Karanji Nature Park — Attraction in Karnataka

🏞 Overview & History

• Karanji Lake, also called Fountain Lake, spans 90 hectares (≈ 55 ha water, 35 ha surrounding greenery) at the foothills of Chamundi Hills. It was originally built as a percolation tank over a century ago and transformed from a dumping ground into a thriving wetland by Mysore Zoo starting in 1976 . • Since then, it’s evolved into a nature education centre and bird habitat, drawing approximately 300,000 visitors annually .

🌿 Key Attractions & Facilities

• India’s largest walk‑through aviary (20 m tall × 60 m long × 40 m wide), featuring waterfalls, ponds, and birds within arm’s reach. Houses painted storks, pelicans, darters, geese, pheasants, and sarus cranes . • Butterfly Park: Island habitat within the lake hosting over 45–50 butterfly species amid nectar and host plants curated for breeding . • Bird-watching tower: 10 m high viewpoint offering panoramic views and visibility to around 147 species, including migratory birds like grey pelicans, ibis, egrets, and common local species . • Regional Museum of Natural History: Established in 1995 on the lake’s banks, this museum showcases South India’s ecology and conservation through exhibits, dioramas, and interactive displays . Additional amenities: • Pedal & row boating (no motorboats to avoid disturbance) • Medicinal plant nursery, palm garden & bambusetum • Children’s play area, walking/jogging trails, watch tower, potable water and restrooms .

🎟 Timings, Fees & Tips

• Opening hours: 08:30 AM – 05:30 PM daily, closed on Tuesdays . • Entry Fees: • Adults ₹ 10, Children (5‑15) ₹ 5, Senior Citizens ₹ 5 • Still camera ₹ 10, Video camera ₹ 25 . • Boating Fees: Adults ₹ 25, Children ₹ 15, though some sources mention ₹ 60 per 20–30 min ride at certain times . • Best time to visit: Between October–March, especially early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and maximum wildlife activity; also ideal season for butterflies . Visitor tips: • Carry insect repellent • Be cautious in snake-prone zones • Bring snacks or water as on‑site options are limited • Adhere to plastic‑free regulations and maintain cleanliness .

✅ Summary: Who Should Visit?

Ideal For Why It Stands Out Bird watchers & photographers 140+ bird species, birds in aviary, watch tower views Families & children Play areas, boating, butterfly park, peaceful ambiance Nature & conservation enthusiasts Butterfly gardens, medicinal plant nursery, museum exhibits Visitors looking for a tranquil picnic spot Lakeside benches, walking trails, clean surroundings

In conclusion, Karanji Nature Park is a serene, well-organized greenspace in Mysore offering a rare blend of biodiversity, education, and relaxation. Whether you’re into birds, butterflies, quiet strolls, or family outings, it’s a refreshing escape that honors both nature and...

This is the largest park in India and Karnataka, with a huge reservoir, home to various species of fish and aquatic animals, from crocodiles to reptiles.The entry fee here is 50 taka and it opens at 8.30 am.However, you can use it for free as a morning walk. However, you will have to get up early.From here you can go straight to the Mysore Zoo through the underground tunnel, for which you will need to buy tickets here. Here you will get the facility of boating for which you have to pay 100 rupee per ticket which is one of the most popular rides of Karanji Lake. This park also has 700 species of birds, different types of trees, flowers, animals.At the end of the park is the Butterfly Garden where you can see crocodiles along with various types of flowers.

There is also a museum inside (Regional Museum of Natural History) which can be visited with the same ticket. This museum has a good display of large...

This is a gem of a place. It has undergone a recent revamp a few years ago. There's car parking which is nominal. An option of purchasing a combo ticket for the lake and the zoo is available which we had not availed as we had seen the zoo previously.

The place is very well maintained and quite clean. There's a fairly large children's play area and plenty of birds including peacocks which roam around freely inside an enclosure. One could cover the entire park in under 45 minutes. However, the place is so calm that I wouldn't think twice about sitting under one of the many trees for an hour or two.

A fairly large lake with boat rides (self or by a boatman) is worth a shot. There are plenty of opportunities to try out your photography and to spot birds.

Overall we spent 60-90 minutes and were not disappointed.

Would...