Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
4.5
About
Ranganathittu is a bird sanctuary that can be visited throughout the year by bird lovers. Easily accessible from Bangalore, enroute to Mysore, visiting this place is a great option for both children and adults. Visit early in the morning and hire a boat. November heralds in the winter migrants who stay put until March, adding to the already numerous varieties of birds you can see here.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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11 within 3 miles
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589 reviews
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HemaCR
Bengaluru, India53 contributions
Jolly ride and good exploration for kids
Jan 2021
The place is very clean and well maintained. As the area is swampy there is lot of mosquitoes, so please be prepared with repellants.
The staff who collects the entry tickets was not friendly enough as he was not ready to provide all the boat ride options available. The life jackets provided were getting sanitized after every use. The general/ public boat ride was very short ride and we could see a few pelicans and crocodiles. The boat operator gave us the information about private rides and would be taken for deep inside the rivers and have plenty to watch. The top tower watch is worth seeing.
The staff who collects the entry tickets was not friendly enough as he was not ready to provide all the boat ride options available. The life jackets provided were getting sanitized after every use. The general/ public boat ride was very short ride and we could see a few pelicans and crocodiles. The boat operator gave us the information about private rides and would be taken for deep inside the rivers and have plenty to watch. The top tower watch is worth seeing.
Written April 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Eileen108
Mount Shasta, CA3,573 contributions
Beautiful Area with Thousands of Birds
Feb 2021
Beautiful huge area of greenery with many informational boards, really it is of world-class standards! The half hour boat ride took us very close to thousands of nesting birds and crocodiles sunning on rocks. You can spend from 90 min here (at the least) or several hours, of observing the birds and sitting peacefully in nature. Highly recommended!
Written February 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Anil Sharma
Bengaluru, India80 contributions
Much hype but no substance.
Jan 2021 • Family
First and foremost the charges fir vehicle entry is too much. 70 rupees per person and 50 for parking.
Only very few birds and that too of very less variety seen.
Only very few birds and that too of very less variety seen.
Written January 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
deepak_misra
Bengaluru, India173 contributions
Worth a visit
Dec 2020
This was my first visit here though I have lost count of the number of trips to nearby Mysore.
The history & general info of the place can be found on the internet so I will just mention my experience
If you are a bird watcher you dont need to read this review. If you are not you may or may not enjoy a trip here.
You need to get a boat and take a half hour tour of the lake. YOu see a wide variety of birds and would be interesting even if you dont know anything about birds. I would strongly recommend reading about about the birds and seeing photos before the journey It would make the trip far more interesting.
Tickets costs abut 75 per person for entry and additional for parking. A boat costs 70 per person and 1500 if you want a private boat for 4-6 people. There is no specific advantage of a private boat except maybe you have a slight flexibility .
The boats are rowed by staff and do think about the effort from them. (Consider leaving a tip)
After the half hour boat ride you can walk around and see the birds from towers. A powerful binocular would enhance the experience.
Total time required is about 1,5 - 2 hours and can be combined with a trip to Srirangpatna
The history & general info of the place can be found on the internet so I will just mention my experience
If you are a bird watcher you dont need to read this review. If you are not you may or may not enjoy a trip here.
You need to get a boat and take a half hour tour of the lake. YOu see a wide variety of birds and would be interesting even if you dont know anything about birds. I would strongly recommend reading about about the birds and seeing photos before the journey It would make the trip far more interesting.
Tickets costs abut 75 per person for entry and additional for parking. A boat costs 70 per person and 1500 if you want a private boat for 4-6 people. There is no specific advantage of a private boat except maybe you have a slight flexibility .
The boats are rowed by staff and do think about the effort from them. (Consider leaving a tip)
After the half hour boat ride you can walk around and see the birds from towers. A powerful binocular would enhance the experience.
Total time required is about 1,5 - 2 hours and can be combined with a trip to Srirangpatna
Written December 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TheWorldNut
Bangalore District, India439 contributions
A different place
Dec 2020
7 years in Bangalore, and never heard anyone telling that they have been to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. Its a very serene place, very clean and well maintained, and the best part is the boat ride in the river Kauvery. Useful tips below. We visited early morning and took a open air, classic row boat and it was awesome. Private boats are expensive though and in some reviews I saw that visitors paid twice for the camera fee, but actually that is not how it is. If you have paid at the entrance, just tell at the boat ticket counter when they ask for camera fee(the camera fee is basis the lens size, i.e. above 200mm its INR 200 and below 200mm its 100Rs). We also got to see a crocodile family of 5, up close on a rock in the middle, while they sun basked. For families with kids, this a great place to see.
Written December 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bala Tripura S
Bengaluru, India2,845 contributions
Bird sanctuary that amazes me in every season
Nov 2020
This is one of the best bird sanctuaries in karnataka.This sanctuary is at around 130 kms from bangalore.Even though i visited this sanctuary lot of times,it amazes me every time i go.This season we can find lot of spot billed pelicans,white headed ibis palying joyfully on top of tree barnches.It is feast to see them enjoying their freedom.It is scared to see quite good number of crocodiles resting on rocks.There is very less crowd when u visited
Written November 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
World Of Reshma
Bengaluru, India269 contributions
Biggest Bird Sanctuary of Karnataka
Oct 2020
If you are a bird lover to see or photograph. Since it is a off season we have seen some birds Ibis, Cormorant, Pelican, Pied Kingfisher, Egret, Parkeet and common Kinghfisher. Boating is available for 15 minutes for 70 rupees per Adult. If you are with a huge camera you should go for a private boat which will cost you 1500 for 4 to 6 person and camera charges are different.
The entry and parking fees are there. You can get some items in canteen to eat and drink. Do not go into the water so many crocodiles are there in the lake. It is the largest bird sanctuary in Karnataka. the sanctuary is situated on around 40 acres of space which was built by Mysore maharaja Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar in the year 1648.
The entry and parking fees are there. You can get some items in canteen to eat and drink. Do not go into the water so many crocodiles are there in the lake. It is the largest bird sanctuary in Karnataka. the sanctuary is situated on around 40 acres of space which was built by Mysore maharaja Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar in the year 1648.
Written November 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kumar
Bengaluru, India531 contributions
Beautifully maintained sanctuary
Oct 2020 • Family
First things first ... Kudos to the staff. This place was so well maintained and clean. It did not appear like a government maintained place. Good job.
The route guidance was very precise and clear. You pay for entry ticket and for the camera at the sanctuary entrance and then proceed to the car park. There was ample space probably because of COVID. Should be really cramped for parking on a normal day.
There is a big park where You can roam around and relax. You also can walk along the park boundary observing the birds. There is a watch tower you can climb on to and spend time bird watching. Also a great place to click pics of birds in flight. The boating was a great experience. Lot of birds and crocodiles to watch so close. My boatman was Mr. Yogesh and he was very knowledgable. He helped us with the names of lot of birds. He looked for birds and helped us spot more varieties.
We understand that the season starts from October and goes on till April with January being the best with more bird species migrating here. The water level in the river also is a factor. More water means difficult to spot crocs and with less water you can see them on the rocks. Mornings is when you get to see small birds - Kingfishers. Large native birds like eagles are seen in the interior for which you need to spend more time.
You can do this on the way back from any Coorg destination... Madikeri, Nagarhole national park ..
A time well spent.
The route guidance was very precise and clear. You pay for entry ticket and for the camera at the sanctuary entrance and then proceed to the car park. There was ample space probably because of COVID. Should be really cramped for parking on a normal day.
There is a big park where You can roam around and relax. You also can walk along the park boundary observing the birds. There is a watch tower you can climb on to and spend time bird watching. Also a great place to click pics of birds in flight. The boating was a great experience. Lot of birds and crocodiles to watch so close. My boatman was Mr. Yogesh and he was very knowledgable. He helped us with the names of lot of birds. He looked for birds and helped us spot more varieties.
We understand that the season starts from October and goes on till April with January being the best with more bird species migrating here. The water level in the river also is a factor. More water means difficult to spot crocs and with less water you can see them on the rocks. Mornings is when you get to see small birds - Kingfishers. Large native birds like eagles are seen in the interior for which you need to spend more time.
You can do this on the way back from any Coorg destination... Madikeri, Nagarhole national park ..
A time well spent.
Written October 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Avijit Paul
Bengaluru, India49 contributions
Must visit place for relaxation in the mid of nature
Sep 2020 • Couples
This place is simple amazing. Specially the boat ride. There are lots of crocodiles in the lake which can be seen while boat ride.
Written September 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jannet Northop
Bengaluru, India97 contributions
A pleasant escape into a green canopy
Jul 2019
A well preserved bird sanctuary that one can escape into, from the bursting cities and pollution. A soothing boat ride on the calm waters and the view of various species of birds flying, nesting, bathing, catching prey or just lazily perched on a branch or a twig is mesmerizing. Crocodiles, bats and tiny animals add charm to this nature's beauty. It is like winning a lottery for wildlife and nature photography lovers. The boats sail pretty close to most of the islands although, stepping on those islands is strictly prohibited. There are a few pathways and benches amid the green on the mainland, to either take a stroll or sit back and enjoy the chirping of birds and other pleasant sounds of nature. There are a few watch towers to enjoy the view if one is not hydrophobic. There is a souvenir shop, a small bird museum , a few food carts and clean washrooms.
Entry fee for Indians -
Adult: Rs.50/-
Child: Rs.25/-
Entry fee for Foreigners -
Adult: Rs.300/-
Boating Charges -
Indians:
Adult: Rs.50/-
Child: Rs.25/-
Foreigners:
Adult: Rs.300/-
Parking Fees -
Bus: Rs.125/-
LCV: Rs.75/-
Car: Rs.30/-
Motor Cycle: Rs.15/-
Bicycle: Rs.5/-
Camera charges applicable as per lens power.
Entry fee for Indians -
Adult: Rs.50/-
Child: Rs.25/-
Entry fee for Foreigners -
Adult: Rs.300/-
Boating Charges -
Indians:
Adult: Rs.50/-
Child: Rs.25/-
Foreigners:
Adult: Rs.300/-
Parking Fees -
Bus: Rs.125/-
LCV: Rs.75/-
Car: Rs.30/-
Motor Cycle: Rs.15/-
Bicycle: Rs.5/-
Camera charges applicable as per lens power.
Written June 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
can i know how much they charged , which lens you used. mine is nikon 3500 with 70-300mm lens
Aliamma G
Bengaluru, India1,021 contributions
I am not clear of the question about the charge.
I used my mobile camera for the photos that I have taken.
Is home food allowed in the sanctuary. because we are planning to visit with our children...
Aliamma G
Bengaluru, India1,021 contributions
The Sanctuary is an ideal place for a picnic for the family, especially with children. Food and water can be carried.
There are designated places for the purpose and care must be taken to use the bins provided for disposals. The sanctuary is very particular that the visitors maintain the environment and there are enough useful directions provided. Small eateries are also available inside.
Ramanujam M S
Chennai District, India152 contributions
I am planning to visit Ranganathittu Bird sanctuary in Jan’19. Can someone who had been to this place in Dec’18 please tell me about the birds spotted?
Aliamma G
Bengaluru, India1,021 contributions
I had traveled in June 2018 and spotted many varieties which I had listed in my review. Heavy rains and flooding in the sanctuary had damaged the set up and the place was closed in September. December /January is the best time for migratory birds. the weather is beautiful and comfortable now .
umasulegai
Bengaluru, India
I'm planning on visiting the place on 15th of April 2018..anybody who visited recently? Is this the time to visit the place?
maagarwal
Pune, India1 contribution
Its decent place and one time for sure. If you're into photography you should get quite a lot of species/flora/moments to click. I liked it and got some decent shots.
Also it depends hugely on what do you like and expect in the place, if you're a natural lover I would like to visit it and definately take a boat ride for a closer look at animals. Safe for kids too.
Hi,
What camera was it. I am taking a dslr camera with 70-300mm range. will that be a problem
EkMusafir
Pune, India2,206 contributions
Yes, there are charges to be paid for camera especially with zoom lenses. Tariff is notified at the entrance.
Surobhi D
Bengaluru, India111 contributions
I am planning to go this weekend. But wanted to know if there are enough birds to watch at this time?
DGeorge_007
Rotterdam, The Netherlands56 contributions
Is the bird sanctuary open on Sundays?
Traveller G
Chennai District, India6,276 contributions
Yes
Dalavai Sagar D
3 contributions
Hi, i am planning to visit on 1st Jan 2018.. Is the sanctuary open on Monday and is boating permitted?
Shalaaka Abijith
Mangalore, India198 contributions
Yes it will be open on Monday and also you can take a tour in the boat😊
