Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is near Srirangapatna, Mandya District, Karnataka, India.
Understand
Ranganathittu covers an area of less than 1 km², but the bird population density is very high. The most common birds in the sanctuary are painted storks, spoon bills, white ibises, egrets, herons and partridges. Most of the birds stay on tiny islands within the river, which you can approach by boat. However, the river is also home to a few crocodiles, so don't jump in for a swim!
The best times to visit are from March to May.
History
Ranganathittu attained the status of a bird sanctuary in 1940, courtesy of the visions of India's noted ornithologist. Dr. Salim Ali. who, during his survey of the birds of Mysore, advocated for the establishment of such a sanctuary.
Landscape
Ranganthittu is on the river Cauvery, about 13 km away from Mysore. The part that visitors are allowed to see is a slow section of the river, with many little islands which form nesting sites for sorts of migratory birds. Low hanging branches, small rocks with crocodiles sunning themselves are easily found, so don't be surprised if you look around to see a crocodile within arm's reach. This sanctuary is well maintained with tiled footpaths and photogenic niches in the small space.
Flora and fauna
Some of the birds seen at Ranganthittu are the white Ibis, cormorants, egrets, herons, river terns and darters. In addition, the place is also home to a large number of crocodiles.
Climate
The climate is pleasant throughout the year, except being a little hot in April and May.
Get in
Nearest airport: Bangalore.
The drive from Bangalore is approximately 130 km, and takes a couple of hours at the most, thanks to the four lane highway. Driving from Mysore is much nearer, about 13 km. If you are driving from Bangalore, look out for a small right turn after Srirangapatna. The park opens at 9AM and closes at 4PM.
Fees and permits
The park charges a small entry fee, and the boat ride is also a charged service. For a half hour leisurely tour of the river you get charged ₹2200 for a whole boat. Mass rides are also available at much cheaper rates, though these are charged per person. The fees below were valid in July 2011 but may be subject to change:
Entry fee: Indians – ₹50, foreigners – ₹300 (plus ₹300 to admit your car, outside parking is not possible as the road to the sanctuary is narrow)
Boat-ride tickets: Indians – ₹50, foreigners – ₹300
Ranganathittu is on the river Cauvery, about 13 km away from Mysore. The part that visitors are allowed to see is a slow section of the river.
See
The local fauna:
Birds
Many little islands in the river form nesting sites for sorts of migratory birds. Low hanging branches, allow for easy visibility. Nearly 180 birds have been recorded here over the years. Some of the birds seen at Ranganathittu include the white Ibis, cormorants, egrets, herons, river terns, and darters. There is a machan (an elevated wooden platform where you can sit and watch wildlife) at the end of the walkway which offers close up views of the nesting sites.
Crocodiles
It is also home to a large number of marsh crocodiles. Small rocks with crocodiles sunning themselves are easily found, so don't be surprised if you look around to see a crocodile within arm's reach.
Do
- Take a boat ride. Weekends can be very crowded and you may have a long wait. The boat rides start start at 8:30AM. The best time to view the birds is at dawn and dusk. Otherwise the only thing you can do is watch birds from the shore, which will require a really good pair of binoculars. If you do the boat ride, you can get really close to the birds and the nests. If you are lucky, you get to see a nest with baby birds at eye level.
Eat
There is a small cafe at Ranganthittu, and Mysore is always close by. A canteen at the sanctuary sells tea, coffee and snacks like Masala Dosai. The canteen is set up in a beautiful way.
Drink
No drinking or smoking allowed in the park.
Sleep
There is no lodging at the park itself, but you can stay in Srirangapatna, a few kilometres away, or better yet, Mysore.
Stay safe
Beware of crocodiles in the river.
Respect
The sanctuary is suffering from a plastic problem. Please avoid leaving any plastic bags. They not only make the place look untidy, but can be deadly to the wildlife.