Mysore Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens) is one of the oldest and best-managed zoos in India. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. Adult tickets ₹100, children ₹50. It covers 157 acres with over 1,600 animals across 168 species. Arrive before 9 am on weekdays. Budget 3–4 hours minimum.
What Are the Exact Timings and Entry Fees?
The zoo opens at 8:30 am and closes at 5:30 pm. Last entry is at 5:00 pm. It is closed every Tuesday. This catches many visitors off guard — plan accordingly.
Ticket prices (2026):
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | ₹100 |
| Children (5–12 years) | ₹50 |
| Children under 5 | Free |
| Camera (still) | ₹50 |
| Video camera | ₹200 |
| Battery vehicle ride | ₹50 per person |
Tickets are sold at the main gate on Mysore-Ooty Road, near the Mysore Palace. There is also a secondary entry near the Cheluvamba Mansion side — less crowded for entry.
Online booking is not available as of August 2026. Cash and UPI both accepted at counters.
How Crowded Does It Get and When Should You Go?
Weekends are genuinely packed, especially between 10 am and 2 pm. School holiday periods (April–May, October–November) are the worst for crowds. On a busy Sunday, queues at the main gate can stretch 30–40 minutes.
Best time to visit: Wednesday to Friday, arriving at 8:30 am opening time. Animals are most active in the morning before the heat builds. By 11 am in summer (March–May), big cats retreat to shade and are hard to spot.
Mysore's overall best season is October to February. Zoo visits align well with that — cooler weather, active animals, shorter queues.
What Are the Highlights Inside the Zoo?
The zoo is large. Without a plan, you'll spend time on filler sections and miss the best areas. Here's where to focus:
African Savanna Section — Lions, white tigers, and jaguars. This is the most popular zone. Go here first before crowds build.
Gorilla and Great Ape House — One of the few zoos in South India with gorillas. Well-maintained enclosures.
Reptile House — King cobras, gharials, and Burmese pythons. Air-conditioned inside, worth the stop on a hot day.
Hippopotamus Pool — Feeding happens around 10 am. Check with staff at entry for exact timing on the day you visit.
Bird Aviary — Covers a large walk-through area. Flamingos, pelicans, painted storks. Best in morning light.
Elephant Enclosure — Three resident Asian elephants. They're brought out for viewing at scheduled times — ask at the information board near the main gate.
The zoo also has a Nocturnal Animal House with Indian porcupines, civets, and owls in simulated darkness. A 10-minute stop, but genuinely interesting.
Is the Battery Vehicle Worth Taking?
The battery vehicle covers the main loop — roughly 3 km. At ₹50 per person it is reasonable, but it moves fast and doesn't stop at every exhibit. Better for visitors with mobility issues or families with young children. If you're able to walk, do it on foot. You'll spend more time at the sections that interest you.
What Facilities Are Available Inside?
- Canteen near the main gate: basic snacks, idli, dosa, cold drinks. Avoid the afternoon rush (12:30–1:30 pm).
- Toilets at four locations inside — marked on the map given at the gate. Clean by Indian zoo standards.
- Drinking water stations at intervals.
- Wheelchairs available on request at the main gate (limited numbers, no advance booking).
- No lockers. Leave large bags in your vehicle or hotel.
How Do You Get to Mysore Zoo?
The zoo is on Mysore-Ooty Road, about 1 km from Mysore Palace.
- From Mysore City Railway Station: 4 km, roughly 15 minutes by auto. Expect ₹80–120 on meter.
- From Mysore Bus Stand (Central): 3.5 km, 10–15 minutes.
- Parking: Large paid parking lot at the main gate. Two-wheelers ₹20, cars ₹50. Gets full by 10 am on weekends.
Auto-rickshaws are plentiful on Mysore-Ooty Road for the return trip.
Where Should You Stay to Visit Mysore Zoo?
Mysore has a wide range of hotels. The zoo is close to the palace area, so any hotel in central Mysore works well.
For a splurge, Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore rates 9.1/10 from over 2,500 reviews — the strongest guest satisfaction score in Mysore's 5-star bracket. About 4 km from the zoo.
Hotel Southern Star Mysore is another solid 5-star at 8.7/10 with nearly 2,000 reviews. Competitive rates versus the Radisson.
Fortune JP Palace, Mysore scores 8.6/10 from 2,463 reviews. Good choice if you want ITC loyalty points.
For a heritage experience, Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel is an actual palace-turned-hotel, though its 8.0/10 score from 4,146 reviews suggests the experience doesn't always match the setting.
Mid-range: Parklane Hotel at 8.3/10 from 2,572 reviews is consistently reliable and well-priced for its category. Jal Mahal Resort And Spa (7.9/10) is a reasonable 3-star option if you want something quieter.
Budget travellers: Livaana at 7.6/10 handles basics competently. Aishwarya Le Royal is functional at 7.2/10 — fine for a night, nothing more.
Can You Combine the Zoo with Other Mysore Attractions?
Yes — the zoo sits 1 km from Mysore Palace. A practical one-day plan:
- Zoo: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
- Lunch near Devaraja Market (15 minutes away)
- Mysore Palace: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm (illuminated on Sundays and public holidays at 7 pm)
Chalukya Circle, Chamundi Hill, and Brindavan Gardens are each 20–30 minutes from the zoo by auto. See the Mysore city guide for a broader itinerary.
FAQ
Is Mysore Zoo closed on any day? Yes. The zoo is closed every Tuesday. It operates Wednesday through Monday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (last entry 5:00 pm).
Can I buy tickets online for Mysore Zoo? As of August 2026, no online booking is available. Purchase tickets in cash or UPI at the gate counters on arrival.
How long does it take to see the whole zoo? A thorough visit takes 3–4 hours. If you have young children or are visiting in peak heat, factor in more rest breaks. The battery vehicle circuit alone is about 45 minutes.
Is photography allowed inside? Yes. Still cameras cost ₹50 extra at entry; video cameras ₹200. Smartphone photography is free. Flash photography near animal enclosures is prohibited.