Have you ever dreamed of watching exotic birds in their natural habitat, surrounded by lush greenery and serene water? If yes, then you should definitely visit Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, one of the most popular and beautiful bird sanctuaries in India. Located near Mysore in Karnataka, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers, as it hosts a variety of migratory and resident birds, as well as other wildlife, such as crocodiles, otters, and bats.
The sanctuary is spread over six small islands on the banks of the River Cauvery, and offers a unique and unforgettable experience of boating, sightseeing, and photography. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about visiting this amazing place, such as the best time to visit, how to reach, what to do, where to stay, and more.
Birds of Ranganathittu
The main attraction of Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is, of course, the birds. The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, both migratory and resident, that can be seen throughout the year. Some of the most commonly seen bird species in the sanctuary are:
Painted Stork: A large and colorful wading bird with a long bill and pink legs. It can be seen nesting on the trees and feeding on fish in the water.
Asian Openbill Stork: A medium-sized stork with a distinctive gap in its bill. It can be seen flying in large flocks and feeding on snails and frogs in the wetlands.
Black-headed Ibis: A white and black wading bird with a curved bill and red legs. It can be seen foraging in the shallow water and roosting on the trees.
River Tern: A graceful and agile bird with a black cap, white body, and forked tail. It can be seen diving into the water and catching fish in its bill.
Great Stone-Curlew: A large and brown wading bird with a long bill and yellow eyes. It can be seen resting on the rocks and sandbanks and feeding on insects and crustaceans.
Great Cormorant: A black and glossy waterbird with a long neck and hooked bill. It can be seen swimming and diving in the water and drying its wings on the branches.
Spot-billed Pelican: A large and white waterbird with a huge bill and a pouch. It can be seen flying in formation and scooping fish in its pouch.
Eurasian Spoonbill: A white and elegant wading bird with a long and spoon-shaped bill. It can be seen sweeping its bill from side to side and filtering food from the water.
Apart from these, you can also spot other birds, such as egrets, herons, kingfishers, ducks, kites, eagles, owls, and parakeets, in the sanctuary. The best way to see the birds is by taking a guided boat ride, which will take you close to the islands and the water. You can also walk along the paths and watchtowers and enjoy the views of the birds and the scenery.
Boat Ride in Ranganathittu
One of the most exciting and enjoyable activities in Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is the boat ride. The sanctuary authorities offer a guided boat ride service, which will take you on a 30-minute tour of the sanctuary. The boat ride is a great way to see the birds and other wildlife up close, as well as to admire the beauty of the river and the islands. You can see the birds nesting on the trees, flying in the sky, and feeding in the water.
You can also see the crocodiles basking on the rocks and the banks, and the otters playing in the water. The boat ride is also a great opportunity to take some amazing photos and videos of the wildlife and the landscape. The boat ride is available from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, and costs Rs. 100 per person for Indians and Rs. 500 per person for foreigners.
You can also book a private boat for Rs. 2000, which can accommodate up to 10 people. The boat ride is subject to the availability of boats and the water level of the river.
Best Time to Visit Ranganathittu
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit depends on the weather, the bird population, and your preference. The sanctuary experiences three seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter.
Summer (March to May):
The summer season is hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. The water level of the river is low, and the vegetation is sparse. This is a good time to see the resident birds, such as the painted storks, the openbill storks, and the cormorants, as they breed and nest on the islands. You can also see the crocodiles and the otters more easily, as they come out to sunbathe and cool off. However, this is not a good time to see the migratory birds, as most of them leave by March. The summer season is also less crowded, and the boat rides are cheaper and more frequent.
Monsoon (June to September):
The monsoon season is wet and humid, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. The water level of the river is high, and the vegetation is lush. This is a good time to see the migratory birds, such as the pelicans, the spoonbills, and the terns, as they arrive from different parts of the world. You can also see the resident birds, such as the ibises, the curlews, and the kingfishers, as they feed and roost on the islands. However, this is not a good time to see the crocodiles and the otters, as they stay submerged in the water. The monsoon season is also more crowded, and the boat rides are more expensive and less frequent.
Winter (October to February):
The winter season is cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The water level of the river is moderate, and the vegetation is green. This is a good time to see both the resident and the migratory birds, as they coexist and thrive on the islands. You can also see the crocodiles and the otters occasionally, as they come out to warm up and hunt. The winter season is also the most popular and the most scenic time to visit the sanctuary, as the weather is comfortable and the views are stunning.
The best time to visit the sanctuary is in the morning or in the evening, as the birds are more active and visible during these times. You can also avoid the harsh sun and the crowds by visiting during these times.
How to Reach Ranganathittu
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is located near Mysore in Karnataka, and is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. Here are some of the ways to reach the sanctuary from different nearby cities:
From Mysore:
Mysore is the nearest city to the sanctuary, and is only 16 km away. You can reach the sanctuary by taking a bus, a taxi, or an auto-rickshaw from Mysore. The bus fare is Rs. 20, the taxi fare is Rs. 300, and the auto-rickshaw fare is Rs. 200. The journey takes about 30 minutes.
From Bangalore:
Bangalore is the capital city of Karnataka, and is 130 km away from the sanctuary. You can reach the sanctuary by taking a train, a bus, or a car from Bangalore. The train fare is Rs. 100, the bus fare is Rs. 200, and the car fare is Rs. 2500. The journey takes about 3 hours.
From Coimbatore:
Coimbatore is a major city in Tamil Nadu, and is 200 km away from the sanctuary. You can reach the sanctuary by taking a bus or a car from Coimbatore. The bus fare is Rs. 300, and the car fare is Rs. 4000. The journey takes about 4 hours.
Other Activities and Places to Visit Near Ranganathittu
Besides watching the birds and taking the boat ride, there are many other things to do in and around Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. Here are some of the other activities and places that you can enjoy near the sanctuary:
Nature Photography:
If you are a photography enthusiast, you will love capturing the beauty and diversity of the wildlife and the landscape in the sanctuary. You can use your camera or your phone to take some stunning shots of the birds, the crocodiles, the otters, the river, and the islands. You can also experiment with different angles, perspectives, and settings to create some amazing photos and videos. However, you will have to pay a camera charge of Rs. 100 for a digital SLR and Rs. 500 for a large camera.
Cycling:
If you are looking for some adventure and exercise, you can rent a bicycle and explore the surroundings of the sanctuary. You can cycle along the river, the fields, and the villages, and enjoy the fresh air and the scenic views. You can also visit some of the nearby attractions, such as the Srirangapatna Fort, the Ranganathaswamy Temple, and the Daria Daulat Bagh. You can rent a bicycle from the sanctuary entrance for Rs. 50 per hour.
Fishing:
If you are fond of fishing, you can try your luck and skill in the river. You can catch some fish, such as catfish, carp, and murrel, using a fishing rod and a bait. You can also enjoy the tranquility and the beauty of the river while fishing. However, you will have to obtain a fishing permit from the sanctuary authorities, which costs Rs. 200 per person.
Srirangapatna:
Srirangapatna is a historical town that is located just 3 km away from the sanctuary. It was the capital of the Mysore Kingdom under the rule of Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore. You can visit some of the famous monuments and landmarks of the town, such as the Srirangapatna Fort, the Ranganathaswamy Temple, the Daria Daulat Bagh, the Gumbaz, and the Tipu Sultan Museum. You can also learn more about the history and culture of the town and the region.
Kere Thonnur:
Kere Thonnur is a picturesque lake that is located 15 km away from the sanctuary. It is also known as Moti Talab, and is one of the largest and oldest lakes in Karnataka. You can enjoy the beauty and the serenity of the lake, and indulge in some activities, such as boating, swimming, and picnicking. You can also visit the ancient Narasimha Temple and the Mahadeva Temple near the lake.
Brindavan Gardens:
Brindavan Gardens is a famous and beautiful garden that is located 18 km away from the sanctuary. It is situated below the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam, and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Karnataka. You can admire the beauty and the variety of the flowers, plants, and trees in the garden, and enjoy the musical fountain show that takes place in the evening. You can also visit the dam and the KRS Reservoir, and see the spectacular views of the water and the hills.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts, as it offers a unique and unforgettable experience of watching and interacting with the wildlife and the landscape. Whether you are looking for a relaxing and peaceful getaway, or an adventurous and exciting exploration, you will find something to suit your taste and preference in the sanctuary.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and wildlife, and wants to witness the beauty and diversity of the avian world.
