian’s Wall, which stretches 73 miles across northern England, saw a resurgence in interest in 2018, with an estimated 1,00,000 tourists walking the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail. This not only benefited local businesses but also spread the economic advantages of tourism throughout northern England.

By 2025, the UK tourism industry is expected to be worth over 257 billion Pounds. India, renowned for its historical monuments and architectural marvels, will always attract history enthusiasts and tourists interested in authentic heritage experiences.

— Alyia Phelps Gardiner Krumbiegel, GHK Foundation, London, 29.7.2024

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