Mysore Zoo

Mysore Zoo is a popular place of tourist interest. Mysore Zoo is considered as one of the best zoological gardens in India as it is home to diverse species of mammals, birds and reptiles.

Mysore Zoo was established by Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar, an architect of modern Mysore, in the year 1892. Mysore Zoo, earlier known by the name ‘Palace Zoo’, was limited to the royal family in its initial stages. It was later opened to the public by Maharaja Chamarajendra Wodeyar owing to its recreational and educational significance.  ‘Palace Zoo’ was renamed as ‘Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens’ in the year 1909.

Mysore Zoo plays an active role as it is involved in the captive breeding programme for the endangered species and also in other conservation activities. Mysore Zoo acts as an ‘orphanage’ to rear abandoned animals like young apes, calves of elephants and gaur, and cubs of tigers and leopards.

Mysore Zoo is also notable for the breeding of many exotic species like Zebra, Barberry Sheep, Emu, Giraffe, Kangaroo, Chimpanzee, Hippo, Great Indian, One-Horned Rhino, Sangai, Tiger, etc.  Endangered species like Four Horned Antelope, Mouse Deer, Civet, Caracal, Chinkara, Nilgiri Langur, Ring Tailed Lumur, Binturong, Leopard, etc. are also reared and bred in Mysore Zoo.  

Mysore Zoo consists of spacious enclosures, pathways and a veterinary hospital with all modern facilities for animal care. It also encloses Karanji Tank which has been converted to a mini sanctuary for avian species.

Located at a distance of about 2 km from Mysore Palace, Mysore Zoo is spread over approximately 250 acres. There is a battery operated vehicle to take visitors through the zoo which costs about INR 125. It takes a minimum of two hours to cover the zoo and tickets are sold from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm.


Timing: 8.30 am – 5.30 pm (Tuesday Holiday)
Admission Fees: INR 40 (for Adults)
                               INR 20 (for Children)
                               INR 100 (for foreigners)