Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

Declared a sanctuary in 1940 at the behest of the famous ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali, the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 0.67 sq km and is located on the banks of River Cauvery. This bird paradise is the preferred nesting ground for several species of resident birds. Go boating on the river, get a fascinating view of the various species of birds, and catch a glimpse of the marsh crocodiles in the waters. 

• Story/History of ranganatittu 

• Why do birds come for ranganathittu  

• What is famous in Ranaganthittu 

• Nearby locations of ranganathittu 

• Location/how to reach 

STORY/HISTORY OF RANGANATHITTU: 

Ranganathittu's islets were formed when an embankment across the Kaveri River was built between 1645 and 1648 by the then-king of Mysore, Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar. These islets, originally numbering 25, soon started attracting birds. The ornithologist Salim Ali observed that the islets formed an important nesting ground for a large variety of birds and persuaded the king of Mysore to declare the area a protected area in 1940. The Forest Department of Karnataka currently maintains the sanctuary, and efforts are ongoing to improve it, including purchasing nearby private land to expand the protected area. In 2014, around 28 square km around the sanctuary was declared as an eco-sensitive zone, meaning that certain commercial activities cannot take place without the government's permission. 

WHY DO BIRDS COME TO RANGANATITTU: 

Mostly, the birds migrate for the sake of breeding, primarily because of a favourable environment. The place is located on the bank of the Cauvery River; the sanctuary features a small island and wetland, which is ideal for nesting and breeding for many varieties of species. 

The number of birds Ranganathittu's islets were formed when an embankment across the Kaveri River was built between 1645 and 1648 by the then king of Mysore, Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar.These islets, originally numbering 25, soon started attracting birds. The ornithologist Salim Ali observed that the islets formed an important nesting ground for a large variety of birds and persuaded the king of Mysore to declare the area a protected area in 1940. The Forest Department of Karnataka currently maintains the sanctuary, and efforts are ongoing to improve it, including purchasing nearby private land to expand the protected area. In 2014, around 28 square km around the sanctuary was declared as an eco-sensitive zone, meaning that certain commercial activities cannot take place without the government's permission. 

WHY/WHAT IS RANGANATHITTU FAMOUS FOR: 

Mainly, it is famous for seeing the birds, its scenic location with boating, and being a peaceful place, which is visited more by couples. Sighting of varieties of birds with boating gives you an amazing experience; with many varieties of birds, The islands are host to numerous small mammals, including bonnet macaque, smooth-coated otter, colonies of flying fox, and common small mammals such as common palm civet and Indian grey mongoose. Additionally, there is a population of monitor lizards. The mugger crocodile or marsh crocodile is a common inhabitant of the riverine reed beds, and Ranganathittu has the largest freshwater crocodile population in Karnataka state. 

Ranger-guided boat tours of the aisles are available throughout the day and are a good way to watch birds, crocodiles, otters, and bats. There is no lodging within the sanctuary, so visitors typically stay over at Mysuru or Srirangapatna. The seasons for visiting the park are June–November (during the nesting season of the water birds). The best time to watch migratory birds is usually December, but it can vary from year to year. 

The Salim Ali Interpretation Centre, maintained by the Forest Department, screens a 4- 4-minute documentary for special interest groups. Varieties of trees can also be seen, like Riverine reed beds covering the banks of the islands. In contrast, the islands themselves are covered in broadleaf forests, with the dominant species being Terminalia arjuna (Arjun tree), bamboo groves, and Pandanus trees. Eucalyptus and acacia trees have also been planted, which might lead to long-term eradication of native species. The endemic and threatened lily Iphigenia mysorensis of the family Colchicaceae also grows in the sanctuary. 

NEARBY LOCATIONS OF RANGANATHITTI: 

1. Srirangapatna Fort: A historic fort with significant architecture and history. 

2. Ranganathaswamy Temple: An important temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. 

3. Daria Daulat Bagh: The summer palace of Tipu Sultan, known for its beautiful gardens and Indo-Saracenic architecture. 

4. Gumbaz: The mausoleum of Tipu Sultan and his father, Hyder Ali. 

5. Nisargadhama: A beautiful island on the Kaveri River, great for picnics and nature walks. 

6. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Daria Daulat Bagh, Tipu Sultan Gumbaz, Wellesley Bridge, Karighatta viewpoint,  Nimishamba Temple, Garrison Cemetery, Scott’s Bungalow, Seringapatam, Lord Harris’s House 

7. Daria Daulat Bagh: it is a museum where you can get many coins, costumes, utensils, furniture, etc., of the King Tippu sultan 

8. Srirangapatna Fort, Bailey’s Dungeon, Dodda Gosai Ghat, Triveni Sangama, Brindavan Garden (KRS), etc., 

LOCATION/ HOW TO REACH: 

From Mysore: 

• By Car: It’s about a 30-minute drive (around 16 km). Take the Mysore-Nanjangud Road, then follow the signs to Ranganathittu. 

• By Bus: You can take a local bus from Mysore to Srirangapatna and then a taxi or auto-rickshaw to the sanctuary. 

From Bangalore: 

• By Car: The distance is approximately 150 km, taking about 3-4 hours. Take the Bangalore-Mysore Highway (NH 275) and exit towards Srirangapatna. 

• By Train: You can take a train from Bangalore to Mysore and then follow the Mysore directions above. 

• By Bus: Several buses run from Bangalore to Mysore, from where you can continue to Ranganathittu. 

From Srirangapatna: 

• By Car/Auto-Rickshaw: It’s around 15 km (30 minutes) from Srirangapatna. Follow the route towards Mysore and look for signs to Ranganathittu. 

• By Bus: Local buses may be available from Srirangapatna to the sanctuary. 

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