'''Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary''' is near Srirangapatna, Mandya District, Karnataka.

Understand

Ranganathittu covers an area of less than 1sq km, but the bird population density is very high. The most common birds in the sanctuary are painted storks, spoon bills, white ibises, egrets, herons and partridges. Most of the birds stay on tiny islands within the river, which you can approach by boat. However, the river is also home to a few crocodiles, so don't jump in for a swim!

The best times to visit are from March to May.

History

Ranganathittu attained the status of a bird sanctuary in 1940, courtesy of the visions of India's noted ornithologist. Dr. Salim Ali. who, during his survey of the birds of Mysore, advocated for the establishment of such a sanctuary.

Landscape

Flora and fauna

Climate

Get in

  • 120 km (74.6 miles) from Bangalore on Bangalore - Mysore Road
  • 10 km (6.2 miles) from Mysore
  • Fees/Permits

    Entry fee: Indians ? Rs 10, foreigners ? Rs 50 Boat-ride tickets: Indians ? Rs 10, foreigners ? Rs 50

    Get around

    See

    birds and crocodiles

    Do

  • Take a boat ride. Weekends can be very crowded and you may have a long wait. The boat rides start start at 8:30AM. The best time to view the birds is at dawn and dusk.
  • There is a ''machan'' (an elevated wooden platform where you can sit and watch wildlife) at at the end of the walkway which offers close up views of the nesting sites.
  • Buy

    Eat

    A canteen at the sanctury sells tea, coffee and snacks.

    Drink

    Sleep

    There is no lodge or hotels inside the sanctuary. However, the nearest town Srirangapatna is just a few kilometres from here.

    Stay safe

  • Beware of crocodiles in the river.
  • Respect

  • The sanctuary is suffering from plastic problem. Please '''avoid leaving any plastic bags'''. They not only make the place look untidy, but can be deadly to the wildlife.
  • Get out