Initially, this lake was built as a percolation tank by the Mysore King, to serve as source of drinking water for residents and was used for other chores like bathing, washing, etc. In 1976, the lake has been taken as a part of Mysore Zoo. Since then, it has been maintained by the Mysore Zoo authority. Also known as Fountain Lake it is spread across an area of 90 hectares of lush greenery and rich fauna; out of 90 hectares of area, 55 hectares is the water spread area while the foreshore area is around 35 hectares.