Mannar Lagoon Bird Sanctuary
The Mannar Bird Sanctuary, also known as the Vankalai Lagoon or Vankalai Sanctuary, covers an area of more than 4800 hectares and is home to a diverse range of migratory bird species.
During the migratory season, the park provides superb feeding and living habitat for over 20000 waterbirds, as well as rare birds such as the spot-billed duck, comb duck, long-toed stint, peregrine falcons, and the extremely rare Eastern Black-tailed Godwit. Nearly 150 different bird species have been reported to have been observed in the park. More than 60 species live in the surrounding marine ecology, including fish, turtles, dugongs, and crocodiles.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation designated the area as a sanctuary in 2008.
Mangroves, salt marshes, lagoons, waterholes, grasslands, and other habitats can be found in the park.
The region is the first stop for migrating birds when they arrive and the last stop when they leave the country.
The refuge was designated a Ramsar wetland reserve in 2010.
Additional information
Nearby Attractions
The most popular nearby attraction
- Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu
- The Doric at Arippu
- Baobab Tree
- Mannar Fort
- Adam’s Bridge Marine National Park
- Mannar Bird Sanctuary
- Thiruketheeswaran Hindu Temple
The Site of Our Lady of Madhu is considered Sri Lanka’s holiest Catholic shrine, drawing people from all around the island. The temple has a history that dates back more than 400 years. However, the church that can be seen now was completed in 1872.
Distance: 49 Km
It was erected between 1801 and 1804 as the residence of the first British Governor of Ceylon. In the meanwhile, he used the place to revitalize and monitor the pearl fisheries.
The architectural design of the columns, which was comparable to the Ancient Greek Doric order style, led to the structure being dubbed ‘The Doric.’
Distance: 37 Km
The famous baobab tree reaches 7.5 meters tall and has a circumference of 19.5 meters. Because their branches imitate roots, baobab trees are known as upside-down trees in Africa, where they are native. It was brought to Sri Lanka by ancient Arab traders and is known as Ali Gaha or Elephant Tree in Sri Lanka because of its thick bark that resembles elephant skin.
It is one of approximately 40 remaining baobab trees in the country, all of which are protected due to the species’ rarity.
Distance: 2 Km
The Portuguese erected the fortification with four bastions in 1520. The fort was conquered by the Dutch in 1658 after the constant battle from the Portuguese, but no substantial changes were made to the fort other than fortifying it. Following the capitulation of the Dutch, the British captured the fort in 1795.
Distance: 700m
Adam’s Bridge is a 48-kilometer-long stretch of limestone shoals and dunes that connects India and Sri Lanka.
This marine conservation area is home to dolphins, dugongs, and turtles. The region serves as a rest stop and nesting area for migrating birds that visit Sri Lanka.
Distance: 33 Km
The sanctuary is a blessing in disguise for the environment and wildlife enthusiasts who want to see a wide diversity of migratory and local birds.
During the migratory season, the park provides superb feeding and living habitat for over 20000 waterbirds, as well as rare birds such as the spot-billed duck, comb duck, long-toed stint, peregrine falcons, and the extremely rare Eastern Black-tailed Godwit. Nearly 150 different bird species have been observed in the area.
Distance: 26 Km
This Hindu Temple, devoted to the Hindu deity Shiva, is one of the most venerated Hindu Temples in Sri Lanka.
There is no trace of the temple’s beginnings, although it has the earliest reference of the 6th century BC and was renovated as recently as 1903 AD. The temple was thereafter given various facelifts and extensions till the 1970s.
Distance: 6.5 Km
Accommodation
Accommodation (within 10km)
- Star Classified hotels- Yes (up to 3 star)
- International Chain Hotels- No
- Boutique Hotels- No
- Resorts- No
- Ayurvedic Hotels- No
- Inns/Guest Houses- Yes
- Hostels- No
- Homestays- No
- Eco Hotels- No
* You might still find preferred accommodation in nearby cities.
Distance
Distance from (estimate)
- CMB Airport- 223km (travel time: 4hrs 35min)
- Colombo City- 251km (travel time: 5hrs)
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress- 172km (travel time: 3hrs 20min)
- Anuradhapura Ancient City- 113km (travel time: 2hrs 15min)
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City- 200km (travel time: 3hrs 50min)
- Kandy City- 236km (travel time: 5hrs)
- Galle Dutch Fort- 370km (travel time: 6hrs 40min)
* The time and distance are only given to give you an idea. There are stopovers between the two locations. The cities listed above are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.
Best Time
Season
- December to February