40,000 birds, 10,000 nestings, 3,00,000 human visitors flock here each year together to this all year open around bird sanctuary on the Bangalore – Mysore road. Situated 125 kms from Bangalore (Bengaluru), 3 kms from Sriranganpatna (4 kms from Sriranganpatna railway station) and 18 kms from Mysore.
This well connected sanctuary lies in all its natural glory thanks to our countrys famous oriontologist Dr. Salim Ali who persuaded the Wodeyar kings – the erstwhile rulers in 1940 to declare the area as a wildlife sanctuary. The temperature is moderate all through the 3 divided seasons – summer (March to May), monsoon (June to October) and winter (November to February). The temperature ranges from 15 – 35 degree Celsius.
An embankment built during the years 1645 to 1648 led to the diversion of the Cauvery river forming 6 islands with 6 islets. The islets became the main breeding ground for the variety of local and migratory birds. The soil along the river is soft and loamy ideal for aquatic insects. Added to this the sanctuary is surrounded with well irrigated agricultural fields, where aquatic insects are plenty. This area receives perennial rainfall both from south-west and north-east monsoon. The annual rainfall is in the region of 700-800 mm. This area is a habitat of Dravidian super groups dating back 2.9 billion years. It’s a safe haven for perennial existence of human and animal existence. The river Cauvery is the main source of water, the KRS dam 8 kms upstream is a the main continuous supplier of water. The water level never recedes in this sanctuary. When excess water is let out from the KRS reservoir, this becomes a major threat to the sanctuary. This usually happens during the rainy season. Variety of vegetation provides ideal nesting conditions to residents and migratory birds. Apart from 200 and odd species of birds, the sanctuary is also home to mammals, reptiles, fishes and other species of animals. Ranganthittu happens to be the largest home for fresh water crocodiles. Ranganthittu happens to be a unique place maintaining the eco balance in the natural animal kingdom with man being the facilitator and nature being the balancer. Ranganthittu bird sanctuary comes under the Wildlife Protection Act and is maintained by the Karnataka Forest Department. This place is aggressively promoted by the tourism department too. The only activity provided and permitted are boating and bird watching. Photography is allowed. All activities start at 8 am and ends by 6pm – sunset. Ample parking space for vehicles, toilets and basic canteen facilities are available. An information center is maintained by the Karnataka Forest Department. Boat rides costing Rs.50/- per head for Indian citizens are normally 15 – 20 mins encircling the waters, taking one for a closer view of the habitats.
The sanctuary is a plastic banned area and a litter free area. Silence is encouraged to maintain the ideal atmosphere. Trained forest ranger guards man the boat and are knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the sanctuary. During the month of January and February this sanctuary sees a lot of migratory birds. Boating is suspended during heavy rainy season where the water level rises above the danger level or when excess water is let out of the KRS dam. However you can witness the birds from the bank or watch towers built.