The Cultural Triangle is a wonderful location for birdwatching in Sri Lanka. A wide range of dry zone birds can be found here, including the easily-spotted Peacock, Egret, Fish Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Purple Coot and Jacana. If you are lucky you may spot some of the more rare species, such as Fish Owl, Hornbill, Black and Yellow Bittern and the endemic Green Pigeon.
There are various locations which are ideal for birdwatching in the Cultural Triangle, and several types of bird can be seen soaring above the ancient ruins. Kandalama Reservoir is a particularly picturesque spot, an ancient irrigation tank built by King Vasabha in 1st century AD edged by trees and interweaving mangroves which attract a variety of wildlife. Nearby Kaludiya Pokuna is another beautiful location – the ancient ruins of this Buddhist Monastery, built more than 1,200 years ago, lie hidden within thick jungle and are an utterly tranquil place to do some birdwatching.
Minneriya National Park is the largest and most popular park in this area and many species of bird can be found here, as well as Sri Lanka’s ‘big game’ – elephants, leopards and Sloth Bear. Minneriya is an important base for large water birds such as Spot-Billed Pelican and Painted Stork, Great White Pelican and Grey Heron, and flocks of up to 2,000 Little Cormorants have reportedly been sighted here.
