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If one is willing to venture out of the city, then one can visit the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, a short drive away from Mysore. One of the prominent spots of excursion from Mysore , one can witness scores of bird species at this tiny group of islands amidst the Cauvery River. The drive from Mysore will allow the travelers to feast on the beautiful landscape of rural Karnataka. Situated on the Bangalore-Mysore Road, the Bird Sanctuary at Ranganathittu is named after one of most important deities in Southern India - Sri Ranganathaswamy, an incarnation of Hindu God Vishnu. A paradise for the bird lovers, the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka is spread on an area of 67 square kilometers. The Sanctuary includes six islands and was declared a bird sanctuary in 1940. The Bird Sanctuary in Ranganathittu witnesses the arrival of a large number of migratory birds from as far as Siberia, Australia and North America. While on a tour at this Bird Sanctuary at Ranganathittu, the travelers can spot snake bird, darters and river tern. The other common species which can be spotted here are the white Ibis, egret and spoonbills. Local bird species such as the kingfishers and peacocks are also found in this bird paradise. For better viewing one can also take a boat ride that connects the six islands of the Bird Sanctuary. What makes this Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, very special is that it is an important nesting and breeding ground for the thousands of bird species. According to the latest census, a record 1,400 painted storks visited the sanctuary last year. To attract more number of bird species, the local authorities have created islets at the sanctuary to allow more breeding space for the birds. The migratory birds start arriving at the Bird sanctuary in Ranganathittu in December. The breeding season starts during the winter months and they finally migrate back with their nestlings in August. Since the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka is on the Bangalore and Mysore highway one can take a bus from the cities to reach the sanctuary. The nearest railhead is Mysore 18 kilometers away while the nearest international airport is Bangalore, 125 kilometers from the Sanctuary. Riverside Cottages are available for lodging purpose.
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