Annaiwilundawa Wetland
Snapshot
Located in the Puttalam District in the Northwest, Annaiwilundawa is the second largest Ramsar wetland in Sri Lanka. Annaiwilundawa, meaning ‘seven wetlands or tanks’ in the local Tamil language, refers to a cluster of freshwater tanks within the sanctuary. This is a very important wetland for many resident and migratory birds. Its proximity to the main cities of Colombo and Negombo makes this wetland an excellent day’s visit for birdwatchers.
Sri Lanka Location Map

Stats in Brief

Stratification: Wetland irrigation tanks & Thorn forest

Size: 40ha

Status: Ramsar wetland (not protected by legislation)

Altitude: 0 to 10m

Temperature: 27-29 c

Annual Rainfall: 1000m

Best time of year to visit: All year round – November to April is best for migrant birds

Optimum duration of stay: Half a day to a full day visit

Accommodation Options: Negombo hotels, Mud House, Alankuda Beach

Highlights: Many species of water birds, migration waterfowl and nesting resident wetland birds


Overview
Annaiwilundawa was declared a sanctuary in 1997. Though not protected by legislation, the cluster of irrigation tanks within the sanctuary are recognized as some of the most important habitats for both resident and migratory birds. The best time to visit Annaiwilundawa is during the months from October to April when numerous species of birds can be spotted. These wetlands are also some of the most important nesting sites for water birds such as the Asian Open-bills, Painted Storks, all specie of Egrets, Little Indian & the endangered Great Cormorants, Spot-billed Pelican and Black-headed Ibis. This wildlife sanctuary is also very good for Butterfly and Dragonfly watching.

Flora and fauna of Annaiwilundawa
Annaiwiludawa consists of mainly small thorn shrubs, lantana, and some bigger trees like Kumbuk, Woodapple, Kohomba and Tamarind.

Birds
Numerous species of birds can be spotted here including Waterfowl, Little Grebe, Lesser Whistling Duck, Gargerny, Pintail and Cotton Teal. Water birds include Common Coot, Common Moorhen, Spot-billed Pelican, Purple Swamphen, Pintail Snip, Common Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Pheasant-tailed Jacanas. Forest birds include endemic Brown-capped Babbler, Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl, Blue-faced Malkoha and Large Cuckooshrike.

Butterflies
This is an excellent wilderness for Butterflies of which some are very rare species. Lemon Pansy, Oakblue, Common and Plain Tiger, Crimson Rose, Joker, Orange Tip, Common Sailor and Chocolate Soldier can all be spotted here.

Accommodation Options

Mud House, Anamaduwa:  A secluded eco-retreat nestled at the foot of the ancient Parmakanda Rock temple in Anamaduwa in the North West district of Puttalam, the Mud House is set amidst six acres of remote wilderness, tranquil lakes and abundant fauna and flora.  A stay at the Mudhouse is truly an experience of Sri Lanka's natural beauty within a typical rural setting. (More)

Alankuda Beach, Kalpitiya:
  This is a tranquil eco-retreat designed with rustic style.  Following the same village based concept as its sister property, Ulpotha located near Anuradhapura, Alankuda Beach is situated in the small fishing village of Alankuda amidst swaying palms, sandy beaches and the azure seas which is home to pods of Dolphins during the season.  Individual wattle and daub cabanas set within their own garden space and separated with cadjan fences provide a typical village setting and ample privacy. (More)

Ranweli Holiday Village, Negombo:
  An eco-friendly resort situated on a coastal wetland about ten miles north of the beach resort of Negombo.  This secluded holiday resort is reached via a short paddle-ferry that glides you to a peninsular surrounded by two rivers, a lagoon and the Indian Ocean; an ideal retreat for nature lovers. Ranweli's ecological commitment has been officially recognised by the World Tourist Organisation. (More)

Brown’s Beach, Negombo:
  A mid-range beach hotel, Brown’s Beach is perched on the best stretch of private beach in the heart of Negombo.  Browns Beach Hotel offers 135 rooms. 25 of these rooms, called the Beach Rooms, were completely refurbished in 2006.  Red Dot recommends the Beach Rooms with direct access to the beach. (More)

The Beach, Negombo:
  Negombo’s first 5-star, the Beach is a chic and stylish hotel offering great luxury and a warm and attentive level of service.  The hotel is tastefully designed along contemporary lines, taking the surrounding seaside landscape into full view. Open verandahs, walkways and waterways welcome the cooling ocean breeze and the tropical sun. (More)

Ice Bear, Negombo:
  An endearing guesthouse situated in Negombo, the Ice Bear is welcoming, artistic, and ever so eccentric. The imaginative budget traveler will love its sense of difference and little antique flourishes. (More)


Access
Annaiwilundawa can be reached via the A3 road from Colombo to Puttlam. At the 91Km post which is 5km past the Arachchikattuwa town, there is a turn off to the left. Travel 1.2 km down this road to Suruwila tank on your left and to your right is the main Annaiwilundawa tank.

Useful Links
Wetlands International: Click Here
Information on wetlands including Annaivulandawa

Media Reviews
'Annaiwilundawa Wetland Sanctuary – savouring the raw beauty'
By Emma Boyle, Travel Sri Lanka, Vol 4 No 10
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