Mysore Zoo

Mysore Zoo, Mysore Overview

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, also known as the Mysore Zoo is one of the best zoological gardens in India. Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar established this Zoo in the year 1892 for the Royals. Furthermore, after the attainment of freedom, it was handed over to the Department of Parks and Gardens of the State Govt. The Zoo's meticulous planning is responsible for making it a special zoological garden. It tends to create a natural habitat for the animals in it. From Big to small cats, Aquatic to terrestrial birds, and Primates to reptiles, one Hundred and Sixty-Eight species find their place in this zoo. The world's first caesarian section delivery performed on an elephant in Mysore zoo gave it global fame and recognition.

Located near the palace in Mysore, The Zoological Garden covers an area of 157 acres. It is one of the oldest and most famous zoos in India. It plays the role of an orphanage to the abandoned animals. Various exhibitions are regularly held here with an insect exhibition stealing the show. Following this, the Zoo carries forward certain Education Programmes such as Youth Club activities, Literary Competitions, and Summer Camp activities. The Karanji Lake was put under Zoo jurisdiction in 1976 and since has been a calm and serene place for boating.

History of Mysore zoo

Initiated in 1892, the zoo has been under the control of different kings and governments. Naming it after its founder Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar Bahadur in 1909 was a way of extending thanks for his efforts in its creation. During his visits to European countries and Africa, the Maharaja used to bring animals which fascinated him. These included Giraffe, Antelopes, Bears, Chimpanzee, and Primates. It has till now established a niche for being a home to some of the rarest family members like American Bison, Californian Sea lions, Guanaco, Polar Bear, Secretary Bird, Kangaroo, Penguin, and White Elephant in the past.

Mysore zoo did not start big. At first, the zoo had only 10.9 acres of land to its use. Gradually with time, more land was allotted giving an opportunity for sheltering more animals. The Mysore Maharajas and the Government together groomed and nourished the gardens. The official control of the zoo was passed on from the Royalty to the Horticulture Department in 1948 and then to the Forest Department in 1972. In 2001, clubbing of all the zoos in the state under the Zoo Authority of Karnataka took place.

Flora and Fauna in Mysore Zoo

Fauna

The Mysore zoo is the only zoo in India to have a Gorilla. The zoo is also a house to Chimpanzees and Orangutans. Other exotic animals that you can find in Mysore zoo are Giraffes, Zebras, White Deer, African Elephants, Bears, Porcupines, Rhinoceros, Tapir, Otters etc.

Birds like White and Blue Peacocks, Silver and Gold Peasant, Horn Bill, the flightless Emu and Ostrich, Spoon Bill, Pelican, Painted Stork, brightly coloured Flamingos, the largest bird of India the Sarus Cranes, Love Birds, various types of Parrots, Vultures, Eagles etc. can be seen here.

Next, it shelters the reptiles like cobras, King Cobra, Python, crocodiles, alligators and even the star-studded turtles.

The list doesn't end here. The Zoo has the rarest of the animals in its womb. These are red kangaroos, lemurs, sun bear, the female chimpanzee, binturong, Indian rhinoceros, Hanuman langurs, white peafowl, Indian lions, zebra, Rhea, red ibis and baboons.

All these in a single place! Can you just imagine the thrill?

Flora

The Zoo takes care of thirty-five species of exotic ornamental plants and 85 species of trees from India and abroad.

Mysore Zoo Timings

The Zoo remains open on all days except for Tuesdays from 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM. If you wish to make your visit to this zoo a success by having a look at the maximum number of creatures it has then either go before 11:00 AM or after 3:00 PM. During the afternoon, most of the animals and birds remain inside due to which the visitors aren't able to watch them. Hence, visiting between 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM won't fetch you many advantages.

Mysore Zoo Tickets

Cost of tickets varies on weekdays and weekends. The website of Mysore Zoo has an online booking portal.

Weekdays
Charges for Adults are Rs 50 per head
Charges for Children (5-12 years) are Rs 20 per head

Weekends and Government Holidays
Charges for Adults are Rs 60 per head
Charges for Children (5-12 years) are Rs 30 per head

You need to pay for vehicles Vehicles separately. Remeber you are subjected to pay an additional fee if the time exceeds four hours.

Cycle is chargeable for Rs 5
Scooter / Motor Cycle is chargeable at Rs 10
Car / Jeep / Auto is chargeable at Rs 30
Mini Bus / Tempo is chargeable at Rs 50
Bus is chargeable at Rs 70

Lastly, carrying a video camera requires you to pay a sum of Rs 150 each and a still camera Rs 20 each.

Mysore Zoo Safari

The Safari is an amazing way to explore the beauty of Zoo's Flora and Fauna. Helpful for the Senior Citizens and fun for the young ones, Mysore Zoo Safari takes you to the ride of the whole park quickly yet efficiently. The charges for the battery operated vehicles are mentioned below- For Adults - Rs 125 each For Children (5-12 years) - Rs 75 each For Senior Citizens - Rs 75 each

Karanji Lake Park

A paradise for birds at nature's bliss, Karanji Lake park was once unknown to the locals. The Zoo authority took it upon itself to make it the country's Biggest Aviary. In 1976 the Zoo laid its hand over this lake and since then have never looked back. It has managed to make the Lake Park a heaven for different species of birds. Built in an area surrounding naturally erected trees, it comprises of a waterfall and a pond as well. There are at present 87 species of birds out of which 12 are migratory. Species like Grey Pelican, Painted Stork, Ibis, Cormorants, Egrets etc. reside here.

The birds have created their island habitats in here. It has a Bird Watch Tower which gives the ardent bird watchers an opportunity to have a panoramic view of its inhabitants. To ensure the complete safety of birds, an all round viewing is provided to the visitors via telescope and binoculars. The Lake Park has more than 100 medicinal plants at its entrance. Also, a nursery has been set up within the park to propagate the growth of new plants near the lake. The entry of vehicles inside the Karanji Park is completely prohibited.

Best Time To Visit Mysore Zoo

It is advised to visit the zoo in the morning or the evening hours as birds are most active in the morning while the mammals are active during the evening. Those who visit the zoo during the day hours might not spot any animals as they prefer to rest in the day due to severe hot conditions.

Tips For Visiting Mysore Zoo

1. Electric vehicles are available for INR 75. It is advised to reach early and make the bookings for the vehicle if visiting with the elderly. You will also find resting chairs all along the way.
2. There are signboards all across the zoo for easy accessibility. Follow them if you don't want to miss out on anything.
3. Plastic bottles are not allowed inside the park. There are RO water purifiers at every couple of hundred metres.

How To Reach Mysore Zoo

One can easily locate the Mysore Zoo as it is 3 km away from the Mysore Bus stand and 2 km away from the Mysore Palace. Horse carts run between the palace and the zoo. Moreover, Local buses and auto-rickshaws are readily available. If travelling by private vehicle, there is parking facility right across the entrance of the zoo.