Thousands of migrant birds arrive in Sri Lanka, making the Mannar region including Vankalai their first stop in the island. Similarly when leaving the country, at the end of the season, the birds use Vankalai as their last staging point. Many birds including the very rare migrants the Spot-billed Duck, the Comb Duck and the Gadwall; the rare migrant Long-toed Stint and the uncommon migrants the Peregrine Falcon, the Common-ringed Plover, Temminck’s Stint and the Red-necked Phalarope have been spotted in Vankalai.

Partly-wetland Vankalai declared bird sanctuary is situated between Mannar island and mainland. This wetland comprises a few small islands and strips of mainland and island of Mannar. Altogether bird sanctuary covers more than 4,800 hectares. It consists of arid-zone thorn scrubland and pastures, waterholes and tanks, sand dunes, mangroves, salt marshes, lagoons and seagrass beds and maritime grasslands.

Mannar is on of the few places you can see Baobab trees which was introduced centuries ago by Arab traders. Accommodation is arranged at a fine guest house with breakfast.

On Google Map, you could clearly see the route to destination, local excursions and tourist interests. To have a clear view click "  " and then un-click "  " irrelevant layers.

About this birding tour

Best season : December - January
Available : Daily
Arranging time needed : 1 day
Hottest month : March & April (33 C°)

Best time of the day to start : Early mornings or early afternoons
Starting point : Anuradhapura & Jaffna - Select transportation
Starting time : 2 PM
Finishing time : 2 PM Next day
Transportation : As you selected above

Restrictions : Do not leave plastics behind / Please do not feed wild animals.

Basic price includes : Transport from and to Anuradhapura or Jaffna / Accommodation at a fine guesthouse with Air conditioning & breakfast / Friendly professional local guide / All Gov taxes.

Not included : Water / Snacks & Lunch

Extra : A binocular can be provided at request with a charge of 7 USD

Child price : Aged 6 - 12 is considered a child / Aged 0 - 6 is free of charge.

Feedback us : Our drivers and service providers are advised not to promote any other activities or nudge you for shopping. Please leave your feedback on Google.

Optional : A well-spoken local animal expert / historian could be arranged with an additional fee.

You may bring : Water / Hat and sun glass / Sun cream / Camera

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