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.
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
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
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.
wow, that is some nicely colored storks. Never seen anything like it before. Thanks for sharing.
Stories like this break my heart…none-the-less…those are some gorgeous birds!!! And, all in all, a beautiful surrounding.
This is Anni @ I'd rather b birdin'…just in my personal blog admin today [Hootin' Anni]. I'm too lazy to switch. :o)
Sorry to hear about the devastation with the flooding however great photographs and it looks a lovely place.
Beautiful shots. It sounds like a great place. Sad news about the flooding though.
Sad to hear about the flooding and the loss of the nest. What a great sanctuary. I love all the birds! Thanks for sharing! PS, I hope you do not mind I linked up your blog on my recent post..as one of my favorites to visit.
i love sanctuaries…last week, i had my first brush with such a park….bharatpur bird park….it was fun…btw, the last pic u posted is really fantabulous
While we are glad about the large inflow in Cauvery here… I feel sorry for their sad state.
beautiful captures !!! 🙂
I feel ashamed to say I have not visited this place..living in Bangalore for past 7 years!
I absolutely love this place – its closest to my heart – so many reasons… thanks for this share…
Very sad indeed..but you were lucky to have beautifully captured what was there and thanks for sharing with us..very disheartening but an informative post..
Beautiful. And the Storks.
itz really disheartening dat such rare species r being affected by d natural calamities…imp steps shud b taken 2 prevent such incidents…
i don't know when we will learn to conserve the nature ..
Poor ones…
OMG, Really so sad!
That's sad. Poor birds. They touch my heart.
Oh god! That's so sad! I have been visiting Ranganatittu regularly the past 3 years. Cant imagine the nests getting washed away…so many lives…
Its really hurting to hear the Nature Havoc there…
But I guess the Birds will be there as I guess they can't forget their Migrating Place..
Very beautiful pictures..!
NIce to see a post about Ranganathittu. There are also mugger or marsh crocodiles in this place and one can find them sunning themselves in the rocks. Kingfishers of various species, small sunbirds, baya weavers etc are commonly seen. If you are lucky then you can also see otters.
It is depressing to learn how nature has played havoc with what used to be the temporary shelter of birds. The pictures are beautiful.
I've been to this beautiful place..
i feel sad for the birds and other creatures that have lost their sanctuary from rising waters. i hope the situation would improve soon.
Great tour,but too bad about the floods. Boom & gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Oh how distressing
Hugs and thanks for sharing such wonderful pics
Hugs
SueAnn
Sad! I have made some memorable pics here
That is sad news Indrani.
That is sad. I had been there 9 years back. Thanks for sharing this info.
It is one of my favorite places to visit! And I heard about the swollen Cauvery has caused much of destruction! Nice post!
Indeed, it's a sad news. i can feel your sad when you got this news.
Very sad….
This is an usual scene here during the monsoon. And this year monsoon have been really good.
That is a very sad news. I was hoping to go this place this year.
Sad to know 🙁
Nice pics and Thanks for your sharing your post.
That is unfortunate about the waters. What a beautiful place with a great mission, though.
your pictures make us care!
ALOHA from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
~ > < } } ( ° > <3
Very sad indeed. A terrible tragedy!
I'm sorry that the rise in water levels destroyed so many nesting sites and nests. Your pictures are wonderful.
that is sad about the flooding and destruction of their nesting!
Oh, how sad that the rising water levels have destroyed so many nests, eggs and birds!! I do hope more survived than than died! Wonderful captures for the day, Indrani!