Ranganathittu National Park

Situated in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctury is a famous tourist destination from Mysore city or the adjoining Vrindavan gardens. Ranganathittu bird sanctuary is located on the banks of the Kaveri River, includes of a group of six islets as well. The isolated islets are the favorite haunt for the birds eapecially during the monsoon, since it occupied by large number of insects. Ranganathittu attained the status of a bird sanctuary in 1940, courtesy of the visions of India. s noted ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali, who, during his survey of the birds of Mysore, advocated for the establishment of such a sanctuary.
Ranganathittu national park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers and bird watchers. The park houses large number of birds as they lures tourists. A total number of 2,080 foreign tourists, besides 2,02,417 domestic tourists, had visited the bird sanctuary in 1999-2000, according to officials figures. And these figures have grown phenomenally since then.

Location of Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary :
The nearest airport and rail head is at Bangalore. Bangalore is 125 kms, Maddur is 78 kms and Mandya is 98 kms away. .

Chirpy Birds! :
Ranganathittu national park is an ultimate paradise for migratory birds. Some species of birds that visit the sanctury regularly and has formed a breeding ground are spoonbills, open bill storks, darters, white Ibis, little cormorants, egret, heron, partridge, river tern, stone plougher, snake bird, and other exotic bird species that fly to the sanctuary in large flocks. Some ornithologist and park officials have traced the origins of some of these bird species to as far as Siberia, Australia and even North America. Local inhabitants like kingfishers and peacocks are also found in this avian bliss.

Interestingly, the migratory birds that come from far places lay their eggs on islets in the river. The authorities have created additional islets at the sanctuary to make way for more number of birds to lay eggs and breed. The birds generally migrate in December every year. The migratory birds lay eggs and breed until they finally move out of the sanctuary with their little ones in August, only to return yet again the following year. A magnificent abode for naturalist and bird lovers.

Surfing the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary :
Boats are available at the sanctuary to take the tourists for a ride along the river and the islets, where they can witness trees full of beautiful birds of myriad varieties. Most of the oarsmen are also excellent guides and can provide tourists the exact location as to where the birds may be spotted. The Kaveri riverbank also offers excellent tourist spots for picnics and time pass.

Accommodation :
Accommodation is available at Ranganathittu in the form of three Riverside Cottages. Most tourists, however, prefer to stay at nearby Mysore

Best Seasons :
The best season to visit the forest are from June to November . There are no extremities of temperature at Ranganathittu Sanctuary. The temperature stays between the 23. 29°C range for most parts of the year. In June, when the southwest monsoon peaks throughout Karnataka state, heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by waterlogging and mild flooding, has been reported from the area.