Pigeon Island Marine National Park
One of the three marine national parks of Sri Lanka. The national park is situated 1km off the east coast of Sri Lanka over 471ha.
The national park contains some of the best remaining coral reefs of Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, the coral reef around the island has almost dead or broken, the region is home to over 100 coral species and 300 coral reef fish. Sea Turtles and 1- to 2-meter-long Blacktip Reef Sharks are also common. Beware of Jelly Fish. This small island gets overcrowded sometimes.
Additional information
Nearby Attractions
The most popular nearby attraction
- Nilaveli Beach
- Uppuveli Beach
- Fort Fredrick
- Koneswaram Hindu Temple
- Historical Velgam Temple
- Kinniya Hot Water Spring
- Marble Bay Beach
Nilaveli is one of the more pristine beaches, a stretch of white sand and azure waters and the beach is still mostly deserted. Nilaveli Beach, unlike prominent west and south coast beaches, lacks bars, restaurants, taverns, and sellers. The beach is great for those looking for a tranquil and relaxed beach holiday. This is a beautiful spot to see the dawn.
Nilaveli coast with great biodiversity is an ideal spot for surfing, diving, and snorkeling.
Distance: 9.5 Km
It is a beach with a broad shoreline and a sea that is calm and crystal clean. Uppuveli Beach is smaller than Nilaveli Beach, but it is a great place for scuba diving, with multiple shipwrecks going back to European colonialism. Local reefs are quite popular and wonderful to explore. The beach is ideal for peaceful and enjoyable beach vacations, as well as seeing spectacular sunrises.
Distance: 13 Km
The Portuguese built Fort Fredrick, which was completed in 1624. There was a Hindu temple at the site, which was demolished by the Portuguese, who used the material to construct the fortification. The Dutch conquered the stronghold in 1665 and extended it to its current size.
Distance: 18.5 Km
This is the temple that the Portuguese destroyed to make way for their fortifications.
After idol figures, carved columns, and elephant head sculptures were unearthed at the bottom of the bay in 1956, the Hindu Temple was restored in 1963. Inside the fortress, it was built on a high rocky peninsula surrounded on three sides by the sea.
Distance: 18.5 Km
This is an ancient Buddhist monastic complex that was constructed in the second century BC. Here you can find the ruins of brick stupas, stone Buddha statues, guard stones, plain moonstones, stone baths, image houses, and a stone inscription, all of which are elements of a Buddhist monastery.
Distance: 15 Km
There are seven springs that are just 3 to 4 feet deep with a transparent bottom. The temperature is rather high. However, it varies from spring to spring.
People say that this hot water is beneficial for certain skin problems and has the ability to heal Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Distance: 18 Km
It is also known as Marble Beach, and it is yet another beautiful beach in Sri Lanka. When the sun shines brightly and the sea is calm, the surface shines like marble, giving rise to the name. The beach is ideal for a day trip.
Distance: 30 Km
Accommodation
Accommodation (within 10km)
- Star Classified hotels- Yes
- International Chain Hotels- No
- Boutique Hotels- No
- Resorts- No
- Ayurvedic Hotels- No
- Inns/Guest Houses- Yes
- Hostels- No
- Homestays- Yes
- Eco Hotels- Yes
* You might still find preferred accommodation in nearby cities.
Distance
Distance from (estimate)
- CMB Airport- 253km (travel time: 5hrs 20min)
- Colombo City- 285km (travel time: 5hrs 50min)
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress- 116km (travel time: 2hrs 50min)
- Anuradhapura Ancient City- 120km (travel time: 2hrs 50min)
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City- 123km (travel time: 2hrs 50min)
- Kandy City- 198km (travel time: 4hrs 40min)
- Galle Dutch Fort- 381km (travel time: 7hrs)
* 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
- April to October