Enter into the world of Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, known as Mysore Zoo, one of India’s oldest and best-kept animal parks. Located in center of Mysore, Karnataka, this famous zoo was set up in 1892 by the wise Maharaja Sri Chamarajendra Wadiyar. Famous for its rich past, different animals, and pledge to help nature, Mysore Zoo is a place you must see for nature fans; families and wildlife lovers !

While traveling through Europe and Africa, the Maharaja collected a mix of strange animals like chimps, giraffes, antelopes, and bears. He started what became one of India’s best zoos. Over time, Mysore Zoo has been home to some rare types of animals on earth, from sea lions to polar bears to kangaroos and even a grand white elephant!

The zoo holds more than 1,450 creatures of 150 kinds from over 25 lands making it a world center for wild life saving and teaching. Whether you’re amazed by the beauty of a giraffe, the fun moves of monkeys, or the bright feathers of strange birds ; Mysore Zoo gives a great time for all age groups.

One of the zoo’s best plans is its animal adoption plan, which lets folks and groups help care for the animals. By adopting an animal, you can take part in helping with their food, health care, and home upkeep while also growing a closer bond with nature

Mysore Zoo is very focused on teaching and spreading awareness. It gives a mix of learning programs, lead tours, and fun sessions made to inspire visitors, mostly young minds, to learn about animal care, variety of life, and the need for saving rare kinds. The zoo’s helpful signs, classes, and outreach efforts turn it into a real classroom for students’, researchers and nature lovers.
As you look around this green spot, you’ll see the zoo’s strong promise to save rare animals and its part in keeping many types of life safe. From its rich grounds to its well-planned spaces, each part of Mysore Zoo shows a nice mix of nature and compassion.

Get set to start a trip in one of India’s prized animal homes. Here is all you need to know for your time at Mysore Zoo—the real nature of Karnataka.

Address

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
Zoo Main Road Indiranagar
Mysore, Karnataka 570010

Facilities and Accessibility

• Food Stalls: Yes, food stalls are available inside the premises.
• Kids Friendly: Ideal for families with children.
• Wheelchair Accessible: The zoo has wheelchair-friendly pathways. Even the zoo is providing wheelchairs on request.
• Sitting Areas: Several benches and resting spots available.
• Drinking Water: RO drinking water facilities are located in different locations.
• Public Toilets: Available at multiple points inside the zoo, and it’s free to access.
• Buggies Available: Eco-friendly battery-operated buggies are available.
• Timings: Opens at 8:30 AM and closes at 5:30 PM. (Tuesday Closed)
• Sunrise/Sunset Point: Not a sunrise/sunset spot, but ideal for day visits.
• Photography Friendly: Allowed but with restrictions in some areas.
• Shoe Counter: Not required; shoes are allowed everywhere.

History & Key Facts about Mysore Zoo

• Established: 1892 by Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar Bahadur.
• Area: Spread over 157.02 acres including 77.02 acres of Karanji Lake as of today.
• Notable Species: Giraffes, tigers, elephants, white rhinos, zebras, and rare birds.
• Special Initiative: One of the few zoos that successfully breeds endangered species.
• Eco-Friendly: Plastic is banned inside; paper bags are encouraged.

Mysore Zoo Animal Adoption Program: Be a Part of Wildlife Conservation

The Mysore Zoo Animal Adoption Plan is a special program that allows individuals, groups, and families to contribute directly to the care of the zoo’s animals. By adopting an animal, you can support its food, healthcare and home upkeep while also building a stronger bond with wildlife.

How It Works:

• Pick an animal from the list of kinds for adoption.
• Choose the time for adoption, which can go from some months to a year.
• With a financial contribution, you can help with the animal’s food, health care, and cage fix.

Benefits of Adoption:

• Receive͏ an official adoption certificate.
• Have your name shown on the adoption board by the animal’s cage.
• Get free entry to a zoo for some visits.
• Feel the joy of playing an important part in saving animals.

The plan not just helps the zoo give better care for its creatures, but also spreads awareness about the need of saving endangered kinds. It’s a good way to help while preserving the nature and make lasting memories of your bond with nature.
For more details, visit Mysore Zoo’s adoption program details .

How to Reach Mysore Zoo

Mysore Zoo is located near Mysore Palace and is easily accessible:

• By Air:

The nearest airport is Mysore Airport, less than 10 km away. But better option is Bangalore Airport which is 180 km away and connects all cities of India and as well as foreign countries also.

• By Train:

Mysore Junction Railway Station is just 3 km away.

• By Road:

Mysore has well-connected roads; taxis, autos, and buses are available.

• By Bus:

Public and private buses frequently stop near the zoo.

Parking

Parking is available opposite the zoo’s main gate for a fee.

• Cycle: Rs 15
• Two-wheeler: Rs 40
• Cars, Jeep, Auto: Rs 70
• Mini Bus and Tempo: Rs 125
• Bus: Rs 175

Key Places to Visit Inside Mysore Zoo

• Primates: Chimpanzee, Gorilla, Orangutans, Capuchin Monkey, Marmoset, Lion Tailed Macaque, Hoolock Gibbon, Baboon, Brown Lemur, Ring Tailed Lemur, Nilgiri Langur, Common Langur.
• Deer and Antelopes: Nilgai, Four Horned Antelope, Barking Deer, Black Buck, Goral.
• Large Mammals: Asiatic Elephants, African Elephants, Indian Rhino, Southern White Rhino, Hippopotamus, Gaur.
• Aquatic Birds: Eurasian spoonbill, Pelicans, Flamingo, Adjutant Stork, Painted Stork Sacred Ibis
• Reptiles: Anaconda, King Cobra, Indian Cobra, 7 types of Crocodiles, Iguana.

Read more: Mysore Palace

Entry Timing Details and Fees

• Opening & Closing Time: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays).
• Special Entry Timing: Weekends and holidays can be crowded; early mornings are the best.
• Ticket Counter: Entry tickets are available at the counter and online.

Entry Fees:

• Adults: Rs 100
• Kids (5 – 12 Years): Rs 50
• Child (Below 5 Years free): Free

Entry Fees For Zoo and Karanji Lake (Combo ticket):

• Adult: Rs 130
• Child: Rs 70

Student Concessions (In groups):

• L.K.G and U.K.G: Free entry
• 1st – 7th Std: Rs 30
• 8th – 12th Std: Rs 40

Teacher (Accompanying a group of 50 students): Rs 40

For more details, visit Mysore Zoo’s official website.

Best Time to Visit Mysore Zoo

Ideal Season: October to March (pleasant weather).

Best Time of Day:

• In the morning to avoid crowds.
• Those who wish to focus on tigers are should schedule the visit early morning or evening. Typically tigers take rest during the afternoon.
• Avoid: Peak summer afternoons due to heat.

Duration to Explore

A suggested itinerary:

• 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Enter in the zoo and start with tigars and the elephants.
• 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Explore birds and snakes.
• 11:30 AM– 12:30 PM: Enjoy the journey with giraffes, zebras and herbivours.
• 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch break. Some options are there inside the zoo.
• 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Cover aquatic birds and other places.

How to Explore the zoo

Walk:

The zoo is well laid out for walking.

Electric Buggy:

Hire an electric buggy if you are visiting with kids or senior citizens.

Fees:

• Adults: Rs 200
• Child (5-12 years): Rs 150
• Senior Citizen: Rs 150
• Online 7-Seater: Rs 2400

Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting Mysore Zoo

• Outside Food: Outside foods are allowed. However there is a food court inside the zoo.
• Wildlife Safety: No feeding animals; avoid making noise.
• Monkey Alert: Some areas may have monkeys; be cautious with food.
• Infant Strollers: Recommended for small children.
• Plastic-Free Zone: Carry reusable bags for essentials.

Nearby Places to Visit After Mysore Zoo

• Mysore Palace: 2 km away,must-visit historical landmark.
• Chamundi Hills: 13 km away, offers a great panoramic view.
• Karanji Lake: 1 km away, ideal for birdwatching and boting.
• St. Philomena’s Church: 2.6 km away, a Gothic-style architectural marvel.

Local Markets & Restaurants Near Mysore Zoo

Local Markets:

• Devaraja Market
  • Attraction: Flowers, fruits, vegetables, spices and sandalwood products.
  • Distance: 3 km from Mysore Zoo.
  • Timings: 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM.
• Badsha’s Pride
  • Attraction: Pure Mysore silk sarees, handicrafts, and traditional garments.
  • Distance: 2 km from the Zoo.
  • Timings: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
• Cauvery Emporium
  • Attraction: Government-certified sandalwood carvings, Mysore paintings, and Channapatna wooden toys.
  • Distance: 10 km from the Zoo.
  • Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

Restaurants:

• RRR Restaurant
  • Cuisine: Karnataka meals served on banana leaves, famous for its biryani and thali.
  • Distance: 2 km from the zoo.
  • Timings: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• The Old House
  • Cuisine: Italian, continental, and Indian dishes.
  • Distance: 3.5 km from the zoo.
  • Timings: 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM.
• Mosaic Radisson Blu Plaza
  • Cuisine: Multi-cuisine buffet and a-la-carte options with a luxury dining experience.
  • Distance: 2 km from the zoo.
  • Timings: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Emergency Contacts

Mysore Zoo Helpline: 0821 244 0752

Hospital: KVC Super Speciality Hospital, 3.3 km away.

• Contact: 8050078444

Police Station: Mysore South Police Station, approximately 2.1 km away.

• Contact: 0821 244 4955

Department Of Tourism, Deputy Director office, Mysuru Division, Mysuru.Govt Of Karnataka: Approximately 3 km away.

• Contact: 0821 242 2096

FAQs about Mysore Zoo

1. Is photography allowed inside Mysore Zoo?
   • Yes, but professional cameras are allowed with additional charges.
   • Video Camera: Rs 200
   • Still Camera: Rs 100
2. Are pets allowed in Mysore Zoo?
   • No, pets are strictly not allowed.
3. Does Mysore Zoo offer guided tours?
   • Yes, guided tours are available.
4. Is there a parking facility available?
   • Yes, ample parking space is available near the entrance.