Mysore Zoo

Mysore Zoo History, Timing, Entry Ticket Fee & Best time to visit

One of India’s top zoological gardens is Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, popularly called the Mysore Zoo. In 1892, Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar founded this zoo for the royal family. Additionally, it was turned over to the State Government’s Department of Parks and Gardens following the achievement of freedom. The Zoo is a unique zoological garden because of its careful planning. For the animals that live there, it usually produces a natural habitat. One hundred and sixty-eight species, including large and tiny cats, aquatic and terrestrial birds, primates, and reptiles, may be found at this zoo. The Mysore zoo gained international renown and distinction when it conducted the first caesarian section on an elephant.

The 157-acre Zoological Garden is situated close to the palace in Mysore. It is among India’s oldest and most well-known zoos. For the stray animals, it serves as an orphanage. This location hosts a number of exhibitions on a regular basis, with the bug display taking the stage. After then, the Zoo continues some of its educational programs, including Summer Camp activities, Youth Club activities, and Literary Competitions. Since it was placed under zoo administration in 1976, Karanji Lake has been a peaceful and tranquil boating destination.

History of Mysore zoo

Since its founding in 1892, the zoo has been governed by several monarchs and administrations. In 1909, it was named in honour of its founder, Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar Bahadur, as a token of appreciation for his work in its establishment. The Maharaja loved to bring fascinating animals with him when he travelled to Europe and Africa. These included primates, chimpanzees, bears, antelopes, and giraffes. A few of the rarest members of the family, including American bison, Californian sea lions, guanacos, polar bears, secretary birds, kangaroos, penguins, and white elephants, have called it home up to this point.

Mysore Zoo didn’t start out very large. Only 10.9 acres of land were initially available for the zoo’s use. More acreage was gradually granted over time, creating the possibility of housing more animals. The gardens were cultivated and maintained by the government and the Mysore Maharajas. The Royalty relinquished official management of the zoo in 1948 to the Horticulture Department, and in 1972 to the Forest Department. The Zoo Authority of Karnataka organised a clubbing of all the state’s zoos in 2001.

Flora and Fauna in Mysore Zoo 

The only zoo in India has a gorilla is the one in Mysore. Orangutans and chimpanzees also reside at the zoo. The Mysore Zoo also has giraffes, zebras, white deer, African elephants, bears, porcupines, rhinoceroses, tapirs, otters, and other exotic creatures.

White and Blue Peacocks, Silver and Gold Peasants, Horn Bills, the flightless Emu and Ostrich, Spoon Bills, Pelicans, Painted Storks, love birds, a variety of parrots, vultures, and eagles, among other birds, can be seen here.

Reptiles such as cobras, king cobras, pythons, crocodiles, alligators, and even star-studded turtles are then housed there.

This is not the end of the list. The rarest of all the creatures is in the womb of the zoo. These include the female chimpanzee, binturong, Indian rhinoceros, Hanuman langurs, white peafowl, Indian lions, zebra, Rhea, red ibis, baboons, red kangaroos, lemurs, sun bears, and baboons.

All of these in one location! Can you imagine the excitement?

The zoo cares for 85 tree species from India and other countries, as well as 35 exotic ornamental plant species.

Mysore Zoo Safari 

The Safari is a fantastic way to discover the splendour of the zoo’s plants and animals. Mysore Zoo Safari transports you to the park’s rides in a timely and effective manner, which is beneficial for senior citizens and enjoyable for children. The following lists the fees for battery-powered vehicles: Adults cost Rs 125 apiece. Children aged 5 to 12: Rs 75 apiece Senior Citizens: 75 rupees apiece

Karanji Lake Park, Mysore Zoo

Once unknown to the locals, Karanji Lake Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise in the heart of nature. The zoo’s administration decided to make it the largest aviary in the nation. The Zoo took control of this lake in 1976 and hasn’t looked back since. It has succeeded in turning Lake Park into a birder’s paradise. Constructed amidst naturally occurring trees, it has a pond and a waterfall. Twelve of the 87 bird species that exist today are migratory. This area is home to species like egrets, cormorants, painted storks, grey pelicans, and ibis.

This is where the birds have established their island habitats. It features a Bird Watch Tower that allows avid bird watchers to get a broad perspective of its residents. Visitors are given an all-around view using binoculars and a telescope to guarantee the birds’ total safety. At the entrance of Lake Park, there are over 100 therapeutic plants. In order to support the growth of new plants close to the lake, a nursery has also been established within the park. It is strictly forbidden for automobiles to enter Karanji Park.

Best Time To Visit Mysore Zoo 

Since birds are most active in the morning and mammals are most active in the evening, it is recommended that visitors to the zoo visit in the morning or the evening. Because of the extreme heat, animals prefer to rest during the day, therefore visitors visiting the zoo during the day may not see any.

How To Reach Mysore Zoo 

The Mysore Zoo is conveniently located, just 3 kilometres from the Mysore bus stop and 2 km from the Mysore Palace. The zoo and the palace are connected by horse-drawn carriages. Also, there are plenty of local buses and autorickshaws. There is a parking lot directly across from the zoo’s entrance for visitors arriving by private vehicle.