Mysuru zoo attracts 1.57 lakh visitors during Dasara, earns record ₹1.93 crore

MYSURU

Mysuru zoo recorded its highest Dasara-season gate revenue in five years, earning ₹1.93 crore from 1.57 lakh visitors during the 11-day festivities, thereby reaffirming its popularity as one of the city’s premier tourist attractions.

The zoo generated ₹193.19 lakh in gate revenue during Dasara 2026, marginally surpassing the previous high of ₹191.37 lakh recorded in 2025. However, the increase in revenue came with only a marginal rise in footfall, from around 1.56 lakh visitors last year, according to figures from Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens.

The zoo had earned ₹153.51 lakh from 1.55 lakh visitors in 2022, ₹167.10 lakh from 1.65 lakh visitors in 2023, and ₹171.29 lakh from 1.65 lakh visitors in 2024.

However, the two major festive days saw a decline in footfall. On Vijayadashami, October 21 this year, the zoo received 19,745 visitors and earned ₹25.15 lakh, compared with 27,272 visitors and ₹34.07 lakh in 2025. On Ayudha Pooja, October 20, it recorded 20,264 visitors and revenue of ₹25.67 lakh, against 27,033 visitors and ₹33.21 lakh last year.

Meanwhile, tourism stakeholders are optimistic that the extended Dasara illumination will sustain tourist inflow to Mysuru beyond the festival. The illumination, which covers major roads and landmarks across the city, will continue until October 31, with the tourism and hospitality sectors expecting another surge in visitors over the weekend.

Mysuru palace remains a major draw during the Dasara season, attracting tourists from across Karnataka and neighbouring States, particularly Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The Karanji Lake Nature Park is among the popular attractions for visitors exploring the city during the festive period.

Hotels in Mysuru recorded 100% occupancy during the festivities, providing a significant boost to the hospitality sector. Tourism stakeholders expect the extended illumination to encourage visitors to stay longer and explore the city’s attractions even after the conclusion of the main Dasara celebrations.

However, the hospitality industry’s demand to extend hotel and restaurant operating hours until 1 a.m. during the festive season was not accepted by the government of Karnataka. Industry representatives had maintained that longer operating hours would give tourists more time to explore Mysuru and boost businesses serving visitors in the late evening.

The zoo authorities thanked visitors, police personnel, and staff for their cooperation in maintaining cleanliness and ensuring peaceful conditions during the Dasara festivities.