It is the largest bird sanctuary in the state,[3] 40 acres (16 ha) in area,[4] and comprises six islets on the banks of the Kaveri river.

[7] Ranganathittu's islets were formed when an embankment across the Kaveri river was built between 1645 and 1648 by the then king of Mysore, Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar.

[4] In 2014, around 28 square km around the sanctuary was declared as an eco-sensitive zone, meaning that certain commercial activities cannot take place without the government's permission.

The great stone plover, and river tern also nest there, while the park is also home to a large flock of streak-throated swallows.

[10] 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.

The Salim Ali Interpretation Centre, maintained by Forest Department, screens a 4- minute documentary to special interest groups.