Karanji Lake , Mysore - a perfect lovers spot

Karanji Lake is a beautiful lake in Mysore, Karnataka, which is about now just 2 hrs drive from Bengaluru on the express highway - that offers a serene and natural environment for visitors. The lake was originally built by the king of Mysore as a source of drinking water for the residents, and later taken over by the Mysore Zoo authority. The lake is surrounded by a nature park that consists of a butterfly park and a walk-through aviary, which is the largest in India. The lake is also home to many species of birds, both local and migratory, that can be observed from a watch tower. The lake has a fountain, a boating facility, a children’s corner, and a coffee booth for the enjoyment of the visitors. Karanji Lake is a must-visit place for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and families who want to relax and have fun. In this article we share our visit experience to Karanji lake

 

We visited this spot on a weekday during noon . To our luck climate was very pleasant . This lake is adjacent to the Zoo . There is good parking facility at the entrance which is charged depending on type of vehicle as below

• For bikes and scooter Rs.40
• For Cars, Auto , Jeeps and similar vehicles Rs.70
• For Mini Bus , Trucks and similar vehicles Rs.175

There is a entry fee at this spot , price details as below

• For Adults - Rs.50 per person
• For children - Rs.25 per child ( 3 years and above)
• Photography charges - Still camera Rs.100 , with Video Rs.200
• Combo ticket for Karanji Lake + Zoo at Rs.130 per head for adults and Rs.70 for children

We parked our vehicles , got the ticket and entered the green park of the lake. Surrounded by lush Flora and Fauna along the walking track . This seemed to a perfect spot for couples , all along the area couples could be spotted. Some of the spots we explored in the park

• Boating - Paddle boating and drive boats
• Peakcock and Birds Area
• Children Play Area
• Open Gym
  
• Lake View Tower 
  
• The Government Museum on Animals and Birds
  

One of the primary attractions at this spot is the Boating which offers Paddle boating and drive boat facilities to visitors. Paddle boating is popular among the couples.  For a 10 minute paddle boat ride charges are Rs.30 per adult and Rs.20 for children. This is a must try experience to enjoy the relaxing lake views.

 

 

There is a lake view tower which is about 60 to 70 feet which one can climb and get a top view of the lake and surrounding scenic views.

The Peacock park is another major attraction to spot peacocks at closer distance , may be even touch and feed them in the open area.

 

 

The children's play area is widely spread and has good facilities for children recreation activities. There is also a open park gym for physical exercises.

 

 

At the end of the track , the Government Museum which houses many interesting collections on Animals , Birds of Karnataka , especially in the Mysore belt is very good spot to know the richness of the state and knowledge for children

There are no food stalls inside , however drinking water and rest room facilities are available. Outside food may be consumed inside with proper maintenance and cleaning. Overall a must visit spot where a day can be spent with family , friends. Do visit this spot and share your experience.

32 interesting facts of our Mysore city

1)Mysuru is the First cleanest city in India.


2)Mysuru railway junction is cleanest railways station in India.

3)University of Mysore(first university in Karnataka),sixth university in India and It was the first university in India started by indians.

4)MMC (Mysore Medical college )1st medical college in Karnataka.

5)1st city to undertake planned development in Asia.

6)Mysuru is the Cultural capital of Karnataka.

7)Mysuru is called as the ashtanga yoga capital of India.

8)Mysuru is Famous for Mysuru Silk,Mysuru Masala Dosa, Mysuru mallige,Mysuru Pak sweet. Mysuru Beetle,Mysuru Bonda etc,...

9)World's largest corporate university (Infosys GEC) is situated in Mysuru.

10)Mysuru zoo is 2nd best zoo in Asia.

11)In 2010, the city of Mysuru became the first Wi-Fi enabled city in India,.Today, Wi-Fi enabled Mysuru is the second in the world after Jerusalem.

12)Indian election inks (marked on finger) is manufactured only in Mysuru.

13)One of four cities in INDIA where currency notes are printed.

14)2nd largest IT exporter in Karnataka after Bengaluru.

15)Mysuru Was Home To The First Private Radio Station In India. The official name of all India Radio"Akashavani is the contribution of Mysuru.

16)Mysuru's Karanji Lake's Aviary Is The Biggest 'Walk Through' Aviary In India.

17)Mysuru has India's First Intelligent Transport System.

18)St.Philomena’s Church in myusru is the India’s 2nd Tallest Church & second largest church in Asia

19)CFTRI is one and only food research organisation situated in Karnataka is in Mysuru.

20)DFRL is only one Defence food research Lab of India which is in Mysuru.

21)RMP is the only rare material plant in Karnataka after Mumbai that is in Mysuru.

22)World's largest paint manufacturing unit(Asian paints) is in Mysuru

23)One of Indian naval ship is named after Mysuru (INS Mysore)

24)Rolls Royce car company names their car collection as Rolls-Royce Bespoke Ghost Mysore.

25)India’s first toilet for transgenders was started in Mysuru.

26)Asia's first TB hospital(PKTB sanitorium) was started in mysuru.

27)The rail museum in mysuru is the second one of its kind established in india after the one at delhi.

28)Mysuru is the second fastest growing city in Karnataka after Bengaluru.

29)Mysore Zoo is the 3rd Oldest in India.

30)Venkata subba shetty of mysuru was first aeroplane  builder in india.

31)Mysuru Railway Station is the First visually challenged-friendly station in India.

32)Mysuru palace is the most visited monument in india,even more than taj mahal

Nanjundeshwara temple , Nanjangudu near Mysore

We visited Nanjangudu town of Mysore district and famous Nanjundeshwara Temple here. 

Nanjundeshwara is another form of Lord Shiva. This temple has historic importance and was renovated by the Rajas of Mysore during the 18th century.  Surrounded by the temple is river Kapila where devotees take the sacred bath. This place is also famously known as the Dakshina Kashi of India. 

Inside the temple - Big bull idol

View of the Shiva Gopuram

Temple gopuram

A view of the temple

View of the temple

River Kapila near the temple - devotees

River Kapila

Temple view at Night

Temple side View

If you happen to visit this temple in early morning , you may notice an elephant carries a priest carrying the holy water from Kapila river , inside the temple premises till the Inner sanctum . This is used for abhisheka temple.

Elephant carrying priest - Morning Abhisheka

This is around 100 miles from Bangalore and a must visit place. Best time to visit this place is during the summer season between Mar to June.  Temple is open between morning 06 AM to 01 PM and in the evening between 4.00 PM to 8.30 PM.   People who visit here also visit the Parashurama Kshetra around half a kilometer from this spot. 

Do visit this spot and share your experience.