Ranganthittu Bird Life Sanctuary, Srirangapatna Tourist places , Bangalore weekend destinations

Our team recently visited SriRangapatna in Mandya District which is about 120 kms from Bangalore about a 2 and half hour journey.  In this post we cover the spot "Ranganthittu , the bird life Sanctuary"

   

Panoramic View of River and Small Islands

 This spot is around 2 to 3 kms from the Mysore-Bangalore national highway near Srirangapatna. It is one of the largest bird sanctuary of the state which is expected to be existing around 200-300 years ago. It is beleived the small islands / islets were built during the Mysore Maharaja wodeyar's period as a embark across Cauvery river. Later one of famous ornithologist Dr.Salim Ali during his visit here in  early 19th century noticed the bird's nesting around and requested the government to declare it as a sanctuary which is then being maintained by the forest department of Karnataka. 

River view

Birds nesting on trees

This place is spread over a area of at-least 40 acres. After visiting Pachima Vahini our team reached this spot by 1.30 PM at noon . There is a 25 feet road to his spot on either sides surrounded with lush sugarcane and paddy fields. We need to wait for at-least 30 minutes in the car queue as the security was collecting the entry fee at the gate itself and then letting the vehicles in. There is space to park around 100 cars , on the day we visited the parking space was jammed.  Entry fee is Rs.60 per person.

Boating

Crocodiles resting

Inside the park we found a canteen , a information center , a boating spot , and many paragolas for people. There were frequent vistors to the spot which kept the place busy. We came to know there were around 6 small islands made along the cauvery river - The rain tree island , The Neeranji Island , StonePlover Island , Mathi tree island  , Whisteling Teel island , Sweet Tamarind island 

Monkey at Hanging bridge

River Island view

We first covered exploring the park , we noticed few crocodiles relaxing against the sun on the river rocks , a group of white crane type birds some of which were busy fishing in the river water.  There were around 2 watch towers from where one can get a good view of the islands from top which is around 30 to 40 feet. Elder people should watch out the steps as its very steep.  

Watch towers

There is a small hanging bridge where we noticed some monkeys , passing which we found the boating spot which is the main attraction for visitors.  There was a minimal fee of Rs.50 per person for Indians and Rs.200 for foreigners. One should experience this boating to get a view of all the islands around and watch the crocodiles from a fair near distance. After travelling along a quite distance , we started feeling hungry - moved to the canteen where which was very good in terms of taste and variety and headed back.  There are many shops selling ice creams , snacks etc to make the visit more enjoyable.

Timings are from 8.30 AM to 6 PM . A very nice spot to visit on a weekend with family and friends. Do visit this spot and share your experiences.