Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka - Paradise for birds

The Deccan Plateau of Karnataka is shelter for hundreds of birds. Because of its constant weather, temperature and natural resources, birds love Karnataka. It has many bird sanctuaries. Western Ghats, green hills, deep jungles, rivers, lakes, green farmlands etc support a very pleasant life for birds. Ranganathittu bird sanctuary is also known as “Bird Kashi of Karnataka”. It is in Mandya district and covers 67 square kilometers. The “Bird Man of India” Dr. Salim Ali had visited here and he suggested Mysore Maharaja (Wodeyar) to convert this area as bird sanctuary. According to his suggestion, Mysore Wodeyar announced it as “Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary” on July 1st, 1940. River Kaveri flows across the sanctuary. Western part of the sanctuary attracts more tourists, nature lovers and bird watchers. This sanctuary has small islands. In 18th century, when Kanteerava Narasimharaj Wodeyar was ruling Mysore, a check dam had been built to Kaveri River. So ther are many small natural islands. Nesting and breeding of birds takes place in these islands. These islands have plenty of aquatic animals and insects. These animals and insects are major source of foods for birds.   We can see varieties of trees here like people tree, banyan tree, bamboos, Neelgiri trees etc. And also we can see animals like monkeys, wild cats, bats and crocodiles. Thousands of birds will come here every year for nesting and breeding. You can see domestic birds as well as foreign birds like white ibis, common sand piper, laser wisley duck, white necked storks, spot billed duck, river terns etc. These foreign birds arrive from different countries in the month of December and start laying eggs. And they go back in the month of July or August with their little ones. They come back again in the next year. If you want to see the beauty of entire sanctuary then better to hire a boat. Boating facility is available across the sanctuary and you will love birds and beautiful nature.

How to reach

Nearest Places	Srirangapatna, Mysore, Bangalore
How to reach here	You can reach Ranganthittu by bus or train. There are many buses from Bangalore to Shringapatna. And from Shrirangapatna it takes just 15 minutes to reach sanctuary. You can hire an auto.
Nearest Airport & Railway station	Nearest Airport is Bangalore International Airport nearly 125 KM from airport. Nearest Railway station is Shrirangapatna railway station and Mysore railway station (15 km from sanctuary).

Places to visit

Ranganathittu Bird sanctuary is on Bangalore - Mysore highway. There are many other tourist places to visit nearby sanctuary. You can visit Sringapatna Ranganatha temple, Mysore palace, KRS dam, Brindavan gargen, Tippu palace, Mysore museum etc.

Culture and Food

Food	You will get only local foods nearby sanctuary. All types of rice items and non veg items you can taste.
Hotels	There are small hotels available in the sanctuary. There are hotels avaialable in Shringapatna. If you want more comfortable accommodation then better to stay in hotels of Mysore. There are many hotels like Pai hotel, Hotel royal heritage, hotel metropole.
Lifestyle of people	Lifestyle of people is simple and religious. they lead a tradtional life style. Age old customs and rituals are still followed by them.

Best time to visit:	June to December
Languages spoken	: Kannada and English. Tamil and Telugu are other popular languages here.