The transformation of this water body from a dead lake to one thriving with winged beauties was made possible by the Mysore zoo, which took up restoration of the lake and cleared encroachments along the feeder channels that fed fresh water to the lake during the rainy season. Not only has the change been dramatic, it has come around in less than three years.

Reckoned to be a model for conservation, Karanaji Lake Nature Park is also an example of how other water bodies in Mysore, notably the Kukkarahalli Lake, can be revived.

With the towering Chamundi Hills in the background and water in the foreground, the Karanji Lake plays host to thousands of birds.

The more exotic of them include resident birds such as pelicans. With the Mysore zoo releasing one lakh fingerlings into the lake, there is sufficient prey for birds of all hues.