INTRODUCTION
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, in the
southern Indian state of Karnataka, is an important tourist
destination from Mysore city or the adjoining Vrindavan gardens,
both of which are barely 20 km away. The bird sanctuary, situated on
the banks of the Kaveri River, includes of a group of six islets as
well. The isolated islets and the abundance of aquatic insects
during the monsoon make Ranganathittu a favorite abode for birds.
Ranganathittu attained the status of a bird sanctuary in 1940,
courtesy of the visions of India. s noted ornithologist. Dr. Salim
Ali. who, during his survey of the birds of Mysore, advocated for
the establishment of such a sanctuary. The sanctuary is now a
paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers and bird watchers.
The large number of birds at the sanctuary appears to have attracted
a sizable number of tourists as well. A total of 2,080 foreign
tourists, besides 2,02,417 domestic tourists, had visited the bird
sanctuary in 1999. 2000, according to officials.
 PARADISE
OF BIRDS
The sanctuary, even though it lacks a sprawling
area, is a delightful place to visit. What makes it inviting is that
it is an important Asian nesting and breeding ground for migratory
birds from all across the earth. Some species of birds that are
known to have made Ranganathittu their breeding abode are
spoonbills, open bill storks, darters, white Ibis, little
cormorants, egret, heron, partridge, river tern, stone plougher,
snake bird, and other exotic bird species that fly to the sanctuary
in large flocks. Park officials and experts have traced the origins
of some of these bird species to as far as Siberia, Australia and
even North America. A record number of 1,400 painted storks visited
the area in 1999. 2000. Local inhabitants like kingfishers and
peacocks are also found in this avian bliss.
Migratory birds lay their eggs on islets in the
river. The authorities have created additional islets at the
sanctuary to make way for more number of birds to lay eggs and
breed. The birds begin arriving in the sanctuary in December every
year. The migratory birds lay eggs and breed until they finally move
out of the sanctuary with their little ones in August, only to
return yet again the following year.
Boats are available at the sanctuary to take the
tourists for a ride along the river and the islets, where they can
witness trees full of beautiful birds of myriad varieties. Most of
the oarsmen are also excellent guides and can provide tourists the
exact location as to where the birds may be spotted. The Kaveri
riverbank also offers excellent spots for picnics.
CLIMATE
There are no extremities of temperature at
Ranganathittu Sanctuary. The temperature stays between the 23. 29°C
range for most parts of the year. In June, when the southwest
monsoon peaks throughout Karnataka state, heavy to very heavy
rainfall, accompanied by waterlogging and mild flooding, has been
reported from the area.
REACHING THERE
Private taxis, which are freely available in
Mysore and Bangalore, are the most convenient mode of transport for
reaching the sanctuary. Since the sanctuary is on the Bangalore.
Mysore highway, approach is through either of the two cities. The
nearest rail junction is Mysore (18 km). The nearest international
airport is Bangalore (125 km).
STAYING THERE
Accommodation is available at Ranganathittu in
the form of three Riverside Cottages. Most tourists, however, prefer
to stay at nearby Mysore.
PLACES NEARBY
The picturesque town of Mysore and the garden
city of Bangalore are the nearby attractions from the bird
sanctuary.
LINKS TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD
Nearest town where communication (post,
telegraph, fax and telephones) facilities are available is Mysore at
distance of less than 20 km. Since 1995, the number of Internet
cafés in Mysore is on the rise. |
