About

Picturesquely located at the foot of Chamundi hills and adjacent to the Mysuru Zoo, the Karanji lake is a beautiful bird sanctuary in the heart of Mysuru City which provides a wonderful habitat for more than 70 different species of avifauna. The recently re-developed lake, spanning across 90 acres has a butterfly park, boating, children's corner, a watchtower and India's largest walkthrough aviary.

Karanji Lake was built by the King of Mysore about 100 years back, as a percolation tank. This lake was used by the residents for bathing, washing, drinking etc. The Mysore Zoo took over the lake in 1976. The 90 acres water spread area has a 2.5 Kms. long feeder channel from the nearby Chamundi hills and has about 745 hectares of the catchment area.

The Karanji lake is said to possess the largest aviary in the country. Its set up cost was nearly 3.8 million, and it measures 20m in length, 50m in breadth and has a height of 60m. There is a waterfall too with two water bodies alongside. The lake also consists of a butterfly park which is home to more than 45 species of beautiful butterflies fluttering their wings and flying around in brilliant colors. Nectar, as well as host plants, have been planted in the park to help the butterflies sustain. The mesmerizing lake also consists of a Regional Museum of national history which is situated on the banks of the lake giving out information on the natural environment of South India and how to maintain it. 

The Karanji Lake includes a walk-through aviary for chirping birds. This aviary is constructed on the banks of the lake making it India's biggest walk-through aviary. The birds are within handshaking distance. Karanji Lake has a butterfly park housing a large variety of plant species to attract butterflies. Karanji Lake also includes children corner and boating facilities.  

butterfly park

About 15 different species of butterflies were let free in the special park, where they bred and multiplied. During the first year, the park was not very popular with either among the migratory butterflies or the nature lovers of the region. Spread over one acre of land by the side of the lake, flowering plants carefully selected are grown to Attract butterflies. A wide variety of butterflies like Grey Pansy, Lemon Pansy, Peacock Pansy, Yellow Pansy, Tailed Jay,  lue Mormon, Commo  Mo mon, Crimson Rose, Common emigrant, Tawny coaster, Blue Tiger, Plain Tiger, Striped Tiger, Danid egg fly, and many others can be seen dotting the park. Red Pierrot captivates the onlookers making it difficult for them to drag their eyes away from them. For sheer beauty, Blue pansy, Blue Mormon and Crimson Rose can be counted on.

Bird Watch Tower

A 10 meters high observation tower enables the visitors not only to view panoramic environs of the lake but also provide an excellent opportunity to ardent bird watchers. All round viewing is provided so that there would not be any hindrances to the visitors to view the birds through telescope and binoculars.

Medicinal Plants

At the entrance gate of the Karanji Lake, more than 100 medicinal plants have been raised. It is planned to educate and create awareness among the public about their uses and needs for conservation. Nursery A nursery has been set up to raise and propagate plants inside the lake premises for planting in the gardens.

Tips

• The ideal time to visit would be between 8-10 am or post 4 pm, gets way too hot to enjoy between 10 am - 4 pm.
• It is most pleasant near closing time (5:30 p.m.) and they let you stay until around 6 p.m.
• There are cycles for hire.
  

Timings