Karanji Lake - Butterfly Park Mysore - One of the largest aviaries in India

Karanji Lake is a fresh water located at the bottom of the Chamundi Hills. Because of its huge fountain installed inside the lake, it is also called Fountain Lake. It was dug initially as a percolation tank by the Mysore King, to serve as a source of drinking water for residents. It was converted into a reservoir in 1976 and since then maintained by the Mysore Zoo authority. It is spread across an area of 90 hectares of lush greenery. Out of 90, 55 hectares is the water spread area while the foreshore area is 35 hectares.

Studies reveal that the lake is home to around 90 bird species, both local and migratory. Established at a cost of 3.8 million Indian Rupees, the lake has one of the largest aviaries in India. It enables the visitors to witness the birds closely. The central part of the lake has a watch tower of about 50 m height, which is another way to watch the birds. A park is structured surrounding the lake and is filled with beautiful landscape gardens. There are plenty of fruit and flower bearing trees and shrubs meant partly to beautify and majorly to attract the birds.

At the end of the walking path along the lake is a small island solely dedicated to the colorful and rare kinds of butterflies. They are taken care of well by constant botanical support. The park authorities make it a point to keep the greenery well maintained throughout the year. Cleanliness is a great priority in this park. Half way through the park is the boating point which will take the tourists to a round trip around the islands in the lake. Either one can hire a pedal boat to venture out by own or can hire a boatman to take you through the trip. The lake stands out as a good example of a wetland ecosystem.