Once a part of the sprawling Mysore Zoo, the Karanji Lake Park now has a separate entrance (although it is still close to the zoo). At the heart of the park, lies the serene waters of Karanji Lake developed by the local authorities. The best time to visit the place is during the monsoons when the lake’s got plenty of water and you can take a boat ride.
To soak in the beauty of this space, explore the greenery that surrounds the lake. Your top priority should be the walk through aviary, said to be India’s largest. The lake park also attracts migratory birds like painted storks, sandpipers, warblers, and rose-ringed parakeets. There’s watchtower from where you can catch sight of the visiting birds. There is a Butterfly Park which has been built over a small island within the lake which boasts of more than 45 types of butterflies! You can also check out the Regional Museum of Natural History which has pretty cool information on the natural environment of South India.
With an entry fee of INR 10 per person, the lake premises is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM on all days (except for Tuesday, when they are closed). You can go boating here to enjoy the gorgeous lake -- hire a pedal boat or even find a boat with a boatman to row for you. The lake is at a two km distance from the Mysore Palace and five km from the Mysore Railway Station and you can easily take an auto-rickshaw or cab to the lake.
