Are you exploring places in Mysore? If so, one of the important places to visit in the city is the Mysore Zoo. This zoo in the city of Palaces is officially called Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens. It holds the pride of being one of the well-maintained and popular zoological parks in India. Located in the heart of Mysuru City, this zoo is home to a wide range of wildlife species. It is a must-visit place for families, nature enthusiasts and animal lovers looking for an educational and engaging experience. This blog post provides a complete guide to this zoo:
Mysore Zoo – An Introduction
Mysore Zoo was established with a mission of connecting animals and visitors through excellent animal care and welfare. The zoo also aims to provide the best inspirational and educational experiences to visitors. By doing this, the zoo fosters public support and appreciation for wildlife conservation and animals. Spread over 157 acres of land, this zoo is popular for housing a wide range of exotic animals, well-kept enclosures and conservation efforts.
History of Mysore Zoo
The Mysore Zoo has a great history. Some years are important in the history of the zoo. Here are some details to know in this regard:
- 1892: This year is important in the zoo’s history as it was established in this year. The journey started with 10.9 acres of land.
- 1907: An extra 6.22 acres were added to the zoo area. Also, this year, a large ape enclosure was constructed within the zoo campus. This is the largest enclosure of apes in the country.
- 1909: The zoo was given its present name to honour Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar Bahadur. Also, this year, a popular German-based horticulturist and landscaper was engaged. The horticulturist G.H. Krumbeigal played a key role in creating the most attractive landscape for the zoo.
- 1948: The zoo’s administration came under the Horticulture Department. Also, 50 more acres of Kensington Gardens were added to the zoo area along with a road lined with trees and plants. This increased the total area of the zoo to 78 acres.
- 1960: The zoo was designated the status of National Breeding Centre for Wild Animals by the Indian Board of Wildlife. Also, the board came forward to provide 100% financial assistance to the Mysore Zoo as well this year.
- 1972: The Forest Department took over the administration of the zoo.
- 1976: This year, the zoo authorities showed interest and acquired Karanki Lake to become part of the zoo area.
- 1979: The Zoo Authority of Karnataka took over the zoo’s administration.
- 1984: The animal adoption scheme was launched. Also, this year marked the start of Kooghalli Rescue.
- 2020: In 2020, the zoo was entirely modernized. Above all, the modernization was done without shifting the zoo from its original place. As per 2020 records, the zoo had more than 1450 specimens of living organisms that belong to 168 species. The zoo houses species that belong to more than 30 countries as per 2020 records.
- 2022: The zoo showcases a wide range of animals with a focus on education and conservation. The naturalistic enclosures of the zoo mimic habitats, thereby enabling successful breeding programs for endangered species.
Even today, after more than 133 years of establishment, the zoo continues to attract a lot of people from across India and the world.
How to Reach Mysore Zoo?
Based on the place from which you are travelling, you can choose one of the following modes to reach the Mysore Zoo:
By Bus
Let us consider that you are staying in Mysore. In this case, you can travel by Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation buses to reach the zoo. Also, if you are travelling from cities like Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore, you can travel by bus. Both private and state road transport corporation buses take you to Mysore Bus Stand. From the Mysore Bus Stand, the zoo is located around 2 km away. You can cover this distance by hiring an auto.
By Train
The Mysore Junction Railway Station is located around 3 km away from the Mysore Zoo. You can find direct trains from cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore to take you to Mysore Junction. From the railway station, you can take a cab or auto to reach the zoo.
By Flight
The Mysore Airport is located around 10 km from the zoo. Nevertheless, there is restricted flight connectivity to this airport. The best alternative available is to book a flight ticket to the Bangalore International Airport. From this Bangalore Airport, the Mysore Zoo is located around 180 km. You can cover this distance by hiring a cab. Otherwise, you can travel by train or bus to reach Mysore.
By Car
In case you prefer a road trip and you are from Bangalore, you can travel via the scenic NH275 route to reach the zoo. Similarly, Mysore is well-connected to many other cities by road. Based on your original station, you can use Google Maps to take you straight to the zoo. Thankfully, the zoo has ample parking facilities to safely park your vehicle.
Key Attractions & Things to Do
Mysore Zoo, as mentioned earlier, is home to a wide range of animals and birds. When you are at the zoo, you can explore animal enclosures and trails. You can plan your day early. Make sure to arrive at the zoo early in the day. So, you can spend the morning hours looking at the reptiles and birds. Then, you can move towards larger enclosures, where you can watch animals in their natural habitats. Here are some key attractions in the zoo:
Birds
You can find a lot of bird species in the zoo. Examples include bar-headed goose, common ostrich, comb duck, budgerigar, brown wood owl, blue gold macaw, black swan and different varieties of parrots.
Carnivores
Yes, you have guessed it right. Carnivores are meat eaters. You can find hunters like African hunting cheetahs, jaguars, leopards, jungle cats, lions, tigers and white tigers. Also, you can find other carnivores like wolves, striped hyenas, smooth-coated otters, meerkats, dhole and Bengal foxes.
Reptiles
Also, the Mysore Zoo has a dedicated area for reptiles like African slender-snouted crocodiles, green iguanas, gharial, King Cobras, Indian cobras, and green vine snakes to name a few.
Primates
It will be a fun-filled experience with primates in action within the campus of the Mysore Zoo. Yes, you can watch Gorillas, Chimpanzees, brown capuchins and many other primates.
Herbivores
The zoo is home to herbivores like African and Indian elephants, zebras, thamin deer, swamp deer, spotted deer, southern white rhinos, South American Tapirs, Sambar deer and many such herbivores.
Omnivores
Omnivores like sloth bears and Asiatic bears also live within the campus of the zoo.
In addition to these attractions, the zoo has a souvenir shop, and shelters in places to help you take some rest. Also, the zoo has wheelchair access, a restaurant, resting benches, a portable RO drinking water facility, a library and a food court. You can also find battery-operated vehicles to take you around if you cannot walk long distances.
Best Time & Season To Visit
The ideal time to plan your visit to Mysore Zoo is between October and March. Indeed, the zoo has a lush green cover to help visitors explore the zoo comfortably. However, it is better to avoid visiting during peak summer months between April and June. The excess heat can make it tiring to explore the zoo. You can plan your visit between September and October if you wish to participate in the grand Dasara Festival at Mysore.
The zoo remains closed on Tuesdays. On other days, the zoo opens at 8.30 am and closes at 5.30 pm. So, plan your visit accordingly.
Duration To See
A complete tour of the Mysore Zoo takes around 3 to 4 hours. However, if you wish to explore the zoo leisurely, you can spend half a day. If you are travelling with kids or if you are a photography enthusiast, you can spend an entire day on the campus of the zoo.
Best Restaurants & Cafes Around Mysore Zoo
- Vinayaka Mylari
- Cuppa Redefined
- Swarna Residency Restaurant
- Sai Chiraag Restaurant
- MySouth
- Spring
- New Mysore Refreshments
- Myst Lounge
Where to Stay? Best Resorts
- Oriole Resort Mysore By Emerge
- The Windflower Resorts & Spa
- The Village Resort
- Nandi Farm Resort & Hotel
- Sai Vihaar Inn & Suites
- Sri Keerthi Comforts
- New Ashirvad Residency
- Dasharath Hotel
Entry Fee & Ticket Prices
The Mysore Zoo Entrance Fee for adults is ₹100. For children between 5 and 12 years, the fee is ₹50. For kids below 5 years, the entry is free. For fee for parking a car or jeep is ₹70. If you travel by minibus, the fee is ₹125. If you travel by bus, the parking fee is ₹175.
FAQ
Should I Pay a Fee for battery-operated vehicles?
Yes, if you wish to explore the Mysore Zoo in a battery-operated vehicle, the cost for adults is ₹200. For kids and senior citizens, the cost is ₹150. You can also hire a 7-seater, which will cost you ₹2400 for 7 people.
Should I Pay A Separate Fee for the Camera?
Yes, for a video camera, the fee is ₹200, while for a still camera, it is ₹100.
Is There Any Concession for Students?
Yes, there is a concession for students coming to the zoo as a group. If a teacher comes with a group of 50 students, the entry fee is only ₹40.
Check out my other blog posts on Mysore:
Culinary Delights Unveiled: 14 Famous Restaurants in Mysore for Food Connoisseurs
Best 5-Day Mysore Itinerary: Unveiling the Cultural Splendour of the City
Best 20 Hotels in Mysore: Discovering Luxurious Comfort and Authentic Hospitality For Your Accommodation
How to Reach Mysore by Train, Flight, Bus or Car From 3 Major Indian Cities?
Top 12 Places to Visit Near Mysore – Accelerate Your Mysore Trip To Cover More Places
Top 15 Things To Do In Mysore – Power Up Your Trip To The City of Palaces
