Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is one of Karnataka’s most cherished natural havens, attracting bird lovers, nature enthusiasts, and tourists year-round. Located near Mysuru, it offers a unique blend of biodiversity, serene landscapes, and engaging activities, making it an ideal destination for families, photographers, and wildlife aficionados. A key consideration for visitors planning a trip is the ticket price and related charges, which provide access to the sanctuary’s wonders while funding its maintenance and conservation efforts. This article provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary ticket prices, including entry, boating, and other charges for 2025, along with important visitor information.
Entry Ticket Price at Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
The entry fees to the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary are nominal and designed to be accessible for both domestic and international visitors. As per the latest 2025 information:
- Indian Adults: ₹70 to ₹75 per person
- Children (age 5-12 years): ₹25 to ₹35 per person
- Students (with ID card): Approximately ₹40 per person (with some concessional rates)
- Foreign Nationals: ₹400 to ₹500 per person
- Foreign Children: Around ₹250 per person
These fees are collected at the sanctuary entrance and help cover the upkeep of the facilities, wildlife protection, and management costs. Children below 5 years generally enter free of cost.
Additional Charges: Camera and Vehicle Parking Fees
Photography enthusiasts must note that carrying professional cameras like DSLRs entails additional charges based on the lens size:
- DSLR camera with lens below 200mm: ₹100 to ₹150
- DSLR camera with lens above 200mm: ₹500 to ₹600
These charges help regulate commercial photography and support sanctuary preservation. Visitors using vehicles can expect parking fees depending on the type:
- Bicycle: ₹5
- Two-wheeler (Bike/Scooter): ₹15
- Auto Rickshaw: ₹20
- Car/Jeep: ₹50 to ₹60
- Larger vehicles (LCV, Bus, Truck): ₹100 to ₹150
The parking fee ensures smooth vehicle management and maintenance of the parking area.
Boating Charges and Options
One of Ranganathittu’s most popular attractions is boating on the river and lakes within the sanctuary. Boating allows visitors an up-close view of birdlife and other wildlife, including mugger crocodiles resting on the banks. Boating fees are as follows:
- Shared Boat Ride (approximately 40 to 45 minutes): ₹80 to ₹100 per person
- Private Boat Ride (for up to 8 people, duration around 45 minutes): ₹1,000 to ₹1,200
Special boating rides, usually early morning or private guided tours, have higher charges:
- Indians: ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 per trip (usually max 4 persons)
- Foreigners: ₹3,000 to ₹3,500 per trip
Boats operate under the supervision of trained guides and forest officials, ensuring safety. Children below 5 often get free or concessionary boat rides depending on the operator.
Sanctuary Visiting Hours and Best Time to Visit
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary remains open throughout the week from morning to evening:
- Opening Hours: Approximately 9:00 AM or 9:30 AM to 5:30 or 6:00 PM
- Open all days including weekends and public holidays
The optimum time to visit is early monsoon (June to August) and late afternoons, which correspond with active bird sightings and pleasant weather. Nesting season from June to November also attracts bird watchers hoping to catch glimpses of breeding activity.
Visitors are advised to carry water, wear comfortable footwear, and take precautions against insects. The sanctuary is well-maintained with amenities like bird-watching towers, walking paths, and informative signage.
Facilities and Experience
Beyond ticket prices, the sanctuary offers a memorable experience facilitated by several amenities:
- Bird Watching Towers: Strategically located for panoramic views and spotting different bird species such as Painted Storks, Kingfishers, Herons, Cormorants, Egrets, and migratory birds during the season.
- Educational Centers: The Dr. Salim Ali Bird Interpretation Centre showcases detailed information about the resident and migratory birds, conservation efforts, and ecological importance.
- Boat Rides: Close viewing of birds in their natural habitat plus chances to see crocodiles, turtles, and aquatic flora.
- Photography Opportunities: With permits and paid camera entry, photographers can enjoy capturing rare shots of birds and the scenic environs.
- Clean Facilities: Recent upgrades have led to improved sanitary conditions, clean restrooms, and well-marked trails enhancing visitor comfort.
How to Reach Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
The sanctuary is located about 19 km from Mysore city and approximately 130 km from Bengaluru, making it accessible for day trips:
- By Road: Regular government and private buses run from Mysore to Srirangapatna town, from where autos or taxis can be hired for the roughly 5 km journey to the sanctuary.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Srirangapatna, a short distance from the sanctuary.
- By Car: Well-connected by state highways, the drive from Mysore takes about 30-40 minutes.
With its proximity to Mysore’s cultural and historical attractions, many visitors combine the bird sanctuary visit with trips to the Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill, and other nearby sites.
Conclusion
For bird lovers and nature enthusiasts, the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse in Karnataka’s rich biodiversity. The affordable and clearly structured ticket pricing, with separate charges for entry, boating, parking, and cameras, ensures accessible yet sustainable tourism. The sanctuary’s combination of scenic beauty, diverse avian population, and curated visitor facilities justifies every rupee spent.
By planning visits in early monsoon or afternoon hours, securing boating rides, and availing of proper photography permits, visitors can maximize their experience. With easy connectivity to Mysore city and other nearby attractions, Ranganathittu remains a must-visit destination in 2025 for those seeking natural tranquility and captivating wildlife encounters.
