Mysore Zoo, officially known as Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, is a zoo and a wildlife park located near the palace in Mysore, Karnataka, India. It is one of the oldest and most popular zoos in India, and is home to a wide range of species of animals, birds and reptiles. The zoo is spread over 157 acres of land and has a history of more than a century. Visit during Mysore Local Sightseeing as well as Bangalore to Mysore One day tour By cab
Location of Mysore Zoo
Mysore Zoo is located at Indira Nagar 10th Main Road, Mysore, Karnataka 570010. It is about 2 km from the Mysore railway station and 15 km from the Mysore airport. It is situated in the heart of the Mysore city, which is the cultural capital of Karnataka.
Timing/Entry Fees Mysore Zoo
Mysore Zoo is open to visitors from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm on all days of the week, except Tuesdays. There is an entry fee of Rs 70 for adults and Rs 35 for children (Age: 5-12 years) for visiting the zoo. There is also a fee of Rs 20 for using a camera and Rs 150 for using a video camera inside the zoo. However, there is no entry fee for visiting the zoo on Tuesdays.
How to Reach Mysore Zoo
There are various modes of transport available to reach Mysore Zoo from different parts of Karnataka and India.
- By air: The nearest airport is Mysore International Airport, which is well connected by flights from major cities in India and abroad. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to Mysore Zoo.
- By train: The nearest railway station is Mysore Junction Railway Station, which is well connected by trains from major cities in India. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to Mysore Zoo.
- By road: Mysore is well connected by road with other cities and towns in Karnataka and neighboring states. There are regular government and private buses that ply to Mysore Zoo from various places. One can also drive to Mysore Zoo by car or bike.
Things to Do/Must See Mysore Zoo
Mysore Zoo is a place of wildlife conservation and education that offers a lot of things to do and see for the visitors.
- Admire the diverse collection of animals, birds and reptiles that are housed in spacious and naturalistic enclosures. The zoo has more than 168 species of fauna, including tigers, lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, hippos, bears, deer, monkeys, crocodiles, snakes and birds.
- Learn about the history and objectives of the zoo, which was established by Chamaraja Wadiyar X, the twenty-third Maharaja of Mysore, in 1892. The zoo was named after him in 1909 and has been involved in various conservation breeding, research and rescue programs since then.
- Enjoy the various attractions and facilities that are available at the zoo, such as a children’s park, an aquarium, a butterfly park, a snake house, a souvenir shop and a cafeteria.
- Participate in the various events and activities that are organized by the zoo authorities, such as summer camps, youth clubs, adoption schemes and guided tours.
Nearby Tourist Attractions Mysore Zoo
There are many other tourist attractions near Mysore Zoo that one can explore while visiting Mysore. Some of them are:
- Mysore Palace: A magnificent palace that was the residence of the Wodeyar kings of Mysore. It has a blend of Indo-Saracenic styles of architecture, with domes, arches and turrets. It also has a museum that displays royal artifacts and paintings.
- Brindavan Gardens: A beautiful garden that lies below the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam. It has fountains, terraces, lawns and flower beds. It also has a musical fountain show that is held in the evenings.
- Chamundeshwari Temple: A temple dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari or Durga, who is the patron deity of Mysore. The temple is located on the top of Chamundi Hills, which offer a panoramic view of the city. The temple also has a statue of Nandi (the bull mount of Shiva) and a Shiva temple nearby.
- Jaganmohan Palace: A former royal residence that has been converted into an art gallery. It has a collection of paintings, sculptures, musical instruments and antiques. It also has a hall that hosts cultural events and concerts.
- St Philomena’s Church: A majestic church that is built in the Neo-Gothic style of architecture. It has twin spires that are 175 feet high and can be seen from a distance. It also has stained glass windows that depict scenes from the Bible.
Significance of Mysore Zoo
Mysore Zoo is a significant attraction in Mysore for its wildlife conservation and education. It is one of the oldest and most reputed zoos in India and one of the city’s most popular attractions. It is a place where visitors can connect with nature and learn about the importance of protecting the biodiversity and the environment. It is also a place where visitors can witness the beauty and diversity of the animal kingdom and appreciate the wonders of life.
FAQ’s
Q: What is the best time to visit Mysore Zoo?
A: The best time to visit Mysore Zoo is during the winter season (November to February), when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. However, one can visit the zoo throughout the year as it remains open on all days, except Tuesdays.
Q: How long does it take to explore Mysore Zoo?
A: It takes about 2-3 hours to explore Mysore Zoo and its surroundings. One can also spend some more time enjoying the various attractions and facilities at the zoo.
Q: Is photography allowed inside Mysore Zoo?
A: Yes, photography is allowed inside Mysore Zoo, but one should respect the animals and their privacy and avoid using flash or disturbing them. One should also follow the rules and regulations of the zoo and avoid littering or feeding the animals.
Conclusion
Mysore Zoo is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the wildlife conservation and education of Mysore. It is a zoo and a wildlife park that showcases a wide range of species of animals, birds and reptiles. It is also a place that offers a lot of attractions and facilities for the visitors, such as a children’s park, an aquarium, a butterfly park, a snake house, a souvenir shop and a cafeteria. Mysore Zoo is a pride of Mysore and a treasure of India.
