The sanctuary near Ranganathittu

Who has not heard of Ranganathittu. A trip from Bangalore to Mysore would not be complete without a visit to this well-known bird sanctuary.

It helps that the sanctuary is just across Srirangapatna and it,  therefore, draws large crowds. Another reason for the popularity of the sanctuary is its nearness to Mysore, the City of palaces.

However, there is another equally captivating sanctuary nearby and it is on the left banks of the Cauvery. The birds that are found in Ranganathittu are also found here and what is more unlike Ranganathittu this place is not much heard of  and, therefore, crowds are not common.

This is the bird sanctuary of Gende Hosahalli  which is located 19 kilometres south east of  Srirangapatna taluk. It is on the road from Bannur to Srirangapatna and it is the place where several films-Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi- have been shot. A local told me that more than 200 films have so far been shot here. The sanctuary is just off the Mahadevapura village where there is an anicut across the Cauvery in the shape of a horse shoe.

The Cauvery here has created several small islands of bamboo bushes and other shrubs which have found favour with our winged brethren. The many islands, coupled with the flowing river and sparse population have made this spot a favourite among the avians.

If carefully nurtured, this place has all the ingredients for  becoming a major bird sanctuary. You can have a close look at birds from Siberia, Australia and North America.

Gende Hosahalli is actually the eastern portion of the Ranganathittu sanctuary but it is less explored by the tourists.

The best time to visit this sanctuary is from June to November. The sanctuary attracts birds like Great Cormorant, Indian Cormorant, Little Cormorant, Darter, Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Purple Heron, Painted Stork, Asian Openbill, Black-headed Ibis and others.

Watch out for Spot-billed Pelican, River Tern, Grey Heron, White-browed Wagtail, Great Thick-knee, Streak-throated Swallow and others. Peregrine are some of the main species of birds that inhabit the sanctuary. Colonies of bats can also be seen on some trees.

There are mammals and reptiles too.

Enjoy a coracle ride and visit the Shiva temple which is more than 600 years old. This place of worship is called Cauvery Bore Devaru. Go around the thick forests that ring the Cauvery. Halt on the bridge at Mahadevapura. The view of the river and the small islands from here is awesome. Visit Karighatta Hill which is nearby.

The visiting hours is from 6 a. m., to 6 p.m. The entry fee is  Rs.25per person and the parking fee is Rs.30.