Walk through the gates at 8:30 AM sharp on any day except Tuesday, and you’ll pay exactly 10 per adult at the counter near the Nazarbad main road entrance. The Karanji Lake Mysore ticket counter staff speaks Kannada and basic English, and they’ll hand you a small yellow paper ticket – keep it safe as the security checks it at three different points inside.
The boating counter sits 200 meters from the main entrance, right after you cross the small bridge over the lotus pond. Here’s what nobody tells you – reach before 9 AM or after 4 PM for immediate boat availability. Between 10 AM to 3 PM, especially on Sundays, you’ll wait 30-45 minutes for your turn.
Karanji Lake Mysore Entry Details and Timings
Location: Behind Mysore Zoo, Nazarbad Main Road, Mysore – 570010
Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Entry Fee: Adults 10, Children (5-15 years) 5, Senior Citizens 5
Boating Charges: 25 per person for 20 minutes
Parking: Two-wheeler 10, Four-wheeler 20 at Zoo parking lot
Contact: 0821-2439862
Best Time: November to February for migratory birds
Boating Experience at Karanji Lake
The boating jetty operates two types of boats – pedal boats (25 per person) and rowing boats with boatman (same price). The pedal boats accommodate only two people, while the rowing boats fit four. Most families pick the rowing option because pedaling for 20 minutes in the afternoon sun exhausts even fit adults.
Your boatman, usually someone from the nearby Siddartha Layout, rows you around the two small islands in the middle. Between December and February, you’ll spot painted storks nesting on the island trees. The boats don’t go near the fountain anymore – it’s been non-functional since March 2024 due to motor issues.
India’s Largest Walk-Through Aviary
Past the butterfly park entrance, the aviary stands 60 feet tall with a massive net covering 20 meters length and 50 meters width. The 3.8 million structure houses peacocks that call loudly at 6 AM and 5 PM daily. The wooden walkway inside needs maintenance – watch for loose planks near the waterfall section.
- Morning feeding time: 7:30 AM – Best for photography
- Afternoon feeding: 3:30 PM – Birds are more active
- Peacock courtship displays: February to April
- Painted stork nesting: December to March
Butterfly Park Inside Karanji Lake
The butterfly park on the small island opens at 9 AM, thirty minutes after the main gate. A narrow wooden bridge connects it to the mainland – only 15 people allowed at once. The security guard Raju has worked here for 8 years and knows every butterfly species by local name.
You’ll find 45 butterfly species here, with Blue Mormon and Southern Birdwing being most common. The host plants near the entrance attract maximum butterflies between 11 AM to 1 PM when the sun is directly overhead. Photography without flash is allowed, but the guards stop anyone trying to touch or catch butterflies.
How to Reach Karanji Lake from City Center
By City Bus: Routes 201, 201N, 201V stop at Jockey Quarters, 5-minute walk to entrance. Frequency every 20 minutes, fare 8.
By Auto: From Mysore Palace 60-70, from Railway Station 80-90. Most drivers know it as “Zoo backside lake”.
By Car: Take Nazarbad Main Road, turn at Zoo Circle, parking available at Zoo complex.
Hidden Spots Locals Know About
The meditation point behind the museum building stays empty even on crowded Sundays. Take the unmarked path near the toilet complex, walk 100 meters through bamboo groves. The wooden benches here face the lake’s quietest corner where kingfishers hunt undisturbed.
The tree near parking exit number 2 hosts a barn owl family. Stand there at 5:20 PM and watch them emerge for evening hunting. The museum inside, honestly, disappoints with its dusty displays from the 1990s – skip it unless you have kids who insist.
Money Saving Tips for Families
Buy water bottles from the shop outside the gate for 15 instead of 25 inside. The coffee booth near the butterfly park charges 30 for average filter coffee – the Karnataka Milk Federation booth 200 meters before the entrance serves better coffee for 10.
- Combo ticket with Zoo: Adults 130, Children 70 (saves 20)
- Free entry: Children under 5, disabled persons with ID
- Student groups: 20% discount with letter from institution
Best Photography Spots at Karanji Lake
The sunset point near the western edge needs a 10-minute walk from the main path. Local photographers gather here at 5:45 PM for golden hour shots. The broken bench marks the spot – stand 5 meters behind it for the best angle with the lake and Chamundi Hills in background.
Morning mist photos work best from the boating jetty at 6:45 AM in winter. The security allows early entry for serious photographers with DSLRs – speak to the supervisor Mr. Krishnamurthy one day prior.
What Visitors Often Miss
The nature education center runs free programs every Saturday at 11 AM. Mrs. Geetha, a retired botany professor, conducts bird watching sessions for kids. Register at the entrance – maximum 20 participants. She provides binoculars and bird identification charts.
The medicinal plants section near the exit has 78 species with Kannada and English name boards. The neem tree there is supposedly 200 years old. Local grandmothers still collect its leaves on Tuesday mornings for traditional medicine.
Problems and Honest Assessment
The toilets near the butterfly park smell terrible and often lack water. Use the ones near the entrance instead. The food stall inside serves stale snacks – seen people get sick from the puff pastries. Weekends get uncomfortably crowded with school trips.
Worth visiting if you have 2-3 hours and enjoy nature. Skip if you expect Ranganathittu-level bird variety or Singapore-style maintenance. The 10 entry fee makes it good value, but don’t plan your entire Mysore trip around it.
Seasonal Variations at Karanji Lake
April-May: Lake water reduces, some boating restrictions. Butterflies most active.
June-September: Monsoon fills lake, lush greenery, fewer tourists, birds nest.
October-January: Perfect weather, migratory birds arrive, peak butterfly season.
February-March: Spring flowers bloom, peacock mating displays, pleasant mornings.
Nearby Attractions Walking Distance
Mysore Zoo main entrance – 400 meters, 5-minute walk through connecting path. Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens ticket counter visible from Karanji exit. The horror house attraction 300 meters away on main road charges 50 – completely skippable tourist trap.
FAQs About Karanji Lake Mysore
What are the exact timings for boating at Karanji Lake?
Boating operates 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, last boat at 4:30 PM. Counter closes 12:30-1:30 PM for lunch break.
Is outside food allowed in Karanji Lake?
Yes, families bring packed lunch and eat near the designated picnic area. No cooking or alcohol permitted.
Can we see all attractions in one visit?
Yes, 2-3 hours sufficient for lake walk, boating, butterfly park and aviary. Museum adds 30 minutes.
Which day is least crowded at Karanji Lake?
Wednesday and Thursday mornings see minimum crowd. Avoid Sundays and government holidays completely.
Are wheelchairs available at Karanji Lake?
Two wheelchairs available free at entrance. Path partially accessible, butterfly park has steps.
Last Updated: February 2025
Next Update: After monsoon season changes
Visit Mysore Zoo complete guide for combined trip planning. For accommodation near Karanji Lake, check budget hotels in Nazarbad area.