About Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary
Description
Picture yourself surrounded by six interconnected tanks of crystal-clear water, where thousands of migratory birds paint the sky in breathtaking formations. That's exactly what you'll experience at Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary, one of Sri Lanka's most remarkable yet overlooked natural treasures. I've visited numerous bird sanctuaries across Asia, but there's something uniquely magical about this Ramsar wetland that keeps drawing me back.
This sanctuary spans roughly 1,397 hectares, creating a perfect mixture of freshwater tanks, mangrove swamps, and coastal saltpans. Y'know what makes it extra special? It sits right along the coastal belt between Negombo and Puttalam, making it a crucial stopover for birds journeying along the Central Asian Flyway. Trust me, seeing hundreds of painted storks and herons gathering here during migration season is absolutely mind-blowing!
Key Features
- Six ancient irrigation tanks dating back to the 12th century
- Over 150 species of birds, including rare migrants like the spot-billed pelican
- Thriving mangrove ecosystem supporting diverse wildlife
- Traditional fishing communities still practicing age-old fishing methods
- Perfect photography spots for capturing water birds in their natural habitat
- Educational center with informative displays about local ecology
- Walking trails suitable for both beginners and experienced birders
Best Time to Visit
From my experience, the absolute sweet spot for visiting is between October and April - that's when the migratory birds really put on a show! But here's a little secret: November to January offers the most spectacular views, with peak migration activity and comfortable weather. I made the mistake of visiting during monsoon season once (May to September), and while the landscape was gorgeously green, the heavy rains made bird-watching pretty challenging.
Early mornings (around 6 AM) or late afternoons (after 4 PM) are prime viewing times when birds are most active. Sometimes I'll pack a lunch and spend the whole day here - the lighting around sunset is particularly amazing for photography!
How to Get There
Getting to Anawilundawa isn't exactly a walk in the park, but that's part of what keeps it so pristine! The sanctuary sits approximately 80 kilometers north of Colombo on the coastal railway line. If you're driving (which I'd recommend), take the Colombo-Puttalam road (A3) and watch for signs near Arachchikattuwa town. The journey usually takes about 2-3 hours from Colombo, depending on traffic.
You could also catch the train from Colombo Fort to Arachchikattuwa station - it's actually quite a scenic ride! From there, you'll need to take a tuk-tuk for about 3 kilometers to reach the sanctuary entrance. Just make sure to negotiate the fare beforehand, as tourists sometimes get quoted inflated prices.
Tips for Visiting
After multiple visits to Anawilundawa, I've learned a thing or two about making the most of your experience. First off, bring a good pair of binoculars - they're absolutely essential! The sanctuary's massive size means many birds might be visible but distant. And don't forget your camera with a decent zoom lens if you're into photography.
Wear neutral-colored clothing to avoid startling the birds, and please, please wear comfortable walking shoes - you'll thank me later! I learned this the hard way after wearing flip-flops on my first visit. Bug spray is another must-have, especially during dawn and dusk when the mosquitoes are most active.
It's worth hiring a local guide (available at the entrance) as they know all the best spots and can identify different bird species. They've shown me so many hidden corners I would've missed otherwise! Pack plenty of water and snacks since there aren't many facilities inside the sanctuary. Oh, and bring a hat and sunscreen - the Sri Lankan sun can be pretty intense, even on cloudy days.
If you're serious about bird watching, I'd suggest planning for at least a half-day visit. The longer you stay, the better your chances of spotting different species. And don't forget to maintain silence - birds are pretty sensitive to noise. Last but not least, keep your distance from the wildlife and never feed the birds, no matter how tempting it might be!
