One of the oldest and most famous zoos in Southern India is the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens or popularly known as the Mysore Zoo. It is spread over 245 acres near the Royal Mysore Palace. It is one of the main attractions of this city. The Royal family established the zoo in 1892 and since then celebrities, animal lovers and various institutions contribute towards its welfare under the Adoption Scheme.

History

G.H. Krumbeigal, a landscaper and a horticulturist from Germany was instrumental in establishing the zoo and in 1902 opened it to the general public. Added attraction to the zoo was the bandstand along with an artificial lake. For further development, the zoo was gifted tothe Parks and Gardens Department of the Government of the Mysore State in the year 1948. The Government expanded the zoo with 200 acres, acquired the Karanji Tank, and created a simulated island which acts as a bird sanctuary. The zoo was later passed over in 1972 to the Forest Department and eventually to the Karnataka Zoo Authority in 1979.

A wide variety of wild species of animals inhabit this zoo. Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar, who was a nature lover, set up numerous parks and gardens in Mysore. The zoological gardens in Mysore were also set up by him. He is also hailed as the architect of modern Mysore. During the administration of this maharaja, the Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary also came into existence to entice more visitors to Mysore and give them an occasion and opportunity to watch the flora and fauna in their native environment.

Animals

Elephants are a major attraction of this zoo. Presently there ten out of 34 elephants , which is more in number as compared to elephants elsewhere in India. Rest of the elephants was ultimately transferred to different zoos. The Colombo Zoo has contributed few green anacondas to the Mysore zoo.

Visiting hours

The Mysore Zoo is situated in the heart of the city. It is 2 kilometers from Mysore Palace and 3 kilometers from the main city bus stand.

The city buses ply regularly to and from Mysore.

Visitors are allowed from 8.30 AM – 5.30 PM every day except for Tuesday which is a holiday.

Entry charges are Rs 25/- for an adult and Rs 10/- for children between 5 – 12 years.