also nest there, while the park is also home to a large flock of streak-throated swallows. Ranganathittu is a popular nesting site and about 8,000 nestlings were sighted during June 2011. About 50 pelicans have made Ranganathittu their permanent home. During winter months, starting from mid-December, as many as 40,000 birds congregate at Ranganathittu, some migrating from Siberia, Latin America and parts of north India. During January and February, more than 30 species of migratory birds can be found in the sanctuary. Other Fauna The islands are host to numerous small mammals including bonnet macaque, smooth coated otter, colonies of flying fox and common small mammals such as common palm civet and Indian gray mongoose. Additionally, there is a population of monitor lizards. The mugger crocodile or marsh crocodile is a common inhabitant of the riverine reed beds and Ranganathittu has largest fresh water crocodile population in Karnataka state. Activities Ranger-guided boat tours of the isles are available throughout the day, and are a good way to watch birds, crocodiles, otters, and bats. There is no lodging within the sanctuary, so visitors typically stay over at Mysuru or Srirangapatna. The seasons for visiting the park are June–November (during the nesting season of the water birds). The best time to watch migratory birds is usually December but it can vary year to year. The Salim Ali Interpretation Centre, maintained by Forest Department, screens a 4- minute documentary to special interest groups. Accessibility Nearest Town: Srirangapatna (3 km) Nearest City: Mysuru (19 km) Nearest Railhead: Srirangapatna Nearest Airport: Mysore Airport (25 km) Nearest Highway: Bangalore – Mysuru highway (2 km) Gallery References External links Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary- A Report Bird sanctuaries of Karnataka South Deccan Plateau dry deciduous forests Villages in Mandya district Srirangapatna Protected areas established in 1940 1940 establishments in India Ramsar sites in India