Karanji Lake is surrounded by a nature park consisting of a butterfly park and a walk-through aviary. This aviary is the biggest 'walk-through aviary' in India. The total area of Karanji lake is 90 hectares.
Karanji Lake was one of the favourite haunts of migratory birds like herons and egrets. But the lake started getting polluted when sewage from the nearby residential areas were let into the lake. This pollution led to the destruction of aquatic life in the lake and with the food-source getting depleted, the migratory birds started to avoid the lake.
Aviary:The aviary constructed on the shore of the lake has a height of 20 m, length of 60 m and width of 40 m making it India's biggest walk-through aviary. It includes an artificial water fall and two small water bodies. It has about 40–50 birds of 17 species.Hornbills, peacocks, white-peacocks, turkeys and black swans are some of the birds found in this aviary. Butterfly park: The butterfly park has been created on a small island within the Karanji lake. About 45 species of butterflies have been identified here.With the help of a botanist, appropriate species of host plants and nectar plants essential for the breeding of butterflies were selected and planted within the island.These plants have also been brought from hillstations and other regions like Malnad. AT Karanji Lake you can also enjoy Bamboo forest and an arial view of the city from the watch tower. The boat ride on the lake is also visitors favorite. Entry timings - 8.30 AM to 5.30 PM, Tuesday holiday. Entery Fees - Adult- Rs.10/-, Children(5–15 years) and senior citizens - Rs.5/-. Camera Ticket Cost Still - Camera: Rs.10/- and Camcorder Video Camera- Rs.25/-
Location: Jockey Quarters, Mysuru