Karanji Lake — Attraction in Karnataka

Karanji Lake was one of the favourite haunts of migratory birds like herons and egrets. But the lake started getting polluted when sewage from the nearby residential areas were let into the lake. This pollution led to the destruction of aquatic life in the lake and with the food-source getting depleted, the migratory birds started to avoid the lake.3]

RestorationEdit

In order to prevent the destruction of this lake and to renovate it, help was sought from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation (KUIDFC) and Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK). These three organisations came together and undertook the restoration activities of this lake.[3] Financial help to the tune of Rs. 12 million was provided by ADB and ZAK undertook the restoration work with the co-ordination of KUIDFC.

The first step undertaken was to stop the sewage from entering the lake. Other restoration activities included removal of polluted silt, de-weeding of the entire lake surface, removing 30 cm of silt from the lake, restoration of feeder channels, construction of a jetty to start boating facility, and the construction of a bridge to the newly created 'butterfly park'. A watch tower was also constructed to view the birds and study their behaviour. A giant fountain which can spew water up to 40 feet has been recently added as an attraction.[5] A nursery of medicinal plants is also present here.



Children playing in the park

AviaryEdit

The aviary constructed on the shore of the lake has a height of 20 m, length of 60 m and width of 40 m making it India's biggest walk-through aviary.[2 The aviary was set up at a cost of Rs 3.8 million. It includes an artificial water fall and two small water bodies. Water from the Karanji lake is pumped inside the aviary in the form of a stream while the used water is discharged into the lake.[7] It has about 40–50 birds of 17 species.[6] Hornbills, peacocks, white-peacocks, turkeys and black swans are some of the birds found in this aviary. This aviary was temporarily closed in the year 2006 to prevent the break-out of bird flu.[8]

Butterfly parkEdit



Bamboo Forest

The butterfly park has been created on a small island within the Karanji lake. About 45 species of butterflies have been identified here.[9] With the help of a botanist, appropriate species of host plants and nectar plants essential for the breeding of butterflies were selected and planted within the island.[9] These plants have also been brought from hillstations and other...

Review: Karanji Lake – A Peaceful Escape in the Heart of Mysore

Location: Chamundi Hill Road, Mysuru, Karnataka Entry Fee: Nominal (typically ₹20–₹50 depending on age and boating options) Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

Overview

Karanji Lake is one of Mysore’s most serene and scenic attractions. Managed by the Mysuru Zoo Authority, this lake is more than just a water body—it's a full-fledged nature park that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, greenery, and quietude right in the heart of the city.

What I Loved

Lush Gardens and Lawns

The surrounding garden is vast and beautifully maintained, with a wide variety of native and ornamental trees.

Well-kept lawns and shaded walkways make it ideal for a peaceful stroll or simply relaxing under the trees.

You’ll find many seating areas, perfect for picnics or enjoying a book amid nature.

Boating Facility

The boating experience on the lake is relaxing and scenic.

You can choose between pedal boats and rowboats, which are clean and well-managed.

Boating offers lovely views of the lake, surrounding trees, and occasionally birds flying overhead.

Rich Birdlife

The lake area is known for attracting a variety of birds, especially in the mornings.

You might spot peacocks, pelicans, herons, and even migratory birds during the right season.

Additional Features

Butterfly Park: A charming little section that attracts butterflies and provides educational information.

Watch Tower: Offers a panoramic view of the lake and its surroundings.

Walkways and Bridges: Add a picturesque touch and make the lake more accessible.

Cleanliness & Maintenance

The entire area was clean and well-preserved.

Dustbins are available at regular intervals and the authorities seem to be doing a good job of maintaining hygiene.

No plastic policy is a great step toward keeping the ecosystem intact.

Final Thoughts

Karanji Lake is a hidden gem for nature lovers, photographers, families, and couples. It provides a refreshing escape from city life, and its combination of greenery, water, and calm makes it one of the most underrated attractions in Mysuru.

Recommended For: Nature lovers, families, couples, solo travelers, bird watchers Best Time to Visit: Morning or early evening for pleasant weather and bird sightings Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes and carry water if you plan to explore...

Karanji Lake (Kannada: ಕಾರಂಜಿ ಕೆರೆ) is a lake located in the city of Mysore in the state of Karnataka, India. The lake is surrounded by a nature park consisting of a butterfly park and a walk-through aviary.This aviary is the biggest 'walk-through aviary' in India. There is also a museum, the Regional Museum of Natural History which is located on the banks of this lake. The total area of Karanji lake is 90 hectares. While waterspread area is about 55 hectares, the foreshore area measures about 35 hectares. Karanji lake is owned by the Mysore Zoo Authority. Mysore Zoo gets a revenue of an average of Rs. 50000 per day from ticket sales to enthusiasts who visit this lake.

Some historical ℹ️- Kar barouanji Lake was one of the favourite haunts of migratory birds like herons and egrets. But the lake started getting polluted when sewage from the nearby residential areas were let into the lake. This pollution led to the destruction of aquatic life in the lake and with the food-source getting depleted, the migratory birds started to avoid the lake.

In order to prevent the destruction of this lake and to renovate it, help was sought from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation (KUIDFC) and Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK). These three organisations came together and undertook the restoration activities of this lake. Financial help to the tune of Rs. 12 million was provided by ADB and ZAK undertook the restoration work with the co-ordination of KUIDFC.

The first step undertaken was to stop the sewage from entering the lake. Other restoration activities included removal of polluted silt, de-weeding of the entire lake surface, removing 30 cm of silt from the lake, restoration of feeder channels, construction of a jetty to start boating facility, and the construction of a bridge to the newly created 'butterfly park'. A watch tower was also constructed to view the birds and study their behaviour. A giant fountain which can spew water up to 40 feet has been recently added as an attraction. A nursery of medicinal plants is also...