About

Mysore Zoo officially the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens is a 245-acre zoo located near the palace in Mysore, India. It is one of the oldest and most popular zoos in Southern India also one of the biggest Zoo in Karnataka and is home to more than 160 species of wild animals and birds. it was established in the year 1892 and during 1909, It was named after the founder member, Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar Bahadur. Mysore Zoo located next to karanji lake just 1 KM from Mysore Palace.

The Zoological Garden was carved out of a portion of the Summer Palace also known as the Pleasure Palace, which was in the eastern part of the city. The zoo was called Palace Zoo and was inaugurated in 1892. In the beginning, the zoo was developed on 10 acres of the Summer Palace. The Maharaja hired Mr. G.H. Krumbeigal a German landscaper and horticulturist to set up the zoo. As the Maharaja was an animal lover he took special care to ensure that all the enclosures for the animals were spacious and aesthetically built. The enclosures are in use to this day. 

The Maharaja appointed Mr. Huge an Australian as the Zoo Superintendent. Some years later under Mr. Huge's supervision, the area of the zoo was increased to 45 acres. Ten years after setting up the zoo the Maharaja threw it open to the public, as he realized that the zoo not only had recreational value but had educational value too. As the years passed the zoo became popular as Mysore Zoo. At the time this zoo was established there were very few zoos in the country. And the Mysore zoo came to be considered as the best zoo in the country. A small library is also located in the Zoo. Painting and essay competitions are periodically conducted by the zoo authority the children to create awareness and love in them for animals. 

Best Time To Visit The Zoo

The Birds are active in morning hours, Mammals will be active after 3.00 p.m. visitors who visit the Zoo from 11.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. often complain not spotting many animals in the Zoo. Due to severe hot conditions, most of the animals are not active between 11.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. They prefer to take rest/sleep.  So visitors are advised to visit the zoo before 11.00 a.m. or after 3.00 p.m. to see most of the animals.

At present, It housing 1450 specimen comprising 168species representing more than 25 countries. These fascinating Animals include:

1. Big Cats: Tiger, Leopard, Lions, Jaguar, Cheetahs
2. Smaller Cats: Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Small Indian Civet, Common Palm Civet
3. Primates: Chimpanzee, Gorilla, Capuchin Monkey, Marmoset, Lion Tailed Macaque, Baboon, Brown Lemur, Ring-Tailed Lemur, Nilgiri Langur, Common Langur.
4. Deer and Antelopes: potted Deer, Hog Deer, Swamp Deer, Mouse Deer, Nilgai, Four Horned Antelope, Barking Deer, Black Buck, Fallow Deer, Goral.
5. Large Mammals: Asiatic Elephants, African Elephants, African White Rhino, African Black Rhino, Hippopotamus, Gaur.
6. Aquatic Birds: Eurasian spoonbill, Pelicans, Flamingo, Adjutant Stork, Painted Stork Sacred Ibis.
7. Terrestrial Birds: Macaws, Conures, Pheasants, Sarus Crane, Great Indian Hornbill, Peafowl, Tragopan, Parrots, and Parakeets.
8. Ducks: Muscovy Duck, Spotted Whistling Duck, Comb Duck, Carolina Wood Duck
9. Flightless Birds: Ostrich, Rhea, Cassowary, and Emu
10. Reptiles: Anaconda, King Cobra, Indian Cobra, 7 types of Crocodiles, Iguana

Tips

1. Book the tickets online including electric car to avoid long queues. 
   
2. Better to get battery running cart from the gate as walking as it is pretty big to cover all animals if you are on foot. Adults 150 INR | Children(5 to 12years): 90 INR |Senior Citizen: 90 INR per person on weekdays.  Adults 180 INR | Children(5 to 12years): 100 INR |Senior Citizen: 100 INR per person on weekends.
3. Try to get in at the opening hours of the zoo at 8.30 AM to avoid the crowd.
4. avoid visiting at noon as it becomes sunny many animals won't be active.
5. No plastics, except water bottles, allowed. In case you are carrying one, u need to pay 10 Rs and get the sticker and get it refunded on your way back at the exit.

Vehicle Parking

• Cycle: 10 INR
• Scooter / Motor Cycle: 20 INR
• Car / Jeep / Auto: 50 INR
• Mini Bus / Tempo: 80 INR
• Bus: 100 INR

*Double the amount of fee has to pay if the vehicle parked beyond 4 hours.

Timings