India GO
Mysore Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens)
Mysore Zoo is open from 8:30 to 17:30 every day except Tuesday, with last entry at 16:30. The zoo's official tariff is ₹120 for adults and ₹60 for children aged 5–12, the same on all days; children under five go in free. Founded in 1892 by the Maharaja of Mysore, it spreads over 157 acres a short walk from Mysore Palace.
Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, known simply as Mysore Zoo, was founded by the Maharaja back in 1892, making it one of the oldest zoos in India, and by common consent one of the best kept. It's a ten-minute walk from the palace.
The grounds are green and genuinely pleasant: shaded avenues, large open-air enclosures, elephants, giraffes, big cats, and a serious collection of birds. A full unhurried loop takes 2–3 hours; battery-powered carts run for those who'd rather ride.
Practical: open 8:30–17:30, closed on Tuesdays. Tickets are around 120 rupees for adults (children pay less), the same for all nationalities. Weekday mornings are calmest; on Sundays half of Mysore brings its children here.
One of the oldest in India
Opening hours
Official hours: mysuruzoo.info · checked 4 September 2026
Tickets
Timings and ticket prices
Hours: 8:30–17:30, closed every Tuesday. Last entry is at 16:30.
The official tariff applies on all days, with no separate rate for foreign citizens. School groups with a letter from the school get concession rates.
| Adults | ₹120 |
| Children (5–12 years) | ₹60 |
| Children under 5 | Free |
| Still camera | ₹100 |
| Video camera | ₹200 |
| Battery-operated vehicle | ₹240 adults, ₹180 children |
| Parking | Cycle ₹15, two-wheeler ₹40, car/jeep/auto ₹70, bus ₹175 |
What to see
Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens began in 1892 as a private menagerie in the palace grounds of Maharaja Chamarajendra Wadiyar X, was soon opened to the public and grew into one of India's oldest modern zoos. It is now run by the Zoo Authority of Karnataka; the zoo's own site counts 149 species.
What stands out is the setting. Shaded avenues and big open-air enclosures make it feel like a large garden with animals in it rather than a row of cages. The stars are the elephants, giraffes and big cats, and the bird collection, with a walk-through aviary, is worth slowing down for.
The zoo was also one of the first in India to ban plastic, so leave plastic bags behind.
Best time to visit
Come early. The zoo itself suggests arriving early and starting with the birds and reptiles; the big cats rest during the day, so see them in the early morning or towards closing. Weekday mornings are the calmest; on Sundays and holidays a large part of Mysore brings its children here.
A full, unhurried loop takes 2–3 hours on foot. If walking that long is hard (with small children or older relatives), take the battery-operated car. The zoo has a food court, drinking water, a luggage room and wheelchairs.
Getting there and combining with the palace
The zoo is about a ten-minute walk from Mysore Palace, so both fit into one day: the zoo in the morning while it is cool, the palace after lunch.
❓ FAQ
What is the entry fee for Mysore Zoo?
₹120 for adults and ₹60 for children aged 5–12, on all days. Children under five are free.
On which day is Mysore Zoo closed?
Tuesday. On other days it is open 8:30–17:30.
What time is last entry at Mysore Zoo?
16:30.
Which is the best time to visit Mysore Zoo?
A weekday morning, soon after the 8:30 opening, when crowds are smaller; the big cats are most visible early or late in the day.
How long does it take to see Mysore Zoo?
About 2–3 hours for a full loop on foot.
Is there a separate ticket for cameras?
Yes: ₹100 for a still camera and ₹200 for a video camera.
Is Mysore Zoo one of the oldest zoos in India?
Yes. It was founded in 1892 and is among the oldest zoos in the country.