STATES AND UNION TERRITORIES OF INDIA
KARNATAKA
Places of interest around Mysore
Ranganthitu Bird Sanctuary
Text & Photographs by Lalitha Venkat
Ranganathittu
Bird Sanctuary, in Karnataka, is situated on an island formed as a result
of the Kaveri River splitting into two, and strewn with a large number
of boulders. Situated on the banks of the Kaveri River, it includes a group
of six islets. Ranganathittu attained the status of a bird sanctuary in
1940, thanks to the visions of India's noted ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali,
who, during his survey of the birds of Mysore, advocated the establishment
of such a sanctuary. There is a paved path lined with tall, thick bamboo
with boards on either side giving information about birds that are spotted
at Ranganathittu.
An astonishing
variety of exotic birds come from as far away as Siberia, Australia, North
America, Middle East, Egypt, China, Africa, Europe and many other places.
Spoonbills, Open Bill Storks, Painted Storks, White Ibis, Snake bird /
Darter, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Grey Heron, Pond Heron, Purple Heron,
Night Heron, River Tern and Indian Whiskered Tern, Cranes, Pelicans, Cormorant,
Stone Plover, varieties of wild ducks and partridges are some of the visitors.
Local inhabitants like kingfishers and peacocks are also found. Crocodiles
can be spotted basking under the sun. The migratory birds begin arriving
in the sanctuary in December every year, lay eggs and breed, move out of
the sanctuary with their little ones in August, only to return again the
following year.
The best way
to see the birds is by taking a boat ride, preferable early morning or
late evening. The oarsmen take the tourists for a ride along the river
and the islets (not visible from the banks) and point out the birds as
well as give information. The little boats can get quite close to the islands
where the trees are covered with birds of different species, but not close
enough to disturb the birds.
Ranganathittu
Bird Sanctuary lies on the Bangalore-Mysore highway and can be accessed
from both the cities. Private taxis are the most convenient mode of transport.
From Mysore:
18 kms
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