History of the Park

The islets came into being when a dam across the Kaveri river was built in the 1700s. The ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali observed that the isles formed an important nesting ground for birds , and persuaded the Wodeyar kings of Mysore to declare the area a wildlife sanctuary in 1940.

Biomes

Most of the park falls under the Riparian biome, corresponding to the Indomalaya ecozone.

Flora

Riverine reed beds cover the banks of the islands, while the islands themselves are covered in broadleaf forests, with dominant species being Terminalia arjun (Arjun tree), bamboo groves, and Pandanus trees. Eucalyptus and Acacia trees have also been planted, which might lead to long-term eradication of native species. The endemic and threatened lily Iphigenia mysorensis of the family Colchicaceae grows in the sanctuary.

Fauna

The islands are host to numerous small mammals, including Bonnet Macaque , colonies of Flying Fox and common small mammals like Common Palm Civet and Indian Gray Mongoose and the monitor lizard.

The Mugger Crocodile or Marsh Crocodile is a common inhabitant of the riverine reed beds. Breeding water birds include Painted Stork , Asian Openbill Stork , Common Spoonbill , Woolly-necked Stork , Black-headed Ibis , White Ibis , Lesser Whistling Duck , Indian Shag , Stork-billed Kingfisher and other common birds like egrets , cormorants , Oriental Darter , and herons . The Great Stone Plover , and River Tern also nest here. The park is home to a large flock of Streak-throated Swallows .

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 at the tiny sanctuary, so visitors typically have to stay over at Mysore 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 in December.

Fees/Permits

The park charges a small entry fee, and the boat ride is also a charged service. For a half hour leisurely tour of the river you get charged Rs. 200, which also ensures that you are the sole occupants of the boat. Mass rides are also available at much cheaper rates, though these are charged per person. The fees below were valid in September 2006 but may be subject to change:

• adults: Rs. 20
• childern: Rs. 5
• still camera charges: Rs. 20
• cars: Rs. 25
• boat ride per person: Rs. 10
• boat ride charter (entire boat for about half an hour): Rs. 200