Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Mysore

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a piece of land on the bank of Kaveri in Mandya district. It is the largest bird sanctuary of the state. The sanctuary is named after the Lord Ranganathaswamy, the nearest temple in Srirangapatna. The famous ornithologist Salim Ali noticed that the islets were an important nesting ground for a number of endemic birds. He requested that the region should be protected and leave it for the birds. The plea was elevated to the then ruler of Mysore and was declared as a bird sanctuary in the year of 1940. It has a total of 13 islands and home to around 200 bird and water species.

The natural charm of the islands have a wide variety of animals as well. The tourists are advised to go for guided boat trips as they are the best facilities available at the sanctuary. The boat ride offers the impressive landscape of the sanctuary & gives the glimpses of crocodiles, bats, along with the migratory birds. Morning rides are the best time to witness the natural & fresh beauty of the area. September to May is the best time to explore the raw nature of the sanctuary. The monsoon months make the park all lush green, however roads are muddy and soaked. Although summers dry, hot and stifling, it allows the visitors to witness the wildlife easily around water sources.