Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary – oldest Pakshidhama of Karnataka

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, a riparian habitat of birds comprises of six islands in the banks of River Kaveri. It is a large area, spread over 67 hectares, oldest among the several sanctuaries of Karnataka. People around know it as Ranganathittu Pakshidhama (meaning home to birds)in Kannada language.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary Pakshidhama

Every year around 70,000 birds, including those from Europe migrate to this sanctuary for three to four months to nest. Usually this is from June to November. Karnataka tourism has developed this place well, spruced it up with little gardens, a couple of eateries and ‘boating’ facilities. The boats take you reasonably close to their nests and one can get good pictures of the birds.

This place is a favorite weekend picnic destination for many Bangalore families. These pictures were taken a couple of years back.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary Karnataka incessant rains

History of the Sanctuary

This sanctuary was established in 1940 after the entire land was declared protected area by the then King of Mysore. But the initiative towards this was by ornithologist Salim Ali – the birdman of India. He observed over a period of time that large number of birds migrated to these islets for nesting during certain period of the year.

No commercial activities are allowed near this region without government permission, one of the reasons why you will not find and resorts or homestays near this sanctuary. You have to take road trip from Mysore or Bangalore to this bird haven.

The sanctuary has six islets, it is such a treat to eyes seeing the birds: Pelicans, Painted Storks, Asian Openbill Stork, more (170 varieties recorded) at such close distance totally unmindful of the tourists around.

Peak Season in Sanctuary

During peak season Ranganathittu sanctuary is densely packed with different species of birds. Over the years it seems the different species have created their own spaces within the islands.

Records mention that more than 40,000 birds belonging to 222 species from different parts of the world have visited these islands. A signage at the park highlights that certain species migrated from as far as Siberia and Latin America!

Different birds choose different islands and experienced boatman can steer you to your desired bird’s nesting grounds. Ask for Spoonbill Island, you will be taken to the island where Spoonbill birds have been nesting for decades… as long as his memory… the boatman said.

Once this bird sanctuary had become more famous for crocodiles than for birds because of a nasty crocodile attack on one of the tourists. They are the king of rivers and indeed scary in looks and they seem harmless from a distance.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary Karnataka

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary Karnataka

Update on July 2013

Unfortunately today none of these islets are visible; water level has risen 10ft. above the average mark. Cauvery River washed away their nests, along with them the eggs and tiny hatch-lings. The worst affected are the breeds which build nests on lower branches (Snake Bird).

Many birds have left for safer grounds. They are now seen nesting in the trees of Kokkare Bellur, near Maddur, on the Bangalore-Mysore highway.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary Mandya

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary Mandya

During extreme monsoons, sad news pours in from Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. Incessant rains, overflowing of Cauvery River plays havoc in this region washing away nests, eggs, baby birds.

Find here –> a list of bird sanctuaries of Karnataka I have visited two in this list: Kaggaladu Bird Sanctuary and Kokkarebelur Bird Sanctuary. Both are natural sanctuaries maintained by local people. No tickets are required to visit them.

Location of Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

This sanctuary is located three kilometers away from the historic town of Srirangapatna and 16km (9.9 mi) north of Mysore. It is 130km south west of Bangalore. It is an ideal destination for photography.

This post got a mention in Tangy Tuesday Picks by Blogadda.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary Karnataka India

 

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