Spread across 90 tranquil hectares at the base of Chamundi Hill, Karanji Lake was originally created by the Maharaja of Mysore as an urban percolation lake. Today, managed by the Zoo Authority of Karnataka, it represents one of India’s most celebrated urban wetland sanctuaries.

The park is renowned for housing India’s largest walk-through aviary (60m long by 40m wide and 20m high), where visitors stroll along elevated boardwalks among free-flying peacocks, hornbills, and pheasants in a natural canopy.

With dense mangrove islands, lush bamboo groves, a dedicated butterfly park, and pedal boating on tranquil open waters, Karanji Lake is an idyllic haven for ornithologists, families, and nature enthusiasts.

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Giant Walk-Through Aviary & Butterfly Park Island

8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed Tuesdays)Entry: Rs 50 / Boating: Rs 60Nazarbad, 1 km from Mysore Zoo

Walk inside the monumental arched aviary to observe rare white peacocks, great hornbills, and glossy ibises. Outside, climb the 3-tiered watchtower overlooking central breeding islands crowded with pelicans and painted storks.

Local Insider Tip: Visit between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM. The morning mist over the lake creates magical lighting for bird photography with zero crowd noise.

4.7 Rating

Butterfly Island Sanctuary & Regional Museum of Natural History

Island Conservatory Loop45+ Butterfly SpeciesAdjoining RMNH Museum

Cross the wooden pedestrian footbridge to the central butterfly island, landscaped with nectar-rich host plants where Blue Mormons, Crimson Roses, and Common Jays flutter in abundance. Directly adjoining the lake gate is the Regional Museum of Natural History (RMNH).

Local Insider Tip: Combine your morning walk with a 45-minute visit to RMNH to explore life-sized dinosaur models and botanical exhibits (free entry).

Attraction Details & Ticket Pricing (2026)

Best Season for Birdwatching at Karanji

While resident waterbirds thrive year-round, the peak migratory birding window spans from November to March.

During these cooler winter months, thousands of migratory waterfowl arrive from Central Asia and northern latitudes, making the 3-story watchtower a photographer’s paradise.

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