Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is one of the most popular bird sanctuaries in Karnataka. Located near Mysore, it is home to a large variety of resident and migratory birds. Determining the best time to visit Ranganathittu depends on what kind of birds you want to see. The sanctuary experiences two peak seasons – summer and winter – when it sees an influx of migratory birds. Read on to find out the best time to visit Ranganathittu based on the variety of birds present.
Overview of Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Spanning over 67 hectares, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is located on the banks of the River Cauvery in Mandya District of Karnataka. It was declared a bird sanctuary in 1940 under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The sanctuary is home to over 170 species of birds including migratory birds from Siberia, Australia, and even the Himalayas. Some of the popular birds found here are painted storks, spoonbills, white ibis, common teal, little cormorants, peregrine falcons, river terns, partridges, herons, and egrets. The best season to visit is during summer between March and May. This is when you can spot most species of migratory birds. Winters between November and February are also ideal for birdwatching here.
Summer Season
The summer season between March to May is one of the best times to visit Ranganathittu. During this season, the sanctuary receives a large variety of migratory birds from northern regions like Siberia and the Himalayas. The weather is also pleasant during this time with temperatures ranging between 18°C to 35°C. Some of the migratory birds that arrive during this season are:
Painted Storks
Painted storks migrate from North India, Pakistan, and Siberia and are seen between March to August. They can be easily identified by their unique pink feathers and yellow-tipped black beaks. These large exotic birds usually roost in huge numbers on trees in the sanctuary islands.
River Terns
River terns are medium-sized migratory birds that breed in Siberia and migrate between March to October. They have grey and white plumage and can be seen nesting on the islands in large colonies.
Eurasian Spoonbills
Spoonbills arrive from northern regions between October to March. They have characteristic spoon-shaped bills and white plumage. They can be spotted wading in shallow waters trying to catch fish and other aquatic prey.
Asian Openbill Storks
These large white storks with open black bills migrate from Southeast Asia between October to March. They roost and breed on the tall trees and scavenge for food like mollusks and crustaceans.
Winter Season
Winter between November to February is another ideal time to visit Ranganathittu sanctuary. The weather is pleasant with temperatures ranging between 12°C to 28°C. Though there are some migratory birds still around during early winter, most birds seen are resident species. Some interesting resident birds seen during this time are:
Little Cormorants
These are small black water birds that can dive and swim underwater to catch fish. They nest in colonies on trees near water bodies within the sanctuary.
Indian Shag
This crow-sized bird has glossy black plumage and a hooked yellow bill. It can be seen perched on rocks or diving for fish in the river.
Great Stone-curlews
These large brown birds with downcurved bills breed within the sanctuary. They are nocturnal and their haunting calls can be heard after dusk.
River Lapwing
This resident wading bird has a black and white plumage with a red-tipped yellow bill. It makes high-pitched loud calls and breeds along the riverbanks.
Best Time to See Specific Birds
Here is a table summarizing the best time to visit Ranganathittu sanctuary if you want to see some specific popular bird species:
Bird Name | Best Time to See |
---|---|
Painted Stork | March to August |
Openbill Stork | October to March |
Spoonbill | October to March |
River Tern | March to October |
Little Cormorant | November to February |
Indian Shag | November to February |
Stone Curlew | November to February |
River Lapwing | November to February |
Ideal Duration for Visit
Most people visit Ranganathittu sanctuary as a day trip from Mysore, which is 19 km away. However, to fully explore the islands and spot birds at different times of the day, plan for at least 1-2 nights stay near the sanctuary. Early mornings and late afternoons just before sunset are good times for birdwatching. You can cover the entire sanctuary comfortably over 2-3 hours on foot. Some ideal visit durations are:
- Day trip from Mysore – 3-4 hours
- Overnight stay near sanctuary – 5-6 hours
- 2 nights stay – 7-8 hours
This allows you to cover all the hotspots at different times and increases chances of spotting rare birds.
How to Plan Your Visit
Here are some tips to plan your Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary visit:
Book Tickets in Advance
Get entry tickets online in advance, especially if visiting on weekends or during peak seasons. The ticket counter often has long queues.
Hire a Local Guide
Hiring a local guide familiar with the birds and their habits can greatly improve your experience. They know all the best spots for birdwatching.
Carry Binoculars & Camera
Bringing binoculars and cameras with telephoto lens will allow you to get clear views of the birds. Tripods can help capture stable shots.
Visit Islands Early Morning
Reach the sanctuary gates early at 6 AM when they open so you can take the first ferry ride to islands. This is when you can see birds just waking up and at their active best.
Time Evening Boat Ride Well
For the evening boat ride to islands, time it such that you reach 30-40 minutes before sunset. This allows you to see birds heading back to roost for the night.
Lookout for Nesting Birds
Keep an eye out for nesting painted storks, river terns, and other birds from March to September. But maintain distance and silence near nests.
Carry Water & Snacks
Pack drinking water, light snacks, caps, and sunscreen as there are limited shops inside the sanctuary.
Conclusion
In summary, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary can be visited year-round but the best time is during summer and winter. The summer months of March to May see a huge influx of painted storks, river terns, Eurasian spoonbills from the northern regions. The winter months of November to February are ideal for spotting resident birds like cormorants, Indian shags, stone curlews, and river lapwings. To get the most out of your visit, plan for 1-2 nights stay and take early morning and late evening boat trips to the islands when birds are most active. Hiring a knowledgeable local guide can greatly improve your experience. With its spectacular collection of over 170 species of exotic resident and migratory birds, Ranganathittu is a must-visit bird sanctuary for avid birdwatchers and nature lovers.