Snapshot
Birdwatching in Jaffna is highly rewarding between September to March when thousands of migrant birds flock to the Jaffna Lagoon. This is a breathtaking sight not be missed. Towards the end of the year in the Jaffna region, the lagoons are filled with water, the paddy fields and vegetation are lush green and the air is cooler.
Duration: 2 hours
Best Time: September to March
Additional Information
Sri Lanka is a vital staging point in the migration of birds and its wetlands are internationally recognised as important for the conservation of birds. Many arrive on the Jaffna coast and north-west coats before journeying down to the south of Sri Lanka using a number of staging posts.
The muddy waters of the estuaries can be a haven for flamingos, and a host of small waders. Spoonbills and terns frequent freshwater lakes. The sky might even sound to the song of skylarks.
Eco tourism can play a central role in protecting this haven for birdlife.
Related Activities
Birdwatching on Mannar Island
Mannar, Sri Lanka
Mannar Island, one of the most lightly-visited areas of Sri Lanka, is one of the best spots in the island for spotting migratory birds, as well as other animal species.
Duration: 4 hours
Best time: November to February
Bundala National Park
Bundala national park, bundala, Sri Lanka
Bundala National Park, which neighbours Yala, is one of the best places for birdwatching in Sri Lanka, and is also home to sloth bears, elephants and deer.
Duration: 4 hours
Best time: September to March
Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
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Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary is a beautiful, mellow spot with just you and a boatman punting a boat around the lagoon.
Duration: 4 hours
Best time: November to April
Talangama Wetlands
Talangama Wetlands
The Talangama Wetlands, located in the Kotte surburbs of Colombo, are comprised of tanks, canals and paddy fields which offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching.
Duration: 4 hours
Best time: Year-round
Anawilundawa Wetlands
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Located near to Kalpitiya, Anawilundawa (meaning ‘seven wetlands’ in Tamil) refers to a cluster of freshwater tanks within the sanctuary. It is a very important wetland for many migratory birds.
Duration: 4 hours
Best time: October to April
Muthurajawela Wetlands
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Muthurajawela is situated just south of Negombo. It has a diverse eco-system that is teeming with life: mangroves and other types of flora host numerous types of birds, butterflies and pythons.
Duration: 4 hours
Best time: September to April
Bundala & Tissa Wetlands
Bundala national park, bundala, Sri Lanka
Bundala & Tissa wetlands combine 20km of beach, lagoons and scrub hosting more than 150 bird species and should delight bird lovers in Sri Lanka.
Duration: 4 hours
Best time: October to March