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
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