Mysore Zoo is the kind of place where the first ten minutes change the pace of the day. The city roads give way to broad green paths, mature trees and enclosures planned with enough distance that the visit feels like a long nature walk rather than a quick series of animal stops. Even people who arrive mainly for the famous species often end up remembering the landscaping and the calm organisation of the grounds.
Officially named Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens and now commonly written as Mysuru Zoo, the institution dates back to 1892 and is one of India’s oldest major zoos. It houses around 149 species and is known for conservation work, naturalistic enclosures and a visitor system that includes online entry booking, battery vehicles and a combined option with Karanji Lake.
Quick About Mysore Zoo
| Particular | Details |
| Official name | Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens |
| Popular name | Mysore Zoo / Mysuru Zoo |
| Established | 1892 |
| Address | Indira Nagar, Ittigegudu, Mysuru, Karnataka 570010 |
| Zoo timing | 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Weekly closure | Tuesday |
| Adult entry | Rs. 120 |
| Child entry | Rs. 60 for ages 5 to 12 |
| Species housed | About 149 species |
| Official website | mysuruzoo.info |
Opening and Closing Timing
| Particular | Days | Opening | Closing / Details |
| Zoo | Monday, Wednesday to Sunday | 8:30 AM | 5:30 PM |
| Weekly closure | Tuesday | Closed | Closed |
Mysuru Zoo follows one of the simplest schedules among major Indian zoos: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM on open days and a weekly holiday every Tuesday. The official website advises early morning or evening for visitors particularly interested in big cats, as they are often less active during the warmer middle of the day.
Ticket Price
| Ticket / Facility | Category | Price |
| Zoo entry | Adult, 12 years and above | Rs. 120 |
| Zoo entry | Child, 5 to 12 years | Rs. 60 |
| Zoo entry | Child below 5 years | Free |
| Zoo + Karanji Lake combo | Adult | Rs. 150 |
| Zoo + Karanji Lake combo | Child, 5 to 12 years | Rs. 80 |
| Battery vehicle | Adult | Rs. 240 |
| Battery vehicle | Child 5 to 12 / senior citizen | Rs. 180 |
Parking, luggage storage and camera charges are separate. The official ticket portal currently lists additional camera charges including GST, so visitors carrying dedicated still or video equipment should check the current booking screen before payment.
Can Mysore Zoo Tickets Be Booked Online?
Yes. Mysuru Zoo has an official online ticket portal, and prior registration is required for online zoo-entry and battery-vehicle booking. A working mobile number is needed for OTP verification.
The zoo has warned visitors about unauthorised ticket sellers. Use only the official Mysuru Zoo website or its linked ticket portal. Battery-vehicle booking does not replace the zoo entry ticket; both are required when applicable.
What to See at Mysore Zoo
The zoo’s appeal comes from both the variety of animals and the quality of the setting. Big cats, elephants, primates, giraffes, birds and several exotic species are displayed across a large, shaded campus. Gorillas are among the notable additions that have drawn considerable visitor interest in recent years.
Mysuru Zoo is also a conservation and education institution, not simply a display park. Its work includes rescue and rehabilitation, conservation breeding, waste management and water harvesting. Reading the species and conservation boards adds real value to the visit, especially for school-age children.
Karanji Lake sits close to the zoo and is available through a combined ticket. Visitors with enough time can plan both, but families who want to explore the zoo properly should not squeeze the two attractions into an overly short schedule.
How to Reach Mysore Zoo
From Mysuru City Bus Stand: The zoo is very close to the central bus stand area and is easy to reach by city bus, auto-rickshaw or taxi.
From Mysuru Railway Station: The railway station is about 3.1 km away according to zoo information. Autos and cabs are readily available outside the station.
From Mysuru Airport: Mysuru Airport is about 10 km from the zoo. Taxi or app cab is the most convenient option for visitors arriving by air.
By Local Transport: City buses and auto-rickshaws serve the Ittigegudu and zoo area throughout the day. Parking is also available for private vehicles at separate rates.
Best Time to Visit
Mysuru Zoo can be visited throughout the year because of its heavy tree cover, but October to February is the most comfortable period for long walks. The cooler months are especially suitable for families, senior citizens and visitors planning to combine the zoo with Karanji Lake.
If animal activity is your priority, start early. The zoo itself notes that big cats are better observed in the early morning or towards evening. Weekends and holiday periods can be very busy, so online booking and an early start are useful.
Visitor Facilities
Battery-operated vehicles, parking and luggage storage are available, but some services are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis after entry. Visitors who need the battery vehicle should not assume that every time slot will remain available on a crowded day.
The zoo has visitor seating, drinking-water points, food options and well-marked walking routes. The broad campus rewards a slower visit, so plan rest stops rather than attempting to complete the entire route without breaks.
Important Rules Visitors Should Know
Do not feed animals, cross barriers, make loud noises near enclosures or leave waste on the paths. Follow photography rules if carrying a dedicated camera rather than only a mobile phone.
Online tickets are date-sensitive and subject to the zoo’s terms. Keep identification available if requested and remember that purchased online tickets are generally not refundable or changeable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Mysore Zoo closed on Tuesday?
Yes. Tuesday is the regular weekly holiday. The zoo is open on the other days from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Q. How much is the Mysore Zoo ticket for adults?
The current official adult entry fee is Rs. 120.
Q. Are children below 5 charged?
No. Children below 5 years receive free zoo entry under the current tariff.
Q. Is Karanji Lake included in the normal zoo ticket?
No. A separate combined Zoo + Karanji Lake ticket is available for visitors who want both attractions.
Q. How much time is needed for Mysore Zoo?
Keep at least 3 to 4 hours. Visitors who enjoy wildlife photography or plan frequent rest stops may want longer.
Q. Should I book the battery vehicle in advance?
Online battery-vehicle booking is available, but the zoo entry ticket is still required separately. Availability can be limited on busy days.
