Karanji Lake

Karanji Lake in Mysore (celebrated across India as the Fountain Lake and one of Karnataka's most scenic, biodiversity rich, and eco restored urban wetland sanctuaries, home to India's largest walk through aviary, a dedicated butterfly park island, and rich bird breeding colonies), located at the foot of Chamundi Hill adjoining the Regional Museum of Natural History in Mysore in Karnataka, stands as a prime wetland conservation haven.

Originally constructed over a century ago by Maharaja Chamarajendra Wadiyar X as a percolation water tank for royal city water security, this 77 acre water body (with 55 acres of water spread and 22 acres of surrounding parkland) was comprehensively rejuvenated by the Mysore Zoo Authority in 2004, transforming it into an internationally lauded nature education reserve.

It's the home of India's largest walk through aviary (measuring 60 meters long, 40 meters wide, and 20 meters high with an elevated bridge where visitors walk among free flying peacocks, grey pelicans, white ibises, egrets, and rare pheasants), the scenic 45 species Butterfly Park established on a lush artificial island planted with specialized nectar and host flora, the peaceful pedal boating and row boating channels offering close views of nesting aquatic birds on central wetland islets, the 10 meter high wooden watchtower providing 360 degree panoramic views of Chamundi Hill and migrating winter waterfowl, the paved 2.5 kilometer tree lined jogging and cycling pathway shaded by rare indigenous trees, and an intensely peaceful, bird chirping natural atmosphere where gentle lake breezes and rustling reeds calm the urban mind.

It represents a rich 100 year-old royal percolation heritage, modern wetland ecological restoration, and urban birding leisure where giant walk through aviaries, butterfly islands, pedal boats, and Chamundi hill vistas unite in Karanji Lake Mysore.

Located in Nazarbad beside the Mysore Zoo and Mysore Race Course, it sits just 2.5 km east of Mysore Palace, 4 km from Mysore Junction Railway Station (MYS), 10 km from Mysuru Airport (MYQ), and 145 km from Bengaluru, easily accessible on foot, by auto rickshaw, city bus, or app taxi with dedicated lake parking.

India's Largest Walk Through Aviary & Aquatic Birding

Constructed at a cost of over ?3.5 million, the massive walk through aviary allows visitors to step directly into the flight zone of over 20 species of native and exotic water birds.

During winter months, over 147 bird species (including painted storks, spoonbills, purple herons, cormorants, and spot billed pelicans) use the lake as a critical migratory breeding stop.

Truth is, standing on the suspended wooden bridge inside the aviary while peacocks display their iridescent plumage right next to you is a rare wildlife thrill.

Butterfly Park Island & 10 Meter Watchtower

Butterfly Island: Reached via a wooden bridge, this specialized botanical island hosts 45 species of colorful butterflies including Southern Birdwing, Crimson Rose, and Blue Mormon.

Birdwatching Watchtower: A 10 meter elevated observation deck equipped with viewing scopes provides birdwatchers and photographers with sweeping lake vistas.

Pedal Boating & Mysore Ecotourism Circuit

Lake Boating: Visitors can rent 2 seater and 4 seater pedal boats to cruise peacefully along designated river channels without disturbing the bird nesting colonies.

Mysore Day Circuit: Karanji Lake pairs smoothly with Mysore Zoo (500 meters), Chamundi Hill (8 km), Mysore Palace (2.5 km), and the Regional Museum of Natural History.

After exploring the walk through aviary and butterfly island at Karanji Lake, visit Mysore Zoo, tour the grand Mysore Palace, or ascend sacred Chamundi Hill.