Karanji Lake, Mysore

Karanji Lake, Mysore History, Timings, Boating & Entry Fee

The fountain lake, sometimes referred to as Karanji Lake, is a well-liked location for picnics. There is a coffee shop and visitors are permitted to bring their own meals. With up to 147 bird species found in the lake, such as herons, Asian openbill storks, cormorants, grey pelicans, and others, it’s a lovely spot to discover the many bird species.

The largest aviary in the nation is reportedly located near Karanji Lake. It is 20 meters long, 50 meters wide, and 60 meters high. Its setup cost was around 3.8 million dollars. Alongside two bodies of water, there is a waterfall as well. Additionally, the lake has a butterfly park with over 45 species of stunning butterflies that flutter their wings and fly around in dazzling colours. In order to assist the butterflies survive, nectar and host plants have been planted around the park.  The mesmerising lake also consists of a Regional Museum of national history which is situated on the banks of the lake giving out information on the natural environment of South India and how to maintain it.

The captivating lake is managed by the Mysore Zoo Authority and was once a part of the Mysore Zoo. Owing to its popularity, the Karanji Lake, which is roughly 90 hectares in size (of which 55 hectares are the water area and 35 hectares are the shoreline area), brings in about INR 50,000 every day. Originally built as a percolation tank by the Mysore Maharaja, it was acquired by the Mysore Zoo Authority in 1976. The region is a highly regarded tourist destination because of its profusion of wildlife and lush vegetation.

History of Karanji Lake, Mysore

Prior to the construction of the lake, the king of Mysore erected a percolation tank in its place to supply drinking water for the city’s citizens to use for bathing, laundry, and other domestic tasks. In 1976, the Karanji Lake was incorporated into the Mysore Zoo. Since then, the Mysore Zoo has been in charge of its upkeep. This lake is 90 hectares in size, of which 55 hectares are in the water and the remaining 35 hectares are in the forest.

Fauna at Karanji Lake, Mysore

For birdwatchers, Karanji Lake is the perfect location. There are more than 147 bird species there. Sandpipers, Asian openbill storks, herons, egrets, greenish warblers, rose-ringed parakeets, brown shrikes, red-whiskered bulbuls, red-wattled lapwings, booted warblers, black drongos, and sunbirds are among the birds that visitors can see. The painted stork, ibis, egret, cormorant, grey pelican, and others are among the common migratory species that can be seen here.

Things To Do at Karanji Lake, Mysore

Your mind and spirit will be revitalised by taking a walk around the lake in the stunning natural surroundings. In addition to its stunning natural beauty, Karanji Lake offers a wealth of amenities. To keep your kids occupied during the stay, they even provide a dedicated kid’s area. Boating here allows visitors to take in the immaculate lake as well. It has a coffee booth and is a fantastic place for families to have a picnic. In addition to the museum, Butterfly Park, aviary, and waterfall, guests can spend their free time here in tranquilly.

The nation’s largest aviary is located in this natural area. It takes the shape of an enormous net enclosure that is as tall as a large tree. The aviary is open for visitors to explore and get a better look at the different bird species. Peacocks, wildfowls, geese, and other exotic bird species can be found in the aviary. The Sarus Cranes are kept in a large enclosure close to the aviary. With a maximum height of six feet, these birds are the tallest flying birds in the world.

Additionally, there is a birdwatch tower with a view of the lake. It takes roughly fifteen to twenty minutes to go to Butterfly Park from this watchtower. This park is situated on a lake island. Approximately four dozen kinds of butterflies call it home. The unusual plants that grow here attract these butterflies. In the park, you may see a variety of birds flying. The colonial-style structure housing the Mounted Police Headquarters is located directly across from Karanji Lake’s entrance.

Boating at Karanji Lake 

Less than halfway around the park is the boating spot. You have the option of renting a boat with a boatman to row it for you or a pedal boat. You can take round-trip boat rides around the Karanji Lake’s woody islets.

Your boat ticket can be bought at the desk by the boating point entrance. For a 20-minute ride, the cost of the ticket is approximately INR 25 per person. The boat ride is refreshing and a lot of fun.

Karanji Lake Boating Timings

Karanji Lake Boating Timings is 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. every day of the week.

Karanji Lake Mysore Timings  Entry Fee

Karanji Lake is accessible to tourists every day of the week, with the exception of Tuesdays, from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. karanji lake mysore timings is 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

At very low costs, anyone can take in the peace and quiet of this lovely lake. Each person must pay INR 10 to enter. If you are here for some ph, they charge you a little more.

Best Time To Visit Karanji lake, Mysore

Mysore’s most lovely weather occurs throughout the winter months. Between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius is the temperature range. Therefore, it is the ideal time of year for tourists to visit Karanji Lake.

How To Reach Karanji Lake, Mysore

The distance between the Mysore Palace and Karanji Lake is two kilometres. It is around 5 km from Mysore’s railway station, and from the bus or train station at the lake, one may easily take a taxi or an autorickshaw.

It is tucked away at the base of the magnificent Chamundi Hills, where the well-known Chamundeshwari Temple is located. The lake is easily accessible because it is located in the middle of the city and close to the bus stop.