Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Mysore Overview

The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary of Mysore is definitely a paradise for all bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Nestled in the Mandya district of Karnataka and located a bit outside Mysore, the Bird Sanctuary consists of a total of six islets on the banks of the river Kaveri. It lies within a distance of only 3 km of Srirangapatna, the erstwhile capital of Tipu Sultan. It was declared as the bird sanctuary back in 1940 by then Mysore ruler, Sri Krishnarajendra Wodeyar IV, and is one of the most renowned bird sanctuaries in South India.

With around 170 species of birds, such as Grey Pelicans, Seagulls, Common Egrets, White Ibis, and Kingfishers, the nestled isles of the sanctuary house a variety of birds, reptiles, and vegetation.Spanning an area of 0.67 sq. km, this bird sanctuary also has a boat house for travelers to go for a boat ride around the islets, or relatively spot the avian species coming at a close distance of the quarters. The boats are available at reasonable fares, and also provide expert naturalist guides with each trip, to explain the details of the flora and fauna present in the sanctuary.Apart from this, the sanctuary also organizes various programs that familiarize the audience with the ecosystem of the sanctuary. For example, bird-watching sessions, where the travelers and wildlife enthusiasts are allowed to take guided tours of the sanctuary, familiarize themselves with the avian species by observation, and avail the assistance of the naturalist. The sanctuary is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm during its official opening hours, and visitors are recommended to pay its entry fees before entering. Although the entry fee charges vary on the basis of visitors’ category, the feed for the aquatic birds are always available at the boat house.Overall, the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary undoubtedly serves as a paradise for explorers and bird watchers. With its array of avian species, lush vegetation, and picturesque ambience, the sanctuary is definitely a must-visit destination for all.