Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary
Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary
4.5
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Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
33 reviews
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7
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Mitchell-Family-01
Australia1,451 contributions
Oct 2022
I visited the Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary as part of my Australian tour group.
Our guide suggested the day before that we should walk around the sanctuary at day break to see most of the bird life on offer including eagles. We all opted for a mid morning tour and unfortunately for us we should have listened to our guide as birds seemed to be sparse in the heat of the day. We did however take pleasure in seeing the surrounding rice paddy fields and other wildlife such as large squirrels. Overall though it was an informative and enjoyable visit.
Our guide suggested the day before that we should walk around the sanctuary at day break to see most of the bird life on offer including eagles. We all opted for a mid morning tour and unfortunately for us we should have listened to our guide as birds seemed to be sparse in the heat of the day. We did however take pleasure in seeing the surrounding rice paddy fields and other wildlife such as large squirrels. Overall though it was an informative and enjoyable visit.
Written October 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alu-Poo
Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka731 contributions
Feb 2022
It's a nice landscape, basically three large tanks. There is a small road going through from which you can look onto the water. There are some waterbirds but nothing exceptional. I would say if you are in the area it's worth to drop by and spend 2 hours or so looking for birds. But it's not worth an extra trip.
Written June 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scenic Lanka Personal Tour Drivers
Colombo, Sri Lanka211 contributions
Jun 2024 • Business
Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary is a hidden gem in Sri Lanka’s North Western Province, and guiding visitors through this tranquil haven is always a rewarding experience. As a tour guide, I’m continually amazed by the sanctuary’s diverse avian life and the serene beauty of its wetland landscapes.
The sanctuary’s unique blend of lagoons, marshes, and lush vegetation creates a picturesque setting that is perfect for birdwatching. One of the highlights of guiding here is the opportunity to introduce visitors to the incredible array of bird species that call Anawilundawa home. From the striking colors of the kingfishers to the graceful herons and the vibrant migrant species, each visit reveals new wonders.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of guiding at Anawilundawa is sharing the rich ecological and cultural significance of the sanctuary. The park’s wetlands are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting various species, and explaining this to visitors adds depth to their experience. I enjoy discussing the importance of wetland conservation and the ongoing efforts to protect these vital habitats.
The peaceful and less commercialized atmosphere of Anawilundawa offers a refreshing contrast to more crowded tourist spots. Visitors often appreciate the tranquility and the chance to connect with nature in a more intimate setting. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll through the sanctuary or a quiet moment observing birds, the experience here is deeply immersive and calming.
For those interested in birdwatching or simply enjoying the beauty of Sri Lanka’s natural landscapes, Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit destination. Its rich biodiversity, scenic beauty, and the opportunity to learn about conservation make it an exceptional place to explore. Join us on a tour and discover the enchanting world of Anawilundawa for yourself.
The sanctuary’s unique blend of lagoons, marshes, and lush vegetation creates a picturesque setting that is perfect for birdwatching. One of the highlights of guiding here is the opportunity to introduce visitors to the incredible array of bird species that call Anawilundawa home. From the striking colors of the kingfishers to the graceful herons and the vibrant migrant species, each visit reveals new wonders.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of guiding at Anawilundawa is sharing the rich ecological and cultural significance of the sanctuary. The park’s wetlands are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting various species, and explaining this to visitors adds depth to their experience. I enjoy discussing the importance of wetland conservation and the ongoing efforts to protect these vital habitats.
The peaceful and less commercialized atmosphere of Anawilundawa offers a refreshing contrast to more crowded tourist spots. Visitors often appreciate the tranquility and the chance to connect with nature in a more intimate setting. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll through the sanctuary or a quiet moment observing birds, the experience here is deeply immersive and calming.
For those interested in birdwatching or simply enjoying the beauty of Sri Lanka’s natural landscapes, Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit destination. Its rich biodiversity, scenic beauty, and the opportunity to learn about conservation make it an exceptional place to explore. Join us on a tour and discover the enchanting world of Anawilundawa for yourself.
Written August 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
randeelw
Colombo, Sri Lanka14 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
we were bit apprehensive as there were not much written about this bird sanctuary but it was a welcome surprise when we got there.
trick is to get there early ( no entrance tickets needed). there is good road access. there is quite a bit of walking to do so wear comfortable shoes and get there early as there is only minimum shade and the sun can be quite hot.
also note there is not even a rudimentary toilet or a shop so carry plenty drinking water and may be a snack.
trick is to get there early ( no entrance tickets needed). there is good road access. there is quite a bit of walking to do so wear comfortable shoes and get there early as there is only minimum shade and the sun can be quite hot.
also note there is not even a rudimentary toilet or a shop so carry plenty drinking water and may be a snack.
Written March 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PRABHU60
Colombo, Sri Lanka338 contributions
Jan 2016 • Couples
Anawilundhawa wetland is by the side of Chilaw - Puttalam Road around two kilometers towards to your left from the main road. There is a motorable road around the wetland and one can drive all along to see the birds. The spot billed Pelicans nest in this area in plenty in season. Can see Jaccanas, Moorehens, Coot, Pygmy cotton goose, Grebe, Egrets, Kingfishers, Parrots, Orioles, Barbets are few of the birds one can see.
Can spend a day without getting fed up if you are a birding enthuisiast.
Can spend a day without getting fed up if you are a birding enthuisiast.
Written February 9, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cliffordchambers
Europe715 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
We stayed at Twin Waters Resort, a ten minute drive from a park "entrance". The park, as far as we saw it, consists of a red top road that winds through beautiful gnarled old trees providing perfect shade. There is just a small coloured sign at the "entrance" and nothing else. The wetlands, although fairly dry, still contained enough water to attract flocks of different birds, ibis, herons, ducks and we had good views of many individual birds, Golden Oreole, a hovering Black Shouldered Kite etc etc. Even without the birds the walk would have been charming: the views, the fresh breeze, the silence. There were no other visitors there! Go early morning to get the kindest light and the most bird activity.
Written August 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Manoj F
Ja Ela, Sri Lanka260 contributions
Apr 2017 • Family
Located in the Puttalam District of the North Western province of Sri Lanka, the Anawilundawa wetland sanctuary covers 1400 hectares and is nestled between the coast and the Negombo railway line
We have visited the wetland on April. Due to recent dought, water reservoir had dried up. Due to that reason we have seen only few specied of birds. Road is little bumpy but reachable by car. There's nearly 1.5 km ride around the wetland. Best to visit the area during November & December.
We have visited the wetland on April. Due to recent dought, water reservoir had dried up. Due to that reason we have seen only few specied of birds. Road is little bumpy but reachable by car. There's nearly 1.5 km ride around the wetland. Best to visit the area during November & December.
Written April 12, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Akila Darshana P
9 contributions
Apr 2016 • Friends
Go there early morning ( before 6.30 ) and be ready with your gear. This place will never disappoint you. Best time periods are early migration season ( Nov- Dec) or late migration season ( Feb- Apr ) .
Can be accessed using a car ( road is little bit bumpy but if you drive carefully you will be fine )
Ideal photographic excursion for a person in Colombo . You can leave Colombo arround 4-30 a.m and come back around 1.00 p.m )
Can be accessed using a car ( road is little bit bumpy but if you drive carefully you will be fine )
Ideal photographic excursion for a person in Colombo . You can leave Colombo arround 4-30 a.m and come back around 1.00 p.m )
Written October 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anneelizabeth16
Westerham, UK57 contributions
Mar 2018 • Friends
This is very much underplayed as a tourist destination - no signs, not that easy to find. However this might have been because it is now the dry season and there is very little water around!
Having said that ... we saw some very interesting birds in the very small tanks that are around. It was also a very peaceful and tranquil area and it turned out to be a delightful afternoon. We saw no-one and there were no disturbances.
I had taken my car which is something I certainly would not contemplate in the wet season. Deep ruts on the tracks indicated that it might be a bit hairy in the rain. The tracks we followed were very narrow mud lanes so clearly not suitable for regular cars. But then I suppose you would normally go there on a 'safari'.
The only downside was the lack of signage and information. However this may well have been because it's out of season, or because we went privately instead of on a tour. But if you're in to bird watching, I highly recommend a visit.
Having said that ... we saw some very interesting birds in the very small tanks that are around. It was also a very peaceful and tranquil area and it turned out to be a delightful afternoon. We saw no-one and there were no disturbances.
I had taken my car which is something I certainly would not contemplate in the wet season. Deep ruts on the tracks indicated that it might be a bit hairy in the rain. The tracks we followed were very narrow mud lanes so clearly not suitable for regular cars. But then I suppose you would normally go there on a 'safari'.
The only downside was the lack of signage and information. However this may well have been because it's out of season, or because we went privately instead of on a tour. But if you're in to bird watching, I highly recommend a visit.
Written March 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rogbarre123
Worksop, UK27 contributions
Feb 2018
In the space of 2-3 hours at the end of February we saw approximately 30 different species of birds in the very dry wetlands of Anawilundawa. The highlight was a group of pygmy woodpeckers and a honey buzzard. Our guide Ajantha Palihawadana was vital to our enjoyment of the reserve.
Written March 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I will be staying at Village Home Stay how can I get a tour guide
Written June 29, 2019
Where do you get a guide? Do you find one there or do you have to pre-arrange?
We are thinking of going here from Negombo.
Thanks
Written April 10, 2018
Our guide was called AJ and was provided by the Dolphin Beach Hotel. An extremely knowledgeable man about all aspects of nature throughout Sri Lanka. He was particularly thrilled to be able to photograph pygmy woodpeckers on our trip.
Written April 10, 2018
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