Ranganathittu is one of the best bird sanctuary tourist destinations in South India located in the Mandya district of Karnataka. It takes about 3 to 4 hours of drive from Central Bengaluru (Bangalore) and a little off from Mysore city (19 kilometers). The sanctuary is situated on the backdrop of the Cauvery River covering about 6 main islets within the sanctuary that can be visited in a rowing boat. An offbeat road trip can be planned to visit this sanctuary on the highway from Bengaluru to Mysore and the nearest railway station is the Mysore station.
Since accommodation is limited inside the paradise people can choose to stay in the Mandya district. The sanctuary was discovered by ornithologist Salim Ali around the 1940s century. The best place to visit to enjoy nature’s beauty and for those who are bird lovers it’s a heaven and a treat to watch these birds.
Bird Diversity and Migration Patterns
The sanctuary is known for its diverse avian population, hosting around 170 different bird species. This includes a mix of resident and migratory birds, with significant numbers arriving during the winter months. Over 40,000 birds, some from as far as Latin America and Siberia, visit Ranganathittu, making it a critical breeding ground for over 30 bird species.
Wildlife Beyond Birds in Ranganathittu
Apart from its avifauna, Ranganathittu is also home to various wildlife species. This includes small mammals like bonnet macaques and smooth-coated otters, as well as a significant population of freshwater crocodiles, the largest in Karnataka.
Visitor Activities
The sanctuary offers a range of activities for visitors. Boating is a popular way to explore, allowing close encounters with the sanctuary’s birds and wildlife. The Salim Ali Interpretation Centre provides educational insights into the bird species found here. Photography enthusiasts will find the sanctuary a perfect backdrop for capturing the vibrant birdlife.
Best Time to Visit and Sanctuary Timings
The ideal period for visiting Ranganathittu spans from September to May, with winter being particularly favorable for spotting migratory birds. The sanctuary operates daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, with varying entry fees for locals and foreigners. Mid-December, that is during winter as reported by the authorities of the sanctuary as many as 40,000 birds approximately expected that migrate from different parts of the world (Siberia, Latin America and parts of north India).
- Nesting month
June-November has witnessed as the nesting month for the birds reporting about 8000 nesting’s. Birds like pied Kingfisher, open-billed storks, snowy egrets, white ibis, and many more are found here.
- Jaw-dropping fact
There are about 100+ crocodiles in the river. Make sure to take a rowing boat ride tour to experience the birds and massive crocodiles view up close. The highlight of the sanctuary is the boat ride around the islet and one of the cautions is that do not touch the water during your drive as there are large number of crocks in the river.
- Offers
Boating as per January costs Rs.60 per person and if you wish to book the whole boat it costs Rs.1000 which is about a 20 minutes ride.
- Layout map of the sanctuary
The entire pathway is well maintained and an information center is located inside the sanctuary and is named after famous ornithologist Salim Ali.
Nearby Attractions
For those interested in exploring beyond the sanctuary, nearby attractions include the Sri Chama Rajendra Zoological Garden, Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Melkote, and the Mysore Palace. Each of these destinations offers a unique glimpse into the area’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
