Karanji Lake, Recreational lake in Mysore, India

Karanji Lake is a recreational lake in Mysore created from a percolation tank, with open water and vegetated areas forming its landscape. The site features a large walk-through aviary and an artificial waterfall that recirculates water from the lake.

The lake was built by the Mysore Maharajas as a percolation tank for water management purposes. It became part of the Mysore Zoo administration in 1976, transforming into a public recreation space.

The lake is also called Fountain Lake, after the giant fountain added during restoration that throws water up to 40 feet. A medicinal-plant nursery stands on the grounds, and the butterfly park on a small island was planted with host and nectar species chosen with a botanist, drawing about 45 butterfly species.

The lake is open to visitors daily, and mornings offer the best opportunities to see birds actively feeding and moving. Wear comfortable walking shoes as you will spend time on paths around the water and inside the aviary.

The walk-through aviary measures 20 m high, 60 m long and 40 m wide, built at a cost of Rs 3.8 million. It holds an artificial waterfall and two small water bodies, with lake water pumped in as a stream and discharged back afterwards. About 40–50 birds of 17 species live inside, among them hornbills, peacocks, white peacocks, turkeys and black swans.