Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.
Most Srirangapatna visitors do the Ranganathaswamy Temple + Tipu's Death Spot + Dariya Daulat circuit and head back to Mysore by 2pm, missing Ranganathittu (3km north) which requires the boat-safari window 9-10am or 4-5.30pm. The sanctuary is Karnataka's premier riverine bird sanctuary (40 hectares of Cauvery islets), declared 1940 on Salim Ali's recommendation — but a separate ticket gate from the temple complex keeps it overlooked.WHY NOBODY KNOWS
A 40-hectare Cauvery riverine bird sanctuary — 6 small islets serve as breeding ground for spot-billed pelicans, painted storks, Asian openbills, river terns, and night herons. Peak Jan-Jul migration. Marsh crocodiles (mugger) basking on islets year-round. Forest Department boat safari ₹80/person (group boat, 30 min) or ₹2,400/private boat (6-seat, 1 hr). Coracle option ₹600. Open 8.30am-6pm; best 9-10am cool light, fewer crowds. Karnataka Forest Department managed.
