Mysuru Zoo

Mysuru Zoo, formally the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, is one of the oldest zoos in India. This guide lists timings, ticket prices from the zoo's own site and visitor tips.

Mysuru Zoo, officially the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, is a composite of zoological gardens and an animal park spread across 157 acres and about 700 metres from Mysore Palace. According to Wikipedia, it is the oldest zoo in India and one of the oldest in the world, and it houses over 168 species.

The zoo follows a main loop with tree-lined paths, aviaries and enclosures for big cats, elephants, giraffes and many birds. Battery-operated vehicles run around the grounds for visitors who prefer not to walk the whole circuit; the zoo lists separate fares for adults, children and senior citizens. A combo ticket covers the zoo and nearby Karanji Lake.

The zoo's own site gives hours of 8:30 am to 5:30 pm and notes that every Tuesday is a holiday. Karnataka Tourism says entry stops at 4:30 pm, so aim to arrive by mid-afternoon. School concessions are suspended during Dasara, when crowds are heaviest. Plan three to four hours for the full circuit, wear comfortable shoes, carry water and keep to the marked paths.