Zoo in Mysore: Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens Timings, Animals, Ticket and Location

Mysore Zoo - Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens

Welcome to our journey through the lush realms of Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, better known as Mysore Zoo. Nestled in the heart of the culturally rich city of Mysore, Karnataka, this wildlife haven has stood as a testament to the beauty of biodiversity and the wonders of nature for over a century. Established in 1892, this cherished institution is a pioneer in the world of zoos in India, capturing hearts with its array of exotic flora and fauna. In this blog, we’ll explore the Mysore Zoo, delving into its history, the diversity of its inhabitants, and the tireless efforts dedicated to conservation and education. Let’s unlock the gates and venture into a world teeming with life and fascinating stories of survival and coexistence.

Mysore Zoo Name and History -

The Mysore Zoo, officially known as the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, is located in Mysore, Karnataka, India. It is one of India’s oldest and most well-known zoological gardens, renowned for its rich history and diverse collection of wildlife. Here’s an overview of its name and history:

Name:

Official Name: Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
Commonly Known As: Mysore Zoo

History:

Establishment: The Mysore Zoo was established in 1892 by His Highness Sri Chamarajendra Wadiyar Bahadur, the then Maharaja of Mysore, as part of his vision to promote conservation and education about wildlife.
Architectural Inspiration: The zoo was designed by a German landscaper and horticulturist, G.H. Krumbeigal, known for pioneering landscaping and designing zoo environments.
Early Years: When it opened to the public in 1902, the Mysore Zoo was one of the first zoos in India. It began with a modest collection of animals and has since grown into a major attraction, drawing visitors worldwide.
Successive Maharajas’ Contributions: Over the years, successive Maharajas of Mysore have significantly contributed to the zoo, expanding and improving its facilities, infrastructure, and animal habitats.
Conservation and Breeding Programs: The Mysore Zoo is recognized for its efforts in conservation and breeding programs, focusing on the preservation of endangered species and promoting awareness about wildlife conservation.
Modernization and Expansion: In recent years, the zoo has undergone modernization and expansion, focusing on creating more naturalistic enclosures for the animals, improving visitor experiences, and enhancing animal welfare.
Bicentenary Celebration: In 1999, the Mysore Zoo celebrated its bicentenary, highlighting its enduring commitment to wildlife conservation and education.

Mysore Zoo Location-

It is located in the heart of Mysore, India. It is situated on Zoo Main Road, Indiranagar, just a short walk from the Mysore Palace.

Mysore zoo website : https://www.mysuruzoo.info/

Zoo Mysore Timings-

Mysore Zoo is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, all days of the week except Tuesday.

The best time to visit the zoo is early morning or late evening when the animals are most active. However, the zoo is open all day so that you can visit anytime.

Zoo Mysore Ticket Price -

The ticket price and entry fee for the Mysore Zoo is as follows:

Adults: ₹100

Children (5 to 12 years of age): ₹50

Children below 5 years of age: Free

The zoo is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, all days of the week except Tuesday.

You can purchase tickets at the entrance gate of the zoo. You can also purchase tickets online on the Mysore Zoo website.

Layout of Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens -

The layout of the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, also known as the Mysore Zoo, is as follows:

The zoo is divided into two main sections: the North Zoo and the South Zoo.

North Zoo:

The North Zoo is home to various animals, including lions, tigers, elephants, rhinos, hippos, monkeys, apes, reptiles, and birds.
The North Zoo also has a number of popular attractions, such as the elephant enclosure, the lion enclosure, and the tiger enclosure.
The North Zoo is also home to many rare and endangered species, such as the snow leopard, the red panda, and the gharial.

South Zoo:

The South Zoo is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, rhinos, hippos, monkeys, apes, reptiles, and birds.
The South Zoo also has a number of popular attractions, such as the butterfly garden, the aquarium, and the nocturnal animal house.
The South Zoo is also home to several rare and endangered species, such as the Indian rhinoceros, the one-horned rhinoceros, and the Indian elephant.

Other attractions:

The zoo has many other attractions, such as a children’s play area, a cafeteria, and a souvenir shop.

Entrance:

The entrance to the zoo is located on Zoo Main Road, Indiranagar, Mysore.

Map:

A map of the zoo can be found on the Mysore Zoo website.

Wildlife of Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens -

The Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, also known as the Mysore Zoo, is home to a wide variety of wildlife worldwide. The zoo is home to over 168 species of animals, including:

Mammals: Lions, tigers, leopards, elephants, rhinos, hippos, monkeys, apes, deer, antelope, bison, wild dogs, and more.
Birds: Peacocks, pheasants, cranes, hornbills, parrots, macaws, and more.
Reptiles: Snakes, lizards, crocodiles, and more.
Amphibians: Frogs and toads.
Fish: A variety of freshwater and saltwater fish.

The zoo is also home to many rare and endangered species, such as the snow leopard, the red panda, the gharial, the Indian rhinoceros, and the one-horned rhinoceros.

The Mysore Zoo is a great place to learn about wildlife and to see animals up close. The zoo is well-maintained and the animals are well-cared for. The zoo also offers a variety of educational programs and activities for visitors of all ages.

Here are some of the most popular wildlife attractions at the Mysore Zoo:

The elephant enclosure: Visitors can watch the elephants bathe, play, and feed.
The lion enclosure: Visitors can see the lions up close and learn about their behavior.
The tiger enclosure: Visitors can see the tigers up close and learn about their conservation status.
The butterfly garden: Visitors can see a variety of butterflies in a beautiful garden setting.
The aquarium: Visitors can see a variety of freshwater and saltwater fish, as well as other aquatic creatures such as sharks and rays.
The nocturnal animal house: Visitors can see animals that are active at night, such as bats, owls, and leopards.

Mysore Zoo Animals List-

Here is a list of some of the animals that can be found at the Mysore Zoo, officially known as the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens:

Mammals

African elephant
Asiatic lion
Bengal tiger
Chimpanzee
Common marmoset
Eld’s deer
Giraffe
Gaur
Golden langur
Hanuman langur
Hippopotamus
Indian elephant
Indian rhinoceros
Jaguar
Leopard
Nilgai
Orangutan
Rhinoceros hornbill
Smooth-coated otter
Snow leopard
Spotted deer
Striped hyena
White tiger

Mysore Zoo Birds

Asian openbill stork
Black swan
Common crane
Darter
Emu
Flamingo
Great hornbill
Grey pelican
Indian peafowl
Indian peahen
Indian peafowl (white)
Lesser flamingo
Marabou stork
Ostrich
Painted stork
Sacred ibis
Sarus crane
Spoonbill

Mysore Zoo Snakes

Aldabra giant tortoise
Burmese python
Gharial
Indian cobra
Indian rock python
Indian star tortoise
King cobra
Mugger crocodile
Reticulated python
Saltwater crocodile

Amphibians

Indian bullfrog
Indian toad

Mysore Zoo Fish

Arowana
Catfish
Discus fish
Goldfish
Koi carp
Piranha
Sea turtle
Shark
Stingray

This is just a small sample of the many animals at the Mysore Zoo. The zoo is home to over 168 species of animals, so there is something for everyone to see and enjoy.

Mysore Zoo Anaconda-

The Mysore Zoo does have anaconda. In April 2023, the zoo received six anacondas (three males and three females) from the Sri Lanka Zoo under an animal exchange program.

The anaconda is a non-venomous snake that is found in South America. It is the largest snake in the world, with some individuals reaching lengths of over 20 feet. Anacondas are apex predators whose diet consists of various animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish.

The Mysore Zoo is one of the few zoos in India to house anacondas. The zoo’s acquisition of anacondas is a significant development, as it will help to raise awareness of these amazing creatures and their conservation needs.

Fun activities at Mysore Zoo-

Here are some fun activities that you can do at the Mysore Zoo:

Visit the elephant enclosure: The elephant enclosure is one of the most popular attractions at the zoo. Visitors can watch the elephants bathe, play, and feed. You can even take a ride on an elephant!
See the lions and tigers: The lion and tiger enclosures are also very popular. Visitors can see the lions and tigers up close and learn about their behavior.
Explore the butterfly garden: The butterfly garden is a beautiful and peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature. Visitors can see a variety of butterflies in the garden, as well as other insects and birds.
Visit the aquarium: The aquarium is a great place to learn about aquatic life. Visitors can see a variety of freshwater and saltwater fish, as well as other aquatic creatures such as sharks and rays.
Take a walk through the nocturnal animal house: The nocturnal animal house is a unique experience. Visitors can see animals that are active at night, such as bats, owls, and leopards.
Have a picnic: The zoo has a number of picnic areas where visitors can enjoy a meal or snack. Be sure to pack your own food and drinks, as there are no restaurants or cafes inside the zoo.
Take a guided tour: The zoo offers guided tours in English and Kannada. The tours are a great way to learn more about the animals and the zoo’s conservation efforts.
Attend a special event: The zoo hosts a number of special events throughout the year, such as educational programs, animal demonstrations, and cultural festivals. Be sure to check the zoo’s website for a list of upcoming events.

Best time to visit Mysore Zoo-

The best time to visit the Mysore Zoo is during the early morning or late evening, when the animals are most active. The zoo is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, all days of the week except Tuesday.

During the middle of the day, the animals are often lethargic and inactive due to the heat. Additionally, the zoo can be crowded during the midday hours, which can make it difficult to see the animals.

If you are visiting the zoo during the summer months, it is important to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen. The zoo is located in a tropical climate, so it can be very hot and humid.

How to Reach Mysore Zoo-

Reaching Mysore Zoo is relatively easy due to its central location in Mysore, Karnataka, India. Mysore is well-connected by road, rail, and air, and once you’re in the city, reaching the zoo is convenient. Here are various ways to reach Mysore Zoo:

1- By Air:

The nearest major airport is Mysore Airport (Mandakalli Airport), located about 10-12 kilometers away from Mysore city center. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other transportation options to reach Mysore Zoo.

By Train:

Mysore Junction is the primary railway station in Mysore and is well-connected to major cities in India. Once you arrive at Mysore Junction, you can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or a city bus to reach Mysore Zoo, which is approximately 2-3 kilometers away.

By Bus:

Mysore has an extensive bus network, and both state-run and private buses operate to and from various cities and towns. The Mysore Zoo is located in the heart of the city, so you can easily take a local bus or an auto-rickshaw to reach the zoo.

By Road:

Mysore is well-connected by road to major cities in Karnataka and neighboring states. You can drive to Mysore or hire a taxi or cab from nearby cities. Once you reach Mysore, you can easily reach the zoo by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or other local transportation options.

Local Transportation within Mysore:

Auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available within Mysore and are convenient options to reach Mysore Zoo from anywhere in the city. Make sure to negotiate the fare before starting your trip.

Walking:

If you’re in the city center of Mysore, you can enjoy a pleasant walk to Mysore Zoo, especially if you’re staying nearby.

Address of Mysore Zoo: Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens Indiranagar, Mysuru, Karnataka 570010, India

The zoo is centrally located, making it accessible and easy to find within Mysore. Ensure to check local transportation options and routes for the most convenient way to reach Mysore Zoo based on your starting point.

Hotels in Mysore near Zoo-

Here are some hotels in Mysore that are located near the Mysore Zoo:

Sandesh The Prince
Hotel Roopa
Hotel Darshan Palace
Hotel Garden City
Hotel Maurya Palace
Hotel Maurya Residency
Radisson Blu Plaza Mysore
Fortune JP Palace-Member ITC Hotel Group
Grand Mercure Mysore – An AccorHotels Brand
Mysore County Retreat
Southern Star Mysore
Royal Orchid Metropole Mysore
Silent Shores Resort & Spa
Hotel Siddharta

These hotels offer a variety of amenities and price points, so you can find the perfect hotel for your needs.

When choosing a hotel, be sure to consider the following factors:

Distance from the zoo: Some hotels are located closer to the zoo than others. If you are planning on spending a lot of time at the zoo, it may be worth choosing a hotel that is located nearby.
Amenities: Different hotels offer different amenities. Be sure to choose a hotel that has the amenities that are important to you, such as a pool, a fitness center, or a restaurant.
Price: Hotels in Mysore range in price from budget-friendly to luxury. Be sure to set a budget before you start looking for a hotel.

Places to Visit near Mysore Zoo-

There are many places to visit near the Mysore Zoo, including:

Mysore Palace: The Mysore Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mysore. It is a beautiful palace that was built in the early 20th century.
Karanji Lake: Karanji Lake is a beautiful lake that is located near the Mysore Zoo. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
Jaganmohan Palace: Jaganmohan Palace is a beautiful palace that is located near the Mysore Zoo. It is home to a number of museums and art galleries.
Chamarajendra Art Gallery: The Chamarajendra Art Gallery is a museum that houses a collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts.
Regional Museum of Natural History: The Regional Museum of Natural History is a museum that houses a collection of fossils, plants, animals, and other natural history specimens.
Melody World Wax Museum: The Melody World Wax Museum is a wax museum that features wax statues of famous people from all over the world.
Brindavan Gardens: Brindavan Gardens are beautiful gardens that are located about 20 kilometers from Mysore. The gardens are known for their fountains, flower beds, and musical fountain shows.
Somnathpur Temple: Somnathpur Temple is a beautiful Hindu temple that is located about 35 kilometers from Mysore. The temple is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures.
Somanathapura: Somanathapura is a beautiful village that is located about 35 kilometers from Mysore. The village is known for its traditional handicrafts and its beautiful scenery.
Shivanasamudra Falls: Shivanasamudra Falls are beautiful waterfalls that are located about 90 kilometers from Mysore. The waterfalls are known for their beauty and their power.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary: Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary that is located about 20 kilometers from Mysore. The sanctuary is home to a variety of birds, including pelicans, flamingos, and ibises.

Underwater Zoo Mysore-

The Lokaranjan Aqua World Underwater Zoo is located in Mysore, India. It is the first underwater tunnel aquarium in Karnataka. The aquarium is home to over 118 fish species and other aquatic creatures, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles.

The underwater tunnel is the aquarium’s highlight, providing visitors with a unique perspective of the underwater world. Visitors can walk through the tunnel and see the fish swimming around them. The tunnel is also home to many interactive exhibits, such as a touch tank and a feeding station.

In addition to the underwater tunnel, the Lokaranjan Aqua World Underwater Zoo has many other exhibits, including a freshwater aquarium, a saltwater aquarium, and a reptile house. The aquarium also has a children’s play area and a cafeteria.

The Lokaranjan Aqua World Underwater Zoo is a great place to visit for people of all ages. It is a fun and educational experience that the whole family can enjoy.

The aquarium is located at No. 478, Ashoka Road, Near Mysore Zoo, Mysore 570010, Karnataka, India. It is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, all days of the week except Tuesday.

Final Note:

As we draw the curtains on our virtual safari through the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, we leave behind an enchanting world that echoes the importance of wildlife conservation, education, and the beauty of our natural heritage. The Mysore Zoo, steeped in history and legacy, has continuously strived to offer not just a home for its animal inhabitants, but a sanctuary of learning and wonder for all who visit.