Mysore Zoo

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. 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.

History of Mysore zoo

Property of 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.

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.

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.

• Flora

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

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. 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.

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...trong>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  

Entry Fee:

Adult: INR 50 (Weekdays), INR 60 (Weekend), Child (5-12 yr): INR 20 (Weekdays), INR 30 (Weekend)

 Open Time: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Closed on Tuesdays.