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Ranganathittu is a small but remarkable bird sanctuary on the Kaveri river, about 3 km from Srirangapatna and roughly 16–19 km from Mysore. It consists of six wooded islets in the river, covering only about 40 acres, yet in season the trees are so crowded with nests that the islands look white from a distance.
It is Karnataka’s best-known bird sanctuary and one of the easiest places in South India to see big water birds at close range. Unlike sanctuaries where the birds are far out on a lake, here a boat takes you within a few metres of nesting storks and pelicans.
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History
The islets formed when a stone weir was built across the Kaveri in the 1640s under the rulers of Mysore. The ornithologist Salim Ali noticed that the islands were an important nesting ground and persuaded the Maharaja of Mysore to protect them; they were declared a protected area in 1940. In 2022 Ranganathittu was listed as a Ramsar wetland of international importance.
Birds and other wildlife
Around 170 bird species have been recorded. The stars are the colonial nesting water birds: painted storks, Asian openbill storks, spot-billed pelicans, Eurasian spoonbills, black-headed ibises, cormorants, Indian shags, Oriental darters, herons and several kinds of egrets. River terns, great stone plovers and kingfishers are often seen along the banks.
Nesting goes on for much of the year, with different species breeding at different times. Many water birds nest during the monsoon months from about June to November, while December to March brings winter visitors and busy colonies of storks, pelicans and spoonbills, along with the most comfortable weather. In winter the islands can hold tens of thousands of birds.
Ranganathittu also has one of the largest populations of mugger (marsh) crocodiles in Karnataka. You will often see them basking on the rocks beside the boat route – a good reason to stay seated. Smooth-coated otters and flying foxes (large fruit bats) roosting in the trees are other sightings.
The boat ride
The highlight is the boat ride. Rowing boats run by the sanctuary take groups along the channels between the islets, usually for 15–20 minutes, with the oarsman pointing out nests and crocodiles. Special boats for longer, smaller-group trips are sometimes available at a higher charge.
Boating can be suspended when the Kaveri is in spate after heavy rain upstream, and access to some paths may close. At the time of writing, the sanctuary is open in the daytime, roughly 9 AM to 5:30–6 PM. Entry and boat tickets are bought at the counter; fees and hours change, so check before you go.
Tips
- Go early: the first boats of the morning have the best light and shortest queues; weekends and holidays get very busy.
- Bring a zoom lens or binoculars: the birds are close, but a zoom helps for portraits of nesting birds.
- Walk the bank: after the boat ride, the riverside path and viewpoints give a different angle on the colonies.
- Keep quiet: avoid loud talk and flash near the nests.
- Combine it: Srirangapatna’s fort ruins, Daria Daulat Bagh and the Ranganathaswamy temple are a few minutes away.
Visiting from Pondicherry
Ranganathittu lies just off the Bengaluru–Mysore road, roughly 430 km from Pondicherry. It fits naturally into any trip that includes Mysore: visit on the way into the city or as a half-day outing alongside Mysore Palace. Our Ooty, Coonoor and Mysore tour, Wayanad, Ooty and Mysore tour and Hoysala temples and Mysore tour can all include a stop here on request. See also our bird watching page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary?
Birds nest here for much of the year. December to March combines busy nesting colonies, winter visitors and pleasant weather; June to November is the monsoon nesting season. Mornings are best.
How far is Ranganathittu from Mysore?
About 16–19 km, roughly 30–40 minutes by road. It is about 3–5 km from Srirangapatna.
Are there crocodiles at Ranganathittu?
Yes. The sanctuary has a large population of mugger crocodiles, often seen basking on rocks along the boat route.
Is boating available at Ranganathittu?
Yes, rowing boats take visitors between the islets, usually for 15–20 minutes. Boating may be suspended when the Kaveri is in flood.
