Nature tourism in Mysore district is a most pleasurable experience, as the district abounds in natural beauty. There are a number of places of nature tourism in Mysore district such as beautiful gardens, lakes, bird sanctuary etc. one of the primary tourist attractions of Mysore district is the Brindavan Gardens. These are located just a level below the Krishnaraja Sagar reservoir built across the Kaveri River.

Often described as the best example of illuminated terrace gardens in the country, the overall design here displays an orientation of Mughal patterns, with garden paths and a shimmering necklace of fountains. On the South bank there is a pavilion, where visitors can get a breathtaking view of the gardens. Other highlights at the gardens include a children`s park, a fisheries station and a hydraulic research station. Adding a touch of sanctity to the place is a beautiful sculpture of Goddess Kaveri at the foot of the dam.

Karanji Lake
Picturesquely located at the foot of Chamundi hills and adjacent to the Mysore Zoo, the Karanji Lake is a beautiful bird sanctuary in the heart of Mysore City which provides a wonderful habitat for more than 70 different species of avifauna. The recently re-developed lake, spanning across 90 acres has a butterfly park, boating, children`s corner, a watch tower and India`s largest walkthrough aviary.

Kukkarahalli Lake
The Kukkarahalli Lake is located in Mysore University Campus. This lake has inspired many local poets and writers. The view from the north shore is particularly attractive with the lake and its surrounding trees, the spire of the deputy commissioner`s offices rising above them and the low rise of the Chamundi Hill in the background. This lake is home to more than 180 species of birds, some of them aquatic. During the migratory season the lake plays host to a variety of birds, some from as far as Siberia. There is a 4.5 km walkway on the periphery of the lake with shaded stone benches for visitors to sit, relax and enjoy the scenic serenity of the lake.

Ranganathittu Birds Sanctuary
Ranganathittu Birds Sanctuaryis located just outside Srirangapatna near Mysore, where the Kaveri River meanders around a string of tiny nesting sites of waterfowls. Available here are boat rides which take one within touching distance of the birds as marsh crocodiles bask in the sun An amazing display of flora and fauna is found in here at the sanctuary. Deciduous forests are found lining the area, with bamboo, eucalyptus, figs, Jamun and Karanji trees. Among the animals found here are mammals and reptiles such as the flying fox, bonnet macaque, common otter, common mongoose, palm civet and marsh crocodiles. Bird life includes the little cormorant, large cormorant, darter, white ibis, spoonbill, open-billed stork, painted stork, egret, heron, river term, great stone plover, kingfisher and the Indian cliff swallow.

Bandipur National park
Bandipur National park is situated about 80 kilometres south of Mysore, on the Mysore-Ooty road. The reserve is a playground for wildlife, with elephants taking the lead role. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the enchanting Niligiri Mountains with its mist-covered peaks, Bandipur was once the Mysore Maharaja`s private hunting ground. It was brought under Project Tiger in 1973. This is one of the best game sanctuaries in India to observe and photograph wildlife in close proximity.

A temple perched atop Himvad Gopalaswamy Hill, the highest peak in the Bandipur range, is worth a visit. A wide variety of species of flora and fauna are found here. The animals found here are tiger, leopard, elephant, gaur, sloth bear, Asiatic wild dog, striped hyena, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, mouse deer, mongoose, and the slender Loris. Reptiles like the common rat snake, Russell`s viper, common krait, Indian python, flying snake and the cobra can also be seen. Over 230 species of birds have been identified nestling among the evergreen deciduous vegetation of the region. These include the heron, stork, egret, kite, eagle, falcon, peafowl, lapwing, sandpiper, woodpecker etc.

These are the various places of natural beauty in the Mysore district where one can go to relax and soak in the beauty of the environment.