My Travelogue: Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

Ranganathittu bird sanctuary is located in Mandya district, the largest bird sanctuary in Karnataka. It has spread over about 40 acres and has number of islets on the banks of river Cauvery.

The sanctuary has variety of bird like Egret, Heron, Painted stork, Pelicans, Indian shag, Stork billed Kingfisher, Sandpiper and lots more. More than 30 species of birds has been found in the sanctuary. The sanctuary attracts large number of migratory birds every year and the experts believe that they come as far as from Siberia, Australia and even North america.

It is a popular nesting site for the birds. Staring from June, lot of birds will build nest here and during the winter season thousands of birds will flock the sanctuary. Apart from the birds, the main attraction in the bird sanctuary is 'Crocodiles'. Mugger crocodiles are there in large numbers in the river as the abundant food is available for crocs in the form of fish. The Crocs will also lay eggs alongside with birds in the islets. This protects the birds eggs from other reptiles and mammals as the crocs will stand guard to protect it's eggs.

There are few mammals in the sanctuary like Fruit bats, Bonnet Macaques, Palm Civets, Mongoose and Otters.

Layout of the Sanctuary

We visited the zoo after 5 in the evening. As it was almost closing time, we urged our self to take the boat ride. But officials has closed the boat ride, but one boatman offered a boat ride for Rs.200. I was thrilled and was in fear at the same time to take the boat ride as we saw the crocs in the river. Visitors are returning from the ride in a large boat, but the boat offered to us was a small rowing type boat. That hyped my heart beat a little bit more. The boatman understood our situation and convinced that the boat was too large for a mugger croc. Still with some fear and life jacket on, the ride started.

A small croc on the rock

It was a very small ride lasted around 20 mins but it is really enjoyable. He took us near to two islets and we saw number of birds and most importantly he took us near to a rock where a mugger croc was taking rest after a big meal i suppose. When we are nearing the rock, a very peculiar breathing sound of croc increased (Maybe it's a warning made by the croc) and in the blink of eye it jumped into the river.

For those keen on the type of vegetation, Ranganathittu is covered with broad-leaf forests comprising of Terminalia Arjun, Bamboo, and Pandanus trees. Eucalyptus and Acacia trees have also been planted here.

The officials have placed lot of sign boards and information about the varieties of birds and mammals which visits the sanctuary. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between May to September but make sure that at the time of visit no water has been released from KRS dam. Because due to flooding, the officials will cancel the boat ride and you have to watch from the bank of river only.