Mysore Zoo

Mysore Zoo in Mysore (celebrated internationally as Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, one of the world's oldest, best maintained, and most scientifically advanced zoological parks, established in 1892 across 157 lush green acres under the royal patronage of Maharaja Chamarajendra Wadiyar X), located at the foot of Chamundi Hill along Indiranagar in Mysore in Karnataka, stands as a prime global biodiversity sanctuary.

Originally conceived in 1892 as a private royal menagerie named 'Khas Bangi' by the Wadiyar Maharaja and landscaped by German horticulturist G. H. Krumbiegel, this legendary conservation center opened to the public in 1902, pioneering spacious naturalistic moat enclosures, world class international animal breeding programs, and the popular Animal Adoption Scheme.

It's the home of over 1,450 animals representing 168 global species from 25 countries (including grand African elephants, white tigers, Asiatic lions, giraffes, zebras, white rhinos, gorillas, and Western chimpanzees), the sprawling walk through tropical aviary showcasing colorful hornbills, macaws, flamingos, and peacocks, the adjacent 77 acre Karanji Lake nature park featuring India's largest walk through aviary and boating channels, the shaded canopy of century old botanical trees providing natural air conditioning along paved pedestrian avenues, the eco friendly battery operated golf carts facilitating comfortable tours for senior citizens and families, and an intensely refreshing, wildlife rich natural atmosphere where educational discovery and compassionate conservation harmonize across clean wooded landscapes.

It represents a rich 130 year-old royal wildlife conservation legacy, scientific animal welfare, and eco tourism where 168 exotic species, natural moat enclosures, Karanji Lake aviaries, and electric buggies unite in Mysore Zoo.

Located in Nazarbad near the Mysore city center, it sits just 2 km east of Mysore Palace, 3.5 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 multi level parking grounds.

1892 Royal Menagerie & 157 Acre Conservation Park

Mysore Zoo was among the first in the world to replace cramped iron cages with spacious, open air moated enclosures that simulate natural jungle habitats.

The zoo has achieved global acclaim for successful captive breeding of critically endangered species including Indian tigers, Asian elephants, rhinos, and African cheetahs.

Truth is, walking through the quiet shaded canopy while watching a family of giraffes graze peacefully against the backdrop of Chamundi Hill is deeply therapeutic.

168 Global Species & Walk Through Aviaries

Exotic African Wildlife: Mysore Zoo is one of the few zoos in India housing rare African species like giraffes, zebras, baboons, and gorillas in expansive outdoor paddocks.

Walk Through Aviary: Bird enthusiasts can observe colorful aquatic and forest birds flying freely within high vaulted netted enclosures surrounded by ponds and bamboo groves.

Karanji Lake Nature Park & Mysore Heritage Circuit

Karanji Lake Sanctuary: Located adjacent to the zoo, Karanji Lake features scenic butterfly parks, pedal boating, and India's largest walk through aviary.

Mysore Tourism Loop: Mysore Zoo pairs smoothly with Mysore Palace (2 km), Chamundi Hill Temple (9 km), St. Philomena's Cathedral (3 km), and Brindavan Gardens.

After exploring the lush wildlife enclosures at Mysore Zoo, visit Karanji Lake, tour the grand Mysore Palace, or climb the sacred Chamundi Hill.