Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a beautiful place nearly 20 kms from Mysore . The bird sanctuary is situated on the banks of river Kaveri. Ranganathittu attained the status of a bird sanctuary in 1940, courtesy of the visions of India ’s famous ornithologist. Dr. Salim Ali who, during his survey of the birds of Mysore , advocated for the establishment of such a sanctuary.

The sanctuary is on one of the three islands in the Kaveri River . It includes six isolated islets, which provides abundance of aquatic insects during the monsoon making Ranganathittu a favorite destination for birds. It is an important Asian nesting and breeding ground for migratory birds from all across the earth. Some species of birds that have made Ranganathittu their 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. Migratory birds lay their eggs on islets in the river. Birds from places as far Siberia , Australia and even North America are known to have come here. A record number of 1,400 painted storks visited the area in 1999. 2000. The birds begin arriving in the sanctuary 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.

Boats are available at the sanctuary to take the tourists for a ride along the river and the islets. The sanctuary is open 8:30am to 6 pm daily. One should try to be there early morning or late afternoon to see the maximum of these birds.

The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary remains open throughout the year but the best time to visit is between June to November.

Reaching there
Since the sanctuary is on the Bangalore Mysore highway, approach is through either of the two cities. The nearest rail junction is Mysore (18 km). The nearest international airport is Bangalore (125 km).

Srirangapatnam
The island of Sriranga-patnam surrounded by two tributaries of the Cauvery and 15 km east from Mysore by the Mysore-Bangalore Roadway and 124 km from Bangalore was the capital city of the Mysore kings in the past (1610-1799). It was the capital city of Hyder Ali and later his son Tipu sultan before it fell into the hands of the British. This place has some really interesting places that are worthy of a visit. Some of them are:

Tipu Sultan's Fort: The Tipu's Fort or Srirangapatnam Fort, having a double wall defense, is the main center of attraction here. This fort is considered as the second strongest fort in India . The fort has four gates named as Bangalore , Mysore , Delhi and Water and Elephant gates. Picturesque Wellesley Bridge is located very near to the fort. Near the bridge, you can spot the breach on the fort wall made by the British forces

Sriranganatha Temple : One of the largest temples of south India and a blend of Hoysala and Vijyanagar architecture, it commands great respects among pilgrims. It consists of a Maha Dwara (giant gate) with a huge tower and a many-pillared hall. Within lies the colossal image of Lord Vishnu, on the back of a snake, dark as the night with a benevolent smile.

Dariya Daulat Baug is located just outside the fort; across the main road is Dariya Daulat Baug (the garden of the wealth of the sea). It was Tipu Sultan's wooden summer palace built in the year 1784 his favorite retreat. It is made of teak, and has ornate and beautiful frescoes. It now houses a museum of Tipu memorabilia, explaining stories of Tipu's valor and his loosing battle with the British. There is also a good collection of period furniture, coins, fabulous paintings and historical data of Hyder Ali and Tipu's conquests in the museum. The Gumbaz is located outside the fort where lie the tombs of Hyder Ali and Tipu with splendid ebony door inlaid with ivory. It's a masterpiece structure with a high-rise platform and a verandah of polished black basalt pillars all round.