Ranganathittu attained the status of a bird sanctuary in 1940, courtesy of the visions of India . 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.

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.

Best Time to Visit is June to November.

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).