Mysore Zoo

History Mysore Zoo Foundation In 1892, it was the time of Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar of Maharaja of Mysore. He was keen on wildlife, and this was an idea that was set as the foundation for displaying much of India's biological system. The first notion or idea was to present a collection of indigenous species for the royal to witness. It was a small zoo, but over time, it grew to contain species from all across the world. This is one of the few earliest zoos that applied newer technology in animal husbandry as well as the conservation of animals in the regions of India. The second name that would have been here at Mysore Zoo is Chamarajendra Park, in which the intentions are actually two-pronged-conservation and also educating some individuals. And it has not been infrequently so-upgraded with lots of participative heads, local leaders of the states, etc., along with wildlife scholars. 

This mid-20th century was very changing, with bigger enclosures, better facilities for animal care, and scientific breeding programs. Today, it is considered to be one of the best-managed zoos in India. Mysore Zoo covers around 25 acres of the city and includes more than 1,400 animals spread over more than 170 species. The zoo is extremely popular among tourists for its spacious enclosures that are very well maintained to show a very natural habitat for the animals. Various types of animal displays are kept in separate departments with specific species of animals, which  makes  the tourist journey very exciting. It breaks up into sections containing animals by their natural habitats, such as the animals of African savannas, rainforests of the Indian grassland, and thematic exhibits as homes for animals from corresponding and similar environments, so visitors see the Wildlife of any of the regions in this Earth. 

Some of the animals in the African Safari section include lions, giraffes, zebras, and hippopotamuses. The enclosures are modeled to look like the African savanna; they have open spaces, grassy areas, and waterholes to make staying there comfortable for the animals. 

• Tiger and Leopard Enclosures: There is an airy, well-designed enclosure for tigers where the visitor can see the majestic creature nearly in their natural habitat. The leopard enclosure, too, has been designed to look exactly like dense forests, thus offering ample scope to move about by the animal. 

• Indian Wild Section: The list consists of species native to India, such as sloth bears, leopards, elephants, and deer, which have features to represent the  different  phases of Indian landscapes where grasslands become tropical forests. 

• Bird Sanctuary and Aviaries: This Mysore Zoo has a big aviary to accommodate the species of exotic and native birds. Such a bird sanctuary accommodates peacocks, hornbills, flamingos, and parrots, with aviaries that closely resemble dense foliage and trees. 

• Reptile House: There are many varieties of snakes, crocodiles, and other reptiles preserved within the reptile house. This place has king cobras, pythons, and crocodiles. It describes to the audience how the reptiles contribute to achieving ecological balance. 

• Aquatic Animals Section: The section has aquatic animals like turtles, alligators, and fish. The enclosures are like ponds and rivers; here, the animals swim and sunbathe. 

Known as one of the best and quality handling animals along with proper breeding techniques at Mysore Zoo. It majorly served for the preservation of many threatened  species. For many decades now, it has aimed at housing Indian and Asian species. Some of the species that are bred successfully at this zoo include the White Bengal Tiger, the Lion-tailed Macaque, and the Indian rhinoceros. Other endangered species bred in this zoo include the hornbill and the peacock, which are endangered in the wild today. The zoo primarily deals with Indian species. Many of these species are endangered. Among them are tigers, Asian elephants, rhinos, and Indian wolves, which are featured in the list of species bred and sponsored by the zoo breeding programs. 

Mysore Zoo is cooperating closely with national and international organizations like WWF and CITES to improve the conservation field. The zoo also makes its visitors conscious of conserving the Wildlife and their habitats through different interactive exhibits and education programs. It has been making people aware and mindful of their responsibility towards conservation. With public education, Mysore Zoo is presenting hope for the future of animal care and wildlife conservation. So this history, with full commitment and strong wills for endangering species preservation and educating masses regarding the importance of conservation through zoological parks, also acts as a model before other Indian zoos in this regard as well throughout the whole world. It will give a great understanding of the sensitive nature between humans and animals; also, it revives one's sense of responsibility in preserving biodiversity all over the globe. Be it your interest in nature, kingdoms of animals, or concerns regarding environmental issues, a visit to Mysore Zoo is an experience that quenches and feeds you. 

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Places Near This Location 

1. Mysore Palace: Mysore Palace, rather known as Amba Vilas Palace, is one of the most treasured monuments in India. It sports Indo-Saracenic architecture, boasts lavish interiors, and has a massive courtyard. It is one symbol of the luxury of the Wodeyar dynasty and a tourist attraction in that it has architectural value and a rich history. 

2. Chamundi Hill and Chamundeshwari Temple: Chamundi Hill is about 13 km from the city center, and, viewed from there, Mysore is simply breathtaking. The Chamundeshwari Temple at its top is dedicated to Goddess Chamundi, and going to this temple is an experience in itself. You may climb through 1,000 steps that go up the temple, or you may go up this hill by vehicle. 

3. St. Philomena's Church: It is about 2.5 kilometers from the Mysore Palace, and St. Philomena's Church is one of the largest churches in India, beautifully made in neo-gothic style with towering spires, in combination with beautiful stained glass windows. It has always been a spectacle. It is a perfect place to seek solitude and have some moments of calm contemplation; the view is also breathtakingly beautiful. 

4. Mysore Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Park): It has been in operation since 1892. Mysore Zoo is one of the oldest and best-run zoos in India. Its location is in the suburbs of the city but near to its central city location. It accommodates diversities of tigers, lions, elephants, and unusual birds. Its special care for the welfare of the animals besides allowing its residents in an ideal and natural habitat. 

5. Brindavan Gardens: Brindavan Gardens is famous for its symmetrical design and fountains, along with a musical fountain show in the evenings, 30 km from Mysore, near Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam. An ideal place to walk, it provides facilities for picnic spots for the family. 

6. Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery: Jaganmohan Palace, 1.5 km from Mysore Palace, houses some brilliant Indian paintings and sculptures. All lovers of art should visit this place as it has the works of world-reckoned artist Raja Ravi Varma. 

7. Karanji Lake: Karanjee Lake is a serene habitat that is about 3 km from the city, offering a bird sanctuary and butterfly park with a boating facility. It is superb for nature walks, and plenty of birds are seen in the wild. 

8. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary: It is a haven 18 km from Mysore. This is a haven for any bird sighter. Scores of migratory birds spend their winters here. A quiet boat ride along the river Cauvery makes one see birds up close. 

9. Lalitha Mahal Palace: It is a beautiful architectural view place; however, it is about 4 km from Mysore. Lalitha Mahal was once a luxury hotel turned royal abode. The palace looks handsome on its white front facade; it has spacious lawns and lovely interiors that leave a glimpse of the old, glorious royal days of Mysore. 

10. Shivanasamudra Falls: Shivanasamudra Falls, 85 km from Mysore, is one of the most beautiful falls of South India as the Cauvery falls into two, giving a stunning view. It is very beautiful in the rain, which is in good flow. 11. Tigalarahalli Temple 

11. Tigalarahalli Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, at 18 km from Mysore, it is a quiet and holy place for all of those people arriving to discover beauty in spirit and to see beauty. Surrounded by a lush layer of greens. 

12. GRS Fantasy Park: GRS Fantasy Park is an amusement park that contains rides, water attractions, and fun entertainment for the whole family, positioned about 10 km from the city. It is a great spot for kids and families to chill out after seeing all the different historical and cultural sites that Mysore has.

How To Reach

• By Air: Mysore Airport is the nearest to the city, about 12 km from the heart of the town. Air flights are  few in their frequency, but all are destined for Bangalore. The International Air flight is at Kempegowda International Airport, which is about 170 kilometers away from the city. By taxi or by bus, drives towards Bangalore take nearly an hour or two hours, and it will take you 3-4 hours to reach Mysore. 

• By Train: Mysore is also well connected with other cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai via a railway station line that passes through Mysore Junction, which lies almost 2 km from the city center. Many regular trains operate from Bangalore to Mysore and vice versa, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours. 

• By Bus: City bus. Buses from the city are available to the cities of Bangalore and Coimbatore from the city. Bangalore is about 3.5 hours from Mysore. 

• By Road: City road to local roads exists. The city is widely reachable from the regional towns of Bangalore 170km, Coimbatore 190 km, and Ooty 125 km local buses and Taxis. 

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