Are you looking for a serene and scenic spot to enjoy nature and wildlife in Mysore? If yes, then you should definitely visit Karanji Lake, one of the most beautiful and biodiverse lakes in India. Karanji Lake is a man-made lake that was created by the Maharaja of Mysore in the 19th century, and later restored by the Zoo Authority of Karnataka in the 21st century. The lake is home to a variety of birds, butterflies, plants, and animals, and offers many attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests.
In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide to Karanji Lake Mysore, covering its history, significance, biodiversity, aviary, boating, fountain, butterfly park, museum, timing, entry fee, how to reach, tips, and places to visit near. Read on to discover why Karanji Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and wildlife.
Timing and Entry Fee
Karanji Lake is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The lake is closed on Mondays and public holidays. The timing may vary depending on the season and the weather, so it is advisable to check the official website or call the authorities before planning your visit. The entry fee for Karanji Lake is Rs. 25 for adults, Rs. 10 for children (5 to 15 years), and Rs. 20 for senior citizens.
There is also a combo ticket option that allows you to access the lake, the aviary, the butterfly park, and the museum for Rs. 50 for adults, Rs. 20 for children, and Rs. 40 for senior citizens.
The boating fee is Rs. 25 per person for a 30-minute ride. The best time to visit Karanji Lake is during the winter season (November to February), when the weather is pleasant and the bird population is at its peak. You can also visit the lake during the early morning or the late afternoon hours, when the crowd is less and the light is ideal for photography.
History and Significance
Karanji Lake was originally built by the Maharaja of Mysore in the 1860s, as a part of the Lalitha Mahal Palace complex. The lake was used as a source of water for the palace and the surrounding areas, as well as a recreational spot for the royal family and the guests. The lake covers an area of 90 hectares, of which 55 hectares is the water body and 35 hectares is the foreshore area. The lake also has a small island in the middle, which was used as a picnic spot by the royals.
Over the years, the lake suffered from pollution, encroachment, and neglect, and its water quality and biodiversity declined drastically. In 1995, the lake was handed over to the Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK), which undertook a massive restoration and conservation project. The ZAK cleaned the lake, removed the weeds, desilted the bed, planted trees, created pathways, and developed various attractions and facilities for the visitors.
The ZAK also introduced several measures to protect and enhance the biodiversity of the lake, such as banning fishing, boating, and washing activities, installing aerators and fountains, creating artificial islands and nesting sites, and conducting regular surveys and monitoring. Today, Karanji Lake is one of the most successful examples of lake restoration and management in India, and has received several awards and recognitions for its environmental initiatives and achievements.
Biodiversity and Aviary
One of the main attractions of Karanji Lake is its rich and diverse avian population. The lake is home to more than 180 species of birds, both resident and migratory, belonging to different families and orders. Some of the common and rare birds that can be spotted at the lake are pelicans, cormorants, herons, egrets, storks, ibises, spoonbills, ducks, geese, swans, coots, moorhens, grebes, kingfishers, bee-eaters, parakeets, barbets, woodpeckers, flycatchers, warblers, sunbirds, orioles, mynas, starlings, sparrows, weavers, finches, and many more.
The lake also hosts a large number of waterfowl, especially during the winter season, when thousands of birds flock to the lake from different parts of the world. The lake is also a breeding ground for many endangered and threatened species, such as the spot-billed pelican, the painted stork, the black-headed ibis, and the oriental white ibis. The lake also has a walk-through aviary, which is the largest of its kind in India.
The aviary covers an area of 4 hectares, and has a steel mesh enclosure that allows the birds to fly freely and naturally. The aviary houses more than 40 species of exotic and native birds, such as the macaws, cockatoos, toucans, hornbills, pheasants, peacocks, cranes, flamingos, and ostriches. The aviary also has a feeding station, where visitors can watch the birds being fed by the staff at fixed timings.
The aviary also has a viewing tower, where visitors can get a panoramic view of the lake and the surroundings. The aviary is a great place to learn about the birds and their behavior, as well as to enjoy their beauty and diversity. The aviary is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and the entry fee is included in the combo ticket option.
Boating and Fountain
Another popular activity at Karanji Lake is boating. The lake offers various boating options and facilities for the visitors, such as pedal boats, row boats, motor boats, and speed boats. The boating is a fun and relaxing way to explore the lake and its surroundings, and to admire the scenic views and the wildlife. The boating is also a good exercise and a stress buster, as it involves physical and mental coordination and balance. The boating is open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and the fee is Rs. 25 per person for a 30-minute ride. The boating is subject to availability and weather conditions, and the visitors are advised to follow the safety rules and instructions.
The lake also has a musical fountain that adds to the charm and beauty of the lake. The fountain is located near the entrance of the lake, and has a multi-colored display of water jets and lights that are synchronized with the music. The fountain show takes place every evening from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, and is a delight to watch for the visitors. The fountain show is free of cost, and can be enjoyed from the shore or from the boats.
Butterfly Park and Museum
Karanji Lake also has a butterfly park that is a paradise for the lovers of these colorful and delicate creatures. The butterfly park is located near the aviary, and covers an area of 1 hectare. The park has a greenhouse that simulates the natural habitat of the butterflies, and has a variety of host and nectar plants that attract and sustain the butterflies. The park also has ponds, streams, rocks, and bridges that create a beautiful and serene environment for the visitors.
The park is home to more than 50 species of butterflies, such as the common rose, the crimson rose, the blue tiger, the plain tiger, the common emigrant, the common jezebel, the common crow, the lime butterfly, the common mormon, the common grass yellow, the common bluebottle, the common pierrot, the common sailor, the common silverline, and many more. The park also has educational displays that provide information about the life cycle, anatomy, behavior, and conservation of the butterflies. The park also has a photography zone, where visitors can capture the beauty and diversity of the butterflies.
The park is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and the entry fee is included in the combo ticket option. Near the butterfly park, there is also a regional museum of natural history that is worth visiting. The museum is a branch of the National Museum of Natural History, and showcases the natural and cultural heritage of southern India. The museum has various exhibits, galleries, dioramas, models, and interactive displays that cover topics such as biodiversity, ecology, evolution, conservation, and sustainable development. The museum also has a library, a laboratory, an auditorium, and a cafeteria that cater to the needs and interests of the visitors. The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the entry is free of cost.
How to Reach and Tips
Karanji Lake is located in the heart of Mysore city, and is easily accessible by different modes of transport. The lake is situated near the Lalitha Mahal Palace on the Lalitha Mahal Road, and is about 6 km from the Mysore Railway Station, and about 11 km from the Mysore Airport. You can reach the lake by car, taxi, auto-rickshaw, bus, or bike. The nearest bus stop is the Lalitha Mahal Palace Bus Stop, which is about 500 meters from the lake.
You can also take a cycle from the Mysore Zoo or the Mysore Palace, which are about 3 km and 4 km from the lake respectively, and enjoy a scenic ride to the lake.
Tips
Here are some tips to make your visit to Karanji Lake more enjoyable and memorable:
1. Carry a camera and a binoculars to capture the beauty and diversity of the lake and its wildlife. You can also carry a bird guide or a bird app to identify and learn about the different species of birds.
2. Wear comfortable and light-colored clothes and shoes, and carry a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water bottle to protect yourself from the sun and the heat. You can also carry a jacket or a shawl in case it gets cold in the evening.
3. Do not litter or pollute the lake or its surroundings, and dispose of your waste in the designated bins. You can also carry a reusable or a biodegradable bag to collect your trash and take it back with you.
4. Do not feed or disturb the birds or the animals, and maintain a safe distance from them. You can also observe and appreciate their behavior and habits, and learn from them.
5. Do not pluck or damage the plants or the flowers, and respect the natural environment. You can also admire and enjoy the colors and fragrances of the flora, and learn about their names and uses.
6. Follow the rules and instructions of the authorities and the staff, and cooperate with them for your safety and convenience. You can also ask them for any help or information, and thank them for their service.
Places to Visit Nearby
Karanji Lake is not only a destination in itself, but also a gateway to many other attractions and places of interest in and around Mysore. Here are some of the places that you can visit near Karanji Lake, and make your trip more fulfilling and fun:
Mysore Palace:
The Mysore Palace is the most iconic and majestic landmark of Mysore, and the former residence of the Wodeyar dynasty. The palace is a splendid example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, and has a rich and fascinating history. The palace is also famous for its illuminations that take place every Sunday and public holiday from 7:00 PM to 7:45 PM, and create a magical and mesmerizing spectacle. The palace is about 4 km from Karanji Lake, and the entry fee is Rs. 70 for adults, Rs. 30 for children, and Rs. 200 for foreigners.
Chamundi Hills:
The Chamundi Hills are a sacred and scenic hill range that overlooks the city of Mysore, and offers a panoramic view of the surroundings. The hills are also home to the Chamundeshwari Temple, one of the most revered and ancient temples in Karnataka, dedicated to the goddess Chamundeshwari. The temple is also known for its architecture, sculptures, and festivals. The hills also have other attractions, such as the Nandi Bull Statue, the Mahishasura Statue, the Chamundi Devi Museum, and the Chamundi Hill Steps. The hills are about 10 km from Karanji Lake, and the entry is free of cost.
Brindavan Gardens:
The Brindavan Gardens are one of the most beautiful and popular gardens in India, and a must-visit for anyone who loves nature and flowers. The gardens are located at the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam (KRS Dam), which is one of the largest and oldest dams in India, and a marvel of engineering. The gardens are spread over an area of 60 hectares, and have a variety of plants, trees, flowers, fountains, and statues that create a stunning and serene ambience. The gardens are also famous for their musical fountain show that takes place every evening from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, and is a delight to watch for the visitors. The gardens are about 25 km from Karanji Lake, and the entry fee is Rs. 15 for adults, Rs. 5 for children, and Rs. 50 for foreigners.
Mysore Zoo:
The Mysore Zoo is one of the oldest and best zoos in India, and a paradise for animal lovers. The zoo is also known as the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, and was established by the Maharaja of Mysore in 1892. The zoo covers an area of 157 acres, and has more than 1500 animals of over 200 species, both native and exotic. Some of the animals that can be seen at the zoo are tigers, lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, hippos, bears, wolves, monkeys, deer, antelopes, crocodiles, snakes, birds, and many more. The zoo also has a conservation and breeding program for many endangered and threatened species, such as the white tiger, the gaur, the lion-tailed macaque, and the green anaconda. The zoo also has a safari option that allows visitors to see the animals in their natural habitats. The zoo is about 3 km from Karanji Lake, and the entry fee is Rs. 60 for adults, Rs. 30 for children, and Rs. 300 for foreigners.
Karanji Lake Mysore is a perfect destination for anyone who wants to experience the beauty and diversity of nature and wildlife in Mysore. The lake offers a range of attractions and activities that cater to different tastes and preferences, and make the visit more enjoyable and memorable. The lake is also a great place to learn about the history, culture, and ecology of Mysore, and to appreciate the efforts and achievements of the authorities and the organizations that have restored and conserved the lake. Whether you are a bird lover, a boating enthusiast, a butterfly fan, or a museum buff, you will find something to suit your interest and curiosity at Karanji Lake.
We hope that this article has provided you with a complete guide to Karanji Lake Mysore, and has inspired you to visit the lake and experience its beauty and diversity for yourself.
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