Ranganathittu is a must for nature and bird lovers. The very sky in Ranganathittu turns into an emerald air carpet for the birds, from around the world, to roost and breed. Situated 13 km from Mysore, the sanctuary is set around a handful of tiny lush green islands on the river Cauvery. It is an ideal spot for picnicking and bird watching. During the migrating season (June - November) the river Cauvery feeds the lake in the sanctuary abundantly, and the rivulets attract migrating birds in large numbers.

Ranganathittu is the home for an astonishing variety of exotic birds from as far away as Siberia, Australia, North America, Middle East, Egypt, China, Africa, Europe and many other places. These birds migrate from their home for their annual Indian breeding holiday. Cranes, Herons, Pelicans, Darters, Spoon bills, King fishers, Open bill Stork, White Ibis, Little Egret, Darter, Pond Cattle-Egret, Corniorant, varieties of Wild Ducks, Peafowl and Partridges are some of the notable natural ambassadors. These exotic birds migrate from distant places, roost and breed here with the local fauna during the winter months and fly back with their young ones, every year. Wild fowls and other forest birds are found in plenty among existing wildlife.