Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is situated at a distance of 3km from Srirangapattana, 18km from Mysuru and 130km from Bengaluru
Historical Perspective About Mysuru Wildlife Division Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is part of Mysuru Wildilfe division. Mysuru Wildlife Division as such has six Protected Areas (PAs) or establishments under its jurisdiction that are spread Over Mysuru and Mandya Districts. With an area of over 8612.52 Ha, these six establishments are further managed through two Ranges viz., Mysuru Wildlife Range (Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Arabithittu wildlife sanctuary and Melapura Bee Eater Bird Conservation Reserve) and Melukote Wildlife Range (Melukote Wildlife Sanctuary, Adichunchanagiri Peacock and Kokkarebelluru Community Reserve. In addition to managing the said Protected Areas (PAs), the Mysuru Wildlife Division also plays significant role in annual organization of the world renowned Mysuru Dusshera Festival' by training and managing the fleet of select elephants that partake in Jamboo Savaari.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is situated at a distance of 3km from Srirangapattana, 18km from Mysuru and 130km from Bengaluru
Srirangapattana and Mysuru are well connected by Indian Railways.
Nearest Airports are at Mysuru(26km), Bengaluru(190km) and Mangalore(265)
The main island and islets in river cauvery are formed as a result of construction of an embankment by the then ruler of Mysore, Shri Kanteerava Narasaraja Wodeyar during 1645-48. Dr. Salim Ali undertook survey of birds in the region during 1939-40. Upon his persuasion, set of islands ware declared as 'Bird sanctuary' on 1st July, 1940 by the Maharaja of Mysore under the provisions of Mysore Game and Fish Preservation Act, 1901 (Vide order No.AF/19/FT/243/39-40 by General & Revenue Secretariat, Bangalore). The Sanctuary has been re notified as 'Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary' vide Govt. Notification No. FEE 58 FWL 96 Dated: 01.09.1998.
About the Sanctuary Situated in Mandya District of Karnataka. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary has six (6 Nos) islands and several islets. A large island in Puttaianakoppalu village limits is the most popular site. Two islands (Devaraja islands) upstreanm in the river Kaveri are in Yedathittu limits. Three Islands in Arekere and Gendehosahalli village limits constitute the third site of Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. The main island and islets in river Cauvery are formed as a result of construction of an embankment by the then ruler of Mysore Shri Kanteerava Narasaraja Wodeyar during 1645-48.
The Sanctuary has a notified area off 0.67 sq kms surrounded by an Eco-Sensitive Zone of 28.04 sq km. Department has acquired lands adjacent to the Sanctuary to facilitate nature education, awareness, eco-tourism and other management related activities.
The Sanctuary inhabited by Tropical Moist Deciduous, Tropical Thorn and Riverine type of forests. Ranganathittu is home to over 221 species of birds and several rare and endangered species of mammals, reptiles, fishes, etc. It is recognised as an Important Bird & Bio-diversity Area (1BA) by the Birdlife International.
Ranganathittu is a bird sanctuary that can be visited throughout the year by bird lovers. Easily accessible from Bangalore, enroute to Mysore, visiting this place is a great option for both children and adults. Visit early in the morning and hire a boat. Ranganathittu's islets were formed when an embankment across the Kaveri river was built between 1645 and 1648 by the then king of Mysore, Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar. These islets, originally numbering 25, soon started attracting birds. The ornithologist Salim Ali observed that the islets formed an important nesting ground for a large variety of birds, and persuaded the king of Mysore to declare the area a protected area in 1940. The sanctuary is currently maintained by the Forest Department of Karnataka and efforts are ongoing to improve the sanctuary, including purchasing nearby private land to expand the protected area. In 2014, around 28 square km around the sanctuary was declared as an eco-sensitive zone, meaning that certain commercial activities cannot take place without the government's permission.
Entry into Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary without is an offence and punishable under the wildlife(Protection) Act,1972. Ticket should be produced to the department officials/staff at the time of inspection.
Do not return the ticket to staff after the visit. ln case of differences of opinion or complaints visitors may contact the office of the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Mysuru Wild life Division, Mysuru or drop a written note in the complaint or suggestion box available at boating ticket counter.
Activities like smoking, littering, use of alcohol, use of sound systems and cooking are strictly prohibited in the Sanctuary.
Visitors should maintain silence at the time of boating. Any disturbance caused to the riverine ecosystem/habitat and flora and fauna is an offence and will be dealt with seriously.
Sanctuary management is not responsible for loss or theft of valuables
You are under constant surveillance. Please do not create nuisance, disturb fellow visitor or destroy the property of the Sanctuary.
Do not disturb or feed the birds and animals in the Sanctuary.
Please do wear safety jacket while on boat ride. Be aware of crocodiles.