Mysore, located in the southern state of Karnataka, is home to many beautiful gardens and parks. One of the most popular among nature lovers is the sprawling bird sanctuary on the outskirts of the city. This sanctuary is spread across a massive 150 acres of protected reserve forest and is home to over 200 species of birds. With its diverse landscapes, water bodies, and thriving foliage, the sanctuary offers a safe breeding ground for both resident and migratory birds. It is no wonder that Mysore bird sanctuary has earned fame as one of the must-visit places for avid bird watchers in the country. But what exactly is the name of this famous birding hotspot in Mysore? Let’s find out!
A Brief History of Mysore Bird Sanctuary
The famous bird sanctuary of Mysore has a history that dates back to the late 19th century. It was Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar, the then ruler of Mysore state, who first conceptualized creating a protected bird habitat on the outskirts of the city in the year 1898. Back then, the area was known as Karanji Lake and was under the ownership of the Mysore Palace. The initial site covered an area of about 90 acres. Later in the early 1920s, the wooded area around Karanji Lake was converted into a sanctuary and hunting was strictly prohibited. It helped provide safe cover and ideal habitat for many local and migratory birds.
Over the next few decades, the Mysore bird sanctuary continued to flourish under the care of successive Mysore rulers. Its area was expanded through the acquisition of adjacent forested land. By the mid-20th century, the sanctuary sprawled across 150 acres of deciduous forest. Many structures such as watchtowers and nature education centers were added during this time. After India’s independence in 1947, the management of the sanctuary was taken over by the State Forest Department. Today, it continues to be maintained as an important bird habitat under their supervision.
The Official Name of the Bird Sanctuary
So coming back to the original question – what is the official name of this famous bird sanctuary on the outskirts of Mysore city?
Karanji Lake Nature Park
The Mysore bird sanctuary is officially known as ‘Karanji Lake Nature Park’. As mentioned earlier, the area was originally referred to as Karanji Lake before it was converted into a protected avifauna zone. The name Karanji comes from the Kanji tree or Pongamia Pinnata species that is found in abundance here. Over the years, as the sanctuary expanded into the reserve forest land around Karanji Lake, the entire area became known as Karanji Lake Nature Park or Karanji Lake Bird Sanctuary.
The Karnataka State Forest Department, which is the governing authority of the sanctuary, also officially refers to it as Karanji Lake Nature Park in its notifications and signboards within the premises. In fact, at the main entrance, a large signboard can be seen that reads –
‘Welcome to Karanji Lake Nature Park’
clearly denoting the official name of the Mysore bird sanctuary. The name is used extensively in promotional brochures, tourist guides, and booklets about the sanctuary as well.
Why ‘Karanji Lake’?
The choice of the name ‘Karanji’ for this birding hotspot is both ecological and historical in nature.
As mentioned before, Karanji is the name of the predominant tree species found here, Pongamia Pinnata. Karanji trees cover almost 70% of the entire wooded landscape within the sanctuary. The species is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and is well adapted to the semi-arid conditions in the sanctuary. Karanji is an important nesting tree for many birds. Its bark, leaves, sap, and flowers provide habitat and nutrition to diverse avian species. The abundance of this single tree species makes the sanctuary ecologically conducive for birds.
Historically, the site was a wooded area dominated by Karanji trees and was referred to as Karanji Kaadu in local Kannada language. The traditional name continued even after it was converted into a bird sanctuary by the Mysore rulers in the early 20th century. They retained the name Karanji Lake while adding legal protection and infrastructure for birds. The name blends both the ecological and cultural history of the sanctuary.
Why it is a top birding destination
The 150 acres of protected mixed forest around Karanji Lake offers just the perfect environment for exotic birdlife to thrive. Here are some reasons why the sanctuary is rated as a top birding destination:
Diverse habitats
The sanctuary has a range of habitats from open grasslands to dense woodlands dotted with Karanji, Teak, Nandi trees. It allows different bird species to find suitable nesting areas. There are sandy banks along the lake, marshy lands, and shallow wetlands.
Water bodies
The main Karanji Lake spans over 55 acres with lots of open water, mudflats, and tiny islets. Smaller water pools, fountains, and streams are also maintained within the sanctuary. This attracts different water birds.
Food availability
Insects, small aquatic life like fish and amphibians, seeds, grains, nectar from flowers, and fruits from trees provide a steady natural food supply for resident birds as well as migrants.
Protection
Legal protected status and regulated access prevents poaching, trapping, and habitat destruction enabling birds to thrive safely.
Low pollution
Located away from the city center in the vicinity of a reserve forest, the sanctuary is free from noise, air, and chemical pollution.
Strategic location
The sanctuary lies on the migratory path of many birds traveling from northern Asia and Europe to the warmer Indian subcontinent during winters. Its positioning allows it to host many rare migrants.
Top birds spotted at Karanji Lake Nature Park
The sanctuary is home to more than 200 species of birds, consisting of both native residents as well as migratory varieties. Here are some of the top exotic birds that can be spotted at Karanji Lake Nature Park:
Painted Stork
With their vivid pink feathers and long curved beaks, Painted Storks are a delight to watch. These large wading birds nest in the treetops within the sanctuary.
Grey Heron
This tall, grey-feathered bird can be seen wading silently along the lake edges looking for fish. Their sharp beaks allow them to stab quick prey.
Little Cormorant
The tiny Little Cormorant dives into water and swims adeptly to catch its prey. Watching its fishing antics is fascinating.
Oriental Darter
Also called Snakebird, the Oriental Darter swims only with its long snaky neck above water making it look like a snake gliding in the lake.
Purple Moorhen
With their bright purple-blue feathers and red beaks, these waterbirds can be seen walking over floating leaves and aquatic vegetation.
Eurasian Spoonbill
This large white waterbird sweeps its unique spoon-shaped beak side to side in water to catch small aquatic prey.
Yellow Wagtail
This slim yellow bird with long tails can be spotted perched on branches near water or foraging for insects in the grass.
Coppersmith Barbet
Known for its metronomic call that sounds like a coppersmith striking metal, this green bird with a red forehead is a common sight.
Woodpecker
Both the larger Southern Goldenbacked Woodpecker and smaller Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker can be seen drilling nest holes in the trees.
Indian Robin
This small brown bird with a red breast sings delightful tunes from low perches within the sanctuary.
Bird name | Unique features |
---|---|
Painted Stork | Bright pink feathers, long curved beak |
Grey Heron | Tall, grey feathers, sharp beak |
Little Cormorant | Tiny size, dives into water for prey |
Oriental Darter | Snaky neck, swims with only neck above water |
Purple Moorhen | Purple-blue feathers, red beak, walks on floating leaves |
Eurasian Spoonbill | Large white waterbird, unique spoon-shaped beak |
Yellow Wagtail | Slim yellow bird with long tails |
Coppersmith Barbet | Green with red forehead, metronomic call |
Woodpecker | Drills nest holes in trees |
Indian Robin | Small brown bird with red breast, sweet singer |
Facilities at Karanji Lake Nature Park
The Karnataka State Forest Department has developed excellent visitor facilities at the sanctuary to offer convenience and enhance bird watching experience. These include:
Boating
Visitors can enjoy boating in row boats and pedal boats inside Karanji Lake to explore the various bird habitats and get closer looks at the waterbirds.
Watch Towers
Tall watch towers have been constructed at strategic points within the sanctuary that offer elevated views of the birds nesting or roosting on treetops.
Nature Education Centre
There is an interpretation center with displays that provide information about birds found here. Nature camps are organized for students.
Walking Trails
Landscaped walking trails cut through diverse habitats allowing visitors to spot different birds along the way. Markers provide information.
Food Kiosks
There are a few eateries and snack shops within the sanctuary premises to cater to visitors. They provide clean drinking water as well.
Facility | Offerings |
---|---|
Boating | Row boats and pedal boats for exploring lake |
Watch towers | Elevated views of treetop bird activities |
Nature education centre | Information displays, camps for students |
Walking trails | Spotting birds across diverse habitats |
Food kiosks | Snacks, refreshments, drinking water |
Best time to visit Karanji Lake
The sanctuary can be visited throughout the year. However, the ideal times are:
October to February
These cooler months mark the arrival of a myriad of migratory birds from northern regions. Both waterbodies and woodlands come alive with a variety of exotic winged visitors. Favorable weather allows full day birding.
Breeding season
The breeding season between May to July sees plenty of bird activities like nest building, egg laying, chick rearing, etc. which is fascinating to observe.
Early mornings and evenings are best for bird watching as birds are most active during these times.
Conservation significance
Karanji Lake Nature Park plays an invaluable role in biodiversity conservation.
Supports vulnerable species
It provides a safe haven for many threatened and endangered bird species like the Painted Stork, Oriental Darter and Eurasian Spoonbill whose populations are declining elsewhere due to habitat loss.
Harbors migrants
The sanctuary is an important wintering ground for migratory waterfowl and raptors that breed in the Palearctic region. It helps uphold global migratory bird conservation.
Educational value
It raises public appreciation of birds and inspires nature stewardship through nature interpretation activities.
Genetic reservoir
The protected populations within the sanctuary help maintain stable gene pools of many indigenous bird species.
Research facility
The sanctuary facilitates research and studies on avian ecology and behavior that further conservation. Regular bird surveys are conducted.
Eco-tourism
As a model for sustainable eco-tourism, it enables revenue generation for local communities through nature-based recreation.
Challenges
Despite its ecological significance, the sanctuary also faces some conservation challenges.
Invasive species
Introduced fish and weeds are thriving in the lake threatening its biodiversity. Periodic removal is required.
Water pollution
Untreated sewage flow from the neighboring city sometimes affects water quality in the lake. Monitoring and diversion of drains is needed.
Visitor pressure
Increasing recreational visitors need regulation to prevent disturbance to birds. Zoning and access limits may help.
Urbanization
Expanding city boundaries are bringing urbanization closer to the sanctuary boundaries. Development needs careful planning.
Limited funding
The Forest Department needs more financial resources and manpower for effective management of the large sanctuary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Karanji Lake Nature Park is the name of the famous recreational and birdwatching hotspot on the fringes of Mysore city. Its landscape centered around a large lake and surrounded by mixed deciduous forest offers the ideal haven for over 200 species of exotic resident and migratory birds. The sanctuary is notable for its ecological significance in bird conservation and natural history. Facilities like boating, watchtowers, education center and walking trails allow visitors to explore and appreciate its feathered wealth. Careful conservation efforts are needed to ensure this critical bird habitat continues to survive and thrive in the coming years. The next time you visit Mysore, block a day to soak in the sights, sounds and natural beauty of this incredible birding mecca.