Welcome to a lush world reverberating with sounds of a gurgling river, the drone of insects and a cacophony of birds in conversation. This is Ranganathittu, a bird watcher’s heaven and just less than a three hour drive from the city. A six-island sanctuary amidst the overwhelming Kaveri River, Ranganathittu is home to feathered friends from all over the world.

Spread over 67 sq kms, this wildlife park is the breeding ground for spoonbills, open bill storks, darters, white ibis, little cormorants, egrets, herons, partridges, river terns and snake birds. Park officials and wildlife experts have traced the origin of some of these bird species to Siberia, Australia and North America. Many local birds like kingfisher, peacock, wild duck, wild pigeon and wild hen also thrive here.