Eco-view Tower, Zipline work Underway at Karanji Lake

Rs. 18 crore project to boost tourism, protect lake ecosystem; to be completed for Dasara 2027

Mysuru: Mysuru is set to get a host of new tourist attractions at Karanji Lake Nature Park, with work beginning on a series of eco-tourism projects under the Union Government’s Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme.

The projects, being taken up at a cost of Rs. 18 crore under the jurisdiction of the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens (Mysuru Zoo), include an Eco-view Tower, Zipline, Lake Walk, Canopy Walk and other facilities.

The projects are aimed at enhancing the visitor experience without disturbing the lake’s ecosystem. The works are expected to be completed by Dasara 2027.

Eco-view Tower to offer panoramic view

Construction of the Eco-view Tower is progressing along Thandi Sadak Road inside the Karanji Lake premises. The tower is being built using 200-mm-diametre iron pipes.

A 24-metre-wide foundation has already been laid, on which a 17.25-metre-wide tower is being constructed. The 21-metre-high structure will have seven floors, with a circular ramp allowing visitors to reach the upper levels.

The tower is also planned as a bird-watching point, offering visitors a view of Karanji Lake and the surrounding landscape. Officials said, it would be the first such structure in South Karnataka.

Lake Walk, Canopy Walk

Work on the Lake Walk and Canopy Walk is also underway near the Eco-view Tower. Fillers are being constructed for the walkways, while temporary soil ramps have been put up to keep lake water away from the construction area.

The walkway will be 350 metres long. A bridge-like structure will form the Lake Walk, while a glass bridge-style Canopy Walk will be built above it, allowing visitors to walk over the water and view the lake’s beautiful surroundings.

Walking Path, Rope Bridge

A three-kilometre walking path from the main entrance ticket counter to the Eco-view Tower will be developed by upgrading the existing path.

A 380-metre to 450-metre Zipline is being constructed near the Butterfly Park, extending across the lake towards the boating point. Foundations for the supporting structures on both sides of the lake have been laid.

A 30-metre rope bridge is also planned for young visitors. Made of ropes and cables, it will resemble a suspension bridge.

Food Kiosks

To address the shortage of refreshments inside the lake premises, two container-based food kiosks will be set up. They will sell drinking water, beverages, snacks and chaats and will be managed by the Zoo authorities.

The projects were initially scheduled for completion within nine months. However, work was delayed by three months due to the time taken to obtain permission from the Zoo authorities.

With conditional approval now in place, construction has resumed. The authorities plan to complete the projects in time for the 2027 Dasara festivities.