Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, located 20 kilometres from Mysore, spans 67 acres with small islands in the Cauvery River. Created in the 17th century by Tipu Sultan for his fort's moat, it unintentionally became a thriving bird habitat. Dr. Salim Ali established it officially as a state bird sanctuary in 1940. Today, it's one of India’s best sanctuaries for waders and water birds. Migratory species like Painted Storks, Asian Openbill Storks, Spoonbills, Common Thicknee, and White Ibises travel here from Siberia, Australia, and North America. The sanctuary is most spectacular from November to March when winter visitors arrive for breeding, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.