Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

Spread across roughly 40 acres of river islets on the Kaveri, Ranganathittu is Karnataka's largest bird sanctuary and is affectionately called the state's "Pakshi Kashi" — its holiest pilgrimage site for birds. Named after Lord Ranganatha, it has been an important nesting ground for exotic and migratory birds for generations.

The forest department has protected the area since 1940, during the era of the Mysore kingdom, and continues to expand it — in 2014 alone, roughly 28 sq. km of surrounding land was brought under protection. Boat rides through the islets offer close views of storks, herons, cormorants, and, along the riverbanks, basking crocodiles.

The sanctuary is at its liveliest during the breeding season, roughly June through November, when the islets fill with nesting colonies. Early morning boat rides tend to offer the calmest waters and the most active birdlife, before the day's heat sets in.