Mysuru: Work is underway on a series of new eco-tourism attractions at Karanji Lake Nature Park, including an Eco-view Tower, zipline, Lake Walk and Canopy Walk, as part of an ₹18 crore development project under the Union Government’s Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme.
The project, being implemented under the jurisdiction of Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, or Mysuru Zoo, aims to improve the visitor experience while protecting the ecological character of Karanji Lake.
The facilities are expected to be completed in time for the Dasara 2027 festivities. The development will add adventure, nature and viewing experiences to one of Mysuru’s popular tourist destinations.
Eco-view Tower takes shape at Karanji Lake
Construction of the Eco-view Tower is progressing along Thandi Sadak Road inside the Karanji Lake premises.
The tower is being constructed using 200-mm-diameter iron pipes. A 24-metre-wide foundation has already been laid, with a 17.25-metre-wide tower being built on it.
The planned structure will rise to a height of 21 metres and have seven floors. A circular ramp will allow visitors to move towards the upper levels.
The tower is also being developed as a bird-watching point. From the elevated structure, visitors will be able to view Karanji Lake and its surrounding landscape.
According to the project details, the Eco-view Tower is intended to provide a new perspective of Mysuru’s natural and heritage landscape. The original development plan envisaged an elevated viewing experience overlooking Karanji Lake, Mysuru Palace and Chamundi Hills.
Zipline to stretch across the lake
A major attraction under the project is the proposed zipline near the Butterfly Park.
The zipline will have a length of around 380 to 450 metres and will extend across the lake towards the boating point. Foundations for the supporting structures on both sides of the lake have already been laid.
The detailed project report had envisaged a maximum zipline course length of 452.5 metres, with the course positioned away from the lake banks and designed to minimise its impact on the surrounding environment.
The attraction is expected to offer visitors an adventure experience while giving them an aerial view of Karanji Lake and its surroundings.
Lake Walk and Canopy Walk also underway
Work on the Lake Walk and Canopy Walk is progressing near the Eco-view Tower.
The planned walkway will be around 350 metres long, with a bridge-like Lake Walk and a glass bridge-style Canopy Walk allowing visitors to experience the lake environment from an elevated perspective.
Temporary soil ramps have been constructed in some areas to prevent lake water from entering the construction zone.
The Canopy Walk is intended to provide views of the surrounding trees, lake and birdlife, while the Lake Walk will offer visitors a more relaxed experience closer to the water. The development plan describes both facilities as lightweight structures intended to minimise disturbance to the existing landscape.
Three-kilometre walking path planned
The project will also improve pedestrian access within the Karanji Lake premises.
An existing pathway from the main entrance ticket counter to the Eco-view Tower will be upgraded to create a three-kilometre walking path.
The improved path will connect different attractions within the eco-tourism zone and encourage visitors to explore the area on foot.
A 30-metre rope bridge is also planned for younger visitors. The structure will use ropes and cables and is designed to resemble a suspension bridge.
Together, these facilities are expected to create a mix of nature-based activities and adventure experiences for visitors.
Food kiosks to be added
The development will also address the availability of refreshments inside the lake premises.
Two container-based food kiosks are planned, where visitors will be able to purchase drinking water, beverages, snacks and chaats.
The kiosks will be managed by the Zoo authorities and are expected to provide basic refreshments to visitors spending longer periods inside the tourist attraction.
The addition of food facilities is part of the broader effort to improve visitor amenities along with the new attractions.
Project delayed but work resumes
The projects were initially scheduled to be completed within nine months. However, implementation was delayed by around three months because permissions from the Zoo authorities took additional time.
With conditional approval now in place, construction has resumed.
Authorities are targeting completion before the 2027 Dasara celebrations, when Mysuru traditionally sees a significant increase in tourist footfall.
The project is being implemented under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, which focuses on developing tourism destinations and improving visitor infrastructure.
Focus on eco-tourism
The Karanji Lake development is designed around the concept of combining tourism with nature conservation.
Karanji Lake is an important ecological attraction in Mysuru and supports a variety of bird species and other wildlife. The project therefore aims to introduce visitor facilities without significantly disturbing the existing ecosystem.
The broader Ecological Experience Zone was conceived to connect Karanji Lake with the nearby Mysuru Zoo and Regional Museum of Natural History through nature-oriented visitor experiences. Earlier plans included an Eco-view Tower, zipline, Canopy Walk, Lake Walk, food court and other facilities.
The new attractions are expected to give tourists additional reasons to spend more time at Karanji Lake while offering different ways to experience Mysuru’s natural surroundings.
With construction now progressing, the Eco-view Tower, zipline, Lake Walk and Canopy Walk could become prominent additions to Mysuru’s tourism landscape once completed.