Established in 1892 under the visionary royal patronage of Maharaja Chamaraja Wadiyar X, the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens (popularly celebrated worldwide as Mysore Zoo) is one of the oldest, cleanest, and most progressive wildlife conservation institutions in the world.

Spread over 157 lush, tree-shaded acres nestled right in the heart of Mysuru near the eastern slopes of Chamundi Hill, the zoo is globally acclaimed for its pioneering spacious open-moated naturalistic enclosures, humane animal breeding conservation programs, and an expansive botanical garden housing centuries-old exotic flora collected across five continents.

Home to over 1,450 animals representing 168 species from 25 countries, Mysore Zoo is India’s only zoological park to house gorillas, giraffes, African hunting cheetahs, white rhinoceroses, and zebras, serving as a premier education and conservation destination for over three million visitors each year.

4.9 Rating (52,000+ Reviews)

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens & African Savannah

8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Tuesday Closed)Rs 100 Weekdays / Rs 120 WeekendsIndiranagar, Ittigegud, Mysuru

A smooth 3-kilometer paved walking trail winds through manicured botanical gardens, taking visitors past the sprawling African Savannah zone where giraffes, zebras, and African white rhinos roam together in open moated grasslands. Continue along the carnivore loop to view Royal Bengal tigers (including rare white tigers), Asiatic lions, Indian leopards, and black panthers in dense forest habitats.

Local Insider Tip: Pre-book your tickets online at mysorezoo.info to skip the long morning ticket lines. The ideal time to enter is right at 8:30 AM when animal feeding takes place and big cats are most active before the afternoon heat.

4.8 Rating

Primate Enclosures & Aquatic Bird Conservation Sanctuary

Central Zoo LoopBattery Buggy Station #3Over 80 Exotic Bird Species

Discover the celebrated Great Ape pavilion housing chimpanzees, baboons, and lion-tailed macaques in immersive jungle groves. The adjacent aquatic bird sanctuary features an enormous open-water lagoon with wooden bridges, home to breeding flocks of Chilean flamingos, pelicans, painted storks, and kingfishers nesting freely among wetland mangroves.

Local Insider Tip: If traveling with elderly relatives or small toddlers, book the Electric Buggy (Rs 100/seat) immediately upon entering through the turnstiles. Buggies fill up quickly by 10:30 AM on weekends.

Zoo Entry Fees, Safari Buggies & Photography Charges (2026)

Best Route & Expert Tips for Exploring the Zoo

The zoo is designed with an intuitive, one-way pedestrian loop spanning approximately 3 kilometers. Follow these insider strategies for a seamless experience:

1. Recommended Walking Sequence: Entrance Gate → Great Ape & Primate Pavilion → Exotic Birds & Flamingo Lagoon → Elephant Enclosure → African Savannah (Giraffes & Rhinos) → Reptile House (King Cobras & Anacondas) → Carnivore Alley (Tigers & Lions) → Exit Souvenir Emporium.

2. Strict Zero-Plastic Zone: Mysore Zoo is a certified 100% single-use plastic-free zone. Security staff inspect bags at the gate. Any plastic water bottles must carry a refundable Rs 10 green deposit sticker, or you can use the free filtered RO cold drinking water stations located every 200 meters throughout the park.

3. Dining & Refreshments: Clean vegetarian food courts inside serve hot dosas, sandwiches, tender coconut water, and Nandini milk ice creams at regulated MRP prices.

Frequently Asked Questions