Located at a distance of 19 km from Mysore and 128 km from Bangalore, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary covers an area of 40 acres. It is located in the Mandya district of Karnataka.

The picturesque surrounding is home to the exotic avian population. It is just 5 km away from Srirangapatna, the Adi Ranga on the bank of River Cauvery. Rangathittu had been named after Lord Vishnu, the Protector God.

Plenty of migratory birds from Siberia, North America, and Australia reach this place during the winter season. The territory consists of 6 small islets and the largest bird sanctuary in the state.

Due to the richness of the deciduous trees in the outer portions, mugger crocodiles are plenty. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) had listed these crocodiles in the Red List in 1982. Usually, tourists involved in boating and nature photography in this region.

A Mysore king Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar had built an embarkment in 1648, leading to the famous isles in the “Pakshi Kashi (bird paradise) of Karnataka.” Owing to the staunch efforts of Salim Ali (The Birdman of India), the islets were brought under the Bird Sanctuary category. It was declared as a Bird Sanctuary in 1940.

Birdwatchers with their binoculars invade this sanctuary for beautiful photographs and relaxation.

Specialties:

Iphigenia Mysorensis, one of the threatened species of Lily is endemic to this sanctuary.

The management has created additional isles helping birds to lay eggs easily.

The wading bird population is abundant in this region for the tall and safe trees.

The congregation of the bat population hanging on trees is a sight to behold.

Boating and Birdwatching are the must-do activities in Rangathittu Bird Sanctuary.

Around 170 bird species are seeable during a 4-5-hour sightseeing activity.

Marsh Crocodiles basking on the hot rocks.

Flora and Fauna:

Iphigenia Mysorensis is an endangered species of Lily which is abundant in this region. Small creatures like Bonnet Macaque, reptiles like the cold-blooded Monitor Lizard, sharp-clawed Common Palm Civets, the largest bat species - Flying Fox, Indian Grey Mongoose, and the deadly Mugger Crocodiles are important fauna to watch out for other than the Sanctuary’s saviors - local and migratory birds.

The Huge flocks of pink feathered “Painted Stork”, insects and larvae eating “Common Spoonbill”, the angry stare of the “Great Stone Curlew”, highly threatened “River Tern”, and “Spot-Billed Pelican”, water walking “Asian Openbill Stork”, the calm and composed hunter - “Woolly Necked Stork”, the stretched out feathers and neck of “White Ibis” during its flight, the submerging swimmers - “Cormorants” and “Oriental Darter”, and one of the most beautiful birds in the world- “Herons”, and “Egrets” give birdwatchers and ornithologists an opportunity to learn and admire at the bucolic population of the shorebirds.

Activities to do

Other Attractions Near Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary:

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple: “Adi Rangam” (First of the three Lord Vishnu Temples along the Cauvery River) with Lord Vishnu in the reclining posture. (2.8 km away)

Venugopala Swamy Temple: A beautifully restored temple with some marvelous old sculptures. (9.7 km away)

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens: One of the biggest and oldest zoos in the country with electric car ride options. (13.6 km away)

Melkote: There is one temple at the bottom and one on the top of the hill in this tiny and ancient town of India. (8.8 km away)

Mysore Palace: One of the must-visit places of Mysore. The palace is known for its architecture, art, and beautiful reminders of the past.

Best Time to Visit:

From September to May, Ranganthittu poses its best look. From April to May, the place gets flooded with many migratory birds. They would leave with their smaller ones close to August and return at the start of December. Tourists often skip the muddy and wet roads during the winter and bear the heat during summer to sight more birds. There are many lodging options from budget to high range luxury resorts. However, it is best to stay in Mysore if one wants to visit a lot of places nearby.

Address:

Ranganathittu Road, District Mandya, Srirangapatna, Karnataka 571438.

Way to Reach:

 By Air -  Mysore Airport is 32 km from Srirangapatna and the nearest international airport is in Bangalore (Kempegowda International Airport) which is 140 km away.

 By Rail -  Srirangapatnam Junction connects the major cities of India and is the second-best option to get to the sanctuary in a cab or autorickshaw.

By Road: Private and Public transport is available from Mysore and Bangalore. The spot is 19 km away from the Mysore city. Best option!

Local Transports: Autorickshaws is better option to see the interiors of Mysore and also visit the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary