What to expect
Highlights
- The large walk-through aviary and the butterfly park.
- Waterbirds — pelicans, storks and cormorants — around the lake and islands.
- A boardwalk, a viewing tower and pedal-boating.
Karanji Lake
Karanji Lake sits below Chamundi Hills beside the zoo, a restored waterbody surrounded by a nature park. It holds one of the largest walk-through aviaries in India and a butterfly park, with a boardwalk and boating on the lake.
Practical guide
Plan Karanji Lake
Typeheritage
Nearest baseMysuru
Best timeOctober to February, and early morning for the best birdlife
Time needed1 to 1
EntryApprox. Rs 10–20; camera extra
Nearest town/baseMysuru
DistrictMysuru
Place typeheritage
Time needed1 to 1.5 hours.
Karanji Lake sits below Chamundi Hills beside the zoo, a restored waterbody surrounded by a nature park. It holds one of the largest walk-through aviaries in India and a butterfly park, with a boardwalk and boating on the lake.
The lake and its islands attract pelicans, cormorants, painted storks and other water birds, making it an easy birding and family stop that pairs with the zoo.
Visiting
Karanji Lake — at a glance
Timings8:30 AM - 5:30 PM; closed Tuesdays
Best timeOctober to February; early morning for birds
Entry: Approx. Rs 10–20; camera extra
Getting here
How to reach Karanji Lake
Beside Mysore Zoo, ~2 km from the palace
Large walk-through aviary; boating charged separately.
Getting there
How to visit
- Next to Mysore Zoo, about 2 km from the palace; autos reach it directly.
- Buy the entry ticket at the gate; it is managed by the zoo authority.
Distance by road
- Bengaluru145 km
- Ooty125 km
- Coorg (Madikeri)120 km
- Mangaluru250 km
- Kozhikode215 km
Road km to Mysuru; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
Timing
Best time
October to February, and early morning for the best birdlife.
Weather in Karanji LakeSeasonal guide
Live forecast loads in your browser.
Visitor notes
- Entry and camera fees apply; boating is charged separately.
Safety
Good to know
On the map
Where Karanji Lake is
Photos
Karanji Lake in pictures
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What’s near Karanji Lake
Good to know
Karanji Lake — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit Karanji Lake?
October to February, and early morning for the best birdlife.
What are the entry fee and timings at Karanji Lake?
Entry: Approx. Rs 10–20; camera extra. Timings: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM; closed Tuesdays. Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach Karanji Lake?
Next to Mysore Zoo, about 2 km from the palace; autos reach it directly. Buy the entry ticket at the gate; it is managed by the zoo authority.
How much time do I need for Karanji Lake?
1 to 1.5 hours.
What else is near Karanji Lake?
Nearby you can pair Melody World Wax Museum (710 m), Mysore Zoo (830 m), Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum (1.4 km), Mysore Palace (1.8 km).
Read next
More stories, legends & guides from Mysuru
Image credits
- Karanji Lake:Timothy A. Gonsalves. Feel free to use my photos, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0