Ranganathathittu bird sanctuary is the largest bird sanctuary of the state of Karnataka. Tourists who love to watch plethora of birds should definitely make a note of this bird life sanctuary which also have half a dozen islets of river Cauvery. So, this is certainly a striking place with avifauna and serves a feast to the eyes. The forest department of Karnataka is under the task of acquiring the nearby lands to extend and improve the sanctuary. This popular nestling for birds had 8000 birds in 2011, and from 2011 to 2012, nearly 3 lakhs tourists visited the sanctuary, which says all about the sanctuary. This sanctuary is an apt spot for the photo fanatics and the adventure lovers.

Location

Ranganathathittu wildlife sanctuary, aka Pakshi Kashi of Karnataka, is just 3 km away from Srirangapatna, a historical town, and 16 km from Mysore. In 1940, this place was declared a bird sanctuary because the islets of Cauvery made it an important place for nesting the birds.

Flora and Fauna

Flora

The banks of islands are covered by the reed beds. The broadleaf forests cover the entire island. Bamboo groves, Arjun tree, Pandanus tree, Eucalyptus and Acacia, are planted here. Endangered species of plants are also grown here. To watch the winged visitors across the globe, the forayed forests offer ample of options.

Fauna

Over 170 species of birds flock to this area. The painted stork, Asian open bill stork, Lesser Whistling duck, stork billed kingfisher, Indian shag, and herons breed here every year. Streak throated swallows river tern and great stone plover are also found here often.

Small mammals like bonnet macaque, flying fox, common palm civet, Indian gray mongoose can be found here. The reptiles found here are marsh crocodile and monitor lizards can be found in the marsh reeds of Ranganathathittu bird sanctuary.

Best Time to Visit

January to September is the apt time to visit this bird sanctuary.

Accommodation

No accommodation is available inside the sanctuary.

Visitor Information

• The entry fee is Rs. 50 for Indians and Rs. 200 for foreign tourists.
• For boating the charges for Indians is Rs. 50 and for foreign tourists is Rs. 200.
• Visitors can access this sanctuary from 9 AM to 6 PM on all the days of the week.
• The visit duration takes 3 to 4 hours in the maximum.
• The rainy reasons lead to floods from the KRS dam. As a result the sanctuary islets are also flooded. So, the tourists are allowed to watch the birds only from a distance.
• Boating is not permuted during the floods.
• It is essential to follow the instructions of the officials while baiting.

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest airport is Mysore airport.

By Rail

The nearest railhead is Mysore railhead

By Road

Visitors can travel from Bangalore to Mysore and then to Srirangapatna. From Srirangapatna, the sanctuary is just 3 KM away. The visitors can also take Bangalore to Mysore highway to reach this sanctuary.