Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary

Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary also known as Paksi Kashi of Karnataka is a Bird Sanctuary in the Mandya District of the state of Karnataka in India. It is a very small sanctuary, being only 67 km². in area, and comprises six islets on the banks of the Kaveri River. Ranganthittu is located three kilometers away from the historic town of Srirangapatna and 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) north of Mysore.

The islands are host to numerous small mammals, including Bonnet Macaque, colonies of Flying Fox and common small mammals like Common Palm Civet and Indian Gray Mongoose and the monitor lizard.

Ranger-guided boat tours of the isles are available throughout the day, and are a good way to watch birds, crocodiles, otters and bats. There is no lodging at the tiny sanctuary, so visitors typically have to stay over at Mysore or Srirangapatna. The seasons for visiting the park are: June – November (during the nesting season of the water birds). The best time to watch migratory birds is usually December but it can vary year to year.

Egret with Breeding Plumage seen at Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary

I am a bird watcher and a photographer, but not a bird photographer. Strange as it may sound, I find it difficult to reconcile both my interests. If I want to photograph bird, it takes away the pleasure of birding. One is always in a hurry to get the best shot and then some better one, the pleasure of watching birds suffer. Secondly, I cannot afford the big glasses that bird photography, especially paaserine photography demands. But a visit to Ranganathittu in Karnataka, is a rare occasion to make an exception. Even my 70-300 is sufficient to get decent photos and the boats take you so close to the heronry, it is a pity if you do not take advantage of the situation.