Crossing a seascape of marshland, sand bars, and shallow, blue-green water, the journey to Mannar Island is a memorable one undertaken by a few visitors. As you cross the great causeway connecting it to the mainland, look out for flocks of flamingos, seemingly afloat in the heat haze. The site is replete with mythological associations, being one of the stepping stones over which Rama and Hanuman’s monkey army marched to rescue Sita in the Hindu epic the Ramayana.
Mannar Island is one of the best spots in Sri Lanka for spotting migratory birds and many animal species. This birdwatching region is quite different from the wet forest of the Central Highlands, the hill country, or the southern wetlands. The land is low, only a few metres above sea level, the climate is exceedingly dry, and the area is sparsely populated. The shallow mud flats and saline lakes between the mainland and Mannar attract large numbers of wintering birds. Vankalai Sanctuary is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to observe waders, waterfowl, and thousands of flamingos that spend several months there.
Other attractions include the Adam's Bridge and Arippu Fort.
TransIndus Brochures 2024-25
