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Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Srirangapatna: Overview
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is situated in the town of Srirangapatna in Karnataka and is the largest bird sanctuary in the state. The sanctuary constitutes six small islands located in the banks of the Kaveri river. The place provides you with an iconic sight of the natural beauty with lush green vegetation, splendid landscapes, and a myriad species of wildlife, especially birds. You can carry out various interesting outdoor activities in the sanctuary such as bird gazing, boating, and nature photography.
The sanctuary is inhabited by approximately 170 species of birds and the predominantly spotted birds in the area are the Woolly-necked Stork, Common Spoonbill, Black-headed Ibis, Painted Stork, and Asian Openbill Stork. The biodiversity is also home to several other animals such as flying fox and bonnet macaque. Small mammals like grey mongoose and palm civet and reptiles like monitor lizards are also quite frequently spotted. The natural beauty of this place, with birds chirping around, will free you up from all the disturbances and at the same time soothe all your senses.
More on Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit the sanctuary is between September and May, especially during the months of April-May. The beauty of the place is enhanced during the monsoon season and the heavy rainfall makes the lush forest to look greener and more pleasing. However, commuting through the park might be difficult due to the muddy and rain-soaked road. The summer months are dry but it is also the best time to visit this place for bird watching.
As far as the accommodation is concerned, there are no adequate options available to stay within the park. There are few rest houses run by the Forest Department which are needed to be booked quite in advance, especially during the peak season. You can also book affordable private resorts within the national park. However, you can also stay in a hotel in a nearby city of Mysore.
History of Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
The islands of Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary were formed after the construction of an embankment across the River Kaveri. The embankment was built in the year 1648 by Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar who was the king of Mysore then. It was only during this time an ornithologist named Salim Ali observed that these islands were nesting ground of several endemic birds and simultaneously sent an appeal to the administration to declare this area as a bird sanctuary. Eventually, this region was designated as a protected area during the year 1940.
Fauna at Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
As the name suggests, the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is home to diverse species of endemic birds. Apart from the scenic beauty, the tourists are attracted to this place, especially for bird watching. Birds such as Asian openbill stork, cormorant, great stone plover, woolly-necked stork, black-headed ibis, pelicans, lesser whistling duck, Indian Shag, egret, Oriental Darter, common spoonbill, Stork-billed Kingfisher, spot-billed pelican, heron, Streak-throated swallows, and painted stork are commonly spotted here.
Apart from the endemic birds, this place also witnesses a seasonal migration of birds in the winter months from regions such as Latin America, Siberia, and North India. Small mammals like grey mongoose and palm civet and reptiles like monitor lizard and mugger crocodile are also quite frequently spotted in the sanctuary.
Boating at Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
The boating along the islands of this sanctuary is the most interesting activity preferred by the tourists. It is the best way to explore the natural beauty of this place as you get an opportunity to delve into the depths of nature beside the islands. As you row your boat in the waters of the Kaveri river, you can spot a wide variety of birds flapping their wings away. Crocodiles and bats also make appearances, along with some wild otters.
You cannot afford to miss this activity as it provides you with a breathtaking and adventurous experience of exploring the wildlife of Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. This activity costs INR 25 per head for Indian children and INR 50 per head for Indian adults. The foreign national have to pay around INR 300 per head for the boat trip.
How to Reach Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is well connected with both road and railway. It is situated about 19 km from the city of Mysore and you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the sanctuary. Both private and state bus services are available for Srirangapatna from Mysore. You can also reach Srirangapatna via train and take a cab to the sanctuary from the railway station.
