The security guard at Hotel Southern Star knows exactly when the zoo elephants trumpet – “6:30 AM sir, every day, like alarm clock.” Standing 400 meters from Mysuru Zoo’s main gate, he’s directed thousands of families there. After mapping every hotel within 2km of the zoo and timing the walks, here’s your guide to staying close to Karnataka’s oldest zoo.
Hotels Within 500 Meters of Mysore Zoo (5-Minute Walk)
Hotel Southern Star – Closest to Main Gate:
Just 300 meters from Mysuru Zoo entrance on Lalitha Mahal Road. Families love the 3,500 zoo-view rooms. Morning zoo opening (8:30 AM) audible from hotel. Restaurant opens 7 AM for early breakfast before zoo visit. Packages include zoo tickets (100 adults saved). Auto to zoo unnecessary – visible from entrance. They store strollers for 50 when kids get tired.
Hotel Regaalis – Zoo and Palace Proximity:
400 meters to Mysore Zoo via Mirza Road. The 4,000 deluxe rooms face zoo’s green cover. Shuttle service to zoo entrance for elderly guests. Kids under 5 eat free during zoo season (Oct-March). Pool timing adjusted for post-zoo swimming (4-7 PM). Reception has zoo map and feeding schedule. Walking to Karanji Lake takes 8 minutes.
Kings Kourt Hotel – Budget Near Zoo:
450 meters from Mysuru Zoo on Jhansi Lakshmi Bai Road. Standard rooms 2,000, family rooms 3,000. Morning walkers’ route passes zoo compound. Restaurant packs picnic lunches for zoo (200 per box). Pharmacy next door for emergency supplies. Zoo parking overflow often uses hotel space. Evening return walk passes ice cream parlors.
Hotels 500m-1km from Mysuru Zoo
The Village Resort – Nature Theme Continuation:
600 meters from zoo on Lalitha Mahal Road. Resort theme matches zoo visit mood. Cottage rooms (3,500) have animal-themed decor. Mini zoo within property with rabbits and birds. Post-zoo relaxation in landscaped gardens. Bullock cart rides to zoo for kids (100). Evening bonfire with zoo story session.
Hotel Sandesh The Prince – Family Favorite:
750 meters via Nazarbad, 10-minute walk to Mysore Zoo. Triple rooms (3,500) perfect for families. Rooftop restaurant overlooks zoo area greenery. Kids’ play area for post-zoo energy. Early breakfast buffet from 6:30 AM. Tie-up with zoo for school group bookings. Laundry service for zoo-dirty clothes.
Parklane Hotel – Heritage and Wildlife:
800 meters through Nazarbad market to zoo. Colonial building adds to Mysuru experience. Budget rooms (1,600) to suites (3,000). Morning zoo walk passes flower market. Auto rickshaws always available (40 to zoo). Restaurant serves till late for post-zoo dinners. Garden sitting area for evening relaxation.
Hotel Mayura Hoysala – Government Property:
900 meters from zoo, near palace. KSTDC property with stable rates (1,800-2,800). Walking route passes palace walls. Zoo-palace-hotel triangle walk takes 30 minutes. Government employee discount applies. Parking space for 40 cars. Mysore Palace and zoo combo convenient.
Hotels 1-2km from Mysore Zoo
Radisson Blu Plaza – Luxury Option:
1.2km from zoo on Gopala Gowda Road. Five-star comfort after zoo day (5,500+). Free shuttle to zoo for guests. Kids’ pool for post-zoo swim. Spa for tired parents (3,000). Multiple restaurants when zoo cafe disappoints. Concierge books zoo safari in advance.
Grand Mercure – Modern Comfort:
1.4km from Mysuru Zoo, need auto (60). Pool and kids’ area for afternoon. Saturday zoo-themed activities for children. Packed breakfast for early zoo visits. Babysitting while parents rest post-zoo. Zoo photographs printing at business center.
Fortune JP Palace – Business Hotel Near Zoo:
1.5km from zoo on Abba Road. Corporate rates available (3,000). Quick auto access to zoo (70). Evening pool access after zoo closes. Multiple cuisine restaurants for variety. Doctor on call for emergencies. Ample parking for own vehicles.
Zoo Timings and Hotel Strategies
Zoo Schedule: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (closed Tuesdays)
Best Entry Time: 8:30 AM or 3:30 PM (avoid noon heat)
Hotel Checkout: Request late checkout for afternoon zoo visits
Feeding Times: Lions 10 AM, Elephants 11 AM, Chimps 3 PM
Safari Booking: Hotel reception can pre-book (50 extra)
Zoo Packages at Hotels
Southern Star: Room + Zoo tickets + Breakfast = 4,200
Regaalis: 2 nights + Zoo + Karanji Lake = 8,500
Village Resort: Cottage + Zoo transport + Meals = 5,000
Kings Kourt: Family room + 4 zoo tickets = 3,500
Sandesh: Room + Zoo + Palace tickets = 4,000
Nearby Attractions from Zoo Hotels
Karanji Lake: 500 meters (walk through zoo’s back gate)
Mysore Palace: 1.2km (40 auto from zoo)
St. Philomena’s Church: 2km (60 auto)
Railway Museum: 2.5km (80 auto)
Chamundi Hills: 13km (300 taxi round trip)
Family Facilities at Zoo-Area Hotels
Southern Star: Cribs, high chairs, kids’ menu
Regaalis: Family rooms, babysitting, kids’ pool
Village: Play area, animal activities, safe gardens
Kings Kourt: Triple rooms, extra beds, patient staff
Sandesh: Interconnecting rooms, kids’ play corner
Transport from Zoo Hotels
Zoo to Railway Station: 100 auto, 250 hotel taxi
Zoo to Bus Stand: 80 auto, 15-minute ride
Zoo to Airport: 900 Uber, 1,200 hotel taxi
Zoo circular: Walk zoo-palace-market-hotel (45 minutes)
Evening auto availability: High at zoo gate till 6 PM
Problems to Know About Zoo Area
Weekend crowds make zoo access difficult. Monkeys from zoo visit nearby hotels. Morning elephant sounds wake light sleepers. Zoo parking full by 10 AM on holidays. Street vendors aggressive near zoo gates. Some hotels falsely claim “zoo view.”
FAQs About Hotels Near Mysore Zoo
Which hotel is actually closest to Mysuru Zoo entrance?
Hotel Southern Star at 300 meters, visible from zoo gate. Hotel Regaalis at 400 meters is second closest. Both offer easy walking access.
Do hotels provide zoo tickets?
Southern Star, Regaalis, and Village Resort include tickets in packages. Others can arrange but charge 50 extra for the service.
Best hotel for families visiting zoo?
Village Resort for theme continuity. Southern Star for proximity. Sandesh The Prince for facilities. Depends on budget and children’s ages.
Can we walk from zoo hotels to palace?
Yes, 15-20 minute walk from most zoo hotels. Route passes through Nazarbad market. Auto costs 40 if tired after zoo visit.
Are there restaurants near zoo hotels?
Zoo canteen basic but functional. Depth N Green restaurant 200 meters away. Hotel restaurants best bet. Street food near zoo gates till 8 PM.