The Mysore Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens)

There are zoos, and then there is Mysore Zoo.

Most visitors come to Mysore for the palace, the silk and the Dasara procession. But just 700 metres from the grand arches of Mysore Palace, the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, better known simply as Mysore Zoo, has been quietly making its own history since 1892. It is one of the oldest zoos in Asia, one of the best-managed in India, and home to animals that no other zoo in the country can claim to have.

This guide covers timings, ticket prices, animal highlights, a zone-by-zone breakdown, photography tips, how to reach it, and the insider knowledge that turns a rushed walkthrough into a genuinely memorable visit.

Mysore Zoo at a glance

Prices and timings are approximate and for reference only. They can change with season, holidays and management decisions, so please verify before visiting.

From royal menagerie to India's premier zoo

The story of Mysore Zoo begins with a king and a curiosity.

In 1892, Maharaja Chamaraja Wadiyar X, the 23rd Maharaja of Mysore, carved out a private menagerie from 10 acres of the Summer Palace grounds. He called it Khas-Bangle, the Private Bungalow. It was never meant for the public: it was the king's personal collection of animals gathered from his travels across Europe and Africa. Giraffes, chimpanzees, antelopes and primates were each a diplomatic trophy and a curiosity.

The Maharaja engaged G.H. Krumbeigal, a German landscaper and horticulturist, to design the grounds. Krumbeigal created the shaded canopy walks, the water bodies and the naturalistic enclosure layouts that still define the zoo's character more than 130 years later. It is one of the reasons Mysore Zoo feels less like a captive facility and more like a living forest.

Public entry began as early as 1920. In 1948, administration shifted from the royal family to the Horticulture Department, in 1972 to the Forest Department, and in 2001 the zoo came under the Zoo Authority of Karnataka. In 1909 it was officially renamed Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens in honour of its founder. Today it spans 157 acres and is consistently ranked among the top three zoos in India for animal welfare, enclosure quality and conservation.

Why Mysore Zoo is unlike any other zoo in India

• The only zoo in India with a gorilla. The gorilla enclosure is one of the most visited spots in any zoo in the country.
• The only zoo in India with all three species of rhinoceros: the Indian One-Horned Rhino, the Southern White Rhino and the African Black Rhino.
• The first zoo in India to introduce great apes. In 1977 it became the first Indian zoo to house orangutans, gorillas and chimpanzees, through exchange programmes with zoos in Colombo, Washington DC and Duke University.
• Ten elephants, more than any other zoo in India, including both Asiatic and African species.
• Five Green Anacondas from Colombo Zoo, making it one of very few zoos in India with this species on display.

Ticket prices for 2026

Combo ticket: a combined ticket for Mysore Zoo and Karanji Lake Nature Park is available and saves money over buying separately. Online booking at mysuruzoo.info gives access to a separate, faster entry queue, a real advantage on weekends and public holidays.

Timings: when to go and when to avoid

The zoo is open 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily except Tuesdays, when it closes for cleaning, maintenance and animal care. The last entry is 4:30 PM sharp. It is open on public holidays.

The sweet spot is 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM: cooler weather, animals more active and feeding (especially big cats and elephants), smaller crowds, and the best natural light for photography. Avoid arriving after 2:00 PM on weekends, when crowds peak and animal activity drops in the afternoon heat.

October to February is the ideal season. Mysore's winters are mild, between 15°C and 26°C, the greenery is at its best after the monsoon, and bird activity around Karanji Lake peaks. Summer visits are possible, since the zoo is heavily shaded, but avoid the midday heat between 11 AM and 3 PM.

Zone by zone: what to see

At 157 acres, the zoo takes 2 to 4 hours to cover comfortably. Here is what to prioritise.

Big cats

Home to Royal Bengal Tigers, lions, leopards, jaguars and cheetahs. Mysore Zoo is one of only two zoos in India to house cheetahs. The enclosures are spacious, with rocky and forested settings. Visit early, when the big cats are most active. Do not miss the White Tiger enclosure: the zoo has successfully bred White Tigers, and they remain among its most photographed animals.

Primates

Gorillas, chimpanzees and orangutans, all three great apes in a single Indian zoo. Alongside them are capuchin monkeys, marmosets, baboons, Hoolock gibbons, lion-tailed macaques, brown and ring-tailed lemurs, Nilgiri langurs and common langurs. The gorilla enclosure draws crowds all day, so arrive early for a clear view.

Elephants

With ten elephants, both Asiatic and African, this is the largest elephant collection in any Indian zoo, and the zoo has raised elephant calves over the decades. They are particularly active during the morning feed.

Rhinoceros

Three species: the Indian One-Horned, Southern White and African Black rhino. The Indian rhino enclosure gives close viewing of an animal whose wild populations survive in only a handful of protected areas in Assam and West Bengal.

Giraffes and the African plains

Giraffes first came to Mysore in 1986, a gift from Germany. The African section also houses zebras, wildebeest, eland and ostriches, giving the zoo a continental character most Indian zoos lack.

Reptile house

Five Green Anacondas, king cobras, Indian cobras, iguanas and seven species of crocodiles. The anacondas, the world's heaviest snakes, are a real draw.

Walk-through aviary

A huge netted aviary you walk through on a central bridge, inside the birds' space rather than behind glass. Look for Eurasian spoonbills, pelicans, flamingos, painted storks, adjutant storks, sacred ibis and sarus cranes. The aviary closes entry at 5:00 PM, so reach it before 4:45 PM.

Karanji Lake Nature Park

A 77-acre lake handed to the zoo in 1976 and since reforested into an important wetland bird habitat. From November to February it brings migratory birds, and it also offers boating.

The must-see list

1. Gorilla: the only one in India.
2. Cheetah: one of two zoos in India with this species.
3. White Tiger: bred here and consistently popular.
4. Green Anaconda: five individuals, dramatic viewing.
5. Three rhino species: the only zoo in India with all three.
6. African elephant: alongside Asiatic elephants for comparison.
7. Walk-through aviary: flamingos, storks and ibis up close.
8. Giraffe: a favourite with children and first-time visitors.
9. Hoolock Gibbon: India's only ape.
10. Hippopotamus: a large exhibit, best at the morning feed.

Conservation work

The Zoo Authority of Karnataka runs active breeding programmes for several endangered species. The zoo's Veterinary Hospital and Research Centre studies animal health, nutrition and behaviour with universities and international zoological bodies. Mysore Zoo was also among the first zoos in India to ban single-use plastic. Its Animal Adoption Programme lets individuals, families and companies sponsor an animal's food, healthcare and habitat, from Bronze to Diamond class, with a certificate and zoo passes in return.

Facilities inside the zoo

• Food: canteens and stalls at designated spots. Plastic is banned, so carry a reusable water bottle.
• Toy train and battery vehicles: helpful for young children and anyone who prefers not to walk all 157 acres.
• Children's play area, restrooms and first aid throughout the grounds, and wheelchairs on request at the main entrance.

How to reach Mysore Zoo

The zoo sits at Zoo Main Road, Indiranagar, about 700 metres from Mysore Palace. It is a 5-minute drive from the palace and about 15 minutes from Mysore Railway Station. Autos from the station, KR Circle or the bus stand all know it simply as "Zoo", KSRTC city buses run along Zoo Road, and from the palace area it is a 10 to 15 minute walk. Parking is beside the main entrance.

Plan a full Mysuru day around the zoo

• Morning: arrive at 8:30 AM and spend 2 to 3 hours on the big cats, primates, rhinos and aviary.
• Late morning: walk five minutes to Karanji Lake for the butterfly park and lake trail.
• Afternoon: head to Mysore Palace, just 700 metres away.
• Late afternoon: drive 20 minutes up Chamundi Hills for sunset over the city.
• Evening: dinner near Sayyaji Rao Road or Devaraja Market.

Photography tips

The best spots are the giraffe pen, the walk-through aviary and the gorilla enclosure. Mobile cameras work well everywhere. For a DSLR or mirrorless camera, register at the counter and pay the ₹100 fee. Drones are prohibited. The golden hours are 8:30 to 10:00 AM. Never use flash near animals, make noise to get their attention, or reach over barriers. Patience gets better shots than provocation.

Rules and etiquette

• Do not feed the animals. Their diets are managed scientifically, and visitor food causes harm.
• Plastic bags, bottles and packaging are banned, and this is enforced at the gate.
• Stay on the paths, keep noise down near enclosures, and note that smoking and alcohol are prohibited.
• Pets are not permitted inside.

Frequently asked questions

What are Mysore Zoo timings?

8:30 AM to 5:30 PM every day except Tuesday. The last entry ticket is sold at 4:30 PM, so arrive by 4:00 PM at the latest.

How much is the ticket in 2026?

₹100 for adults and ₹50 for children on weekdays, with higher weekend and holiday prices. Camera charges apply separately. Verify current pricing at mysuruzoo.info.

Is Mysore Zoo closed on Tuesday?

Yes, it is closed every Tuesday for maintenance, cleaning and animal care.

Which animals are unique to Mysore Zoo?

It is the only zoo in India with a gorilla, the only one with all three rhinoceros species, and one of only two in the country with cheetahs.

How long does a visit take?

Most visitors spend 2 to 4 hours. Birdwatchers and wildlife photographers may want 4 to 5 hours.

Can I book tickets online?

Yes, at mysuruzoo.info and Karnataka tourism portals. Online booking gives access to a faster entry queue, which is strongly recommended at weekends.

Is Mysore Zoo good for children?

Very. It has a toy train, battery vehicles, a children's play area and the walk-through aviary, and children under 12 get reduced entry.

Is Mysore Zoo worth it?

For any visitor to Mysuru, the zoo is essential. It is the only zoo in India with a gorilla and all three rhino species, it has a walk-through aviary that puts you inside a wetland, and its 157 acres were landscaped by a German horticulturist 130 years ago. It is affordable, well run and seriously committed to conservation.

Arrive at 8:30 AM, bring a water bottle, wear comfortable shoes and give yourself at least three hours. Then continue the Mysuru road trip, and pick up a box of fresh Mysore Pak for the ride home.