Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is about 19 Kms from Mysore and 4 kms from Srirangapatna.
" One reason that birds matter - ought to matter - is that they are our last, best connection to a natural world that is otherwise receding. They're the most vivid and widespread representatives of the Earth as it was before people arrived on it. "- Jonathan Franzen
An embankment was built across the Kaveri River between 1645-48 by then King of Mysore, Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar. Ranaganathittu’s islets were formed by this weir. There were about 25 islets then and this attracted the birds. In 1940s when Salim Ali, world-renowned orthinologist visited the area, he was captivated by the diversity of birds he found here and requested the King to declare it as a protected area. Ever since then, Ranganathittu remained a safe haven for birds of all plumes. Not just birds, a variety of mammals and reptiles can also be spotted such as common mongoose, flying fox, palm civet, river otters, crocodiles(muggers) and several species of fish.
Pakshi Kashi is the word to describe what we are. Ranganathittu is a sacred pilgrimage for over 221+ species of aviators in the sky. Nothing is more heartwarming than watching these incredible avian aviators take flight together, nesting and breeding in the safe grounds and branches of the sanctuary. Considered as one of Asia’s most significant nesting and breeding locales, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is located in the district of Mandya, close to the Mysore city and Srirangapattana town. Lying beautifully in the banks of River Cauvery, Ranganathittu is spread across 67 ha giving habitat to exotic migratory birds and resident birds alike. The age-old sanctuary’s petit islets come to life when these winged wonders flock here to herald the nesting and breeding season.
The Sanctuary has remained an all-season tourist destination in the district with more than 3.5 lakhs tourists every year. There are six islets in the sanctuary that is considered highly suitable for birds to breed. What also attracts these avian beauties to Ranganathittu is the availability of abundant food supply from the Cauvery River. For centuries, migratory birds from far away countries have been nesting on the branches of Ranganathittu. Many of them like white storks, northern shovellers, wagtails and warblers are migrants from as far as Central Asia, Siberia and the Himalayas. Some also come from Thailand, Burma and Bangladesh. The sanctuary is declared as an eco-sensitive zone in 2014. Hence certain commercial activities cannot take place without the government’s permission. The sanctuary is crowded by nesting birds in the winter months and sometimes over 200 species and as many as 40,000 birds are recorded during this period.
Major attractions in the sanctuary are the 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 and heron which breed regularly here. The great stone plover and river tern also nest here while the sanctuary is also home to a large flock of streak-throated swallows.
The migratory birds congregate usually by mid-December although sometimes this can vary. The best time to watch migratory birds is also during these winter months. Birds from various parts of India and the world come and settle here. They pick their habitat, settle here and build their nests on the islands. After a while, the chicks are hatched. Once the chicks learn to fly, the birds take flight again towards June-July.
Many Protected Areas (Pas) are result of human response to diversity of life forms and uniqueness of an eco-system, while Ranganthittu is a result of nature’s response to human intervention. Construction of an embankment across river Cauvery led to formation of islands and islet creating an and other rare and endangered forms of life. This is an unique example where a major developmental activity has made way for conservation.
Entry into Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary without is an offence and punishable under the wildlife(Protection) Act,1972. Ticket should be produced to the department officials/staff at the time of inspection.
Do not return the ticket to staff after the visit. ln case of differences of opinion or complaints visitors may contact the office of the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Mysuru Wild life Division, Mysuru or drop a written note in the complaint or suggestion box available at boating ticket counter.
Activities like smoking, littering, use of alcohol, use of sound systems and cooking are strictly prohibited in the Sanctuary.
Visitors should maintain silence at the time of boating. Any disturbance caused to the riverine ecosystem/habitat and flora and fauna is an offence and will be dealt with seriously.
Sanctuary management is not responsible for loss or theft of valuables
You are under constant surveillance. Please do not create nuisance, disturb fellow visitor or destroy the property of the Sanctuary.
Do not disturb or feed the birds and animals in the Sanctuary.
Please do wear safety jacket while on boat ride. Be aware of crocodiles.