Mysore is proud of its three lakes, Lingabhudhi, Kukkarahalli and Karanji Kere. Karanji Kere / Fountain lake is maintained by the Zoological department of Mysore and a huge fountain is installed inside the lake. Karanji means fountain in Kannada and the lake was restored and thrown open to the public in 2006. It is an added attraction and a very good example of wetland ecosystem. The tree-lined walkway leading to the 90-acre lake is inviting and filled with fun activities.
Asia’s biggest aviary is situated here with birds like Peacocks, Geese, Turkey, Sarus Crane, Peasants etc.,
They roam freely inside the aviary and you can walk up the path and have a close look at some of these interesting birds.
You can expect a friendly peck or two from the avian friends or chance upon a peacock showing off its feathers spread out behind it.
Boating on the lake is a favorite activity with rowboats and paddleboats. Few manmade islands are created for birds to breed. There are 90 species of birds local and migratory that visit and breed on these islands. As you row the scenery and the calmness with chirping of birds and Chamundi hills looming large on one side will make you want to come back to this place again and again.
You can climb up a watchtower and see the bird’s eye view of the lake and its surrounding area. Children have a park where they can slide and swing.
A 3 km walk from the main gate will lead to the butterfly park. The garden and the surrounding area are well maintained and many thanks to the department for gifting this wonderful ecosystem to Mysore and its visitors.
Place Statistics:
Type of Place: Lake
Situated: Mysore, behind Zoo Gardens
Distance: Mysore is 140 Kms from Bangalore
Transport: Well connected by road, buses stop near the gate of this lake, autorikshaws ply to this place
Facilities: Clean rest rooms, a snack bar, drinking water, and benches
Visiting time: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
