Name: Srirangapatna
Rating: 4.1

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Srirangapatna Overview

Located in Karnataka, the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in Srirangapatna is a haven for bird watchers as it houses a wide array of bird species. It is the largest bird sanctuary in the state and comprises of six small islands on the banks of the river Kaveri. The scenery of the local vegetation and landscape, coupled with the colourful species of birds makes it a unique learning experience for visitors of all ages and interests. This destination offers many things to do for its tourists; the most popular ones include bird watching, boating, and some good old nature photography.

Out of the 170 species of bird that reside here, the most notable ones are the Painted Stork, Common Spoonbill, Asian Openbill Stork, Black-headed Ibis, and Woolly-necked Stork. This biodiversity hub also houses many small animals such as the Bonnet Macaque, Flying Fox and small mammals like common palm civet, Indian grey mongoose and the monitor lizard. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is the perfect place to relax and unwind in the lap of nature and the company of family and friends.

Boating at Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

Since the sanctuary is located on several islets, the boating activity here is quite interesting. There can be no better way to experience the beauty of this destination than its exquisite boat ride. 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.

The price of this activity is INR 50 per head for Indian adults, INR 25 per head for Indian children while foreign tourists will have to shell out INR 300 per head to experience the same.

Best Time to Visit - Ideal Season

The best time to explore the raw nature of the national park is between September and May, especially around April to May. The monsoon months makes the park all lush green and verdant, however, roads are muddy and rain-soaked. Summer months, although dry, allows the visitors to witness the wildlife easily around water sources. It also serves as the best time for bird watching.

History of Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

The islands, which are a distinctive feature of the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, were formed as a result of the building of an embankment across the Kaveri river in the year 1648 by Mysore King Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar. At that time, an ornithologist by the name of Salim Ali noticed that the islets were an important nesting ground for a number of endemic birds and requested that the region is declared a bird sanctuary. As a result of his persuasions, the region was declared a protected one in the year 1940.

Fauna at Ranganathittu Bird Sancturay

Among the birds that are found here, the most notable ones include painted stork, Asian openbill stork, common spoonbill, woolly-necked stork, black-headed ibis, lesser whistling duck, Indian Shag, Stork-billed Kingfisher, egret, cormorant, Oriental Darter, spot-billed pelican, heron, great stone plover, and river tern, Streak-throated swallows, and pelicans. Winter months see a migration of birds from Siberia, Latin America, and parts of north India to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.

A number of smaller creatures like bonnet macaque, flying fox, common palm civet, Indian grey mongoose, monitor lizard, and mugger crocodile also call this sanctuary home.

How To Reach Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

The best way to reach Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is via the means of road. It is located only 19 kilometres away from the city of Mysore from where you can take the bus or hire a taxi to reach the sanctuary. Both private and government buses run between Mysore and Srirangapatna. From Srirangapatna you can hire an auto rickshaw to reach your destination. An alternate way to reach Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is that you travel till Srirangapatna via train and take a cab from there.

Staying Near Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

There are rest houses run by the Forest Department near Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary which is needed to be booked quite in advance, especially during the peak season. There is also an option of private mid-range and luxury resorts inside the park along with lodge available outside the park. Another option is to stay in Mysore where one can find innumerable places to stay.

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Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary Reviews

Your rating

Shekar Revanna

on Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary 1 year ago

Place is beautiful for bird photography, but the charges too too high. D't understand charges are dpending on camera lense focul length. Rangatittle It's an expensive affair for bird photography. Con (Read More)cerned department shd relook into the charges n encourage bird photographers. Most of the photographers are not rich to afford these rates.